Snow on the S.D.R.

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Today, my first day on Staverton Box on the S.D.R., I didn't bargain for this!



The 1100 down approaching the crossing from Totnes Riverside, my  footprints in the snow. With the latches and bolts obscured by the  sticky snow I had a few trapped fingers and thumbs to contend with.



Drawing into the platform, I wait until it has pulled both carriages  clear of the end of the platform [so that a passenger won't get out onto  the sloping end, and, today, probably end up sliding down to the road  level pretty smartly] and then reopen the gates to the road traffic,  i.e. 'close them'. Clear?



A quick photo' opportunity, then back in the box for a warm-up!



As the day went on and snow blocked point blades and prevented signals  being pulled off, some unusual movements were needed, even propelling a  down 4-coach set back complete with passengers from the Bishop's Bridge  loop so that it could return to Buckfastleigh via the other side of the  loop which was still negotiable.

As my mentor [and lift to B'leigh] was concerned about getting home with  the increasingly heavy snow-fall, we packed up earlier than the 1700  shift end, leaving the crossing in the hands of a local man.

A wise move, for this was the road back to B'leigh where I had left my car for the journey home to Ivybridge.



Oh, Glorious sunny Devon….

As I got into my car, a couple with two wet happy children thanked me for a 'wonderful day', made it all the more worthwhile.

Doug                



'You may share the labours of the great, but you will not share the spoil…'  Aesop's Fables

"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin


In the land of the slap-dash and implausible, mediocrity is king
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What wonderful photographs Doug and they bring back very happy memories of living just up the road from you when just a lad, with snow and extra long school holidays every single winter.

You must be enjoying such ready access to a wonderful railway. I know I would and would also get involved with the SDR. Lucky chap!

A lovely post.

Best,

Bill


At 6'4'', Bill is a tall chap, then again, when horizontal he is rather long and people often used to trip over him! . . . and so a nickname was born :)
 
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Thanks Bill, I think the first picture would make a really difficult jigsaw puzzle!

Doug

'You may share the labours of the great, but you will not share the spoil…'  Aesop's Fables

"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin


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Those are fantastic photos!

Oh, Dr Beeching what have you done?
There once were lots of trains to catch, but soon there will be none.
I'll have to buy a bike, 'cos I can't afford a car.
Oh, Dr Beeching what a naughty man you are!
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Barchester is in the usergroup ‘Super-moderators’
I don't know about a jigsaw, Those first four are Christmas card material   :thumbs  Lufly
Cheers

Matt



Wasnie me, a big boy did it and ran away

"Why did you volunteer ? I didn't Sir, the other three stepped backwards"
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[user=312]Chubber[/user] wrote:
Thanks Bill, I think the first picture would make a really difficult jigsaw puzzle!

Doug
Totally agree with you there Doug, what do you think Alan?

Bill

At 6'4'', Bill is a tall chap, then again, when horizontal he is rather long and people often used to trip over him! . . . and so a nickname was born :)
 
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spurno is in the usergroup ‘Super-moderators’
Your wish is my command. It will take ages with all that white.

Regards

Alan


Born beside the mighty GWR.
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Haha, top man, cheers Alan,

Bill

At 6'4'', Bill is a tall chap, then again, when horizontal he is rather long and people often used to trip over him! . . . and so a nickname was born :)
 
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Sorry to all the j'saw addicts…tee-hee!!
D

'You may share the labours of the great, but you will not share the spoil…'  Aesop's Fables

"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin


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Yes, excellent photos Doug and I'm surprised the line was up and running in all that snow because here in Okehampton (which you'll know is only a few miles away as the crow flies) almost everything has come to a stop and I can't even get out of the front door!!!
Ken.

'It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that Swing'
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