GWML updates - Projects, Worksites and Locations - Forum

GWML updates

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Something I maybe should have started a year ago (!) and perhaps not great timing as we approach dark mornings and evenings... but I'll post notable sightings here from my regular commute. Large concentrations of plant or new stuff etc. May be of use to people planning trips.

Obviously I can't always ID everything at speed but do try to add sightings of what I do see.

However I don't add sightings of everything every day at places where it doesn't change much like Reading MDU.

Currently most plant is at Iver and Maidenhead with 8 Holyrail at the latter and 4 others at Coalmans Way.

Of course vehicles move around a LOT and often morning and evening are very different so I can't be held responsible for anything that has moved!

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

And a general update on the project - currently the wires are in situ and live between Reading and Didcot on all four lines. This is being used for tests of the new stock.

Between Reading and Hayes it varies between full masts and brackets to no masts at all!

I can't comment further west of Didcot but I don't see Van Elle machines much now so assume these are piling further west...

Jon Horswell

Jon Horswell

The Holyrails seem to amass in large numbers, concentrated in one or two places. If you are lucky enough, they could probably be fleeted!

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

A lot of plant currently at Pangbourne, Twyford, Maidenhead yard, Burnham Coalmans Way and Iver compounds.

A new temporary compound is also nearly finished at Waingels Copse between Twyford and Reading on south side near the old AP.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Quiet at a lot of the usual locations this week. Some vehicles at Iver Maidenhead Taplow and Slough but West Drayton completely empty.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Quite busy at the moment. Large collections of vehicles currently at the following locations:

Maidenhead yard

Iver Dog Kennel North

Slough Berwick Avenue

West Drayton

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Still a lot at Maidenhead yard today and Iver north side - a lot of access platforms here including an SPL machine which is unusual. FR673 still lingering at Maidenhead station car park and TRS1028 at the Reading flyover compound.

Quite a few opposite Acton Mainline too.

The two new Unac machines at TXM Langley have moved from the place they have been for last couple of weeks.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

The relatively new access point at Berwick Avenue, Slough is currently full of machines and trailers - so full it is overflowing into the nearby industrial estate! Mainly TRS and Pod Trak access platforms.

Three more at Iver and seven more at West Drayton.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Looks like the new sidings being laid adjacent to Plasser might be for stabling units which could obstruct mainline views, especially at weekends.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

An access point that often isn't reported is behind Sainsbury's at Ladbroke Grove. Vehicles frequently seen here but I don't think it is visible from any public vantage points...

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Very quiet this week although still about 7 vehicles - mainly Pod Trak - in Maidenhead station car park. One was on low loader so may have begun moving out although this is difficult to access with the weekday cars blocking them in. I've not had a chance to stop off there this week...

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

The newish compound at Ruscombe has become quite busy lately. Two Webb lorries and I think the Network Rail GWML Neotecs are here now too.

Couple of TRS machines in the new compound at Waingels Copse near Twyford.

Maidenhead yard has a few lorries and unimog. The station car park compound is quite full again with TRS access platforms.

A lot of the Holyrail fleet at East end of Slough station plus a new SRS Icon lorry.

A fair few access platforms in Iver south compound.

Nothing at Twyford, Coalmans Way, Stranraer Gardens, West Drayton (except one lightweight trailer which has been here a while - possibly PTL430.)

I guess plant may start arriving next week for the Christmas blockade between Ealing and Paddington but my last commute is on Wednesday. I will update if anything interesting pops up.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

A lot of plant at Maidenhead yard, Slough Berwick Avenue and Slough west yard this morning.

I believe there may also be two new Holyrail machines at Iver north - rear is unbranded on both but one may have been HR15. Will try to confirm.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Also quite a lot of vehicles now at Hayes Dawley Road. A fair few (if not all) the Colas PEMs and LEMs at Hayes stone terminal.

One of the new Readypower Doosans at Southall.

All four Rail Op machines on track in the new sidings outside Plasser.

Nick Tompkin avatar

Nick Tompkin

We had a look at Didcot - Slough today. It looks like little is now happening around Didcot as with the exception of Pangbourne, not a lot was around on this stretch.

However there was a long possession from Ruscombe Junction all the way to Slough West. Track replacement is underway through Maidenhead Station, and we have posted a complete list of equipment both on this possession and in Maidenhead Yard.

However there was a lot of other work also being undertaken at multiple worksites in the same possession. Most if not all of the equipment appeared to have been on tracked from Coalmans Way AP and in addition to the machines identified, a further 2-3 Holyrail MEWPs plus at least one trailer were in use, and a further TRS trailer was also being used with TRS1015. The two TRS Doosans and trailers were both being used on platform works at Burnham Station.

