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Author Topic: Okehampton-Tavistock. Discussion on reopening and potential use as a diversionary route  (Read 268850 times)
Plymboi
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« Reply #360 on: February 06, 2014, 10:16:17 »

This is gathering momentum. Loads of calls for reinstatement now. Petitions are doing the rounds. And the sec of state has announced a government review into looking at options of alternative rail link.

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Minister-promises-look-alternative-rail-route-SW/story-20566246-detail/story.html
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eightf48544
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« Reply #361 on: February 06, 2014, 11:50:52 »

Isn't there some where on coffee shop in relation to re-opening teh line form Okehampton to Bere Alston something about Network Rail saying it wouldn't be needed for 50? (anyrate a long time) years as the Dawkish seawall was Ok funtil then.

Not a bad estimate!
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TonyK
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« Reply #362 on: February 06, 2014, 15:44:09 »

This is gathering momentum. Loads of calls for reinstatement now.

Suddenly, it seems a no-brainer. Having only one route into Cornwall was always a problem waiting to happen.
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Now, please!
trainbuff
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« Reply #363 on: February 06, 2014, 17:16:39 »

I agree with the statements about re-opening. However being a cynic I will say what will happen is the review of transport links will take place, but by that time the line will be re-opened and suddenly it will not be financially viable once more. That will be tucked away quietly in a small piece of news on page 26 of the Newspaper!

I hope I am wrong.
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Trowres
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« Reply #364 on: February 06, 2014, 23:20:05 »

Playing devil's advocate, perhaps, but would someone care to comment on the apparent contradiction between the "essential" nature of the rail link to Plymouth and the other comments stating that people drive to Tiverton because it's faster than the [Exeter-Plymouth] section?
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JayMac
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« Reply #365 on: February 07, 2014, 02:51:54 »

Essential for those that don't have a car perhaps?

Many don't drive, I for one. And for me that means not taking any jobs west of Exeter currently.
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34104
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« Reply #366 on: February 07, 2014, 10:42:13 »

Western Morning News starting a campaign;

(Warminster - next trains)-leads-calls-permanent-solution-Dawlish-rail/story-20576777-detail/story.html" target="_blank">http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/WMN-leads-calls-permanent-solution-Dawlish-rail/story-20576777-detail/story.html

Good for them.
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Umberleigh
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« Reply #367 on: February 07, 2014, 11:59:40 »

I agree with the statements about re-opening. However being a cynic I will say what will happen is the review of transport links will take place, but by that time the line will be re-opened and suddenly it will not be financially viable once more. That will be tucked away quietly in a small piece of news on page 26 of the Newspaper!

I hope I am wrong.

Sadly I agree. However, there will perhaps never be a better time than now to push for this.

The Government has the money, it is peanuts compared to HS2 (The next High Speed line(s)), as others have pointed out.


For the cost of one fighter jet we could have a new rail link that will last for generations
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trainbuff
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« Reply #368 on: February 07, 2014, 12:19:40 »

Yes Umberleigh is right. Now is the best time to push for this. However, there are too many people living in Torbay, Newton Abbot et al to ignore. Maybe the thing to push for is the Okehampton line to be single with passing places so available if there are similar incidents while strengthening the Sea Wall. I have signed the petition. In fact I did one on the same subject a couple of years ago. Timing is perfect now. Maybe someone should contact the Western Morning News to publicise?
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autotank
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« Reply #369 on: February 07, 2014, 12:20:41 »

I really hope the rail industry grabs this opportunity to reopen the Okehampton route - surely this mini natural disaster will really focus politicians minds and make the case much easier to push through for funding.

In order for the line to be of more use than just for emergency diversions, a proper job needs to be done though with a full upgrade of the existing parts of the route and a substantial amount of double track and decent linespeeds. The weak link in the chain then becomes Cowley Bridge Junction - how have the repairs doen last year coped with the rain this year?

I agree the sea wall strech needs to remain the main rail route to Plymouth. But this shouldn't be an excuse for doing the LSW route on the cheap as I think in time it can generate significant flows and be a vital back up route. The obvious thing to do would be to extend a few Waterloo services a day through to Plymouth supplemented by something like an hourly stopping Exeter - Crediton - Okehampton - Tavistock - Bere Alston - Plymouth service and an every other hour service to Gunnislake from Plymouth.

Was the line double track throughout originally? What sort of linespeeds could be achieved realistically? Obviously it would be key to double the Cowley Bridge Junction - Crediton section which would also help future service improvements on the Barnstaple line.
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trainbuff
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« Reply #370 on: February 07, 2014, 12:32:41 »

This route was built piecemeal. originally Meldon Viaduct was single track. However it was soon doubled. The route from Lydford to Plymouth built by the grandly titled Plymouth, Devonport and South Western Junction Railway (PDSWJR) was completed in 1890 as a double track mainline. For much of the time in Southern hands the route from Bridestowe (I think it is where the speed restriction was applied), the speed was 40 mph. But this was purely as a cost saving measure to reduce maintenance on the track. The route is no more curvy than the present one via the coast.

Speeds of 60mph could easily be reached. Higher is achievable. Maybe 85 or 90mph There are and were areas where there were speed checks though. The curve at Coleford Junction had a 40mph check and Meldon viaduct itself had 20mph. There may be others.

I know that is not definitive but if you want to know more there are some excellent books about the line. Currently the line speed from Coleford Junction up to Okehampton is I believe a maximum of 60mph. I am sure someone knows more about this so I will leave them to correct or give more information Smiley
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autotank
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« Reply #371 on: February 07, 2014, 12:36:22 »

Is this the petition we should sign or is there another? http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/60320
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trainbuff
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« Reply #372 on: February 07, 2014, 12:45:37 »

Is this the petition we should sign or is there another? http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/60320

Sign both! There is another one here that is on this forum and has more signatures at the moment

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/60302
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Lee
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« Reply #373 on: February 07, 2014, 13:46:58 »

Is there a consensus on a viable route through Tavistock?
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Umberleigh
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« Reply #374 on: February 07, 2014, 13:57:53 »

The route from Exeter to Okehampton is pretty much straight and flat. Investment could raise line speeds eg close salmon pool crossing. I see no reason why line speeds could not be similar to Exeter - Salisbury. The Tamar Valley line is also straight (but a bit of a climb up from Plymouth) and could be fast. From what I have seen of the closed section, it is also pretty much straight.

Remember, the existing GWR (Great Western Railway) route was envisaged as an atmospheric railway and so was not as heavily engineered as the solid SR(resolve) route, the closed sections of which are still in good condition half a century on.

However, closing the coast route is a no-no due to the populations it serves. However, the GWR always envisaged (and nearly constructed) a fast inland bypass. And so, as much I would love to see the SR route reopened, a tunnel under the Haldon hills is surely the most logical, with the coastal route singled.

Why? Because the running costs of a diversion would be less than that of two separate railways. The SR route would be well used in the summer, but less so in the winter. It is also prone to disruption from snow, and none of us know if we will be getting more or less of the white stuff ten years from now.
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