Coming up on the AVR
-
stumpytrain
- regular
- Posts: 269
- Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2004 7:15 pm
- Location: Bristol, UK
- Contact:
I'm can't check until I'm back at work on Friday night. I would assume though that both roads would be under occupation, it's very rare for single line working these days, especially during the day. Cross Country's will be diverted etc. I seem to recall hearing that the fittings at Yate are being renewed as well...tonyperks wrote:Hi alex off topic a bit, what is the schedule for saturday at charfield as per line closure, single line working or complete shut down, for the replacement of point work?
Alex
-
get_that_bus_out
- regular
- Posts: 96
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:30 pm
- Location: Philadelphia, PA (on leave from FGW-land at the moment!)
Bitton signalling
Hi Alex,
Sorry it's taken me a while to respond to your question about signalling at Bitton. For the short term things are likely to stay much as they are, with Bitton controlled using stop boards and flag signals from a responsible officer. On gala days or when several trains are running, Avon Riverside and Oldland Common are also turned into block posts and manned by responsible officers, with the RO at Bitton in charge of coordinating traffic movements. With the imminent arrival of the DMU (supposed to be happening this week, last I heard) it is planned to bring the former "up" platform back into use for passenger traffic, which will involve modifications to the interlocking on the turnouts at either end of Bitton loop, a platform upgrade (which is largely complete) and a track upgrade.
Long term to my knowledge there are no firm plans yet. However, a semaphore installation at Bitton seems likely in the fullness of time. I suspect the rest of the line is likely to be signalled with a minimum maintenance/minimum staffing form of signalling, perhaps along the lines of RETB, although nothing official has been decided and this is mostly speculation on my part. In an ideal world, we'd like to be able to run off-peak services with the entire line supervised from Bitton by one signaller. We don't want to end up in the same situation as Swanage: they installed a superb, gold-plated signalling system but it meant that there had to be a minimum of two signallers on duty before anything could turn a wheel, and they had trouble finding the staff, particularly for the more complicated box at Swanage, so the system has since been rationalized.
James
Sorry it's taken me a while to respond to your question about signalling at Bitton. For the short term things are likely to stay much as they are, with Bitton controlled using stop boards and flag signals from a responsible officer. On gala days or when several trains are running, Avon Riverside and Oldland Common are also turned into block posts and manned by responsible officers, with the RO at Bitton in charge of coordinating traffic movements. With the imminent arrival of the DMU (supposed to be happening this week, last I heard) it is planned to bring the former "up" platform back into use for passenger traffic, which will involve modifications to the interlocking on the turnouts at either end of Bitton loop, a platform upgrade (which is largely complete) and a track upgrade.
Long term to my knowledge there are no firm plans yet. However, a semaphore installation at Bitton seems likely in the fullness of time. I suspect the rest of the line is likely to be signalled with a minimum maintenance/minimum staffing form of signalling, perhaps along the lines of RETB, although nothing official has been decided and this is mostly speculation on my part. In an ideal world, we'd like to be able to run off-peak services with the entire line supervised from Bitton by one signaller. We don't want to end up in the same situation as Swanage: they installed a superb, gold-plated signalling system but it meant that there had to be a minimum of two signallers on duty before anything could turn a wheel, and they had trouble finding the staff, particularly for the more complicated box at Swanage, so the system has since been rationalized.
James
AVR DMU Update
The unit arrived this morning and was offloaded by 10.30a.m.
Driver training should start later this week.
Driver training should start later this week.
News article and small picture of the unit can be found here:
http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/cgi-bi ... cle_id=174
Remember its not replacing steam hauled services, just complimenting them.
Larger pictures will be available on the AVRs revamped gallery soon.
http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/cgi-bi ... cle_id=174
Remember its not replacing steam hauled services, just complimenting them.
Larger pictures will be available on the AVRs revamped gallery soon.