In addition to the machines logged, Berwick Avenue AP contained a further pair of TRS GOS trailers, and a further Holyrail trailer, which we could not identify. There was also a single MEWP, believed from SPL Powerlines at Slough East.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Still a lot of plant at Maidenhead yard and Coalmans Way this morning. Some Holyrail machines at Slough Berwick Avenue too.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

A few machines left at Maidenhead yard and Coalmans Way this morning plus a few at Slough Berwick Avenue and about 6 Pod Trak machines at Iver north side. There are approx. 10 Holyrail machines at West Drayton including newly arrived HR16 which is the only one I've managed to see at speed - currently on its own at the country end of the row.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

In terms of Holyrail fleet - currently 8 at Maidenhead yard, one at Slough Berwick Avenue and about 6 at West Drayton so there must be some new ones in there somewhere. HR13 & 14 not been noted yet but HR15 & 16 have.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Developments at Maidenhead yard - large earth moving vehicles have arrived and areas cleared - not sure if more EMU stabling sidings will be laid here but seems likely. It does mean that RRVs are now mostly in a tight compound further away from mainline and almost impossible to view now - even from park opposite I imagine. Still lots of Holyrail and Pod Trak MEWPs here.

Quite a few machines on North side at Iver and Slough Berwick Avenue again.

A few at West Drayton.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

As per previous message - the latest Holyrail machines are tucked away in a compound that is difficult to view (but not impossible - as proved by Nick and Paul this week!) Nick was lucky in that he saw some of them later in the day as they were being on-tracked for the evening shift. Just in case anyone was planning a trip this weekend to see them. Of course they could be out working, which would make it easier!

Quite a few also at Iver on the north side - which would be more visible from train or access road.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Well I've not seen the GWML so quiet for plant in many months! I have barely seen a single item on north side of the line today. It may be that it has all shifted to fast lines on south side but I can't confirm...

Roger Goddard

Roger Goddard

Ben

The fog must have lifted this morning!

On Monday morning there were several RR vehicles in the usual place at Reading Upper Triangle but I couldn't identify any.

Roger

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Twyford Waingels Copse new yard was quite busy today with a RRC present and 4 APWebb lorries. Adjacent AP had an EGO4 which I assume will be a TRS vehicle.

Approx 6 Pod Trak vehicles at Slough Stranraer Gardens AP.

A lot of MEWPs also at East end of Slough station on south side. Mainly TRS and Holyrail.

Still very quiet on north side access points.

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Not sure if this is exactly the right topic to put this in, but here are some additional notes from yesterday sightings, which I have just added to the website. Can I extend my thanks to Ben for his continued updates, and others for sharing their sitings.

All left (l/h) / right (r/h) as per travelling to London.

Kingsland Rd

3 identified, 1 Colas machine UID

St Annes l/h

Ready power Accessrailer

Bath Refuse Transfer Station r/h

TXM Colmar

Thingley Jcn l/h

2 excavators and 2 trailers (TXM?)

Swindon Cocklebury l/h

2 lorries, think they are the MAN TGM with MEWP modules

Swindon HOOB r/h

19 vehicles visible, 9 identified, 1 assumed (76918)

Didcot West Car Park l/h

2 trailers

Pangbourne l/h

7 platforms, 1 colmar

Reading NR MDU l/h

One Iveco?

Just after, still l/h side

2 x 2w trailers

2 x 4w trailers

There was so much else UID line side I couldn't scribble it all down (I must have seen over 10 Holyrail platforms, but none identified), but a few other notes.

Plasser West Ealing l/h

The yellow shunter was next to the Southall - Greenford part of the triangle with at least a couple of impressively sized wagons.

Westbourne Park l/h

I saw a Webb lorry, probably RL008 where the rocket used to be.

There was a Readypower lift right next to Quattro 426 & 428, but couldn't get it.

A couple of other London bits to finish;

Waterloo International

A couple of Quattro machines seen, but not identified.

Ilford

A readypower machine (FR6xx) and a colmar were working along with at least 1 trailer.

Prince Regent

I've assumed the MAN Flashbutt welder as it appears to be the only one of its type.

Chris

Roger Goddard

Roger Goddard

Was the shunter in the Plasser depot as they had a yellow shunter many years ago.

Roger

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Hi Roger,

Yes, it was Plassers own shunter. Bg/Dc 2724 I believe. Certainly looked like the one I've seen previously with Plassers branding on it.

