20. GWML diversions-??.11.80

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-1980 > 20. GWML diversions-??.11.80
Still excited about my new Pentax ME Super camera I took a ride out on my bike from home to the Trowbridge area in order to get more familiar with it. Normally there would not be very much of interest on a Sunday but there were GWML diversions meaning HSTs being diverted along the Avon Valley to Westbury to then continue via the Berks. and Hants. line after taking the Hawkeridge to Heywood Junctions chord.
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Images 1-9 of 9 displayed.

253026, unidentified diverted down working, Bradford-on-Avon station HST set 253026 passes through Bradford-on-Avon station with an unidentified down service diverted off its usual route due to engineering works of some sort between Reading and Bath. The leading power car could have been either of 43052 or 43053 both of which ended up working on the Midland route out of St. Pancras. Keywords: 253026 down working Bradford-on-Avon station HST
253019, unidentified diverted up working, Bradford-on-Avon station I took very few photographs from Bradford-on-Avon's Frome Road bridge preferring the station platforms and the footbridge. I think that I understand why as the images from this position feel a little cramped but they certainly offer a different perspective of the delightful little station buildings. The disused down platform building is undergoing some restoration that looks as though it includes a new roof and attention to the canopy. HST set 253019 (either 43038 or 43039) is seen passing through with an unidentified up working for Paddington diverted off its normal GWML route. Keywords: 253019 diverted up working Bradford-on-Avon station HST Frome Road
Bradford Junction signal box (GW, 1933) The signal box at Bradorfd Junction was not photographed very often as it was somewhat remote being located away from the primary route in use at this time. The Avon Valley line between Trowbridge and Bradford-on-Avon can be seen curving away behind the box. In the foreground is the former mainline route via Melksham to Thingley Junction near Chippenham. The box is mid-sized Type 7 design dating from 1933. It lingered on in use until 1990 with rationalisation taking place all around it with the removal of the north chord and the singling of the Melksham route throughout. Today, with passenger services introduced again and frequent use by freight trains I suspect that many rue the day that the earlier rationalisation took place! Keywords: Bradford Junction signal box
253011, unidnetified diverted up working, Bradford South Junction HST set 253011 (either of 43022 or 43023) crosses Bradford South Junction working an unidentified up diversion to Paddington. From this point and for the next few miles or so the train will have been heading south and west that was actually away from its destination until it reached is Wesbury's Hawkeridge Junction where it will have head east once again via the Berks. and Hants. route to Reading. Ten years from when this photograph was taken the up line (the second one in) in the foreground was removed with the entire line to Thingley Junction singled and the semaphores were removed with control moving to the Westbury PSB. Keywords: 253011 diverted up working Bradford South Junction HST 43022 43023
Class 31, unidentified Portsmouth Harbour working, Trowbridge station As it is a Sunday the station car park at Trowbridge station is almost empty. The car park occupies the site of the former and fairly expansive yard with the rather attractive goods shed located in the centre. The goods yard had sidings that served the Bowyers meat factory that can be seen in the background. This was, along with the Ushers brewery and Unigate Dairies one of the three largest employers in Wiltshire's county town at this time. Indeed, my girlfriend's dad worked at Bowyers and my dad for Unigate! In this scene, and unidentified Class 31 passes through the station with an unidentified service probably heading for Portsmouth Harbour. The lovely station buildings were demolished in 1984 and 'modern' monstrosity was built with the main station building moved to the down platform. Keywords: Class 31 Portsmouth Harbour working, Trowbridge station
Door and writing, former Trowbridge goods shed Unfortunately in this black and white image, the colour of the somewhat cracked and aged paint on the former goods office door cannot be seen but it would have been a rather faded version of the Great Western's brown. I suspect that the wiring on the door would have been hand-painted. The goods shed at Trowbridge was still standing and being used as part of the station car park but was demolished in act of licensed and wanton vandalism during 1984 when the whole area was tarmacked to become the extended station car park. Keywords: Door and writing former Trowbridge goods shed
Water main cover, former Trowbridge goods shed The GWR put their name on everything! This included covers for access to water pipes as seen here in the former Trowbridge goods yard that was being used as a car park when this photograph was taken. Notice my bicycle tyre marks running across the cover! Keywords: Water main cover former Trowbridge goods shed
Loading gauge, former Trowbridge goods shed The former goods shed at Trowbridge complete with its loading gauge still attached despite freight services being withdrawn and the tracks lifted in 1968. The shed was built in 1848 and was demolished in 1985 after becoming unsafe. At this time West Wiltshire District Council were attempting to list it just as celebrations were about to start commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Great Western Railway but BR had other ideas! Notice the cars parked inside, a close examination of the Austin 1100 reveals it was a particularly tatty example. The 'T' registered Mazda to the left was just over a year old at this time but it disappeared from the DVLA records in February 1983. Keywords: Loading gauge former Trowbridge goods shed
Roof, former Trowbridge goods shed The underneath of the roof of Trowbridge goods shed some four years it was all torn down in an act of vandalism by BR just as arrangements were being made for it to be listed. The vaulted timber work and buttressed supporting walls are so ornate with the whole structure not looking out of place in a cathedral rather than a lowly good shed! Keywords: Roof former Trowbridge goods shed

Images 1-9 of 9 displayed.