46. Thingley Junction-30.07.15

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2015 > 46. Thingley Junction-30.07.15
Whilst returning from Wiltshire, I called in at Thingley Junction to capture a couple of HST services taking the diversionary route due to the closure of Box tunnel for electrification works.
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Thingley Junction looking east with associated engineering depot The only signs of the pending electrification at Thingley Junction is the building of the encampment of composed of the various contractors who have arrived on site. Soon the posts for the wiring will be installed and this view of the GWML looking east towards Chippenham will be far less open than it is now. The spire of Chippenham's St. Paul's church can be seen rising above the trees on the skyline Keywords: Thingley Junction looking east with associated engineering depot Chippenham Bath Melksham Westbury
Former fertilizer distribution depot, Thingley Junction looking east The former fertilizer distribution depot has been closed for a number of years but remains rail connected. I suspect that Network Rail will be pleased that they have kept the depot site as it is now to become the home to the contractors involved in the much delayed and hugely over-budget GWML electrification. The sidings were once the temporary home to an assortment of withdrawn coaching stock and, for a while locomotives that included 50017 'Ark Royal'. I recall that on a Sunday evening in the late 1990s I witnessed one of the MK. 1 coaches in the process of being gutted by fire as I passed on a train with the Wiltshire fire brigade in attendance. I hope that the mindless vandals were pleased with their efforts at destroying a piece of our railway heritage. Keywords: Former fertilizer distribution depot Thingley Junction looking east
Thingley Junction looking west The scene looking west from the overbridge near to Thingley Junction will soon be totally changed with the installation of the electrification equipment. The lines in view were closed at the time the picture was taken for some months due to extensive works in Box tunnel some three miles away to lower the track in preparation for the wiring. Keywords: Thingley Junction looking west Bath Cippenham
43138 & 43146, GW 13.30-Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington (1A20), diverted because of electrification work in Box tunnel, Thingley Junction 43138 leads the 13.30 Bristol Temple Meads to Paddington with 43146 bringing up the rear off the single line section between Bradford Junction and Thingley Junction via Melksham. It was diverted off its usual GWML route due to engineering works in Box tunnel associated with the electrification. With the lifting of the north chord at Bradford Junction in the 1990s, trains on diversion such as this have to stop west of the junction towards Trowbridge with the driver than having to walk the length of the train for it then to retrace its steps to continue its journey. Keywords: 43138 43146, GW 13.30-Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington (1A20), diverted because of electrification work in Box tunnel, Thingley Junction
43146, GW 13.30 Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington (1A20), diverted because of electrification work in Box tunnel, Thingley Junction 43146 had its 'Building a Greater West' vinyls applied during February of this year and strikes quite a pose as it approaches Thingley Junction and about to join the GWML at the rear of the 13.30 Bristol to Paddington. The train was diverted off its normal route travelling via the Avon valley to Trowbridge where it would cross over and return via the single track section through Melksham. I wonder if Network Rail (then as BR) rue the day that this section of line was singled and that the Bradford Junction north chord was lifted thus necessitating a time-consuming reversal? Keywords: 43146 Building a Greater West 13.30 Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington (1A20), diverted because of electrification work in Box tunnel, Thingley Junction HST First Great Western
43175, GW 13.00 London Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads (1C15), diverted because of electrification work in Box tunnel, Thingley Junction Having just left the speedy GWML at Thingly Junction located between the power pylons to the top right of the image, 43175 'GWR 175th Anniversary' leads the 13.00 Paddington to Bristol 1C15 service on to the single track section towards Trowbridge past Melksham. After passing Bradford West Junction, it will reverse and travel down the glorious Avon Valley to rejoin the mainline at Bathampton Junction. The cause of all these shenanigans was the closure of Box tunnel for electrification works. Keywords: 43175 13.00 London Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads 1C15 diverted because of electrification work in Box tunnel, Thingley Junction First Great Western HST GWR 175th Anniversary
43193, GW 13.00 London Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads (1C15), diverted because of electrification work in Box tunnel, Thingley Junction 43193 at the back of the 13.00 Paddington to Bristol service disappears around the curve of track towards Melksham and Trowbridge diverted off the GWML due to engineering works in Box tunnel. The short eight miles stretch of line was singled in 1967 following a steady rundown by British Railways and closure of intermediate stations. It was muted for complete closure with the north spur at Bradford Junction removed in 1990. However, in recent years it has undergone somewhat of a renaissance with Melsksam station reopening and a regular through service in operation. It also carries a fair amount of freight and could re-doubling be just around the corner again? Keywords: 43193 13.00 London Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads 1C15 diverted because of electrification work in Box tunnel, Thingley Junction First Great Western HST

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