Train GraphicClick on the map to explore geographics
 
I need help
FAQ
Emergency
About .
Travel & transport from BBC stories as at 00:35 29 Mar 2024
- Bus plunges off South Africa bridge, killing 45
- Easter getaways hit by travel disruption
- Where Baltimore bridge investigation goes now
- How do I renew my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?
- Easter travel warning as millions set to hit roads
Read about the forum [here].
Register [here] - it's free.
What do I gain from registering? [here]
 02/06/24 - Summer Timetable starts
17/08/24 - Bus to Imber
27/09/25 - 200 years of passenger trains

On this day
29th Mar (1913)
Foundation of National Union or Railwaymen (*)

Train RunningShort Run
21:04 London Paddington to Plymouth
Delayed
21:45 Penzance to London Paddington
23:45 London Paddington to Penzance
PollsOpen and recent polls
Closed 2024-03-25 Easter Escape - to where?
Abbreviation pageAcronymns and abbreviations
Stn ComparatorStation Comparator
Rail newsNews Now - live rail news feed
Site Style 1 2 3 4
Next departures • Bristol Temple MeadsBath SpaChippenhamSwindonDidcot ParkwayReadingLondon PaddingtonMelksham
Exeter St DavidsTauntonWestburyTrowbridgeBristol ParkwayCardiff CentralOxfordCheltenham SpaBirmingham New Street
March 29, 2024, 00:35:40 *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Forgotten your username or password? - get a reminder
Most recently liked subjects
[98] West Wiltshire Bus Changes April 2024
[97] would you like your own LIVE train station departure board?
[86] Return of the BRUTE?
[74] Infrastructure problems in Thames Valley causing disruption el...
[53] If not HS2 to Manchester, how will traffic be carried?
[23] Reversing Beeching - bring heritage and freight lines into the...
 
News: the Great Western Coffee Shop ... keeping you up to date with travel around the South West
 
   Home   Help Search Calendar Login Register  
Pages: 1 ... 21 22 [23] 24 25 ... 31
  Print  
Author Topic: Swindon to Kemble re-doubling - ongoing discussion and updates  (Read 290547 times)
Chris from Nailsea
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 17865


I am not railway staff


View Profile Email
« Reply #330 on: April 16, 2014, 00:10:23 »

They're redoubling it in narrow gauge - what's your problem?  Roll Eyes Shocked Grin
Logged

William Huskisson MP (Member of Parliament) was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830.  Many more have died in the same way since then.  Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.

"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner."  Discuss.
Railfriend
Full Member
***
Posts: 40


View Profile
« Reply #331 on: April 21, 2014, 14:04:25 »


Does anyone know if the speed limit on the Swindon-Kemble section will change once the redoubling is finished?  A while ago one of the coaches on FGW (First Great Western) trains had screens on the back of seats and software that allowed you to track the speed of the train.  On the Swindon-Kemble section I noticed the speed hitting 120mph.  Just wondering if any existing speed limit on the single track will decrease once trains are running on two tracks.
Logged
IndustryInsider
Data Manager
Hero Member
******
Posts: 10095


View Profile
« Reply #332 on: April 22, 2014, 12:55:17 »

On the Swindon-Kemble section I noticed the speed hitting 120mph.

That would be a GPS innacuracy!  Swindon to Kemble is a maximum of 100mph and I doubt that will raise, though journey times might reduce slightly if trains don't need to slow for crossovers at the end of the single line sections.
Logged

To view my GWML (Great Western Main Line) Electrification cab video 'before and after' video comparison, as well as other videos of the new layout at Reading and 'before and after' comparisons of the Cotswold Line Redoubling scheme, see: http://www.dailymotion.com/user/IndustryInsider/
quedgeley2002
Jr. Member
**
Posts: 16


View Profile
« Reply #333 on: April 24, 2014, 17:31:41 »

A week or so has passed since the short possession before Easter so here is a quick update on the work completed as far as can be seen from the daily commute.

At Kemble a new low speed leading cross-over has been installed between the existing lines between the station and the tunnel. The trackwork in the up direction is complete but some further work will be needed on the downside to complete this connection.

