HPMRS RAILDATE 07 Oct 06

News

RAILDATE: the weekly newsletter of the Hursley Park Model Railway Society: http://www.ibmhursleyclub.org.uk/ss/hpmrs/

NETWATCH

Help Save 89001: http://www.aclocogroup.co.uk/

The unique 89001 is up for sale. Although the locomotive is mostly complete, it has not been serviceable for a number of years, and many components would require extensive repairs. Estimates suggest that a hefty six-figure sum would be needed to restore the loco to main-line condition. To beat off the scrap-man, the group needs to raise a lot of money and fast! Realistically, they are talking five figures at least, and they will be bidding as much as they can raise between now and the deadline, through Electric Traction Ltd, their associated limited company.

If you want to contribute, please download and fill out the appeal form and send a cheque, which will be cashed only if they are successful in their bid.

"Don't let the Badger slip away: act today!"

How on earth did that happen?!

http://ken9840.fotopic.net/p34763358.html

Issue 51 of "West Somerset Express", the unofficial online newsletter of the West Somerset Railway, is now available:

http://trainsferriesbuses.co.uk/westsomersetexpress.htm

Peter Burgess of the Cumbrian Railways website has added a new section for the Carlisle & Silloth Bay Railway:

http://www.cumbria-railways.co.uk/carlisle_silloth_bay_railway.html

London to Brighton in 2 minutes:

http://www.lobsterpictures.tv/webcom/lonbri.php

Steve McNally has added some 1973 Barry photos to:

http://steve-mcnally.fotopic.net/c1073017.html

For some time there has been a discussion group for users of TRAX layout planning software. However, its host (Topica) has proved to be somewhat unreliable over the years, so the group has moved to Yahoo! Groups:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/traxusers

TRAX layout planning software is published by Kestrel Railway Books:

http://www.kestrelrailwaybooks.co.uk

Ralph Rawlinson's European News...

France SNCF (French Railways) has published the timetable for TGV Est that will come into force on the opening of the line next June. The full details can be found on the TGV Est European web-site: http://www.tgvesteuropeen.com/article.php3?id_article=700.

The highlight of the timetable is undoubtedly the hourly service proposed between Paris and Strasbourg (though there will be a train missing in the middle of the day to give the standard French white period), with most trains running non-stop. On the international front, the Paris-Frankfurt service is to be provided by ICEs, whilst the Paris-Stuttgart service (with one train-pair serving Munich) will be provided by TGVs.

Spain Another 15 miles of railway were added to Spain's growing high-speed system. The Lleida by-pass itself is 10½ miles long, from the 'Bifurcacion las Torres de Sanui' to the 'Bifurcacion del Cambiador de Puigverd'. The latter is the location of a gauge- and voltage-changing installation, as well as a construction depot. The fastest time between Madrid and Barcelona is now 4hr 22min, by the 15.20 from Madrid. In the reverse direction the 19.30 from Barcelona Sants takes two minutes longer.

Ireland Translink has recently unveiled its 'Vision for future' of Northern Ireland's public transport. Most of the information regarding rail was already in the public domain, ie the planned replacement of the 8450 class DEMU fleet (due around 2010-12) and upgrading of the track and signalling equipment on the Ballymena to Londonderry section. The company is also liaising with IR regarding the future upgrading of the Cross Border line to 125mph operation. Costed at approximately £500 million, it would allow a non-stop timing of 90 mins between Belfast and Dublin and improved service levels. Future options outlined in the report include: - Re-opening the Antrim - Lisburn line with stops at Crumlin, Glenavy and Belfast international airport. - 60-minute frequency to Coleraine/Londonderry. - Newry-Dundalk line - expansion of local cross Border services. - New Belfast 'George Best' City airport station. - Extra loop between Castlerock and Londonderry.

Italy There is now an extra pair of trains daily on the Milan-Turin high-speed line giving five trains a day in each direction and a slightly reduced journey time of 82 mins. Three extra pairs of trains will run over the Rome-Naples line giving seven pairs each day.

Finland The new direct line between Kereva and Lahti opened to traffic on 3rd September as planned. It largely follows the E75 motorway and includes 30 miles of new construction; the distance is 18 miles less than the old route via Riihmäki. The fastest trains between Helsinki and Lahti now come down by 37min.

Mike Moore has an excellent website specialising in Industrial Archaeology mining and caving books:

http://www.moorebooks.co.uk

There is a new website called "Bal Maidens and Women at the Mines", which can be found at:

http://www.balmaiden.co.uk

IN THE NEWS

Stagecoach solves the problem of overcrowding: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2384497,00.html

Oh no... wrong kind of pollen: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/5402692.stm

On-time trains at seven-year high: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5400302.stm

High Speed Train marks 30 years: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/5407016.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/4/newsid_2486000/2486817.stm

Slowing down of High Speed Train: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/5405830.stm

Call to save run-down rail route: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/5398068.stm

Work starts on new railway line: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/5388424.stm

Villagers angry at bridge delay: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/5403362.stm

Recalling the golden age of steam: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/5400830.stm

Councils attack Eurostar changes: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5402276.stm

TV and Radio

Events

See Mainline Steam Tours page for up-to-date info on many of these tours, and others, often with timings.