🚀 go-pugleaf

All the best wishes too them. However I hope they've got a lot of money and
manpower - apparently nearly 1000 sleepers needed replacing on the line and
this is one of the reasons it was shut.

I think the headline is also a bit misleading, they've just bought the
carriages right but haven't actually got the line yet?

James


"bob_builder" <bob_builder@london.com> wrote in message
news:1107521232.597353.27160@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
Community service train re-opens

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambridgeshire/4235801.stm

A passenger rail service is operating between Wisbech and March in
Cambs for the first time since 1968.

A public appeal raised �2,500 to cover the cost of moving the five
rail coaches, most recently used by Gatwick Express, up to March.

The Wisbech & March Bramleyline, a community-based project, plans to
use the former disused railway line as a tourist attraction.

The train will be hauled by an EWS locomotive train from London on
Friday.



Why cannot somebody do this on the Cambridge to St Ives line?

>"bob_builder" <bob_builder@london.com> wrote in message
> news:1107521232.597353.27160@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
> Community service train re-opens
>
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambridgeshire/4235801.stm
>
> Why cannot somebody do this on the Cambridge to St Ives line?

Isn't this similar to Cast Iron's plans? - Except they also have commuter
revenues on the St Ives line.

David

"bob_builder" <bob_builder@london.com> wrote in message 
news:1107521232.597353.27160@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
Community service train re-opens

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambridgeshire/4235801.stm

A passenger rail service is operating between Wisbech and March in
Cambs for the first time since 1968.

A public appeal raised �2,500 to cover the cost of moving the five
rail coaches, most recently used by Gatwick Express, up to March.

The Wisbech & March Bramleyline, a community-based project, plans to
use the former disused railway line as a tourist attraction.

The train will be hauled by an EWS locomotive train from London on
Friday.
Why cannot somebody do this on the Cambridge to St Ives line?

There is no way this train can run from March to Wisbech unless they have 
removed the buffer stops erected on the line adjacent to Whitemoor Yard and 
have relaid the track over some of the level crossings on the line as some 
of the crossings have had the track removed.
Neil.

In article <FRNT1302F04B9B@frontier.co.uk>, David Braben
<dbraben_junk@frontier.co.uk> writes
>>"bob_builder" <bob_builder@london.com> wrote in message
>> news:1107521232.597353.27160@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
>> Community service train re-opens
>>
>> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambridgeshire/4235801.stm
>>
>> Why cannot somebody do this on the Cambridge to St Ives line?
>
>Isn't this similar to Cast Iron's plans? - Except they also have commuter
>revenues on the St Ives line.
>
>David
>
>
>
Yes but the powers that be are going to have their misguided bus.

Thats what that expensive enquiry was all about;!....
-- 
Tony Sayer

> There is no way this train can run from March to Wisbech unless they have
> removed the buffer stops erected on the line adjacent to Whitemoor Yard
and
> have relaid the track over some of the level crossings on the line as some
> of the crossings have had the track removed.
> Neil.

It cant but I believe they are storing the 5 ex Gatwick Mk2s in Whitemoor
yard pending a lease on the line. They haven't got any locos yet to haul
them but if anyone else fancies a set, I think they cost �1 a vehicle I've
been told!

J.

On Fri, 4 Feb 2005 16:02:58 -0000, "Cadman"
<neil@asher95.nospam.co.uk> wrote:

>"bob_builder" <bob_builder@london.com> wrote in message 
>news:1107521232.597353.27160@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
>Community service train re-opens
>
>>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambridgeshire/4235801.stm
>
>>A passenger rail service is operating between Wisbech and March in
>>Cambs for the first time since 1968.

>There is no way this train can run from March to Wisbech unless they have 
>removed the buffer stops erected on the line adjacent to Whitemoor Yard and 
>have relaid the track over some of the level crossings on the line as some 
>of the crossings have had the track removed.

The BBC seem not to have the news release properly.
http://www.bramleyline.co.uk/html/latest_news.html reveals that the
(ECS) train will terminate at March sidings.

BTW why 'Bramleyline'.    Fenland is not known for its apple crop.  
-- 
Peter Lawrence

Peter Lawrence wrote:

> BTW why 'Bramleyline'.    Fenland is not known for its apple crop.  

Yes it is. Or rather, it was, when Britain produced a proper crop of 
apples and other soft fruit. The length of the Upwell and Wisbech 
Tramway was lined with orchards and strawberry fields.

In article <xgPMd.406$ZT3.236@newsfe2-win.ntli.net>, Rupert Moss-Eccardt
<r.moss-eccardt@computer.org> writes
>Peter Lawrence wrote:
>
>> BTW why 'Bramleyline'.    Fenland is not known for its apple crop.  
>
>Yes it is. Or rather, it was, when Britain produced a proper crop of 
>apples and other soft fruit. The length of the Upwell and Wisbech 
>Tramway was lined with orchards and strawberry fields.