Chris

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Yes the wagons at Plasser are two of the Alliance ones last seen near Stoke.

RL008 is correct - saw that this morning.

I've added what I noted at Pangbourne but not seen them all. There was four Readypower two Aspin and two Morgan ones plus a TRS Doosan. Some of the Readypower ones had gone by today.

The Iveco at Reading currently is the one ending HXN.

Believe Roger H has been down here today but would again be cautious of copying sightings as things move around a lot - within the same day sometimes.

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Thanks Ben,

All my sightings were made on the way up yesterday morning, so plenty of scope for movements.

I shall add the two wagons, RL008 and the Iveco. I doubt I'll add anything else though, but will have a look through when I get chance.

Thanks again

Chris

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Just to update the situation at West Ealing - new EMUs are currently being parked adjacent to Plasser making the view of works almost impossible now. As more come into service this may change...

The two Alliance wagons are still around the back and I'm making enquiries which two they are.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Probably about 8 MEWPs at Slough Berwick Avenue this morning including the two new Balfour ones. One looked like 912277 but not sure. Rest were Holyrail here I think.

Another 8 or so in the yard west of Slough - Holyrail and TRS MEWPs.

About 10 on the north side at Iver and 4 at West Drayton. Able to note more than usual at these two places today due to congestion on the line...

RL011 has been swapped in to Westbourne Park since yesterday.

Unimogs 1 2 and 3 all at Crossrail yard now.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

The two Balfour Beatty Manitous were moved to the east end of Slough car park during the course of today (they were at Slough west when I passed this morning) and so I could finally identify them:

XOM7160 is 912276

XOM7161 is 912277

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Still quite a lot of vehicles at Waingels Road near Charvil / Twyford this morning.

Taplow station car park - probably around 15 MEWPs here plus TRS Doosan on low loader arriving or departing. May try to look here tonight.

Quite a lot of the Holyrail fleet at Iver south side yard - perhaps 10. No large machines at north side AP.

Slough Berwick Avenue, West Drayton, Slough East, Slough West, Twyford station and Coalmans Way all notably empty.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Still quite a lot of vehicles at Waingels Road near Charvil / Twyford this morning.

Taplow station car park - probably around 15 MEWPs here plus TRS Doosan on low loader arriving or departing. May try to look here tonight.

Quite a lot of the Holyrail fleet at Iver south side yard - perhaps 10. No large machines at north side AP.

Slough Berwick Avenue, West Drayton, Slough East, Twyford station and Coalmans Way all notably empty.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Another new Balfour Manitou has appeared - 912278 is XOM7162.

All three were in Taplow station car park this evening so I was able to confirm a few more details. The works plate on XOM7160 is in a more accessible position than usual - at the front rather than under the body at the rear.

Coalmans Way was packed yesterday but empty this morning!

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Patchway

Some distance away from the bulk of these reports, but it looked quite empty today. Aside from the 2 TXM machines, there was very little. There has been some significant vegetation clearance along the fence so the lack of equipment etc

.. was very obvious.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Chris the baton is being passed to you and Vince now! Think there's more going on down that end than here...

Fairly quiet this morning although didn't get a great view of many places. The Balfour Manitous seem to have disappeared - not at Slough or Taplow.

Nick Tompkin avatar

Nick Tompkin

In the last few days I have come across a couple of access points where machines have not yet been reported on the western stretch of GWML.

Firstly, a compound similar in size to that at Charvil has been built on farmland on the south side of the line visible from the westbound M4 as you approach Jct 16 (Swindon West). I believe the access will be from the B4005 in all likelihood. This compound contained a number of huts and vans on Thursday but no RRVs.

Also in central Cardiff there are compounds on both sides of the line east of Cardiff Central beneath Windsor Street bridge in Splott. Again no RRVs were present today but both contain various temporary buildings.

Paul Cheesemore avatar

Paul Cheesemore

In addition to the usual locations along the Paddington - Southall section of line I had quick look at the "Crossrail" sight at Old Oak Common yesterday and in addition to Trackwork RR104 there there was also 2 SPL RM14's. Think one had "15" on the front and the other one looked like it had "14" on it - can anyone confirm this please before post on website. Many thanks

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

I think they will almost certainly be SPL014 and 015. I don't think anyone else has this type of machine now.

Paul Cheesemore avatar

Paul Cheesemore

Many thanks for the gen Ben - much appreciated

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

As per my photo comment, a Shovlin EVO has appeared at Twyford. It's been a while since Shovlin have been seen on GWML.

