The Bristol Railway Archive

There was a strange looking thing parked-up at Bedminster earlier at about 19:45. I think it was a tamper.

It was facing towards Parson Street on the line into Temple Meads, and all signals were at red. The engine was gentle humming away, all the cab doors were open, and there was sight and sound of no one.

Spooky.

I strongly suspect that the presence of the tamper was connected with the engineering work currently underway replacing point work around Bedminster and Parson Street. The reason there was no one around was probably that the tamper wasnÆt needed at the moment and the crew went to the site office to get a cup tea!

During the week if you pass between Bedminister and Parson Street (or look from Parson Street) next to the down main you'll be able to see them put together a set of points ready for installation during the next possession. They are happening every weekend until Christmas so plenty more opportunely so see the work in progress.

Mike