Churnet Valley Railway General Discussion

...And that assumes you could somehow acquire sufficient redundant mechanical signalling from NR.

 

If one is at one end of the line, with a pair of trains which need to pass each other, a passing loop at the other end wouldn't be much use, would it?

Noel

 

I'm struggling to understand what this constant carping and criticism is trying to achieve. It seems every post is trying to denigrate the line's efforts.

I'd be interested to hear what you have against the CVR, as it might help me put your posts into context.

 

Just because there are potentially 4 passing loops doesn't mean that they have to be in use on every running day. I imagine that the CVR would certainly have the sense to see that - at present they mostly run a 1-train service with the Consall passing loop inactive anyway, so they already have experience of not bothering with a loop that's not going to be used on a given day.

What the loops can do for the CVR is add operational flexibility for future 2+ train services, particularly during galas.

 

I don't think you understand much, all I am saying is that with that density of signalling the line would be like Waterloo in the rush hour, it's a joke. You don't spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on assets that you may decide to use one day, possibly, if you feel like it. You also completely ignore the point that he equipment you would need is fast becoming unobtainable.

 

You seem to be under the delusion that the only thing required to run more trains on a particular line is the capital costs of a passing loop. This is most bizarre. More carriages, more locos, more maintenance on both, more volunteers for the maintenance, more volunteers to crew the locos and trains, volunteers for signalmen, and how many more people will it attract on an ordinary day to compensate for all that? Virtually every line has unused passing loops most of the time that only get used during galas and high days, it's really not that unusual.

 

Starting to sound like The Return of Clog and Knocker.... (seriously)

 

My lack of understanding, if any, does not relate to your opinions on the number of passing loops, with which, incidentally, I disagree.

My fault, for only quoting a part of one of your posts, I suppose.

My lack of understanding was related to your continual nit picking, over many posts, of anything relating to progress made or planned by the CVR.

Apologies if I didn't make myself clear.

I think, for the sake of my blood pressure, it might be time to dust off the ignore button.

 

Pretty sure this is our old friend Matt Adams, aka Clog and Knocker, previously banned from here for incessant trolling. Been grinding his axe for so long now I'm surprised there's anything left. Doesn't seem to be gathering any support for his views so just leave him to it. Just ignore.

 

Yes, thought there were echos of a previous poster.

I've just doubled the size of my ignore list

 

Where did I say that all loops will be operational every day of the week?

Just having the facility available gives us greater flexibility with what we can do. The SVR don't use every loop every single day, and we will be the same also. Whilst there maybe days we only run a 1-train service, having such capacity won't stop us running an additional dining only service, driver experience etc etc. As I said, there are a number of switched on people involved here, looking at the LONG term and not merely the short term.

We understand far more than your short-sightedness allows. My offer of you sharing your expertise in a more practical manner to assist us has fallen upon deaf ears / blind eyes - instead you've chosen to pick a different unnecessary battle time and again.

If all you've got to offer is negativity, then can I politely ask you to let whatever gripe you have go and move on. You clearly have no interest in helping to "rectify" all these supposed short-comings, otherwise you would of pm'd me at the very least, so why waste your time writing such, and everyone's else's in posting such?

 

Sorry I am not into mutual back slapping, I am merely pointing out that for a railway that says it wishes to stay about 6 miles long it doesn't need five sections that it does not have enough rolling stock to use. The Premier Line does have five sections over 16 miles but they are all used on gala days. Bear in mind only every other signal box can be switched out, and only then if there is no level crossing, so you still have to find loads of volunteers to fill a roster.

 

Having gone back through the last couple of pages I'm really confused as to what you're trying to argue. Take out some passing loops or increase the train service? I don't understand why having more passing loops than you regularly need is such a horrendous thing if the slightly more superfluous ones are the ones already in existence.

 

"Not into mutual back-slapping" - never a truer word spoken. Maybe you should try being constructive instead. Volunteering is not easy, so the likes that people get are appreciated and encouraging. You might also call it mutual support or being a team player.

Thinking about it, Clog & Knocker was the second coming, or if you "prefer", the Return of Matt Adams, so maybe Matt Adalar is more like Son of Matt Adams.

Either way, the same relentless negativity, the same trouble with getting facts right and the same focus on signalling, hmmmm

 

Where has it been said CVR wants to stay as 6 miles? Leek to Moneystone is 8.5miles, Add in Ipstones that's another 4.5m, Cauldon adds a further 4m and Waterhouses will add roughly an extra 2m when that comes around. All of which has been mentioned in previous posts...

Signalling there is more than one-way to skin a cat, but you are being so one-dimensional in your views of CVR I'm not surprised you're unable to see this. Fortunately our signalling design team know a lot more than you, though I suppose it helps they are currently involved in the re-signalling of parts of the Melbourne network in Australia.

And sets their profile location as 5D? Well Stoke S&T is the centre of the universe don't you know? Being on the Faulting team there means you know more than everyone else, even those with higher qualifications than yourself. The offer to support us is still there mind - I'll happily accept a PM and have no issue retracting my cynicism if my words are proved to be wrong. However there's more chance of Martin Adalar being positive towards us than that happening isn't there?

 

Getting back to activity at Leekbrook. Last week, with the help of contactors all the trees and scrub between the Ipstones junction and Severn Trent's crossing were dug up and burnt.
Before After

 

31271 arrived at Froghall last night, and is now being prepped ahead of her public debut over the May Day Bank Holiday.

Spaces still available on the Driver Experience to Ipstones
https://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co...ss-31-diesel-along-the-churnet-valley-railway

 

Pway work today included completion of the Ipstones branch line track inspection using the Abtus measuring trolley.

 

Easter Sunday on the CVR with 33021 & the TKH out of sight on the rear of the train. Just a few shots using a 5metre photography pole that I've got my self. Certainly good for getting over hedges & fences!