Very busy at Taplow station car park this morning.

The new sidings at Maidenhead are pretty much complete and Volker tamper 51022 has arrived this week. The portacabins are being removed here too.

The compound at Ipswich Road in Slough is now full of new cars so is probably not in use as an access point currently.

A few MEWPs at Iver north side and West Drayton but elsewhere fairly quiet.

Roger Goddard

Roger Goddard

Last Monday there were a number of RRV's at Reading Upper Triangle on the hardstanding near to West Curve. Could see what types or identify any.

Roger

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

This morning I think I saw three Balfour Beatty Manitous at West Drayton and another two at Iver.

Majority of the Holyrail fleet appears to be parked up in Maidenhead yard but difficult to see any from train.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Thanks to Yorkshire Puddings who has confirmed the machines at each this morning. The next two XOM7163 and 7164 are at Iver.

Vince avatar

Vince Website editor

Looking at the photos he uploaded, there also appears to be at least one new trailer with them at Iver. Will approve idc

Ted Knotwell

Ted Knotwell

Hello

passing very fast on GWML yesterday 14th March there were no fewer than 9 Holyrail platform lift r/r vehicles at Maidenhead and 4 on lineside at Iver. At Iver were nos 5/6/7 identified but at maidenhead only 9/11 were identified from edge of site afterwards. Can anybody help with further IDs? Also 2 Balfour Beatty Manitous at West drayton yard.

Thanks for such an informative website

Ted Knotwell

Roger Harris

Roger Harris

A visit to many sites from Didcot to West Drayton today found less plant than hoped, and the following sites were all plant free. Waingels Compound, Taplow Station, Coalmans Way, Slough Station Car Park, Tilehurst, Goring & Streetley, Cholsey, Hayes & Harlington Dawley Road, Iver Dog Kennel South, Southall, and other sites only one or two items. Holyrail 09 and 10 which were at Langley Yard this morning arrived at Iver Dog Kennel North AP in the afternoon along with a TRS R/R and two trailers, and two Pod Trak MEWPS.

Most of the Holyrail MEWPS at Maidenhead Yard were facing the wrong way which precluded identification.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Looks like you still did well Roger!

When I was at Moulsford last weekend it appeared the clear-out process had definitely begun. The compounds all still have temporary fencing but security huts and most equipment had gone.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

I thought it might be useful to note here for reference the access points I visited between Didcot and Swindon last August.

The first is where the A417 crosses the line near Challow.

There is another compound off Station Road near Uffington – near the premises of “Oxford Exhibition Services” on Google maps.

Finally – Station Road south of Shrivenham.

There is also an area west of Swindon station on south side which I believe is used for plant but was empty when I passed a few weeks ago.

Over to someone else for Swindon – Bristol and beyond! :)

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Main concentrations of plant this week are at Maidenhead yard compound, Slough east end and Iver south side.

The yard at West Drayton has been radically tidied and levelled out this week. Not sure if it is planned to lay more sidings here but at the moment it is completely empty.

In terms of infrastructure I think all wires are now finished between London and Didcot but I don't think all live yet - just Reading to Didcot.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

...I've just noticed there's still no wires on the eastern approaches to Reading on fast lines so we're still a little way off...

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Fairly quiet again this week although still activity around Maidenhead yard, Slough, Taplow and Waingels yard near Twyford.

The new fence at West Drayton yard is continuous parallel with the line - no gates have been installed - meaning it's now unlikely that we'll see any more plant stabled here as there's no vehicle access!

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

This morning's concentrations of plant:

A few at Tilehurst and Pangbourne

Twyford station car park

Ruscombe north side

A few in Maidenhead yard

Iver north side

Westbourne Park area

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Well it's all changed since this morning! Iver is now empty on both sides... a few now at Slough west and Coalmans Way has filled up more since this morning - including unusual appearance from a Balfour - XED7032.

The people shifting this lot around daily must be rubbing their hands...

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Lots of stuff at Westbourne Park, London end of North pole, plus 5 lifts at the throat of Paddington. (Got 4 but not the Neotec).

Where are the numbers on the Chieftain trailers please? Didn't manage a single one of them.

Nothing at Acton mainline.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Hi Chris

The Crossrail trailers mostly have CTx fleet numbers in the middle of the underframe stencilled in white. A couple don't seem to carry them though.

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Thanks Ben, will see how i get on when I return.

Chris

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

A quick update on what's going on lately.

