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chrisoates
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« on: January 21, 2009, 02:12:40 » |
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The Main Line from Paddington to Penzance USED to be Double through-out except for 1 short piece that was always single.
Would that be where the Royal Albert Bridge is? Mark That's another point - anyone know the life expectancy of the bridge ? Well it is 150 years old this year, shame NR» couldnt get their fingers out and paint the bloody thing. Although its only superficial (I hope) some of the rust is getting quite severe and its looking quite a state!! This got me Googling and I found some interesting info here [url]http://www.g0akh.f2s.com/Misc/The_Royal_Albert_Bridge_Page.htm[url] I didn't know that some of the metalwork is not original. I did know the bridge was constructed on a small piece of land on the Plymouth side of the river - fantastic achievement when you consider they didn't have welders, hydraulic cranes, electric drills or much knowledge of the materials they were using apart from past experience. What worries me is that when 'elf & safety' turn up one day and condem the bridge it'll take much longer than Brunel took to build it to replace it....could be up to luck that there were enough units in Cornwall to maintain a service to Saltash to be bussed to Plymouth. |
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« Last Edit: January 21, 2009, 09:00:19 by chrisoates »
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richard bickford
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« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2009, 08:45:44 » |
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150 years old this year. NR» have said they expect another 50=60 years working life with at least one more major refit. They say it will be painted later this year but not in time for May. We are organising an official walk across the bridge with NR. Will be early on Sunday the 3rd May, before any traffic. I'll keep you all informed. There is also going to be a great big firework display at Saltash on the evening of the 2nd May. I have a live webcam on the front of my house, you can see pictures at www.royalalbertbridge.co.uk where there are also more details of the 150 celebrations. |
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autotank
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« Reply #2 on: January 21, 2009, 13:39:06 » |
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That sounds like a great event - I've always wanted to walk across the bridge. Do keep us updated on the celebrations. By any chance are there going to be any steam specials over the bridge during the weekend?
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richard bickford
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« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2009, 14:02:36 » |
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Steam special planned but not yet confirmed for Saturday 2nd.
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chrisoates
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« Reply #4 on: January 21, 2009, 21:56:18 » |
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150 years old this year. NR» have said they expect another 50=60 years working life with at least one more major refit. They say it will be painted later this year but not in time for May. We are organising an official walk across the bridge with NR. Will be early on Sunday the 3rd May, before any traffic. I'll keep you all informed. There is also going to be a great big firework display at Saltash on the evening of the 2nd May. I have a live webcam on the front of my house, you can see pictures at www.royalalbertbridge.co.uk where there are also more details of the 150 celebrations. Rats !...I'll be working...I shall have a peek via your webcam - thanks. |
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richard bickford
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« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2009, 09:40:22 » |
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This weekend the bridge will celebrate 150 years since the official opening by Prince Albert in 1859. For those that are interested in fireworks, there will be a big display on Saturday night. The Saltash Road Bridge and Tunnel will be SHUT. Many thanks to the Highways Agency for agreeing to this, for the period of the display. The display will be fired from the length of the pedestrian arm of the road bridge over the top of Royal Albert, which should be pretty spectacular! More details at www.royalalbertbridge.co.ukIf you come from Cornwall then please come by train. FGW▸ have agreed an extra stop on the 1606 Paddington - Penzance to 'Pick Up only' for people travelling back into Cornwall. This will call at 2131 around 15 minutes after the display. Network Rail gave a talk last night regarding the future of the bridge, which will be secured over the next two years with a major refit and repaint. |
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amiddl
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« Reply #7 on: May 02, 2009, 10:56:58 » |
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Thanks for tip off had missed this completely so advised family and friends in area.
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Electric train
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« Reply #8 on: May 02, 2009, 12:29:03 » |
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It is one of the great pleasures of working for Network Rail the companies willingness to tackle heritage sites and structures like the Albert Bridge and the fourth span a Paddington two very good examples and yet at the same time rebuilding parts to provide a 21st century railway
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Starship just experienced what we call a rapid unscheduled disassembly, or a RUD, during ascent,”
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RailCornwall
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« Reply #9 on: May 02, 2009, 13:43:15 » |
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I'm going to travel up this afternoon, will have to watch from the station platform though as there'll be no time to meet the returning train otherwise. Much to my shame I don't think I've ever got off a train in Saltash before.
Going to go up on the 1440 and do a quick reversal at Plymouth. Now to find a car parking space in the environs of Truro Station!
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RailCornwall
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« Reply #10 on: May 02, 2009, 22:52:12 » |
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MAGNIFICENT!
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #11 on: May 02, 2009, 22:56:40 » |
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William Huskisson MP▸ 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.
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Super Guard
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« Reply #12 on: May 03, 2009, 00:52:52 » |
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Is this likely to be covered on BBC» Spotlight at all?
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Any opinions made on this forum are purely personal and my own. I am in no way speaking for, or offering the views of First Great Western or First Group.
If my employer feels I have broken any aspect of the Social Media Policy, please PM me immediately, so I can rectify without delay.
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #13 on: May 03, 2009, 00:55:43 » |
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Well, you'd like to think so - but perhaps whether it actually gets aired depends on other news items, over the Bank Holiday weekend?  |
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William Huskisson MP▸ 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.
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