Weymouth Seaside Express 2012

I lived in yetminster for ten years and I've known it flood on quite a few occasions up to platform height I highly doubt they,de send tangmere through it.

 

I wonder if there's time to go all the way through to Weymouth via Romsey and Poole? There are a couple of alternatives, though, depending on paths: an excursion could terminate and turn at either Salisbury or Southampton. I think there are sidings near both stations where the coaches can be shunted out of the way. At Salisbury, the loco can be turned on Laverstock triangle and serviced in the down bay platform. At Southampton, the train can arrive via Redbridge and depart via Eastleigh, or vice versa, so no need to turn the loco. Last weekend, there were engineering works between Romsey and Eastleigh, with bus replacements. If the same applies this week, then the train would have to arrive and depart via Redbridge, and the loco would need to go to Eastleigh to turn, all of which might be a bit too difficult to path at such short notice.

From the line-sider's point-of-view, the attraction of these alternatives is a morning climb of Dilton Marsh/Upton Scudamore.

The tour could run as far as Yeovil in its own path, but I think the passengers would have run out of things to do long before the scheduled departure time.

But enough of this speculation. It's gone 9am now. Does anyone have any definite news?

 

The Weymouth Seaside Express has departed Bristol Sun 8 July. Not sure yet whether it will reach weymouth !

 

Departed for Yeovil PM. Hoping that the errant bridge can be examined and cleared in time. Otherwise trip to Yeovil Jnc and return is the option. Apparently roads in the affected area are now becoming passable.

 

How can it depart anyway if the Bridge is not be declared safe?

 

BTW, Eastleigh to Romsey blocked all weekend, so diversion not possible. Other issues mean diversion / T & T Diesel/steam not viable at such a late stage.

 

The bridge is between YPM and Dorchester. If it gets to YPM and the bridge is not clear, then divert to YVJ. At least the punters have had a trip behind steam. No real alternative. Fingers Crossed.

 

A posting on another site states tha NR are waiting for the flood water to subside at Bridge E30/151 just north of Yetminster so
that divers can go down and check for scouring.

David (who got marooned on the A37 Yeovil to Dorchester road last night)

 

Through Avoncliff (after Bath) about 10-15 late.

 

Tangmere departed from Bristol TM at 09:10. It was all ready to go at the departure time of 08:51 but the signal stayed at red. <BJ>

From National Rail Enquiries at 10:30:

''Flooding between Yeovil Pen Mill and Weymouth:

All lines are currently blocked. Replacement road transport is not available because of poor road conditions
First Great Western are advising passengers not to attempt travel in this area.''

 

Isn't it Yetiminster?

 

Tangmere has departed from Westbury and is heading for Castle Cary. <BJ>

From another website:

''Looks like it (Tangmere) will go to Weymouth. Castle Cary web Live Dep Board was showing the 1037 as terminating Pen Mill, now showing Weymouth suggesting the line is open.''

 

Fingers crossed that is correct, and not just an error in posting the Live Dep Board. Although for tomorrows train the main line from Waterloo needs re-opening at Tisbury for us to get to Yeovil Junction.

I'll be watching for updates here very closely, as I have booked a party of 16 on tomorrows train!

 

Hmm. Just checked both Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill Boards and whilst I find that at Castle Cary a bit confusing, it still looks like it is only reported as going to Pen Mill.

It's due there in ten minutes so all will be revealed soon. Or sort of soon!

 

Any news?

 

NR web site are now stating the closure of the Pen Mill- Weymouth line and that at Tisbury will last all of today. If that is correct, it is no real surprise. I am sure that with all the flooding etc they will want to carry out more than just a check on one bridge? With a normal service hopefully starting tomorrow! Have to wait and see.

Still got a hosepipe ban here in Kent, by the way.

 

The hosepipe ban doesn't surpise me, it won't be lifted until they satisfied the ground water levels are OK to deal with it.

 

Can't find mine anyway. It's under a great puddle of water somewhere.

Any more on where Tangmere has got to?

 

No lost her some where after frome.

 

in a puddle