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Title: Gunnislake Line - Tamar Valley Line - ongoing discussion, merged posts Post by: oooooo on October 03, 2007, 10:53:31 The Gunnislake Branch is shut from Monday 8th October until 16:00 on Friday 12th. This is for essential engineering works. Will be watching very carefully to see just what tree is actually trimmed back....
Title: Re: Gunnislake closure Post by: oooooo on October 19, 2007, 22:17:10 Well, having now been on the line since its closure I can report some rail has been changed north of Calstock. Wow, lifting the old stuff out and putting new in mustve taken 5 days. Also a small amount of 'hedge' has been trimmed north of Bere Ferrers and a small amount of new rail just Plymouth direction out of Bere Alston. The new steel sleepers and welded rail still remain burried in the undergrowth north of Bere Ferrers at Ley Farm. All in all, five days work???? Maybe one day and four days worth of tea drinking???
Title: Re: Gunnislake closure Post by: devon_metro on October 19, 2007, 22:32:21 I hope they got paid overtime, wouldn't want themselves straining themselves!
Title: Re: Gunnislake closure Post by: vacman on October 20, 2007, 06:11:53 I hope they got paid overtime, wouldn't want themselves straining themselves! The only thing NR strain is Tea!!!! ;DTitle: Gunnislake Cancellations (13/12/08) Post by: oooooo on December 13, 2007, 10:18:34 09:34 Plymouth to Gunnislake due 10:20
This train has been cancelled.This is due to an earlier train fault. 10:23 Gunnislake to Exeter St Davids due 12:34 This train has been cancelled.This is due to an earlier train fault. 11:30 Plymouth to Gunnislake due 12:15 This train has been cancelled.This is due to an earlier train fault. Replacement road transport has been arranged. 12:19 Gunnislake to Plymouth due 13:04 This train has been cancelled.This is due to an earlier train fault. Title: Re: Gunnislake Cancellations (13/12/08) Post by: richard bickford on December 13, 2007, 10:28:09 The 0604 Penzance to Newton Abbot was also cancelled (train failed) and its trip back to Guniisale.
Title: Re: Gunnislake Cancellations (13/12/08) Post by: oooooo on December 14, 2007, 00:13:03 Yes the 06:04 Penzance to Newton Abbot was failed and cancelled at St.Erth, the knock on being the 11:30 Plymouth to Gunnislake also cancelled. But the 09:34 Plymouth to Gunnislake was a different unit, so also cancelled due to unit shortage, this of course being down to crap 142 availabilty around Exeter.
Of course the new timetable is a success, 84 cancelled trains on Monday is obviously good.... Well guess it is on the same time last year :s Title: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: Lee on February 23, 2008, 06:56:48 From Saltash Rail Users Group :
Quote Celebration start this weekend on the Tamar Valley line. You can find more details at http://www.carfreedaysout.com/events/tamevent.htm Remember this is the last weekend for half price rail travel from Saltash with destinations on the local branch lines,, so make the most if it. Whilst we don^t have great connections, you can still board services at St Budeaux. Remember to ask for a Cheap Day Return from Saltash to Gunnislake/Calstock, even if you have has to go across to St Budeuax by other means, you may be able to travel back to Saltash, and we NEED the all important passenger numbers! It won^t cost you anymore. In fact a Cheap Day Return from Saltash to Gunnislake is ^3.00, but from St Budeaux it is ^3.50! With a Devon and Cornwall Railcard adults can get a Cheap Day Return from Saltash to Gunnislake will be just ^1 return! Normal price after this weekend is just ^2 return. Or ^3.00 with no railcard. For trips to Looe on Saturday the adult fare will be ^2.00 return from Saltash (normally ^4.00), just ^1.33 with a railcard. For trips to Newquay on Saturday the adult fare will be ^3.25 return from Saltash (normally ^6.50), just ^2.20 with a railcard. However a bus service will replace trains between Par and Newquay, but is included in this fare. Title: Re: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: oooooo on February 23, 2008, 14:12:20 For trips to Looe on Saturday the adult fare will be ^2.00 return from Saltash (normally ^4.00), just ^1.33 with a railcard. It definately wont be ^1.33 as ALL rail fares end in 0 or 5...... So prob ^1.30... Think there were plans for a four car unit on the GSL during the main celebration, but not sure this is practical... Title: Re: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: Lee on February 23, 2008, 14:39:18 It definately wont be ^1.33 as ALL rail fares end in 0 or 5...... So prob ^1.30... Perhaps if Richard Bickford (SRUG & Coffee Shop member) signs into the forum, then he can clarify the SRUG press release for us. Title: Re: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: RichardB on February 24, 2008, 00:10:37 Thanks Lee for this thread and thanks to Richard for his SRUG mailing.
Thought you might appreciate the press release on next weekend's celebrations. There are still places on the Viaduct walk. We had asked for four coaches on the Saturday and Sunday (particularly the Sunday) but Calstock platform is the problem so it will be two (a Cl 150) instead of the normal Cl 153. Fingers crossed for good weather, especially on Monday 3rd. Richard Burningham Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnerhip FIRST EVER OFFICIAL WALK OVER CALSTOCK VIADUCT, FILM SHOWS AND MUCH MORE LINED UP TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF TRAINS BETWEEN BERE ALSTON, CALSTOCK AND GUNNISLAKE The first ever official walk over Calstock Viaduct, exhibitions, film shows, talks on trains, an exciting interactive arts project and guided walks are all included in plans to celebrate 100 years of trains between Bere Alston and Gunnislake next weekend (29 February - 3 March). The South West Film and TV Archive have trawled their archive for footage of the line, which originally extended to Kelly Bray. There are to be two film shows of the results ^ one at Bere Alston Parish Hall on Friday 29, the second at Calstock Hall on Saturday 1. Both will start at 19 30. Space at Bere Alston is limited so tickets need to be purchased in advance from Bere Alston Pharmacy and Margaret^s in Bere Ferrers. On Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 March, there will be exhibitions relating to the line at both Calstock Hall (open 11 00 ^ 18 00 both days) and Bere Alston Parish Hall (14 00 ^ 17 00 both days). The Calstock exhibition is being mounted by Calstock Parish Archive Trust, Stoke Climsland Parish Archive Trust and Callington Heritage Centre. Bere Alston Parish Hall will also host a special railway theme evening on Saturday 1 March This will feature a talk by John Snell, the Tavy Tars singing railway songs, a sketch about Col. Stephens and John Lang, the builders of the line and a feature by children from Bere Alston Primary School. Admission is by ticket only ^ adults ^2.00 and children 50p ^ available from Bere Alston Pharmacy and Margaret^s at Bere Ferrers. Between 12 00 and 17 00 on Sunday 2 March, there will be an Edwardian Fair in the car park at Calstock station. Teas will be served and there will be stalls of local flowers, pottery and gifts, as well as period side shows. Two guided walks have been organised linking with trains on the Bere Peninsula, one on Saturday 1, the other on Sunday 2. Both will take in stunning views of the Viaduct and river. The Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project has organised an innovative arts project to mark the railway centenary ^ called Station 2 Station, it aims to get local people and rail passengers to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences about the line using new technology. A new website is to be launched (on 25 February) for the project www.station2station.co.uk .which organisers hope will be a lasting legacy of the Centenary celebrations. The arts project is being run by the Institute of Digital Art and Technology, based at the University of Plymouth. Team members will be travelling on trains on Friday 29 (afternoon) also Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 March. The Centenary celebrations close with the first ever official walk across Calstock Viaduct. This will happen between 15 00 and 16 30 on Monday 3rd, courtesy of Network Rail. Three groups of sixty people will get up to twenty minutes per group to walk across the viaduct from Calstock station, take in the views, then walk back. Places are very limited and must be pre-booked through the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership (details at www.carfreedaysout.com or call 01752 233094). Tickets cost ^5 per person. The Centenary itself falls on Sunday 2 March and there will ceremonies at all three stations that day to mark the occasion. To encourage people to explore the line and travel to the events by train, the current January and February half-price Cheap Day Return offer will be extended to cover the centenary weekend. The events have been organised by a special committee of Bere Ferrers Parish Council, members of Calstock Parish Council and a team of local people together with the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, a partnership of local councils and the rail industry which works to promote the Tamar Valley Line. They follow community organised events to mark the centenary of Calstock Viaduct^s completion last August. The Partnership^s Manager, Richard Burningham said ^Thanks to a lot of effort from a lot of local people, we have a cracking programme of events lined up to celebrate 100 years of trains between Bere Alston and Gunnislake. ^While a lot of things have changed since the line opened, the railway is still an important part of Tamar Valley life and long may it remain so. I hope people will come and join us in these celebrations.^ Full details of the Centenary events can be found at www.carfreedaysout.com or can be obtained by calling the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership on 01752 233094 Title: Re: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: Lee on February 24, 2008, 01:18:08 A pleasure, Richard, and good to see that there is so much going on!