At the tunnel entrance the double to single track pointwork remains in use. The remainder of the major works were completed at Purton. Previously the single line switched from the up to the down alignment here. This has now been eliminated with the current single line now running in the up alignment all the way from Kemble to the new 'high speed' cross over set by B&Q at Moredon. Here the running line uses the crossing to gain the down alignment for the few yards to Loco Yard Junction where the existing double track section is regained. Presumably this arrangment will remain until the final work is completed to remove Loco Yard Junction and commission the new signalling.

Along the rest of the line work is concentrated on preparing the last parts of the trackbed in the down alignment. Ballast, track and sleepers are in place for about 60% of the way with ongoing works very evident along the remainder. Numerous lineside cabinets and cables are now in place in support of the new signalling.

Hopefully the project is still on course for the revised August commissioning date, we then just need to find some extra trains to enjoy the increased capacity!

 
Logged
Sapperton Tunnel
Full Member
***
Posts: 69


View Profile
« Reply #334 on: May 01, 2014, 20:28:13 »

I finally managed to get over to Kemble on Sat 26th and Sunday 27th April for a few photos and they echo Quedgers' report:

Here is the new crossover between the Station and the Tunnel. It looks as if they will not be able to complete it until they have removed the current single to double points:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/9894073483/in/photostream


and looking from the Tunnel; the unit is 150 266:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14066632844/in/photostream


At the South (Swindon) end of Kemble Tunnel moving of cables, cabinets and troughing is well under way:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14043027946/in/set-72157634881696135/



Moving on to Wick Bridge, the trackbed has been prepared towards Kemble Tunnel and sleepers have been dropped off:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/9412987229/in/set-72157634881696125/



and looking South towards Swindon:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14062705732/in/set-72157634881696125/



Next is Oaksey Bridge, looking North towards Kemble; Tamping of the Up line is in progress:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/9415811236/in/set-72157634888306802



Looking South towards Swindon:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14085971133/in/set-72157634888306802


Onwards to Minety Bridge, looking North towards Kemble. The Signals are for Minety Crossing:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/9415842062/in/set-72157634888785708/


Looking South towards Swindon from Minety Bridge:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14065942495/in/set-72157634888785708/


Then to Black Dog Bridge, on the B4696. Looking North towards Kemble and getting ready to lay the rails:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14066440104/


Looking South towards Swindon, with the Sleepers dropped off and ready to position:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14042879956/in/photostream


The next site is Purton Common Crossing. Looking North towards Kemble:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14062859172/in/photostream/


and South towards Swindon. The bridge is Widham Bridge, at Purton Station and in the background is Purton Collins Lane Crossing. I did not visit the Crossing as the approach roads were blocked off.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14066038915/in/photostream/


The view North from Widham Bridge (Purton Station) looking back towards Purton Common Crossing and Kemble:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14042962316/in/photostream/


and the view South towards Purton Collins Lane Crossing and Swindon:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14066038915/in/photostream


At Bremhill Bridge, this is the view looking North towards Kemble; I think the width of the formation still gives off the aura of Brunel's broadgauge.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14042975646/in/photostream/


South towards Swindon:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14066108295/in/photostream/


The final location is Moredon Bridge; the last overbridge before Swindon.

Looking North towards Kemble from the old bridge. On the right are ongoing embankment works and a new housing estate is on the left:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14043027946/in/photostream/


The final photo is looking South towards Swindon from the new bridge; If you have a good resolution screen you may be able to spot Reynard walking towards Swindon on the very right hand rail


https://www.flickr.com/photos/99295362@N07/14066108295/in/photostream/



All in all good progress but still quite a bit to do.

Sapperton Tunnel

Logged
bobm
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 9810



View Profile
« Reply #335 on: May 01, 2014, 20:45:31 »

Some cracking photos Sapperton Tunnel.  I'm looking forward to going back to Minety and Purton Collins Lane crossings once the work is finished.  However Minety will not be so easy as they have cut the bus service to Upper Minety right back since I went last year.
Logged
patch38
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 653


View Profile
« Reply #336 on: May 02, 2014, 11:20:15 »

More fantastic photos ST - thanks. Love the fox on the rail. Hope he doesn't stray two pictures further west: I know a gamekeeper thereabouts who would like to meet him...