Still RRVs present frequently in the Reading - Twyford - Ruscombe areas as they finish the wiring here. Twyford station car park full of machines this morning. Unusually there is currently a Bradshaw machine at Reading flyover.

Maidenhead yard is now pretty much complete although some vehicles still here. 72211 has also turned up here on its own - not sure if it has been returned to DTS use... the sidings here will no doubt be full of units soon as I believe EMUs are now able to run from Paddington to Maidenhead.

Iver still seems to be a MEWP hotspot on the north side. South side had some TRS Doosans yesterday too.

The Rail Op machines seem to be finding work in West Ealing area.

The Crossrail depot at Old Oak is advancing. Still one of the Trackwork PW160s here but not been able to identify it for last 2-3 weeks.

Westbourne Park also a hotspot although I'm told the Crossrail yard will probably start being cleared out soon as this part of the project completes.

So still things to see but surely not long before it all starts to disappear sadly!

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

I might also add that as an almost daily user of the line in the last two years it has been good that a service has generally been able to continue to run during these works, switching between fast and slow lines etc. However the amount of time it has taken as a result cannot possibly be efficient! It's getting to the stage where it's almost embarrassing how long it is taking to finish this off in some areas. Obviously I'm just an observer but I also know that time = money... I work in construction and understand there are complications that cause delays but the difficult parts of this job were completed months ago. It seems to have taken a year to finish the brackets and wires and I don't understand it! Perhaps someone can enlighten me - I would love to know how my taxes are being spent!

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

...I'm also glad we didn't relocate to Pangbourne as originally planned - the number of times I would have had to get on an evening rail replacement bus (lack of four platforms) would have driven me insane by now! :)

Roy Hennefer

Roy Hennefer

Ben, your updates on the work on the GWML have been most enlightening and gives us a good feel on what progress is being made. Thanks. Roy.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Quite a collection of machines lineside east of Slough this evening plus new TRS Doosan crane to the west. Looks like a possible track replacement job this weekend.

A few vehicles dotted around at North Pole West Ealing Iver Taplow Maidenhead and a lot still at Ruscombe yard.

Twyford station was empty this evening. Waingels yard had a solitary Quattro PW160.

The access road at Airport Junction Hayes has been dug up. Once a haven for RRVs.

First units have started using Maidenhead yard this week which obscures views of any plant although vehicles are now being parked closer to station end.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Following Nick's trail earlier in the week, I also visited the access points between Swindon and Didcot this morning.

Shrivenham AP off station road had some Van Elle machines and trailers including VER016 which was at Rail Live.

Uffington AP had a fair few machines including Network Rail Skyrailers 912227 & 912228 which have been shuffled from Manchester and the GEML area! Interestingly Nick saw a different one here on Wednesday evening - one of the original GWML pair (912225 but also with 912228.)

Challow AP had a Murphy machine plus two trailers.

Finally there is another access point near Wantage which is near the A338 overbridge. Two Readypower machines here but not identified due to time...

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

The line into London is fairly quiet although still machines around the Slough area.

Unusually, two Aspin piling machines also turned up at Reading Napier Road this week.

Dan Adkins

Dan Adkins

Hi Ben/anyone,

can you fill in any of these blanks from the Old Oak area (24th) please?

Old Oak Common

910085 with RR11x? (white ID plate)

North Pole

Three Neotecs

Acton

4 baskets (accessrailers) at least

Thanks.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Hi Dan

On 16th June the Trackwork machine was with trailer RR163 but there is at least one other trailer here working with RR104.

The rest I'm not going to be able to say for certain as they move around so much but the Rail Op at Westbourne Park you mentioned in your OTPgen are 005 and 006. The TXM behind are likely to be 7015 and 7050 as they all appeared to move across from North Pole at the same time last week.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Ah - 910085 with RR114 this morning.

Dan Adkins

Dan Adkins

Many thanks - much appreciated.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

I think all 10 Balfour Manitous are now on the GWML. Six just noted at Hayes Iron Bridge Road AP plus another 4 at Slough west.

Dan Adkins

Dan Adkins

Hi Ben,

I'm fairly certain that one of the TXMs is indeed 7015. I'd got it at Sittingbourne last month (what rotten luck, hoping for cops!) and comparing my pics the arms and basket match up.

I'm not sure, but I don't think the other is 7050. The logo on the arm doesn't match, nor does the basket. As it happens, comparing the baskets, it looks like I also saw this machine at Sittingbourne last month, but unfortunately, as I didn't go into the depot, I don't know which one it was. I don't think it's any of the following:

7012 7014 7015 7016 (still unsure) 7017 7029 7030 7031 7032 7037 7038 7050 but unfortunately a lot of the photos on this site don't include the arm or basket . If anyone has any recent pics of TXM RR14EVOs that show the arm or basket (right hand side), please get in touch!

