General Discussion
The new canopy on the up platform was being fitted today. And yes, the planted tubs will remain after the official opening. At long last our dreary station is getting the facelift it has needed for a very long time.
Is this a surprise to everyone or am I just reading the wrong media? Either way it 's very good news.
Yep, but it's an ideal opportunity to get it done while the line's closed saving more disruption later- plus I'd have thought there were fairly good safety and resilience reasons for doing so too!
Whats wrong with the railings they where only replaced a few years ago and are more or less the same as the previos ones good old British Rail bulk standard railings.
Haven't walked down there for years thinking about it i havent been on the beach for about 5yrs strange how you live next to the sea and dont use the beach. They will get replaced eventualy the ones on the other side where in a realy bad state before they where replaced.
As they say you cant please all off the people all off the time just some of the people some off the time it wouldnt matter if they spent billions somebody will always find fault strange realy
Not strange at all. It's got nothing to do with cost, just aesthetic values. For a town that relies on tourism, I don't think your 'good old British Rail bulk standard railings' are the best choice for the seafront. Happily the canopy is a vast improvement. I'd also like to see something done about the stench pipes by the viaduct. If you think that's finding fault, I'll wear it as a badge of honour.
That type of railing can be seen from Penzance to Mallaig does it affect their tourists not one jot. I have recently been to Mallaig they have railings that are rusty and i didnt notice untill i inspected a couple of photos on my phone. So it shows folk on holliday are not interested in railings they will come back rusty railings wont put them off i promise
I have just recieved a photo off the railings at Scarborough from a friend who is on holiday there they are also rusty maybe its time to have a competition for the most rust on a Rail Track railing. We could have a web page any ideas for a title.
@Mcjrpc - maybe set up a competition in the town for an idea of hanging something between the stench pipes to make them look meant in some way. for example, a welcome banner or some artistic idea, such as a bell (no i haven't gone completely bonkers yet, see folkestone art triennial). http://www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk/
Clive, are you from the Ministry of Good ideas? What a shame you don't live in Dawlish, your input is very constructive. We have a Town Centre Manager, it's sounds like just the sort of thing she might organise. Thanks very much.
Thanks Mcjrpc...or if you want to 'push the boat out' and add a curiosity factor to the railings you could always ask Tracey Emin... or a Dawlish artist: http://www.westendextra.com/reviews/features/2010/feb/feature-exhibition-tracey-emin-paula-rego-and-matt-collishaw-foundling-mus
...and perhaps for the overbridge try...
http://www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk/artist/tonico-lemos-auad/
I should add that the 'Folkestone Triennial' successfully brings a lot of extra business to the town...
This is another very effective one ... just to spur everyone on to treasure and appreciate the nice new station canopies and lease of life that Dawlish Station has just been given. http://www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk/artist/paloma-varga-weisz/ and yes the old Folkestone Harbour 'boat train' station really does look this forlorn 
Great news about the canopy, the flowers etc maybe I'm a bit cynical, but wouldnt a train track be a useful addition to the station
Only messing (humour for those whom may not recognise it)
It used to be that station managers took pride in their stations and would have flower beds and painted railings that of course was when everything was state owned.
On this art idea. Sometime ago, many threads ago, this idea got discussed, initiated if memory serves, by Ilfracombe having a piece of art installed at its harbour.
I think the idea of a large sculpture in the shape of a 99 Mr Whippy type ice-cream was mooted. No idea how much it would cost, or where it could be located, or who could produce any such thing but thought it worth mentioning not least because it isn't the black swans that people I know who have visited Dawlish remember of the town but the ice-creams that can be bought from Gayes up on Brunswick. And isn't art work part of the Section 106 requirements placed on developers as part of any planning permission given to them for new houses. Plenty of new houses scheduled to be built in Dawlish........
Also, and given that the old Hole in the Wall pub is no more, surely somebody somewhere has just got to rename their cafe or pub "The Hole in the Wall".
And I wonder if NR would be open to the idea of someone like Brian Steffens doing a mural on the wall (once its rebuilt of course) at the spot where it was breached showing that iconic picture of the rail line dangling in mid-air. Would be a tourist attraction.
Found this but not sure how old it is
http://www.publicartonline.org.uk/casestudies/lighting/making_waves/percent4art.php
If any district councillor should read this post any chance they could let us know if this TDC Making Waves policy re public art is still in operation or not. And if not, has it been replaced, and if so, with what?
Ta.
Not very joined up thinking a painting on the wall would be removed by the first gale waves carry sand that scour whatever they come into contact with or have you thought off some protection for this painting.
@leatash - totnes has some exemplary flower beds on the platform. makes passengers think, 'this is a town where people care about things'. well it does to me anyway!
@Lynne - a few years ago hundreds of tonnes of timber spectacularly washed up on worthing beach from a ship. there is now a stained glass display of the event along the windbreak on the pier. so yes, good idea to make a positive art display linked to a memorable event, particularly one so well publicised. i would have thought some local artists would be pleased for some self publicity by obliging to contribute ideas?