If you use the B4696 after 11pm, it's amazingly spooky when you cross Black Dog Bridge at the moment. As you are essentially in the middle of nowhere out there, it's really pitch dark with virtually no artificial light and then you come across an eerily glowing ribbon of bright white from that string of 110v work-lights as you cross the track. If I was a half-decent photographer, I'd try and get a shot of it for posterity!
Logged
ellendune
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4452


View Profile
« Reply #337 on: May 02, 2014, 15:14:05 »

Love the fox on the rail.

Hasn't (s)he heard that it is dangerous to trespass on the railway?
Logged
IndustryInsider
Data Manager
Hero Member
******
Posts: 10095


View Profile
« Reply #338 on: May 02, 2014, 15:22:36 »

To echo Bob and Patch, great photos - thanks!
Logged

To view my GWML (Great Western Main Line) Electrification cab video 'before and after' video comparison, as well as other videos of the new layout at Reading and 'before and after' comparisons of the Cotswold Line Redoubling scheme, see: http://www.dailymotion.com/user/IndustryInsider/
Chris from Nailsea
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 17865


I am not railway staff


View Profile Email
« Reply #339 on: May 02, 2014, 16:33:10 »

Love the fox on the rail.

Hasn't (s)he heard that it is dangerous to trespass on the railway?

Any such advice will probably be brushed off.  Wink
Logged

William Huskisson MP (Member of Parliament) was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830.  Many more have died in the same way since then.  Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.

"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner."  Discuss.
TonyK
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 6435


The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!


View Profile
« Reply #340 on: May 06, 2014, 17:25:14 »

Any such advice will probably be brushed off.  Wink

Boom, Boom!

Excellent set of pictures, ST! Not sure how good the resolution is on my tap-lop. Is that a mouse or a vole that the fox is carrying?
Logged

Now, please!
Chris from Nailsea
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 17865


I am not railway staff


View Profile Email
« Reply #341 on: May 07, 2014, 00:14:40 »

Is that a mouse or a vole that the fox is carrying?

Or possibly a young trout (see another topic) ... ?  Roll Eyes
Logged

William Huskisson MP (Member of Parliament) was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830.  Many more have died in the same way since then.  Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.

"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner."  Discuss.
TonyK
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 6435


The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!


View Profile
« Reply #342 on: May 07, 2014, 17:14:22 »


Or possibly a young trout (see another topic) ... ?  Roll Eyes

Come now, CfN, it isn't wet enough for that. Although it may rain 'ard soon...
Logged

Now, please!
ellendune
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4452


View Profile
« Reply #343 on: May 24, 2014, 08:25:39 »

http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=12821.msg154812#msg154812
Quote
Network Rail has announced a delay in the closure of Swindon Panel and the transfer of control to Didcot.  It was originally going to be the August Bank Holiday weekend but will now be Christmas this year or Easter 2015.

Does the further delay in closure of Swindon panel affect the implementation of the double track?
Logged
Railfriend
Full Member
***
Posts: 40


View Profile
« Reply #344 on: May 24, 2014, 14:54:31 »


I'm afraid so, Ellendune.  The two projects have always been linked, as many posters here have pointed out.  Easter 2015 does now look possible for both.  There have been so many delays on Swindon-Kemble that this is no surprise. 
Logged
Do you have something you would like to add to this thread, or would you like to raise a new question at the Coffee Shop? Please [register] (it is free) if you have not done so before, or login (at the top of this page) if you already have an account - we would love to read what you have to say!

You can find out more about how this forum works [here] - that will link you to a copy of the forum agreement that you can read before you join, and tell you very much more about how we operate. We are an independent forum, provided and run by customers of Great Western Railway, for customers of Great Western Railway and we welcome railway professionals as members too, in either a personal or official capacity. Views expressed in posts are not necessarily the views of the operators of the forum.

As well as posting messages onto existing threads, and starting new subjects, members can communicate with each other through personal messages if they wish. And once members have made a certain number of posts, they will automatically be admitted to the "frequent posters club", where subjects not-for-public-domain are discussed; anything from the occasional rant to meetups we may be having ...

 
Pages: 1 ... 21 22 [23] 24 25 ... 31
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.2 | SMF © 2006-2007, Simple Machines LLC Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!
This forum is provided by customers of Great Western Railway (formerly First Great Western), and the views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that the content provided by one of our posters contravenes our posting rules (email link to report). Forum hosted by Well House Consultants

Jump to top of pageJump to Forum Home Page