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Quite a lot of vehicles at Twyford this morning.

Ruscombe also still busy and the new Sonic Rail machine still here.

Balfour Manitous at Maidenhead (4) Burnham (2) Iver (3) and Slough west (1)

A few at Ealing Longfield Avenue AP.

Not a lot else about on the north side of line...

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

The three that were at Iver this morning have now moved to Slough west.

Another invoice!

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Not much present at the usual places today.

Exceptions being

Ruscombe

Taplow

Slough Stranraer Gardens

Ealing Longfield Avenue

The BB Manitous are still generally at Maidenhead, Burnham and Slough west.

It appears there is major work going on next week between Swindon and Chippenham. Closure this weekend and trains on diversion next week.

22nd - 29th I believe there is also a full closure (including weekdays) between Didcot and Oxford.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

As ever things have changed during today...

The Slough west and Burnham machines have all gone. However there were some BB Manitous at Iver north.

Just one remains at Maidenhead.

Also quite a few Neotecs in Paddington station car park.

And some machines have turned up at Waingels near Twyford.

A collection at Reading flyover compound too including a Railway Drainage branded Bradshaw 988.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Relatively quiet lately although still the odd machine scattered around.

Of note is that I don't think I've seen any Holyrail machines at all for several weeks. Appears some now in Scotland and maybe some on Great Eastern?

Some track replacement going on throughout the past week outside Paddington.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Quick update:

Quite a lot of machines have arrived at the eastern end of North Pole depot (opposite Sainsburys) during the course of today so I expect there must be something happening near here this weekend.

Likewise a lot of MEWPs have been congregating at Cannon Lane west of Maidenhead.

Ruscombe still quite busy and a few at Waingels Road compound too.

Two RRVs opposite Southall station this evening.

Slough area generally quiet at the moment although some BB Manitous have moved here during course of today. The RRV merry go round continues...

Some closures advertised in mid September for Reading area while they test wires.

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

A large amount of rrvs at Bristol Parkway today. The line is shut for 2 weeks (opens again 16th September).

A few bits were in the car park by the main entrance, some Trs activity in platform 3, with a lot of Webb and TXM movements in the yard.

Filton Abbey Wood and Patchway were both devoid of any rrvs. From the footbridge at Patchway station a number of rrvs could be glimpsed in the distance in the Hitachi depot. They were alongside the Parkway to Patchway stretch of line. I don't know of any viewing point for there.

Chris

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Quite a few machines collecting at Westbourne Park in the last few days. Otherwise fairly quiet at most locations now.

Of interest though is that several APWebb machines have appeared this week outside the GWR depot at Old Oak Common - perhaps already lifting track but not sure.

Ted Knotwell

Ted Knotwell

4 AP Webb road railers at Old Oak Common GWR depot today at 2pm and 4pm seen from passing trains. Can anybody assist with identities?

Many thanks

Ted Knotwell

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

I think one is RTEM004 but not sure yet...

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Just by way of a (possible final) update on my regular GWML commute - most of the former access points between London and Didcot are now pretty much empty with just the occasional items of plant present. West Ealing, Hayes and Southall still producing some bits n bobs of vague interest...

The compound at Iver on south side has been returned back to a field within the last week or so. The compound at Ruscombe on north side also appears to be packing up as does the one at Waingels Road near Twyford. Moulsford was vacated some time ago.

The only site I haven't been past for a while is Moreton Cutting - suspect this is still in situ but can't confirm. The size of the site and number of temporary offices here makes me think this could remain as a main operating base for some time?

There are still overhead lorries in the Reading area and the Crossrail works are continuing to re-lay the tracks at Westbourne Park. A collection of RRVs present here again this evening for weekend works.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Another collection of plant at Westbourne Park this morning including several LEMs and a Rosenquist clipper.

A Geismar lorry has appeared at Burnham Coalmans Way AP this week from Swindon. Unsure if this will remain out based in this area.

A few Webb lorries have reappeared at Ruscombe.

