PLEG - Preserved Locomotive Enthusiasts Group

"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.

D3261

Headboard for the PLEG charter

09004

Blunsdon

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

word Swindon & Cricklade Railway Stock List