Title: Re: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: RichardB on March 02, 2008, 20:03:18 Well, today was the Centenary and I'm pleased to say all went off very well and there was a tremendous local turnout.
150 247 was named "J Charles Lang" at Bere Alston by Susan Medhurst and Jennifer Squires, Great Grand-daughters of J Charles Lang. ITV Westcountry did a very nice piece on the celebrations which you can see here http://www.itvlocal.com/new_site/westcountry/news/ (it's about two minutes in) Title: Re: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: vacman on March 02, 2008, 20:33:23 Whats this about 9 return trips per day from Dec? anyone know?
Title: Re: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: RichardB on March 02, 2008, 20:41:45 95% confirmed.
The peak services would stay the same but there would be a two hourly service inbetween - the main effect would be to provide two good shopping trains into Plymouth, rather than the one now. It would be the best ever service to Gunnislake if it comes off. Title: Re: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: Lee on March 03, 2008, 07:20:42 95% confirmed. The peak services would stay the same but there would be a two hourly service inbetween - the main effect would be to provide two good shopping trains into Plymouth, rather than the one now. It would be the best ever service to Gunnislake if it comes off. Sounds very positive :) Is it being modelled with a future Tavistock service in mind, or is the planning "standalone" for the time being? Title: Re: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: RichardB on March 03, 2008, 10:27:07 Standalone at the moment Lee. I think Tavistock would open with at least an hourly service if all the plans come off.
Title: Re: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: Lee on March 03, 2008, 10:32:59 Standalone at the moment Lee. I think Tavistock would open with at least an hourly service if all the plans come off. Agreed, and thanks for the info. Title: Re: 100 Years Of Calstock Viaduct And The Bere Alston - Gunnislake Railway Post by: vacman on March 03, 2008, 19:46:26 Standalone at the moment Lee. I think Tavistock would open with at least an hourly service if all the plans come off. WHEN the plans come off. :D ;)Title: Gunnislake Line Closed For Engineering Work Between 07/04/2008-11/04/2008 Post by: Lee on April 01, 2008, 15:23:10 FGW link.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=2312 Title: How long to Gunnislake Post by: grahame on April 27, 2008, 10:06:33 From yesterday ...
09:34 Plymouth to Gunnislake due 10:22 This train will run short formed with 3 carriages. How long *are* Gunnislake trains usually? Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: Jim on April 27, 2008, 10:09:03 From yesterday ... 209:34 Plymouth to Gunnislake due 10:22 This train will run short formed with 3 carriages. How long *are* Gunnislake trains usually? Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: eightf48544 on April 27, 2008, 11:36:44 Interesting use of the word "short".
Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: Conner on April 27, 2008, 12:45:25 Gunislake have a 150 diagram and a 153 diagram as they swap with Newquay, go to Newton Abbot etc.
Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: Jim on April 27, 2008, 12:58:22 Gunislake have a 150 diagram and a 153 diagram as they swap with Newquay, go to Newton Abbot etc. The other day the 14.51 Newquay - Gunney managed to churn out a 153! Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: oooooo on April 27, 2008, 20:31:54 From yesterday ... 09:34 Plymouth to Gunnislake due 10:22 This train will run short formed with 3 carriages. How long *are* Gunnislake trains usually? Would be impossible as a 153 isnt passed for Gunnislake if coupled to something..... Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: grahame on April 27, 2008, 21:11:44 Would be impossible as a 153 isnt passed for Gunnislake if coupled to something..... Are 158s allowed? One of the 3 car flavour? (Yeah, I doubt it!) Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: Conner on April 27, 2008, 21:59:51 Would be impossible as a 153 isnt passed for Gunnislake if coupled to something..... Are 158s allowed? One of the 3 car flavour? (Yeah, I doubt it!) 3-car 158's or any for that matter would not make onto that diagram as they struggle to make it onto their booked ones. Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: Jim on April 28, 2008, 07:22:43 Would be impossible as a 153 isnt passed for Gunnislake if coupled to something..... Are 158s allowed? One of the 3 car flavour? (Yeah, I doubt it!) 3-car 158's or any for that matter would not make onto that diagram as they struggle to make it onto their booked ones. I don't think 158's are allowed are they? Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: Conner on April 28, 2008, 07:47:41 Would be impossible as a 153 isnt passed for Gunnislake if coupled to something..... Are 158s allowed? One of the 3 car flavour? (Yeah, I doubt it!) 3-car 158's or any for that matter would not make onto that diagram as they struggle to make it onto their booked ones. I don't think 158's are allowed are they? Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: vacman on April 28, 2008, 10:50:34 I think they are allowed to Bere Alston but definitely not on the branch between Bere Alston and Gunni. 153's are only allowed up there on their own, anyway, fat chance of ever seeing a 158 down this way again, most drivers/guards traction knowledge has expired for them at Pnz and Par!
Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: oooooo on April 29, 2008, 00:33:58 Class 158s are not permitted beyond St.Budeaux Victoria Road.
Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: richard bickford on April 29, 2008, 11:19:54 Still seeing the odd 158 on a Sunday to Penzance
Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: vacman on April 29, 2008, 11:51:22 Still seeing the odd 158 on a Sunday to Penzance Until May, at the moment only Exeter crews can work them I believe???Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: Conner on April 29, 2008, 15:52:34 Thanks for that Richard, I will have to go out one Sunday for a last bash.
Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: Jim on April 29, 2008, 16:09:20 Thanks for that Richard, I will have to go out one Sunday for a last bash. You've got 2 left.... Title: Re: How long to Gunnislake Post by: Conner on April 29, 2008, 16:11:30 Thanks for that Richard, I will have to go out one Sunday for a last bash. You've got 2 left.... Title: 14:24 Gunnislake-Newton Abbot Service Starting At Calstock Post by: Lee on August 23, 2008, 15:15:58 This is due to a train fault.
Not one I've seen too often, anyone got more info? Title: Re: 14:24 Gunnislake-Newton Abbot Service Starting At Calstock Post by: swlines on August 23, 2008, 15:47:33 Might have a forward movement problem from the cab towards Gunnislake.
Title: Re: 14:24 Gunnislake-Newton Abbot Service Starting At Calstock Post by: devon_metro on August 23, 2008, 19:40:27 It would have terminated at Plymouth if the back cab was dodgy...
Title: Re: 14:24 Gunnislake-Newton Abbot Service Starting At Calstock Post by: TerminalJunkie on August 23, 2008, 23:52:22 Might have a forward movement problem from the cab towards Gunnislake. OK, so they manage to get it to Bere Ferrers. Then what? ??? Title: Re: 14:24 Gunnislake-Newton Abbot Service Starting At Calstock Post by: swlines on August 23, 2008, 23:59:10 You never know with odd faults.