-
mangotsfield_mauler
- regular
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Sun Jun 10, 2007 10:21 pm
- Location: Bristol
Well done to the AVR for getting a DMU in. It clearly makes sense with operating costs, and I think it will be a welcome addition to their fleet. I miss the first generation DMUs, the current batch of units on the main network lack soul. I used to love sitting in the front or back and watching the journey. I know there's been some upset that this might replace (but is complementing) steam services, but what steam? A Polish engine in Bitton? How can that be fitting? When can I go for a ride on the DMU?
Mangotsfield_mauler
-
get_that_bus_out
- regular
- Posts: 96
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:30 pm
- Location: Philadelphia, PA (on leave from FGW-land at the moment!)
First DMU operation
As it stands the first outing for the DMU is likely to be the "end of season" gala on 02 Nov. Although we had the opportunity to hire in a '33' from Swanage to turn it into a southern diesel gala (given that we already have a '73' and an '07') the cost of transport proved prohibitive. So, it's likely to be an "everything goes" type event where we get every serviceable loco/unit we have on the rails.
The most recent draft of the timetable I saw had a DMU shuttle Bitton - Avon Riverside and a loco-halued shuttle Bitton - Oldland Common: we can't run two passenger trains through the length of the line at the moment as the up loop at Bitton is not yet up to passenger standard (but watch this space...). This is all of course subject to change so keep an eye on the AVR website where full details will appear once they've all been sorted out!
Following the gala I believe the DMU is next scheduled to run in passenger service during the February half term week, although no doubt there will be crew familiarization trips and perhaps even the odd charter before then.
PS Give me a Polish loco over a GWR loco any day...
The most recent draft of the timetable I saw had a DMU shuttle Bitton - Avon Riverside and a loco-halued shuttle Bitton - Oldland Common: we can't run two passenger trains through the length of the line at the moment as the up loop at Bitton is not yet up to passenger standard (but watch this space...). This is all of course subject to change so keep an eye on the AVR website where full details will appear once they've all been sorted out!
Following the gala I believe the DMU is next scheduled to run in passenger service during the February half term week, although no doubt there will be crew familiarization trips and perhaps even the odd charter before then.
PS Give me a Polish loco over a GWR loco any day...
New Gallery Now Live
The AVRs revamped picture gallery is now live!
http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/cgi-bi ... cle_id=179
Over 400 images; new and old. Hope you enjoy.
Just go to the AVR website and click on Gallery or see the news article at above link.
http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/cgi-bi ... cle_id=179
Over 400 images; new and old. Hope you enjoy.
Just go to the AVR website and click on Gallery or see the news article at above link.
-
BristleGWR
- regular
- Posts: 412
- Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2006 2:52 pm
-
BristleGWR
- regular
- Posts: 412
- Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2006 2:52 pm
Thanks John, I've cycled back along the cycle track a dozen times or more this year and it's the first time I've noticed it!! Couldn't miss it yesterday as I was stopped near the level crossing waiting for the train to go through and noticed the green light!! Is it 'controlled' or is it simply operated by an on/off switch??
Its operated by an on/off switch which the RO will press when hes finished opening the gate.Is it 'controlled' or is it simply operated by an on/off switch??
It was used up until the end of last years Santa Specials then wasnt used for a while.
and noticed the green light!!
You really cant miss it can you! Especially during night you can see it reflecting off the rail before you get around the bend.[/quote]
Information for End of Season Gala - Sunday 2nd November
2008 End of Season "Anything Goes" Gala
Sunday, 2nd November is set to be a busy and exciting time for the Railway as it holds its third ôEnd of Season Galaö. This year the theme is ôanything goesö û a great mix of passenger and goods trains hauled by the RailwayÆs fleet of steam and diesel locomotives.
Highlights include:
ò Two steam locomotives: No. 4015 æKarelÆ and RSH No. 7151
ò Four diesel locomotives: No. 73101 æThe Royal AlexÆ, BR Class 07 No. D2994, Ruston Hornsby 0-6-0DH and Barclay 0-4-DM æKingswoodÆ
ò First passenger service on the AVR for the DMU set (units DMBS No. 52006 and DMCL No. 52025)
ò All locomotives (except æKingswoodÆ) will be hauling both passenger and freight trains, often in a combination of double and triple headers and some freight trains are also banked.
