|
Network Rail and the WSR have agreed to install a new lead giving direct access to the triangle for trains coming onto the branch. The lead, will be installed on the very boundary with Network Rail at MP 165.25, facing to inbound trains. This new lead will in time be worked by a ground frame locked by the BL-NF token.
This connection was shown on some early drawings but was then deleted pending Network Rail agreement and approval.
The triangle will remain limited to five coaches for internal services which still may not pass the boundary (shown by the distant board in the photo) but the new connection will allow trains passed for the national network to use the triangle directly – the limiting length being that of the Allerford spur toward Barnstaple which will be 330m long when completed.
This addition will therefore enable the HOBC and TRT to benefit from the triangle and will allow a full HST set to be turned if the need is ever required making the facility much more attractive for future commercial use. It will in effect create two triangles, the ‘new’ larger version using the existing branch line past Norton Platform rather than the East Chord.
The new lead is being manufactured from recovered components, a ground frame is being recovered from the components of two donated frames and a tamper will shortly prepare the site for the installation of the lead. Installation will be dependant on finding a suitable window in services but the February 7th installation of the new East/West chord point proved that the WSRA P.Way gang can turn an installation around in very short order when required.
Meanwhile back on the site itself preparations are underway to complete the ballasting of the Allerford spur now the HOBC has begun regular deliveries after its long winter lay-off. Once ballasted this section will be tamped. The recently delivered sleepers have been laid out ready for final placing.
Having laid some of the flat bottom rail available and honed the new skills required the P.Way gang have turned their attention to sorting the jig-saw of donated pointwork to retrieve the two remaining leads needed – one for the East Chord/Barnstaple junction and the other to act as a trap to protect the new lead. These will need to be transported across the site by lorry so sleepers and rail cannot be laid until they are in place.
Names for Allerford Junction and Orchard Junction have developed over time and become established – we now have two new ‘junctions’ although names will not be considered until their installation is complete and they are available for use. However the new lead will provide for the possibility of an ‘avoiding line’ around Norton Platform so there is plenty of food for thought………..
David Holmes
21 April 2010
|
|
 Site of new junction © David Holmes
 The design drawing for the new CV 9.25 lead © David Holmes
|