I'm not familiar with the track layout, but I suspect now it was probably an interlocking fault that rectified itself. Title: Re: 14:24 Gunnislake-Newton Abbot Service Starting At Calstock Post by: Coombe Stn on August 28, 2008, 13:31:37 Bit off a gutless unit it haddnt got the oomph to get up to Gunni (truth)
Title: Re: 14:24 Gunnislake-Newton Abbot Service Starting At Calstock Post by: Nick4pafc on August 31, 2008, 21:26:54 what would have happened dare i say it as the train sometimes struggles up the curve to gunni from calstock, so the train is terminated and starts at calstock on the backward working time. This can be caused through adverse weather affecting the track or a train not 100% well
Title: Re: 14:24 Gunnislake-Newton Abbot Service Starting At Calstock Post by: 6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01 on August 31, 2008, 21:59:33 is this not the route that originally forced the withdrawl of pacers from the southwest when they first came out?
Title: Re: 14:24 Gunnislake-Newton Abbot Service Starting At Calstock Post by: smokey on September 01, 2008, 17:25:01 Might have a forward movement problem from the cab towards Gunnislake. Well as Bere Alston is a reversal point, can't see how it could then go forward towards Plymouth Title: Re: 14:24 Gunnislake-Newton Abbot Service Starting At Calstock Post by: Coombe Stn on September 06, 2008, 15:02:19 what would have happened dare i say it as the train sometimes struggles up the curve to gunni from calstock, so the train is terminated and starts at calstock on the backward working time. This can be caused through adverse weather affecting the track or a train not 100% well As per my previous post you are correct unit not 100%, I was told this by the driver on it that day, it just haddnt got the oomph to get uphill and round the tight bends at the same time Title: Gunnislake Line - Tamar Valley Line - ongoing discussion, merged posts Post by: Branch Line Connor on July 27, 2010, 18:14:45 Hey All,
Was at Devonport today expecting to get on the 14:57 service to Gunnislake, Everything was on time, until then the Info Point at Devonport, come up with Delayed by 4 Mins, then 8, 12, 16, 20 before announcing the service was cancelled due to 'High Winds' Have services been cancelled through out the day? Or just the 14:57? Any more Info on this would be appreciated Thanks, Connor ;) Title: Re: Tamar Valley Line Cancellations? Post by: devon_metro on July 27, 2010, 19:04:00 It did run, however was cancelled from Devonport, Dockyard & Keyham in an attempt to make 30 mins delay (unsuccessfully)
Looks like the delay at Plymouth was as a result of waiting for a crew member. Title: Re: Tamar Valley Line Cancellations? Post by: JayMac on July 27, 2010, 19:17:11 But 'High Winds' ??? That's a bit of a weird announcement.
'Live Departures' explained it as 'waiting for train crew'. Title: Re: Tamar Valley Line Cancellations? Post by: Bob_Blakey on July 27, 2010, 19:32:07 Maybe one of the crew was delayed by a bout of severe flatulence?!
:D Title: Re: Tamar Valley Line Cancellations? Post by: Branch Line Connor on July 27, 2010, 22:49:03 Thanks for clearing that up,
But thats how it was said on the Info Point at Devonport, I thought it was very odd myself. Title: Re: Tamar Valley Line Cancellations? Post by: vacman on July 28, 2010, 11:50:18 That service runs from Penzance, did it get delayed in Kernow?
Title: Re: Tamar Valley Line Cancellations? Post by: devon_metro on July 28, 2010, 19:15:10 That service runs from Penzance, did it get delayed in Kernow? delayed at Plymouth Edited to un-mangle quote. i_b Title: Re: Tamar Valley Line Cancellations? Post by: Worcester_Passenger on July 28, 2010, 22:50:04 delayed at Plymouth by high winds?Title: Re: Tamar Valley Line Cancellations? Post by: devon_metro on July 28, 2010, 23:01:08 Awaiting train crew; as my original reply says ;) Title: Re: Tamar Valley Line Cancellations? Post by: LiskeardRich on July 29, 2010, 10:38:01 Awaiting train crew; as my original reply says ;) who had high levels of wind? ;D Title: Gunnislake Line - Tamar Valley Line - ongoing discussion, merged posts Post by: RichardB on January 06, 2012, 16:51:57 The brand new (Feb) issue of Today's Railways has a very nice seven page feature on the Tamar Valley Line written by Paul Salveson.
Highly recommended! Title: Gunnislake Line - Tamar Valley Line - ongoing discussion, merged posts Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 14, 2013, 19:52:18 From the First Great Western press release:
Quote Santa rests reindeer and takes the train to Gunnislake Children in Plymouth will have the opportunity to tell Santa what is on their Christmas wish list this year as he visits the area on-board a converted First Great Western (FGW) train. Santa and his helpers will use two specially decorated coaches which will be attached to the normal train service running from Plymouth through the scenic Tamar Valley to Gunnislake. First Great Western General Manager, West, David Crome said: ^First Great Western is committed to supporting the communities we serve and when Santa came to us looking to rest his reindeer before the big day, we were only too happy to offer a speedy and equally economic alternative. Our helpful and friendly staff will assist the elves and allow more children to meet Father Christmas before he heads back to his workshop at the North Pole.^ The trains will run from Plymouth to Gunnislake return, departing Plymouth at 11:40 and 13:45 on Sunday 8 and 15 December. There are 100 tickets available for each train. Tickets go on sale at 10.00, Saturday 16 November from the Plymouth Booking Office and are sold in aid of two local charities: Hugs for Henry and Dame Hannah Rogers. They cost ^7.00 for an Adult and ^4.00 per child or ^20.00 for a family of four. Last year the Santa Special trains raised over ^2,000 for charity. Title: Re: Santa rests reindeer and takes the train to Gunnislake Post by: phile on November 15, 2013, 17:35:55 I hope they are both 150/2s and not 150/1s to allow through access for the event.
Title: Re: Santa rests reindeer and takes the train to Gunnislake Post by: LiskeardRich on November 15, 2013, 20:52:37 I hope they are both 150/2s and not 150/1s to allow through access for the event. I expect 150/1 as the Santa is only open to specific ticket holders reading the above. If you've paid the premium fare, you wouldn't expect normal farepayers to enter the area. Title: Re: Santa rests reindeer and takes the train to Gunnislake Post by: sprinterguard on November 15, 2013, 21:28:18 It doesn't matter if the train has a corridor connection, access can still be restricted with the cab doors.
Title: Re: Santa rests reindeer and takes the train to Gunnislake Post by: bobm on November 15, 2013, 21:30:20 If the poster at Plymouth Station is to be believed it will be 150 124..... ;D
Title: Re: Santa rests reindeer and takes the train to Gunnislake Post by: Pb_devon on November 16, 2013, 12:47:56 This has me reminiscing about the GWRSA Santa Specials in the 1980s. Packed out and running about 4 times on a Sunday with the GWR liveried DMU. All the children were allowed into the cab and to sound the whistle on the Gunni section. I have a photo of the family with Santa but I will be kind to my son (six then and now in his 30s) and not reproduce it. ;D
Title: Gunnislake Line - Tamar Valley Line - ongoing discussion, merged posts Post by: RichardB on October 25, 2015, 18:15:06 Bit of a different one, this. I've been contacted by a Bere Alston rsident who bought a number of Tamar Valley Line station name signs from Wessex Trains in 2005 and is now looking to sell them.