Trains will run to a different timetable than usual. A full timetable giving locomotive workings and times of passenger and freight services will be available on the day. Although the first passenger train departs Bitton at 9am, movements will start beforehand with an empty coaching stock movement to Avon Riverside at 0830. The following is a summary of the dayÆs passenger timetable:
From Oldland Common:
ò Departures at 0937, 1116, 1247, 1404*, and 1530 to Bitton and Avon Riverside.
ò Departure at 1608 to Bitton only.
From Bitton:
ò Departures to Oldland Common at 0900, 1013, 1030, 1152, 1209, 1313, 1334, 1445, 1458* and 1558.
ò Departures to Avon Riverside at 0945, 1123, 1255, 1412 and 1540.
From Avon Riverside:
ò Departures at 1015, 1142, 1319 and 1435* to Bitton and Oldland Common
ò Departure at 1623 to Bitton only.
* denotes last departure to make a complete round trip
Please note some trains do not return to Bitton from Oldland Common or Avon Riverside. It is necessary for passengers to catch the next available departure from this station to return to Bitton. Please speak to staff to ensure you are aware of the possible wait.
Tickets are available from Bitton Station and from the Ticket Inspector onboard each train. Ticket Inspectors onboard the train can only accept cash, card payments can only be made at the Booking Office at Bitton.
Tickets for all day unlimited travel is as follows:
ò Adult: ú6.50
ò Child: ú5.00
ò Family: ú18.00 (2 adults + 2 children)
ò Concession: ú5.50
MemberÆs tickets and other free passes/concessions will not be valid on the day.
For more information please telephone 0117 932 5538.
Sunday, 2nd November is set to be a busy and exciting time for the Railway as it holds its third ôEnd of Season Galaö. This year the theme is ôanything goesö û a great mix of passenger and goods trains hauled by the RailwayÆs fleet of steam and diesel locomotives.
Highlights include:
ò Two steam locomotives: No. 4015 æKarelÆ and RSH No. 7151
ò Four diesel locomotives: No. 73101 æThe Royal AlexÆ, BR Class 07 No. D2994, Ruston Hornsby 0-6-0DH and Barclay 0-4-DM æKingswoodÆ
ò First passenger service on the AVR for the DMU set (units DMBS No. 52006 and DMCL No. 52025)
ò All locomotives (except æKingswoodÆ) will be hauling both passenger and freight trains, often in a combination of double and triple headers and some freight trains are also banked.
Trains will run to a different timetable than usual. A full timetable giving locomotive workings and times of passenger and freight services will be available on the day. Although the first passenger train departs Bitton at 9am, movements will start beforehand with an empty coaching stock movement to Avon Riverside at 0830. The following is a summary of the dayÆs passenger timetable:
From Oldland Common:
ò Departures at 0937, 1116, 1247, 1404*, and 1530 to Bitton and Avon Riverside.
ò Departure at 1608 to Bitton only.
From Bitton:
ò Departures to Oldland Common at 0900, 1013, 1030, 1152, 1209, 1313, 1334, 1445, 1458* and 1558.
ò Departures to Avon Riverside at 0945, 1123, 1255, 1412 and 1540.
From Avon Riverside:
ò Departures at 1015, 1142, 1319 and 1435* to Bitton and Oldland Common
ò Departure at 1623 to Bitton only.
* denotes last departure to make a complete round trip
Please note some trains do not return to Bitton from Oldland Common or Avon Riverside. It is necessary for passengers to catch the next available departure from this station to return to Bitton. Please speak to staff to ensure you are aware of the possible wait.
Tickets are available from Bitton Station and from the Ticket Inspector onboard each train. Ticket Inspectors onboard the train can only accept cash, card payments can only be made at the Booking Office at Bitton.
Tickets for all day unlimited travel is as follows:
ò Adult: ú6.50
ò Child: ú5.00
ò Family: ú18.00 (2 adults + 2 children)
ò Concession: ú5.50
MemberÆs tickets and other free passes/concessions will not be valid on the day.
For more information please telephone 0117 932 5538.