Great Western Coffee Shop

Okay, so I've heard this from a friend whose nephew knows someone on the inside but word on the track is...

a) Tesco to run container trains into Devon, following expansion into Wales. Exact destination uncertain.

b) Colas to run timber trains from Okehampton, building on success of Heathfield

Anyway, he's a usually reliable source, so can anyone shed light on this?

I have no hard news, but recently met a senior figure in the railfreight industry (at a social event) They spoke most optimisticly of the near and mid term future for both their own company and the industry in general.
They refered to the shortage of freight locomotives and the possible need to restore to use "rusty relics" as a short term measure, pending delivery of new more suitable machines.

Heathfield is indeed open again, to a weekly timber service. There is a bit of Youtube video  here (http://youtu.be/x28G-aXh1SM), and a whole plethora of info and pictures  here (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/39662-heathfield-branch-developments/page__st__50)

The original source of my information is someone in Signalling, apparently. Could be things are at a discussion stage?

For the record, the Alphington scrap train still runs on an 'as needed' basis, with the last one being in August, to the best of my knowledge.

it was indeed the 27th of august ran by db

Tesco having freight delivered to riverside yard, 2 roads for Tesco, 2 for Freightliner, 2 for hansons. Hackney yard taking over Tauntons yard uses.

Ah, had heard that extra roads were being laid/renewed at Riverside

.................... mean while Network Rail building a distribution center for it self which is only connected by road

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/news/2012/october/We-are-building-a-new-logistics-centre-in-the-West-Midlands/ (http://www.networkrail.co.uk/news/2012/october/We-are-building-a-new-logistics-centre-in-the-West-Midlands/)

However this not all bad as it will centralise the storage and distribution of the smaller items used in maintenance and renewals which should reduce the overall cost, its just a shame they could not have found a site that can be easily rail connected for the future .............. bring back EnParts (EnParts were covered wagons that BR used to moved parts between depots and main works)

Does that mean that UNIPART RAIL has lost the contract to hold and delivery spares?

I don't know although Unipart do not supply all the parts used.

What does this bit mean then? 

"...positioned at a convenient location for access to major main lines and with direct access to the A45 and the motorway network."

Paul

I don't know but is would need a new branch line of some length to link it eitehr to the WCML or to the Coventry to Leamington line.

Any news on Truro/Tesco and movements to/from Falmouth Docks?