The signs weren't that old - mid 90s - and have the station name with the line logo next to it (this is the old, pre Wessex line logo). Stations available are Gunnislake, Calstock, Bere Alston, Bere Ferrers, Keyham and Devonport. If anyone is interested, please message me and I'll send the telephone number for the person who is selling them. As it happens, I kept a picture from when these were sold ten years ago and have attached it. The seller mentioned a "To Looe" sign so they also have that. Title: Re: Tamar Valley Line station signs for sale Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 26, 2015, 15:40:47 Thanks for posting that rather intriguing item, RichardB. :)
Quote The seller mentioned a "To Looe" sign so they also have that. Purely out of idle curiosity on my part: does the seller also have a rather diminutive sign for "To Looe: slow trek", by any chance? Sorry, just my rather schoolboy sense of humour again. ::) ;) ;D Title: Gunnislake Line - Tamar Valley Line - ongoing discussion, merged posts Post by: RichardB on May 26, 2018, 18:05:47 We're celebating 50 years of regular direct trains between Plymouth and Gunnislake over the weekend of 1 - 3 June.
Full details here - www.tvl50.com Just to pick out a few things - On Saturday 2 June, there will be a railway themed guided walk around Calstock. No charge, but booking necessary. Also on Saturday 2, there will be a vintage bus trip from Gunnislake to Okehampton station and back, connecting with trains (including at Okehampton, where the Meldon shuttle will be running). Again no charge, but booking necessary. On Sunday 3 June, GWR have very kindly agreed to allow free travel for children on the line all day. There will also be an Open Day at the Tamar Belle Heritage Centre next to Bere Ferrers station. Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: RichardB on May 30, 2018, 12:34:15 Just a PS to say that there are seats still available on the bus. To book, just send me a message.
Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: chuffed on June 02, 2018, 19:50:17 A very public thank you from me for arranging the delightful vintage Western National bus ride from Gunnislake to Okehampton. It was really good to meet you and Bobm. As we didnt come back with you, we had a superb leisurely cream tea on the station ....2 large warm scones, lashings of jam and cream for a fiver. One of the best I've had in Devon, or indeed anywhere else. We strolled down into town for the Stagecoach 6 into Exeter St Davids and the 1802 Paddington train where we got off at Tiverton Parkway and drove back to North Somerset arriving at 7.20pm.
A thoroughly enjoyable day out.The weather and the views were beautiful. I am sure the 15 or so other passengers on the bus were equally as thrilled. It was just a shame the other 26 seats were not taken, and I just hope that WHOTT were not too much out of pocket. For those of you that didn't make it,you missed a treat. Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: RichardB on June 02, 2018, 20:27:13 A very public thank you from me for arranging the delightful vintage Western National bus ride from Gunnislake to Okehampton. It was really good to meet you and Bobm. As we didnt come back with you, we had a superb leisurely cream tea on the station ....2 large warm scones, lashings of jam and cream for a fiver. One of the best I've had in Devon, or indeed anywhere else. We strolled down into town for the Stagecoach 6 into Exeter St Davids and the 1802 Paddington train where we got off at Tiverton Parkway and drove back to North Somerset arriving at 7.20pm. A thoroughly enjoyable day out.The weather and the views were beautiful. I am sure the 15 or so other passengers on the bus were equally as thrilled. It was just a shame the other 26 seats were not taken, and I just hope that WHOTT were not too much out of pocket. For those of you that didn't make it,you missed a treat. Many thanks Chuffed. Good to meet you both and pleased you enjoyed the trip (and good to hear of your cream tea!). I too thought it was a great day out and it was a pity that more people didn't come along. Just to reassure you, WHOTT weren't out of pocket. Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: bobm on June 03, 2018, 07:38:07 Well for those who didn't or weren't able to come, you missed a great day. I have travelled on the Gunnislake branch a few times and been to Meldon but not had a chance to explore further.
A few photos from the day (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/gunn1.jpg) Setting off from Plymouth (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/gunn2.jpg) Getting the train staff at St Budeaux (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/gunn3.jpg) Unprompted our driver made a particularly slow crossing of the Calstock viaduct to allow us to take in the view (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/gunn4.jpg) Arrival at Gunnislake (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/gunn5.jpg) Our "rail replacement bus" (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/gunn6.jpg) (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/gunn7.jpg) Two views of Brentor Station - now a private house (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/gunn8.jpg) The old goods shed at Bridestowe (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/gunn9.jpg) Waiting to leave Okehampton for Meldon Viaduct (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/gunn10.jpg) A two minute walk from the train out to the Viaduct Weather was just about perfect. Some cloud but a bit of breeze and not too hot. A word too for our driver. I have been on a few vehicles driven by enthusiasts and not had the smoothest of rides. However our driver made easy work of the challenging narrow roads in places and was knowledgeable as well. Good to meet trainer and chuffed and many thanks to all who helped to organise the day - including RichardB, who no doubt enjoyed a well deserved pint or two after we dropped him off at the pub on the way back to Gunnislake! Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: JayMac on June 03, 2018, 09:17:45 A very public thank you from me for arranging the delightful vintage Western National bus ride from Gunnislake to Okehampton. It was really good to meet you and Bobm. As we didnt come back with you, we had a superb leisurely cream tea on the station ....2 large warm scones, lashings of jam and cream for a fiver. One of the best I've had in Devon, or indeed anywhere else. We strolled down into town for the Stagecoach 6 into Exeter St Davids and the 1802 Paddington train where we got off at Tiverton Parkway and drove back to North Somerset arriving at 7.20pm. A thoroughly enjoyable day out.The weather and the views were beautiful. I am sure the 15 or so other passengers on the bus were equally as thrilled. It was just a shame the other 26 seats were not taken, and I just hope that WHOTT were not too much out of pocket. For those of you that didn't make it,you missed a treat. The most important question of all... How did you have your scones? Being so close to the border... ;D Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: chuffed on June 03, 2018, 12:45:26 I was very aware of being in the DMZ so I did a BoJo and had cream and jam followed by jam and cream followed by cream and jam followed by jam and cream. However I expect to be criticised for showing my true feelings by electing to do the cream first. I am sure there is a scientific reason behind it, but I find the jam slips off cream whereas cream on jam tends to stay put.
If Finn had been there I think he would have scoffed the lot in two shakes. No doubt he would have had that Percy ( the station cat) off the train toot sweet. Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: bobm on June 03, 2018, 12:55:39 I assume this is Percy
(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/percy.jpg) Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: chuffed on June 03, 2018, 13:28:33 That's him ! Even has his own named cat flap in the signal box ! Looking every inch, the cat that got the cream !
Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: JayMac on June 03, 2018, 13:42:55 Finn actually likes cats. Inquisitive rather than chase. Problem is the cats don't reciprocate the love. He's been whacked on the nose a few times by the neighbour's and my Sister's cat.
Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: bobm on June 03, 2018, 14:15:49 That's him ! Even has his own named cat flap in the signal box ! Looking every inch, the cat that got the cream ! Indeed (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/percy1.jpg) Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: phile on June 03, 2018, 18:17:30 Gunnislake formed 150 vice usual Sunday 153
Title: Re: 50 years of the Tamar Valley Line 1-3 June Post by: RichardB on June 03, 2018, 20:08:55 This because GWR offered free travel for children today. I wasn't out on the line today (as it happened, I as at the Plym Valley doing their great "Driver for a Fiver"). Hope it went well.
Thanks to Bob for his pics of yesterday. Yes, I enjoyed my beer at the Queen's Head, Albaston - it's one of my favourite pubs. Title: Gunnislake Line - Tamar Valley Line - ongoing discussion, merged posts Post by: bobm on July 02, 2018, 10:36:41 The train working the 08:40 service from Plymouth to Gunnislake has hit a tree on the line at Bere Ferrers.
No injuries reported but the train has suffered damage. Service on the branch has been suspended while clear-up takes place (and a new unit found). Title: Re: Train hits tree on Gunnislake branch - 02 Jul 18 Post by: LiskeardRich on July 02, 2018, 21:58:07 The branch interworks with main line services, did it have a wider knock on effect?
