"The Toad & Tadpole Explorer" PLEG / BLS charter
at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway - Friday, 17th October 2014.
Featuring ex-BR locos D3261, 03152, 09004 and industrial JF4220031 0-4-0DH (1964) "Blunsdon"
Rolling stock:
Locos used |
D3261, 03152, 09004 and industrial JF4220031 0-4-0DH (1964) "Blunsdon" |
Stock used |
GWR brake van 17980 |
Route:
Loco |
From |
To |
Mileage* |
Notes |
D3261 |
Blunsdon Platform |
North Siding |
0m 15ch |
South end |
D3261 |
North Siding |
Blunsdon Platform |
0m 15ch |
|
D3261 |
Blunsdon Platform |
Blunsdon North Crossover |
0m 6ch |
|
D3261 |
Blunsdon North Crossover |
Taw Valley Halt Platform |
1m 32ch |
|
D3261 |
Taw Valley Halt Platform |
Taw Valley South Siding |
0m 2ch |
North end |
D3261 |
Taw Valley South Siding |
Taw Valley Halt Platform |
0m 2ch |
|
D3261 |
Taw Valley Halt Platform |
Taw Valley Run Round Headshunt |
0m 2ch |
|
D3261 |
Taw Valley Run Round Headshunt |
Blunsdon Platform |
1m 28ch |
|
D3261 |
Blunsdon Platform |
Blunsdon South Siding |
0m 11ch |
|
D3261 |
Blunsdon South Siding |
Hayes Knoll North Crossover |
0m 50ch |
|
D3261 |
Hayes Knoll North Crossover |
Hayes Knoll Platform |
0m 5ch |
|
D3261 |
Hayes Knoll Platform |
Depot Yard Headshunt |
0m 6ch |
|
D2152 |
Depot Yard Headshunt |
Loco Shed Roads 3 ~ 4 Points |
0m 6ch |
South end |
D2152 |
Loco Shed Roads 3 ~ 4 Points |
Hayes Oak Sidings No.2 |
0m 14ch |
|
D2152 |
Hayes Oak Sidings No.2 |
Clear Points |
0m 5ch |
|
D2152 |
Clear Points |
Hayes Oak Sidings No.1 |
0m 4ch |
|
D2152 |
Hayes Oak Sidings No.1 |
Loco Shed Roads 3 ~ 4 Points |
0m 13ch |
|
09004 |
Loco Shed Roads 3 ~ 4 Points |
Clear Points |
0m 1ch |
North end |
09004 |
Clear Points |
Loco Shed Road 5 EOL |
0m 4ch |
|
09004 |
Loco Shed Road 5 EOL |
Clear Points |
0m 4ch |
|
09004 |
Clear Points |
Loco Shed Road 3 |
0m 3ch |
|
09004 |
Loco Shed Road 3 |
Depot Yard Headshunt |
0m 8ch |
|
Blunsdon |
Depot Yard Headshunt |
Blunsdon Platform |
0m 40ch |
T&T with 09004 |
* Mileage estimated by Jim Sellens [PLEG member 0318] using a mix of MAGIC, Google maps and railway's own mileages.
BLS and PLEG members travelled from far and wide to join together and enjoy a special private opening of the Swindon & Cricklade Railway, as a preamble to the diesel gala weekend. Two separate trips were required to clear the bookings, such was the popularity of the event. There is much to be said for the increasing number of joint Branch Line Society and PLEG events which reflects an excellent spirit of co-operation and co-ordination between the organisations. The detailed route coverage ensured all available lines were covered, with the opportunity for cab rides made available with thanks to the train crew. At Hayes Knoll depot, the charter was the first passenger train to run inside the recently extended shed when it completed No. 5 road. Participants also had the opportunity to briefly visit the shed and view items of rolling stock. Huge thanks to the Branch Line Society for arranging the visit and to Paul and all the other volunteers at Swindon & Cricklade Railway that made it all happen.
The photos (below) of this event were taken by Jim Sellens [PLEG member 0318], who retains all copyright. They are for personal use only.





Below is a stock list (provided by Steve Best of UKLocos) and a track map showing track completed.