News
USA Tank visits Dartmoor Railway
Project 62's Yugoslavian built "Yankee Tank" number 30075 will be visiting the Dartmoor Railway from 21st August to operate all scheduled passenger services between Meldon / Okehampton / Sampford Courtenay click here. This type of loco is no stranger to this line as they worked at Meldon Quarry until March 1967. The locomotive will return to the Mid-Hants Railway in early September. If you want more information about Project 62 go to www.project62.supanet.com
Work-up trials of Network Rail's High Output Track Renewals Equipment
During December 2009, Network Rail approached the Dartmoor Railway with a view to using the Meldon branch line, to trial its High Output Track Renewal Equipment.
Network Rail had been looking for a location where the trials could be carried out without interruption from other rail traffic and as passenger services on the Dartmoor Railway were due to come to an end for the winter break and without any stone traffic to Meldon Quarry; we were able to offer the facility that they required.
Dartmoor Railway’s civil engineer and Network Rail agreed that a suitable site for track renewal would be in the area of the disused station at Bow and a further site near the former Coleford Junction would be used to trial the Ballast Cleaning Equipment.
Work began on 14th December when rail and sleepers were brought in from Thingley Junction and dropped on site, in preparation for track relaying which started the following week.
When the work was finally completed in February 2010, the track was handed back by Network Rail having been relayed, tamped and regulated to main line standards.
The exercise has benefited both Network Rail and Dartmoor Railway and demonstrates the good relationship that exists between the two organisations. Amey Colas, who are contracted by Network Rail to carry out track renewals on the main line, have gained experience from the trials and the Dartmoor Railway now have one mile of brand new track, capable of supporting 125 mph trains. It’s a pity that our maximum line speed is 55 mph!
Dartmoor Railway Services to Yeoford
The expected introduction of Dartmoor Railway services to Yeoford in May of this year have been postponed for several months as it has not yet been possible to finalize arrangements with Network Rail.
For the time being, Dartmoor Railway services are, therefore, only running between Okehampton and Meldon Quarry on Sundays and to both Meldon Quarry and Sampford Courtenay on Saturdays.
For timetable click here.
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