Roger Harris

Roger Harris

Having obtained a complete list of RAP between Yate and Uffington, Chris Tristram and I set out today to check them all out. The following compounds and APs did not have any R/R plant at all. The names are as they appear on the list - Chipping Sodbury Old Station site, Farleaze Farm, Hullavington, Rodbourne, Causeway End, Brinkworth, Stainswick Lane Ashbury, Cowleaze and Uffington. The following did have R/R plant - Chipping Sodbury Tunnel AP, Acton Turville, Pig Lane Alderton, Marlborough Road Wootton Bassett, Hay Lane Wootton Bassett, Claypit Lane Knighton, Station Road Shrivenham and Challow. Acton Turville only had one machine and four trailers. Pig Lane is a very large compound and contained some machines and trailers. Claypit Lane had the plant on the roadway. Moving to Didcot - Moreton Cutting had only two MEWPs on site, and those were being collected whilst we were there. There are no other R/R or trailers on site. Yate Station and Ram Hill were empty, as were Didcot East and West Car Parks. I hope some of the above will prove useful.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Thanks Roger yes that is useful. May head down that way again when I next get a free day...

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Bristol Parkway quite busy.

Added sightings from car park and TS15 was in the yard.

Another 3 Webb machines behind wagons uid. That was all I had time for though.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Sat on south side of train this morning and it revealed a few hotspots of plant.

Waingels Road had a number of mewps - Torrent Aspin and Crana and a Quattro PW160 as sightings on here from yesterday.

Lineside at Ruscombe - probably seven here including a Torrent mewp and various Aspin machines and trailers.

Two Balfour mewps at Taplow.

Three at Archie Close West Drayton including a Trac Neotec which I missed again...

A few around the West end of Southall yard including Rail Op.

Finally - still quite a lot at Old Oak and also at east end of North Pole (opposite Sainsburys) including the Unacs.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

As widely publicised, the line from Paddington to Slough is generally shut after today. There were a fair few machines gathering at Westbourne Park again and approx. 10 in Acton yard.

Some mewps in West Ealing Waitrose and some Webb machines again in the yard east of Southall.

Elsewhere fairly quiet except for 3 Webb lorries at Ruscombe and about 5 at Waingels Road.

01276

01276

Ben did you notice if Network rail have connected up the crossrail tracks at Westbourne park?

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

I haven't been past since the 22nd but will keep a look out next week. However I think a couple of our regulars have been past today...

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Think they are now connected yes.

A few mewps in the sidings at WPk but numbers of plant reducing every week. Even the mewps at Old Oak appear to have left but the unimog remains.

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Patchway

Fairly packed, 3 TRS trailers not reported as didn't identify them (too dark).

Bristol Parkway

I think the Webb machine is still in the yard, too dark for a positive ID.

Bristol Parkway compound

Empty again.

Chris

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Sightings yesterday at Padworth near Aldermaston prompts me to ask if anyone has established the access points between Reading and Newbury?

I believe there are some long blockades coming up on this section between now and June (including weekdays) so it may be a hotspot for plant.

Peter Winch

Peter Winch

Two compounds on the B&H East of Newbury.

Ufton Towney on the Down Side just west of the UWC. Plant road access off Padworth Lane.

Frouds Lane west of Aldermaston station on the Down side.

Other locations that may have plant - Newbury Racecourse engineers sidings.

Thatcham down side car park.

Ufton Lane. Site of recently removed LC.

B&H closed M - TH night this week for maintenance work, plus electrification works, hence all the plant there this week. Also three MPV workings each night from Swindon Transfer.

Peter Winch

Peter Winch

Weekday closures can be found here. www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering/newbury2018

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Thanks Pete that is very useful...

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

A few notable things - McCulloch unimog at Burnham Coalmans Way today and some Van Elle machines back at Southall. Not seen any VE on this stretch for a long time.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

I believe one of the Newbury line week-long blockades is coming up next week.

Peter Winch

Peter Winch

Mon 12th to Thurs 15th block west from Theale.

Plant about today - Theale 2 x Van Elle

Theale sidings 2 x Readypower (track maint work).

Padworth 1 x Keltbray

Frouds Lane 10 x SRS

Newbury RC 2 x TRS 2 x Keltbray

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Thanks Pete. Any updates appreciated although not sure I'm going to get an opportunity to go down there this weekend.

Alan Goss

Alan Goss

Lots of activity yesterday (12th) & today with long HOPS stabled in Ufton down loop ( easily viewed from the canal towpath) most of the day.

Comprises DR76913/902/912/911/910/917/918/916/915/914.

Other plant also on track.

Peter Winch

Peter Winch

Additional B&H works compound now in use. Down side by Burghfield Road overbridge Southcote Reading.

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

4 platform type road railers at Cholsey, one of which I think was Torrent 141555.

Any help with these appreciated please.