ISTR that theres some orchards on the southern side of Wisbech....
-- 
Tony Sayer

bob_builder <bob_builder@london.com> wrote:
> Community service train re-opens
> 
> A passenger rail service is operating between Wisbech and March in
> Cambs for the first time since 1968.
>
> Why cannot somebody do this on the Cambridge to St Ives line?

The St Ives line (Chesterton Jn-Fen Drayton last train 1992) is in a worse
state than the Wisbech branch (last train 2001) so there's more work
involved in getting the track up to standard (more vegetation etc).  But
yes, apart from the Guided Bus and Network Rail being reticent to talk to
anyone else, there's no reason it could happen on the St Ives line too.
 
Theo

Rupert Moss-Eccardt <r.moss-eccardt@computer.org> wrote:

>Peter Lawrence wrote:
>
>> BTW why 'Bramleyline'.    Fenland is not known for its apple crop.  
>
>Yes it is. Or rather, it was, when Britain produced a proper crop of 
>apples and other soft fruit. The length of the Upwell and Wisbech 
>Tramway was lined with orchards and strawberry fields.


That was in the days before French "Golden Delicious", which are not
exactly golden and so completely tasteless that the word "delicious"
cannot possibly comply with Trade Descriptions legislation.

Now the French are producing Braeburns.  One of the best tasting
varieties of modern (i.e. mechanised production) apples, the Braeburn
has also been rendered completely tasteless by the French.  I much
prefer the New Zealand product.

TranzRail in New Zealand use former BR Mk2 coaches, heavily modified,
on a scenic rail service that runs on South Island (Ob. uk.r content).



Tony

On Fri, 4 Feb 2005 20:05:08 +0000, tony sayer <tony@bancom.co.uk>
wrote:

>In article <xgPMd.406$ZT3.236@newsfe2-win.ntli.net>, Rupert Moss-Eccardt
><r.moss-eccardt@computer.org> writes
>>Peter Lawrence wrote:
>>
>>> BTW why 'Bramleyline'.    Fenland is not known for its apple crop.  
>>
>>Yes it is. Or rather, it was, when Britain produced a proper crop of 
>>apples and other soft fruit. The length of the Upwell and Wisbech 
>>Tramway was lined with orchards and strawberry fields.
>
>ISTR that theres some orchards on the southern side of Wisbech....

Thanks.  I stand corrected. 
-- 
Peter Lawrence

Tony Polson wrote:

>
> Now the French are producing Braeburns.  One of the best tasting
> varieties of modern (i.e. mechanised production) apples, the Braeburn
> has also been rendered completely tasteless by the French.  I much
> prefer the New Zealand product.

Excellent!
>
> TranzRail in New Zealand use former BR Mk2 coaches, heavily modified,
> on a scenic rail service that runs on South Island (Ob. uk.r
content).
>
Not quite - Toll NZ (who have taken over Tranz Rail, but who still
market their long-distance trains as Tranz Scenic) operate their Mk2s
(still recognisable as such) on the Palmerston North-Wellington Capital
Connection commuter train. More are being rebuilt for
Masterton-Wellington Wairarapa Connection trains, but these will be
owned by Greater Wellington Regional Council, and operated by Toll. The
only other operating Mk2s in NZ are operated by Connex on MAXX commuter
services in Auckland: there have been rebuilt practically out of all
recognition, and are now suburban-style, with two sets of sliding
doors, & driving trailers with generator sets for push-pull operation.

Apart from the Capital Connection, all Tranz Scenic services are
operated with pre-war NZR-built rolling stock, most heavily rebuilt and
with panoramic windows.

Come & see for yourselves!

Mike

"mmellor" <mmellor@free.net.nz> wrote:

>Not quite - Toll NZ (who have taken over Tranz Rail, but who still
>market their long-distance trains as Tranz Scenic) operate their Mk2s
>(still recognisable as such) on the Palmerston North-Wellington Capital
>Connection commuter train. More are being rebuilt for
>Masterton-Wellington Wairarapa Connection trains, but these will be
>owned by Greater Wellington Regional Council, and operated by Toll. The
>only other operating Mk2s in NZ are operated by Connex on MAXX commuter
>services in Auckland: there have been rebuilt practically out of all
>recognition, and are now suburban-style, with two sets of sliding
>doors, & driving trailers with generator sets for push-pull operation.
>
>Apart from the Capital Connection, all Tranz Scenic services are
>operated with pre-war NZR-built rolling stock, most heavily rebuilt and
>with panoramic windows.
>
>Come & see for yourselves!


Thanks for that!

;-)

Tony

Upon the miasma of midnight, a darkling spirit identified as Tony Polson
<tp@nospam.net> breathed:

>TranzRail in New Zealand use former BR Mk2 coaches, heavily modified,
>on a scenic rail service that runs on South Island (Ob. uk.r content).