The branch unit runs to Penzance or somewhere similarly exotic with a Cardiff to gunnislake service taken its place later on in the day! Yep that’s right, Cardiff has a direct service to gunnislake! Title: Re: Train hits tree on Gunnislake branch - 02 Jul 18 Post by: bobm on July 03, 2018, 06:08:03 It did - there were a number of cancellations later due to "A train hitting an obstruction on the line earlier" however I noticed some were then re-instated.
This morning the first round trip on the branch was turned at Bere Alston rather than Gunnislake due to train crew being delayed. Title: Gunnislake Line - Tamar Valley Line - ongoing discussion, merged posts Post by: Pb_devon on August 01, 2018, 15:42:40 Until the end of August, any child (5-15) travels free if accompanied by a 'teddy bear' and a fare paying adult (2 children per adult). Courtesy of DCRP and GWR (thanks Richardb).
I borrowed two children to test run it today (actually my grandchildren, before anyone asks), and I can confirm it works with an onboard purchase from the TM (I boarded at St Budeaux). I was slightly hoping to be issued a ticket with 'teddy bear' shown as the pax, however the actuality is that no ticket is issued for the youngsters. The trains both ways were well loaded with families. Full marks for the returning TM who entered into the spirit of things for the children - bought back memories of the GWRSA Gunni Branch Santa Specials in the 1980s. Title: Re: Tamar Valley Line Summer 2018 ticket offer Post by: RichardB on August 01, 2018, 20:18:35 Thanks Pb_devon. Just to say, the offer only applies for day trips from Plymouth and the suburban stations.
Sorry no "Teddy Bear" ticket - keeping it simple! Great to hear the trains were well loaded with families in both directions. Thanks especially to GWR for agreeing to this great offer. Title: Gunnislake Line - Tamar Valley Line - ongoing discussion, merged posts Post by: SandTEngineer on December 13, 2018, 18:38:46 News coming in of a collision between the Gunnislake branch train and a DPD delivery van on one of the Open Level Crossings between Gunnislake and Calstock.
Edit to add: No injuries reported. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: SandTEngineer on December 13, 2018, 19:10:37 (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DuUJV5rXcAAmnFS.jpg:large)
Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: TonyK on December 13, 2018, 19:37:24 Ouch! I'm glad no-one was hurt.
Journey check says: Quote 19:13 Gunnislake to Plymouth due 19:58 will be cancelled. This is due to a road vehicle colliding with level crossing barriers. which doesn't seem to match the photo. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: SandTEngineer on December 13, 2018, 19:50:10 All Open Crossings on that branch. I looked at one news report and it had a photograph of an HST passing Sydney Gardens, Bath...... ::)
Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: Dispatch Box on December 13, 2018, 20:15:12 All Open Crossings on that branch. I looked at one news report and it had a photograph of an HST passing Sydney Gardens, Bath...... ::) How stupid. Also to add, that delivery driver must of been driving like hell to miss the crossing lights. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: SandTEngineer on December 13, 2018, 20:44:11 All Open Crossings on that branch. I looked at one news report and it had a photograph of an HST passing Sydney Gardens, Bath...... ::) How stupid. Also to add, that delivery driver must of been driving like hell to miss the crossing lights. There aren't any crossing lights. Its an OPEN CROSSING with fixed road signage only. Whats stupid about it? Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: jdw.wor on December 14, 2018, 11:29:25 I suspect "Dispatch Box" meant the HST picture in Bath was stupid.
Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: Dispatch Box on December 14, 2018, 11:59:25 All Open Crossings on that branch. I looked at one news report and it had a photograph of an HST passing Sydney Gardens, Bath...... ::) How stupid. Also to add, that delivery driver must of been driving like hell to miss the crossing lights. I Always thought all crossings had some sort of lights to indicate, when a train is about to come, This is dangerous, some crossings have manual gates, The signals are always off, but have placement switches on the panel, A Driver phones signalman to obtain permission, Then opens gates,drives over and closes them, phones again to inform clear. Maybe its time to fit all crossings with gates, you would have thought brussels would have insisted on that. Lastly never seen a crossing without lights,anyway my corned beef hash is going cold so bye for a minute.. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: Dispatch Box on December 14, 2018, 12:07:27 I suspect "Dispatch Box" meant the HST picture in Bath was stupid. Yes. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: JayMac on December 14, 2018, 13:26:02 Maybe its time to fit all crossings with gates, you would have thought brussels would have insisted on that. Lastly never seen a crossing without lights, There are dozens of open crossings without lights in the UK. And I suspect many hundreds, if not thousands, across the EU. Blaming Brussels for not insisting they are changed seems to me just a misguided dig at the EU. Open crossings without lights are perfectly safe when used properly. Having or not having such crossings is not a political issue. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: Dispatch Box on December 14, 2018, 13:44:18 Maybe its time to fit all crossings with gates, you would have thought brussels would have insisted on that. Lastly never seen a crossing without lights, There are dozens of open crossings without lights in the UK. And I suspect many hundreds, if not thousands, across the EU. Blaming Brussels for not insisting they are changed seems to me just a misguided dig at the EU. Open crossings without lights are perfectly safe when used properly. Having or not having such crossings is not a political issue. But why did this van driver come to meet a train?. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: JayMac on December 14, 2018, 13:53:18 That's what official investigations should find out.
Uninformed speculation, such as suggesting the van driver was "driving like hell" and he/she "missed the crossing lights" that weren't even there isn't at all helpful and won't provide answers as to why the incident occurred. It's highly unlikely that anyone on this forum can answer the "why did it happen?" question. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: Clan Line on December 14, 2018, 19:28:17 Maybe its time to fit all crossings with gates, you would have thought brussels would have insisted on that. Lastly never seen a crossing without lights, Open crossings without lights are perfectly safe when used properly. Having or not having such crossings is not a political issue. But why did this van driver come to meet a train?. Murphy's Law shall apply ................. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: Dispatch Box on December 14, 2018, 19:31:30 That's what official investigations should find out. Uninformed speculation, such as suggesting the van driver was "driving like hell" and "missing crossing lights" that weren't even there isn't at all helpful and won't provide answers as to why the incident occurred. It's highly unlikely that anyone on this forum can answer the "why did it happen?" question. From the first post at the top of the thread, sandt states an open crossing, now the only open crossing I know is where I used to live, lydney, Naas lane that had an open crossing and had lights either side worked by treadles, so that's why I put ,what I put. other crossings around Gloucester area seem to have manual gates and not suitable for dpd vans. Those that are seem to have metal farmers type gates, but have interlocks with the signalling and some single white or red lights. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: SandTEngineer on December 14, 2018, 19:33:48 Having been involved in quite a few incidents like that (investigating them, that is ::)) the outcome so far has always been road user error........but, we are always taught when carrying out such investigations, 'never assume anything'.... :o
Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: Dispatch Box on December 14, 2018, 19:39:22 Having been involved in quite a few incidents like that (investigating them, that is ::)) the outcome so far has always been road user error........but, we are always taught when carrying out such investigations, 'never assume anything'.... :o Do you think this crossing will now receive improvements after this incident. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: SandTEngineer on December 14, 2018, 20:10:27 Having been involved in quite a few incidents like that (investigating them, that is ::)) the outcome so far has always been road user error........but, we are always taught when carrying out such investigations, 'never assume anything'.... :o Do you think this crossing will now receive improvements after this incident. No. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: a-driver on December 14, 2018, 20:58:01 Trains stop on approach the level crossing and sound the horn before proceeding. Line speed is 10mph.