Will be adding sightings from today in between mainline items.

Chris

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Probably the four that were at Goring on Wed and Thu this week... two Morgan a Torrent and an Aspin... 912408 was being loaded early yesterday morning.

Incidentally they were likely being used on the job that woke us up at 0030 - multiple chainsaws trimming branches!

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Many thanks for your reply Ben, and apologies for the delay in responding. They would fit the bill.

I hope they have finished doing the noisy stuff, at least until it's cool enough to have the windows shut!!

Best regards

Chris

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

No problem- yes it was just one night. It must have been emergency work as we have previously got advance letters from Network Rail about noisy work when they were doing the piling works.

Newbury closure for next three weeks so I stopped by a few locations yesterday afternoon. Quite a few vehicles at Newbury Racecourse but other locations further east not much about at all. Frouds Lane and Theale empty, Padworth just two. Wires do look generally complete though now. There may be another AP West of Newbury but not sure?

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Hi Ben

Another question for you if you don't mind please?

You reported two BB MEWPs at Maidenhead. I could easily see, but not identify one between the station and the sidings.

I also caught sight of another at the opposite end of the sidings, partly obscured by trees. I'm not sure what company or anything that was. Was this one the other BB one please?

If not, any assistance you (or anyone else) can provide for identifying the one I did see would be appreciated please.

Chris

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

There were two BB mewps in the yard this morning but couldn't see either because of the new fence. Nothing else there sorry! I think even the two trailers that have been resident for months may have gone...

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Thanks for looking Ben, for here and also for Plasser.

Regards

Chris

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

I was wrong about Maidenhead trailers. There is still one here and it appears to have a longer fleet number on yellow label. Still not able to confirm but strongly suspect this is Balfour 2468 not officially seen since December!

The yard here has had many portacabins and a lot of the junk removed in recent days.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Further clear-out this week at Maidenhead and I'm now almost certain that the last trailer has now finally left.

Cristoff avatar

Cristoff

Had a look around Bristol this afternoon.

Stoke Gifford yard was totally empty.

Bristol Parkway compound - everything identified

Winterbourne AP - Around 7 platforms and 1 excavator, all TRS I think. None identified.

Yate RRC depot. - No machines and 4 trailers.

The 4 tracking of Filton bank continues. 2 TXM machines just off the platform at Lawrence hill.

Lots of road only plant as far as Stapleton Road laying down ballast.

Just after Muller Road there are some Quattro trailers, then the machines are further on. The 3 McCulloch TRTs are first, then a gap until you get the Quattro machines, which are visible in the distance from Abbey Wood station platform.

Finally the 2 TXM trailers are about level with the Abbey Wood car park.

The Newbury blockade runs Monday to Thursday, and then Bristol Parkway station will be shut for 3 weeks from Sep 15.

Hope that's of help or interest

Chris

Paul Moseley

Paul Moseley

Thanks Cristoff that sort of information is always useful.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

The temporary compound at Ruscombe has now been returned to agricultural land but some works vehicles remain to clear the huge piles of broken concrete.

The compound at Waingels Road near Twyford is still there but very much vacated.

Moulsford is much reduced in size but the AP does seem to have still been used over the last couple of months.

Moreton Cutting is much reduced but shows no sign of being vacated just yet.

Both Mules are unusually together at Pangbourne at the moment.

Nick Tompkin avatar

Nick Tompkin

Yesterday I spent an enjoyable afternoon checking out all access points I know of from Bristol Parkway to Swindon. Worthy of note is that those hot spots of recent years Besom Lane at Yate, Luckington Road at Acton Turville and Pigs Lane at Alderton have all been returned to farm land with no RRV access retained. All other APs remain, which I suspect marks a return to the pre-electrification era.

Also of note is that despite energisation having happened some months ago, there is still a lot of electrification materials stored at Whitehill Lane, Royal Wootton Bassett and Hay Lane, Swindon with security remaining on both sites currently as well. The plant today at Whitehill Lane today appears to suggest snagging is actively being undertaken.

Ben Williams avatar

Ben Williams Editor

Thanks Nick.

I also looked at old APs between Swindon and Wantage a couple of weeks ago.

Station road compound outside Shrivenham has been closed but not returned to farmland. I don't think there was still access to the line though as a new fence has been erected.

Uffington - still an AP but no plant present.

Challow - still an AP but nothing present.

Wantage - still an AP with a couple of Webb lorries still present.

I didn't get a chance to look at Milton Park Didcot as it got dark but I have seen plant here relatively recently.

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