What are the modifications?

Btw, why is on topic always referred to as "OB"?

-- 
 - Pyromancer.
 - http://www.inkubus-sukkubus.co.uk  <--  Pagan Gothic Rock!
 - http://www.littlematchgirl.co.uk   <--  Electronic Metal!
 - http://www.revival.stormshadow.com <--  The Gothic Revival.

In article <Ky2sFLB9p1BCFwJi@pyromancer.firstnet.co.uk>, Pyromancer 
<pyromancer@beeching.stormshadow.com> writes
>Btw, why is on topic always referred to as "OB"?

OBligatory comment [in order to stay on-topic]
-- 
"now, the thing you type on and the window you stare out of are the same thing"

On Mon, 7 Feb 2005, Pyromancer wrote:

> > (Ob. uk.r content).

> Btw, why is on topic always referred to as "OB"?

It's not "OB", it's "Ob.", short for "obligatory".

See the "Jargon file" for details.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ob+jargon.file

Mods for all Mk2s in NZ include rebogieing with 1267mm bogies.

Capital Connection (S cars) mods include removal of one toilet per
coach, & consequent window mods; replacement of doors with plug-type;
modifying couplings, braking etc to NZ standards; conversion of one
carriage to a buffet.

MAXX (SA & SD cars, the latter being driving trailers) mods include
removing practically everything above the solebar except the roof &
some framing, & starting again. There are some photos at
http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/index.cfm?942C93FB-BCD4-1A24-9C6A-B38088911FC8
&
http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/index.cfm?F48EC8AC-BCD4-1A24-9EF3-64049657FF23
(ARC rail newsletter issues 13 & 12)

Mike

James S <james@spamtrapper.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
> It cant but I believe they are storing the 5 ex Gatwick Mk2s in Whitemoor
> yard pending a lease on the line. They haven't got any locos yet to haul
> them but if anyone else fancies a set, I think they cost ?1 a vehicle I've
> been told!

I knew the GatEx MkIIs were going cheap, but not that cheap!  Blimey -
I'll have a few please...

FWIW the folk at the GCR(N) have just taken delivery of a rake last
week (hauled by rail right up the GCR(N) by a GBRf Class 66).  From
what I've heard they're very happy with the purchase as the stock has
lots of room for luggage.  In the GCR(N)'s case "luggage" == "prams
and pushchairs" - useful when catering for the family market.

Jim'll

On 8 Feb 2005 04:01:56 -0800, "mmellor" <mmellor@free.net.nz> wrote:

>Mods for all Mk2s in NZ include rebogieing with 1267mm bogies.
[snip]

ISTR reading that the railway concerned regretted the purchase, as
after all the mods new stock would not have been much more expensive,
and would have had a longer life.

Neil

-- 
Neil Williams in Milton Keynes, UK
When replying please use neil at the above domain
'wensleydale' is a spam trap and is not read.

They're still being rebuilt, with more in the pipeline for two owners
and two operators, which implies to me that the economics can't be all
that bad.

Error in my previous posting: 1267mm should have been 1067mm. Senior
moment!

Mike in Wellington, NZ

Hello. We have just discovered this forum at the Bramleyline, and are
delighted to see that we are being discussed. I should correct the way
in which some news organisations announced our news! We did take
delivery of 5 former Gatwick Express BR MK2f (Class 488) coaches on
Friday 4th Feb, however these are currently being stored in the EWS Up
Siding (No 6 Road) at March, between March East and March South Signal
Boxes. The coaches were not £1 each, far from it, however they were
not out of the reach of donations we had raised, with the greater cost
being transportation by rail on the day.
The Bramleyline is currently in excellent condition, receiving weekly
Network Rail patrols, battery replenshment at crossings and frequent
weedkiller trips. We are progressing our negotiations well with Network
Rail, and only two weeks ago were pleased to see that John Armitt has
taken an interest in our project. A number of sleepers will need
replacing, however this is in the 10's rather than thousands. If anyone
has walked the line as often as we have, you will be aware that sleeper
renewal has not been neglected, with some very fashionable (? you
decide!) iron sleepers at Waldersea.
Regarding the level crossings that were removed in June 2004 - namely
the A47 and Weasenham Lane. Again, we have been kept well informed by
our colleagues at Network Rail, and we also have a letter from John
Armitt giving us his personal assurance that the A47 crossing will be
reinstated when WE are ready to operate traffic.
The best place to read the facts about our project is our website
www.bramleyline.co.uk which to the 12 months today has received in
excess of 400,000 hits. (39,000 alone on the day the coaches arrived!).
Otherwise, come and join us.... membership starts from £10 per year
and application forms are available online.
Here's a taster - we hope to run our first charter on 7th May 2005 -
keep watching the website!
Regards
Executive Committee, W&MBL