The crossing MAY catch unsuspecting drivers unaware. The crossing is not illuminated as far as I’m aware. The area is treelined, the road itself is very narrow and steeply banked. There’s a sharp bend on each side of the crossing which would make speeding almost impossible. There’s not much you can realistically do to improve the crossing. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: RichardB on December 15, 2018, 11:08:52 Having been involved in quite a few incidents like that (investigating them, that is ::)) the outcome so far has always been road user error........but, we are always taught when carrying out such investigations, 'never assume anything'.... :o Do you think this crossing will now receive improvements after this incident. Yes, they were already planned for both the ungated crossings between Calstock and Gunnislake and also the two on the Looe branch, Lodge Farm and Terras Bridge. Half barriers, I think, but certainly budgeted for in the new Control Period. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: eightonedee on December 15, 2018, 16:10:37 Quote Trains stop on approach the level crossing and sound the horn before proceeding. Line speed is 10mph. The crossing MAY catch unsuspecting drivers unaware. The crossing is not illuminated as far as I’m aware. The area is treelined, the road itself is very narrow and steeply banked. There’s a sharp bend on each side of the crossing which would make speeding almost impossible. There’s not much you can realistically do to improve the crossing. The picture indicates encroaching vegetation obscuring the view of the signage. In slightly different circumstances (vegetation alongside the track obscuring sightlines on an un-manned crossing), the Wensleydale Railway was fined for failing to control vegetation a few years ago. Here either the highway authority or Network Rail might be at risk of censure. Open level crossings without lights should not be regarded as prima facie dangerous - there are plenty in Europe, but signage should be adequate and kept unobscured. Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: SandTEngineer on December 15, 2018, 20:04:28 ....hence my comment above, 'never assume anything'.... :P
Title: Re: Level Crossing Collision - Gunnislake Branch 13 December 2018 Post by: Dispatch Box on December 15, 2018, 20:31:20 ....hence my comment above, 'never assume anything'.... :P And the same goes for Brexit. Title: Gunnislake Line - Tamar Valley Line - ongoing discussion, merged posts Post by: grahame on November 23, 2020, 21:36:16 Tamar Valley Line - Plymouth to Gunnislake
From Plymouth at 04:58, 06:33 about every 2 hours to 18:28 then 21:30 (these Monday to Saturday) 04:58 is Monday to Friday only, and misses smaller intermediate stations 09:10, every 2 hours to 15:19, 17:44 on Sunday Back at 05:43 (Monday to Friday), 07:29, 09:16 and about every 2 hours to 19:18 and 22:20 10:10, 12:07, 13:58, 16:11 and 18:35 on Sundays. Plymouth - PLY - Connections to Exeter and London, and to Penzance overview (http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=PLY) - local map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=PLY) - wider map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=PLY&wider=1) Devonport - DPT - Also served by a some trains to/from Cornwall. Double track, 2 platforms overview (http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=DPT) - local map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=DPT) - wider map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=DPT&wider=1) Dockyard (Devonport) - DOC - Also served by a few trains to/from Cornwall. Double track, 2 platforms Trains call on request. overview (http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=DOC) - local map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=DOC) - wider map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=DOC&wider=1) Keyham - KEY - Also served by a few trains to/from Cornwall. Double track, 2 platforms overview (http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=KEY) - local map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=KEY) - wider map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=KEY&wider=1) Between Keyham and St Budeaux, the main line to Penzance turns off to St Budeaux Ferry Road and beyond, and the single line - formerly the Southern main line to Exeter - carries on to St Budeaux Victoria Road - SBV overview (http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=SBV) - local map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=SBV) - wider map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=SBV&wider=1) MOD Ernsettle - Occasional freight services Site of Tamerton Foliot Bere Ferrers - BFE overview (http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=BFE) - local map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=BFE) - wider map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=BFE&wider=1) Bere Alston - BAS. Single platform, trains reverse here off the old main line before proceeding. Main line use to carry on to Tavistock, Okehampton and Exeter. overview (http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=BAS) - local map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=BAS) - wider map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=BAS&wider=1) Viaduct over the Tamar into Cornwall ... Calstock - CSK overview (http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=CSK) - local map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=CSK) - wider map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=CSK&wider=1) Gunnislake - GSL overview (http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=GSL) - local map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=GSL) - wider map (http://new.passenger.chat/map/stationmap.php?tlc=GSL&wider=1) Line used to carry on to Callington. Bere Alston to Gunnislake is the only passenger railway remaining on the national rail network which was opened under a light rail order. Title: Re: Gunnislake Line - Summary of services from December 2020 Post by: autotank on November 23, 2020, 22:16:55 That first round trip M-F seems very early - does it get much custom?
Title: Re: Gunnislake Line - Summary of services from December 2020 Post by: grahame on November 23, 2020, 22:27:05 That first round trip M-F seems very early - does it get much custom? My understanding is that it carries passengers to work in the Dockyard. I recall it being under threat in the 2006 timetable changes which lead to the creation of this forum, but was one of the ones bought back. Title: Re: Gunnislake Line - Summary of services from December 2020 Post by: Pb_devon on November 24, 2020, 08:15:36 That first round trip M-F seems very early - does it get much custom? My understanding is that it carries passengers to work in the Dockyard. I recall it being under threat in the 2006 timetable changes which lead to the creation of this forum, but was one of the ones bought back. Correct Grahame, Dockyard start time is 0730, schools 0830 (ish), then the leisure/shoppers after 0900. Challenge is to serve all three flows on the single line! Personally I?m not missing the 0730 start since retiring! Title: Gunnislake Branch closed - staff shortage 18/9/21 Post by: TaplowGreen on September 18, 2021, 09:06:49 Alterations to services between Plymouth and Gunnislake
Due to a shortage of train crew between Plymouth and Gunnislake all lines are closed. Train services running to and from these stations will be suspended. Gunnislake, Calstock, Bere Alston, Bere Ferrers and St Budeaux Victoria Road will not be served. Disruption is expected until 12:15 18/09. Customer Advice Due to a shortage of train crew, the Gunnislake branch is suspended until 12:20. Replacement road transport services are conveying passengers between Plymouth and Gunnislake in both directions until further notice. Title: Re: Gunnislake Branch closed - staff shortage 18/9/21 Post by: bobm on September 18, 2021, 10:12:16 Ironically the first train of the day to Gunnislake did run - but only as far as Devonport where a fault with the doors led to it being terminated and returned to Plymouth.
Title: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: grahame on August 14, 2022, 20:57:50 Quote Alterations to services between Plymouth and Gunnislake Due to a broken down train between Plymouth and Gunnislake the line is closed. Train services running to and from these stations will be suspended. Disruption is expected until the end of the day. Customer Advice --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The train used on the Gunnislake branch line has multiple faults, which an engineer has attempted to fix. We are working to find an alternative train that can be used on the line, but the following trains are cancelled until further notice: 17:44 Plymouth to Gunnislake 18:35 Gunnislake to Plymouth 20:01 Plymouth to Gunnislake 20:52 Gunnislake to Plymouth --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are sorry for the disruption this might cause to your journey today. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Replacement road transport services are conveying passengers between Plymouth and Gunnislake in both directions until further notice. The road transport will depart from the following locations: Plymouth: Front of the station. Devonport: Albert Road bus stops, adjacent to Exmouth Road. Dockyard: Bus stops on Keyham Road (B3396) near the turning to Keat Street. Keyham: Bus stops on Saltash Road, next to HMS Drake Barracks. St Budeaux Victoria Road: Bus stops on Wolseley Road, by the bank (towards Plymouth) or by the supermarket (towards Gunnislake). Bere Ferrers: Station Road nus stop near the Community notice board and post box. Bere Alston: Car park at the front of the station. Calstock: Bus stop at the entrance to the station approach road (Lang Gardens). Gunnislake: Station car park. Further Information An update will follow within the next 2 hours. If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay Last Updated:14/08/2022 19:23 That reads to me as if this continues into tomorrow ... and I wonder about the day after. Are GWR really that short of working trains or people to drive one over from another depot if there isn't a working one in Plymouth? Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: bobm on August 14, 2022, 22:38:17 Not very well worded I agree but if you think about it if the disruption was going to continue past today why would you only cancel afternoon trains due to lack of a unit?
