It is not possible to run a 2 tph service though. The loops at Chard and Honiton are not positioned correctly to allow it, they'd both have to be moved to the mid points between the double tracked sections. This has been analysed to death before now, I went as far as drawing detailed graphs of distance/time, and it can't be done.
I gather Axe & Broom level crossings are shortly to be closed temporarily for 'upgrading' work. Does this mean that there are plans afoot to widen them to extend the Axminster double track section to go as far as Chard Junction loop?
Not heard anything about extensions, but anyway, connecting Axminster and Chard loops gives very little operational benefit. It might provide a perturbation margin, but it still doesn't help increase frequency.
Assuming that the obvious increase over an hourly service would be to a half hourly through service, you'd need both a loop exactly half way between Axminster and Yeovil Jn, ie just about at Crewkerne, and you'd also need another loop somewhere west of Whimple (like Cranbrook).
Can't see it even in the medium term, even the half hourly Exeter to Axminster stopper is pretty much on the back burner as far as I can see. The
GWML▸ RUS▸ reckoned there was no business case yet. (It did make me wonder why it's discussed in there
BTW▸ - perhaps because it is Exeter related?)
Paul
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