Okehampton

[whole diary]

[Southernman]

As one of my colleagues commented, its interesting (and great) that concrete sleepers are being used and not steel. Perhaps shows that the possibility of extending to Meldon (for the quarry) or Tavistock (and Plymouth) are being considered. I understand steel is used where traffic is less heavy and slower. Good to see the relaying is being done to a high standard.

[IndustryInsider]

To a certain extent that is indeed the case - steel won’t be used on high speed and intensive routes, but the choice also comes down to the cost of steel vs concrete at the time which can fluctuate AIUI^▸ (as I understand it).

[REVUpminster]

From another site. All the heritage stock has been moved to the quarry sidings by class 08 and class 31 locomotives. Both engines pulled the 11 carriages from platform 2.

The class 31 and a general utility van placed for removal by road.

[Andy]

Is it known yet whether or not track will be relaid on both through platforms at Okehampton, and points for a (passing) loop installed or does the plan consist of a single stub with a connection to a separate Okehampton-Meldon section?

[RichardB]

Is it known yet whether or not track will be relaid on both through platforms at Okehampton, and points for a (passing) loop installed or does the plan consist of a single stub with a connection to a separate Okehampton-Meldon section?

Track won't be relaid on both platforms and there won't be points for a passing loop either, I'm afraid.  Only the single line into the operational platform is needed for the passenger service.

[Andy]

Thanks, Richard B. Well, it's a start, and the most important thing is to get the service up and running.

[RailCornwall]

Progress on the trackwork, specifically at North Tawton, highlighted on the project website -

https://dartmoorline.com/2021/04/new-track-on-north-tawton-bridge/

[REVUpminster]

No double tracking there in far future !! Are they trying to make a station halt? Need those limited clearance signs.

Still the line speed must be greatly enhanced.

[bradshaw]

There is a detailed report in the May issue of Modern Railways, p76-80. It gives some of the post 1994 background before detailing the improvements that are being made. The one engine in steam principle of signalling is being retained thus reducing costs and five new GSM-R^▸ (Global System for Mobile communications - Railway.) radio masts are being built to improve radio reception.
It seems that the aim is a December opening for the two hourly service. The hourly service will need the renewal of Greenslade bridge over which there is currently a 20 mph restriction. The aim is for a 27.5 minute time from Crediton to Okehampton, with two minutes less on the return. The hourly service will be two minutes less in journey time. Line speeds increase to 55mph from Coleford Jct, 70mph at Bow, back to 55 mph through Sampford Courtenay, followed by 65mph and the 40 mph into Okehampton.
Much more detail in the article

[REVUpminster]

New Track Construction train arrived tonight and a second train with more sleepers?

One train returns to Westbury tomorrow.

[bradshaw]

Track laying has begun, this from Network Rail Western Twitter feed

https://twitter.com/networkrailwest/status/1384788507944685568?s=21

[bradshaw]

Network Rail update on Twitter

  the first stage consisting of 2.6km of railway line has now been renewed along the Dartmoor Line. There are 3 further sections to do over the coming weeks.

[RichardB]

Network Rail update on Twitter

  the first stage consisting of 2.6km of railway line has now been renewed along the Dartmoor Line. There are 3 further sections to do over the coming weeks.

1.6 miles.  Fabulous stuff.

[ChrisB]

They’re looking for a new logo for the Dartmor Line, closing date May 23

https://dartmoorline.com/2021/04/design-the-dartmoor-logo/

[Celestial]

They’re looking for a new logo for the Dartmor Line, closing date May 23

https://dartmoorline.com/2021/04/design-the-dartmoor-logo/

How about a prison?