In any event the trains quoted are Sunday times so could not apply to weekdays. Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: bobm on August 15, 2022, 09:18:15 Normal service today - except the on board toilet isn't working.
Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: TaplowGreen on August 15, 2022, 10:34:43 Normal service today - except the on board toilet isn't working. Seems to be Exmouth - Paignton which is virtually wiped out today. Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: IndustryInsider on August 15, 2022, 10:45:43 Seems to be Exmouth - Paignton which is virtually wiped out today. Virtually wiped out? A slight exaggeration. Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: grahame on August 15, 2022, 19:17:13 Seems to be Exmouth - Paignton which is virtually wiped out today. Virtually wiped out? A slight exaggeration. Five round trips wiped off the timetable - out of 35 (there are 7 trains on that circuit, running at 30 minute intervals. So average delay to random passengers is 30 minutes / 7 = 4.5 minutes. A frequent service can withstand it. Contrast ... Just two round trips wiped off the timetable our of 8 (that's just a quarter or one train) on a line like Swindon-Westbury which runs at intervals of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Average delay to passengers = 34 minutes. So an infrequent service does wipe out practical use at a far lower number of cancellation - if the average holdup for passenger is one half an hour not less that five minutes, that's darned serious -and it's with less than half the cancellations that Exmouth suffered today. Proof: 1. You can prove anything with statistics 2. Infrequent services to hamlets like Newquay and Melksham should be stepped up to minimise passenger delay. Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: TJ on August 15, 2022, 23:49:00 Wonderful statistics but I live in the real world.
Yes many cancellations will not cause too many problems but when they occur at peak times it is another matter. GWR's current reliability record leaves much to be desired across the whole of their patch. Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: grahame on August 16, 2022, 02:54:08 Wonderful statistics but I live in the real world. Yeah ... real world micro-example ... 90 minute wait at Trowbridge for a taxi because an infrequent train has been cancelled is far more painful than a 30 minute wait at Exmouth for the next train. Quote Yes many cancellations will not cause too many problems but when they occur at peak times it is another matter. Peak times ARE an issue ... everywhere, and not only on wait times but on capacity on the next service. A corollary of the issues are that if a train is taken out of service / not available for a whole day, it will inevitably cause cancellations in both peaks as well as during the day. To some extent that can be mitigated by trying to "pull" a diagram on which the train is running the clock-face service counter-flow during the peak of the peak. You can see this in practice where it's the Bristol to Westbury service that is "gapped" in the morning peak if needs must, and not the Westbury to Bristol major morning flow direction. Quote GWR's current reliability record leaves much to be desired across the whole of their patch. Can't disagree with you there as a generality. I can ask whether that's due to GWR's team, First Group direction, DfT direction, general problems of running a business, or unrealistic expectations from us the customers. Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: grahame on August 16, 2022, 04:31:25 Wonderful statistics but I live in the real world. Yeah ... real world micro-example ... 90 minute wait at Trowbridge for a taxi because an infrequent train has been cancelled is far more painful than a 30 minute wait at Exmouth for the next train. Or this morning at Melksham - single northbound train at 07:53 cancelled, next train 10:02, journey check only offers delay / repay as a "sop". Still no offer here to use an alternative bus service ... Quote Further Information If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: Ralph Ayres on August 17, 2022, 00:23:59 Five round trips wiped off the timetable - out of 35 (there are 7 trains on that circuit, running at 30 minute intervals. So average delay to random passengers is 30 minutes / 7 = 4.5 minutes. A frequent service can withstand it. Sorry, but I don't think that's a meaningful way of analysing it. A random passenger has either no delay or a 30 minute one so talking about an average delay is meaningless as no-one is delayed by 4.5 minutes. As you say, you can prove anything with statistics! Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: grahame on August 17, 2022, 05:19:27 Five round trips wiped off the timetable - out of 35 (there are 7 trains on that circuit, running at 30 minute intervals. So average delay to random passengers is 30 minutes / 7 = 4.5 minutes. A frequent service can withstand it. Sorry, but I don't think that's a meaningful way of analysing it. OK - suggest better alternative please. Quote A random passenger has either no delay or a 30 minute one so talking about an average delay is meaningless as no-one is delayed by 4.5 minutes. As you say, you can prove anything with statistics! Yeah - I should have said "mean" rather than "average". Definitely the mean - median extra delay if the majority of trains are running is zero. This is the old "average family has 2.4 children but you'll never find an average family" thing; still (IMHO) a useful measure in terms of overall planning such as number of school spaces. Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: CyclingSid on August 17, 2022, 07:19:17 Quote old "average family has 2.4 children That is old, as the average family size is nearer 2.4 persons now. Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: grahame on August 17, 2022, 08:29:00 Quote old "average family has 2.4 children That is old, as the average family size is nearer 2.4 persons now. Indeed ... https://blog.ons.gov.uk/2019/08/02/whatever-happened-to-2-point-4-children/ Now perhaps 1.9 children. Many more people live alone these days, and that's a driver behind the need for house building just as population increase and the need for housing stock renewal ... Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: bobm on August 17, 2022, 17:27:08 Just two round trips wiped off the timetable our of 8 (that's just a quarter or one train) on a line like Swindon-Westbury which runs at intervals of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Average delay to passengers = 34 minutes. So an infrequent service does wipe out practical use at a far lower number of cancellation - if the average holdup for passenger is one half an hour not less that five minutes, that's darned serious -and it's with less than half the cancellations that Exmouth suffered today. I must admit I am struggling to get my head around this. If I go to catch a train I aim to be on the platform a minimum of five minutes before it is due to leave. However I am not actually delayed until the train is late or cancelled. That applies to everyone aiming to catch that train. So even if they arrive at the station 20 minutes before me they will be delayed by the same amount of time as I am if the train is late or cancelled. No one is delayed by a lesser or greater amount - so I don't understand the validity of the 34 minutes. Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: grahame on August 17, 2022, 18:10:55 Just two round trips wiped off the timetable our of 8 (that's just a quarter or one train) on a line like Swindon-Westbury which runs at intervals of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Average delay to passengers = 34 minutes. So an infrequent service does wipe out practical use at a far lower number of cancellation - if the average holdup for passenger is one half an hour not less that five minutes, that's darned serious -and it's with less than half the cancellations that Exmouth suffered today. I must admit I am struggling to get my head around this. If I go to catch a train I aim to be on the platform a minimum of five minutes before it is due to leave. However I am not actually delayed until the train is late or cancelled. That applies to everyone aiming to catch that train. So even if they arrive at the station 20 minutes before me they will be delayed by the same amount of time as I am if the train is late or cancelled. No one is delayed by a lesser or greater amount - so I don't understand the validity of the 34 minutes. It's an interesting one ... here is Melksham to Swindon with 2 trains being cancelled and passenger arriving at the station every 10 minutes. Of course, in reality on such a thin service they would arrange their timing to arrive for a particular train. Code: tats = ["05:33","07:21","07:53","10:02","12:33","14:32","16:41","18:50","20:22"] passengers 90 total wait 5264 minutes - average 58.5 passengers 90 total wait 8331 minutes - average 92.6 Extra time waited 34.1 minutes change the first two lines to show 1 in 7 services cancelled on a half hourly pattern (5 in the day) Code: tats = ["06:05","06:35","07:05","07:35","08:05","08:35","09:05","09:35","10:05","10:35", and you get passengers 90 total wait 1500 minutes - average 16.7 passengers 90 total wait 1860 minutes - average 20.7 Extra time waited 4.0 minutes Title: Re: Tamar Valley line - truncation of services due to lack of working train Post by: IndustryInsider on August 17, 2022, 18:17:00 Let it go, Graham! ;)
Title: Sink Hole - Gunnislake branch Post by: grahame on November 30, 2022, 11:08:55 Quote Cancellations to services between Gunnislake and Bere Alston Due to urgent repairs to the track between Gunnislake and Bere Alston all lines are blocked. Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day. Customer Advice Network Rail have identified a sink hole on the tracks of the Gunnislake Branch. Specialist geological technicians are heading to the site to assess the situation, but until then, Gunnislake Branch line services can only operate between Plymouth and Bere Alston where they will terminate and return to Plymouth starting from Bere Alston. Taxis are in operation between Calstock, Gunnislake and Plymouth. We apologise for the disruption to your journey today. Title: Re: Sink Hole - Gunnislake branch Post by: infoman on November 30, 2022, 11:13:36 This was mentioned on the Spotlight local South West news at 06:25am on wednesday morning
Title: Re: Sink Hole - Gunnislake branch Post by: Pb_devon on December 03, 2022, 07:58:15 They appeared to have fixed it quite quickly as the 1725 arrival operated that day, plus all subsequent services (per RTT).
Title: Re: Sink Hole - Gunnislake branch Post by: Jamsdad on December 13, 2022, 10:59:46 The whole of the Gunnislake is riddled with old mine workings. Speaking strictly and geologically, they are not sink holes, which is a product of limestone weathering, but can be anything from a major abandoned adit to quite small side shafts. Many were poorly filled, and when they open up they need checking,although only rarely do they cause structural problems. But when they do it's a mess!
Title: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: plymothian on September 13, 2024, 11:11:04 Due to rotting timbers found during an inspection last night, Darkey Lane bridge needs urgent repairs.
The Gunnislake line will be suspended. The current forecast is that services will operate only as far as Calstock on Saturday 14/09 and the whole of next week. No service at all on Sunday 15/09. Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: Timmer on September 13, 2024, 11:37:31 Quote Cancellations to services between Plymouth and Gunnislake Due to urgent repairs to a bridge between Plymouth and Gunnislake the line is closed. Train services running to and from these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day. Customer Advice We have been made aware of a bridge in need of repair on our Plymouth to Gunnislake line. Network Rail have deemed it not currently safe to run trains over it. As such, the line is closed while repairs and further inspections are carried out. Road transport has been requested to provide a regular service in lieu of the train, however at this stage nothing has yet been confirmed. For now, customers boarding at unstaffed stations, please make use of the Help Point to speak with a member of staff for further advice. Devonport, Dockyard, and Keyham stations will continue to be served by our trains running between Plymouth and Penzance. This is a developing situation, and more information will be provided when we have it. Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: a-driver on September 13, 2024, 16:00:24 Due to rotting timbers found during an inspection last night Someone needs to be urgently asking how the structure was allowed to end up in such a poor condition. Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: TaplowGreen on September 13, 2024, 16:27:46 Expected to continue for the next fortnight according to Journeycheck.
Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: Mark A on September 13, 2024, 18:10:21 Does anyone know which bridge please? (Darkey Lane's not found, or rather, not found near Calstock...)
thanks Mark **Edit** Perhaps this one, streetview from 2022: https://tinyurl.com/2mwmt228 (https://tinyurl.com/2mwmt228) Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: AMLAG on September 13, 2024, 19:13:40 Could be, BUT thank goodness it’s not the very impressive eight span Tavy viaduct south of Bere Ferrers, which in Regional Railways days saw half the viaduct superstructure ( ie four spans) repainted, but then nothing has been done since. It is reported that of all the numerous steel bridges on the remaining ex Southern lines west of Exeter, that Meldon Viaduct has the least, in fact very little, rust and corrosion ! Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: a-driver on September 13, 2024, 20:03:46 Does anyone know which bridge please? (Darkey Lane's not found, or rather, not found near Calstock...) thanks Mark **Edit** Perhaps this one, streetview from 2022: https://tinyurl.com/2mwmt228 (https://tinyurl.com/2mwmt228) I would guess it’s that bridge. It’s at 4m 08ch so pretty much on the approach to Gunnislake station. Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: bradshaw on September 13, 2024, 20:06:27 This is shown on Google Maps and on the One Network website both state
Skinnard Lane, which starts opposite the Queens Head https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1025/sn-media-notice-after-21-day-order_139579966_3778011_af31baf90a.pdf Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: grahame on September 14, 2024, 08:11:36 Journeycheck now reports
Quote Network Rail have declared it unsafe to run trains over, therefore the line is closed while further inspections and repairs are carried out. On Saturday 14th September, the following arrangements are in place: The train service will run between Plymouth and Calstock only. Customers wishing to make the full journey to Gunnislake will need to alight at Calstock where road transport will be waiting to help you complete your journey. Road transport is also in place at Gunnislake for customers starting their journey there. Please check journey planner apps, as these minibuses will depart EARLIER than the standard train departure, in order to connect with the train at Calstock. We have been told that the bridge is going to be closed for some time, therefore plans are currently being arranged to provide a more long term solution. Potentially the problem should have been found much earlier - however a) Thank Goodness it WAS found during an inspection and not by a train crashing through b) Thank Goodness it's not the bridge on the main line from Plymouth to Tavistock and Exeter Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: Mark A on September 14, 2024, 08:50:02 This is shown on Google Maps and on the One Network website both state Skinnard Lane, which starts opposite the Queens Head https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1025/sn-media-notice-after-21-day-order_139579966_3778011_af31baf90a.pdf Crumbs. The East Cornwall Railway. Obscure little bridges with a curious history. Whether they were built for broad gauge, standard or 3' 6" might be difficult to say. I may have walked the lane beneath one of them, at which time the buildings at the head of the incline were very much intact as indeed they may be today. Mark https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Cornwall_Mineral_Railway (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Cornwall_Mineral_Railway) Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: LiskeardRich on September 14, 2024, 09:24:01 Cornwall council closed the road underneath in July as they felt the structure looked unsafe, it’s taken network rail 2 months to act, think of that however you wish!
Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: TaplowGreen on September 14, 2024, 09:54:20 Cornwall council closed the road underneath in July as they felt the structure looked unsafe, it’s taken network rail 2 months to act, think of that however you wish! Shocking, but not surprising. Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: bobm on September 17, 2024, 17:13:38 Latest report from the work site suggests the line re-opening at the end of next week may be possible.
Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: grahame on September 19, 2024, 07:23:57 From JourneyCheck. Makes sense for the rail replacement from Gunnislake to run earlier to connect with the train at Calstock
Quote - Trains will only run between Plymouth and Calstock, with rail replacement road transport operating between Calstock and Gunnislake. - Rail replacement services will depart Calstock once the train from Plymouth arrives, and all passengers have boarded the road transport to Gunnislake. - Rail replacement services will depart from Gunnislake towards Calstock at the following times: 05:34 07:17 09:11 11:11 13:11 15:11 17:25 19:25 22:14 Passengers are advised to be at Gunnislake station at least 10 mins before the Rail replacement times shown above , as road transport will leave on time. Rail replacement will not be running to train times from Gunnislake towards Calstock. Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: bobm on September 26, 2024, 14:46:26 Line re-opened
Quote 14:27 Plymouth to Calstock due 15:00 14:27 Plymouth to Calstock due 15:00 will be diverted from Calstock and terminated at Gunnislake. This is due to a speed restriction over a bridge earlier today. Title: Re: Gunnislake line suspended from 13/09/24 Post by: Trowres on September 26, 2024, 15:49:04 Good news that the line is open again. Please remind me what that speed restriction was?
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