@leatash - it was just an idea i was putting forward. agree with you that it would probably wash off/be scoured off but think nontheless that something along those lines, somewhere in the town might be an idea worth pursuing. A mural of the iconic dangling railine at the rail station perhaps? And also, what a fantastic pub sign it would make for any pub by the name of........
The Hole In The Wall.
How about the mural being painted onto an weatherproof material and hung/fixed above the viaduct
or, NR allowing, a mural of that scene painted on the viaduct -road side? - so would be protected from the scouring effects of the sea and could be seen by bus/coach passengers and pedestrians near Tucks Plot area.
why grey why not have a more seaside town station feel to it grey for a footbridge near the sea is very dull.
Thank you Taylorjack913. Some of us fought blinking hard to get the boring grey bridge painted different colours but the conservation officer (Mr Bland - and I joke not!) supported others who wanted it grey so it blended in! When I asked blended in with what I could not get a sensible answer. The same happened with the awful colour of the viaduct bridge, which does not match any other colours in the town eg benches, railings etc. So we have ended up with one bridge painted from what looks like left over MOD paint used for painting tanks and a boring grey bridge over the line. There were so many options we could have gone for eg the old FGW colours or the red and green as seen in Torre and Torquay!
totally agree with the fgw colours would brighten the place up a bit and make more like a rail station
Well I haven't given up yet and will continue to try and have our dreary railway bridges and station brightened up!
I suggest that we all put in a written complaint about the decisions made by Mr Bland as the man is ruining the holiday effect of Dawlish. I wonder if he lives in Teignmouth and has a grudge against Dawlish.
Just an idea for the viaduct bridge facing the brook. How about having some budding artist paint the iconic black swans on the panels. It would give more identity for the town.
@ken I will if you will.
richard.bland@teignbridge.gov.uk
Conservation Officer
Teignbridge District Council
Forde House
Brunel Road
Newton Abbot
TQ12 4XX
I totally agree with you. Didnt we have 2 black swan signs. One pointing <<<<. One pointing >>>>.they seem to have dissappeared.
Yes there used to be a couple of burnt out illuminated black swan signs. I'm sure more longer standing residents know how long they had been not working. When they were taken down i thought they were going of for repair, but that doesn't appear to be the case. They use to hang from the stench pipes. The pipes standing are an eyesore.
@Margaret Swift - maybe a simple case of 'battle ship grey' simply ticking the boxes of availability, price and having 'marine durability'. if you would like some hard facts and answers on options may may like to try phoning tim brightwell of ppg protective marine coatings. he is a paint specification manager who would be able to tell you what colours are actually available as a top coat for marine environments.
The stench pipes are green so are the bus shelters the railings up the brook if you want the viaduct to match then why not GREEN.
Green might be consistent but matching the viaduct to stench pipes feels like the tail wagging the dog!
Maybe the viaduct could have the same base colour as the station and blend with the sea but be brightened up with the colours of whatever design was settled on - black swans etc.
There'll never be a consensus on what it should be but at least most of us agree it needs improving.
By the way, I just came across this about local communities adopting their station.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Your-journey/At-the-station/Station-adoption
Well Clive, if the viaduct bridge had protective paint it didn't work as the rust is showing through all over it and it is an absolute eyesore. Whatever colour scheme is decided upon in the future it has to be the decision of more than one Councillor and the conservation officer, we need to come up with a range of options and then ask the townsfolk to vote for their choice. That won't go down well with some on the council though!
About a new face for the viaduct alltogether. Easily achieved by fitting a false plastic rust resistant facia similar to a shop front. Could include an inprinted graphic of maybe the swans and an old steam engine illuminated at night with hi tech colour changing LED lighting which is very effective and energy saving. Would make it look totally new, modern and clean.
New thinking without the opinion of the jobsworth over paid conservation officer employed by TDC
Come on Network Rail get it done while you still have a free hand and a belief in concrete before restoration
That's what the new railway footbridge is made from - a replica of the old one, but in corrosion-resistant thermoplastic. Made by a company in Plymouth. Can't say I particularly like the footbridge but can't complain if it's indistinguishable from the original and maintenance free.
@Margaret - Pity the opportunity of a lengthy track possession wasn't taken advantage of to re-paint it. Still, not a priority I suppose and not a great time of the year for painting. The problem is that now it has rust all over it, it will be quite a major procedure to rectify, e.g. could involve a lot of nasty blast cleaning to get the surfaces properly prepared. With the correct and comprehensive surface preparation and paint specifications for multiple layers there is no reason why such a finished job shouldn't then last for 20 to 25years. How long did the last paint job last before rust showed through?
Ref. Footbridge - a Grade II listed fibre reinforced polymer!! This has definitely been designed to last and to remain looking as good as new for a very long time.
http://www.pipexpx.com/news/pipex-px-frp-dawlish-footbridge/85/
Indeed Clive, I read they manufacture handrails on oil rigs - lighter material than metal and won't rust in the North Sea. So it could even withstand a few more Dawlish storms!
I've just been informed that our very own Toby Buckland is today planting up the rebuilt Dawlish Station, ahead of next week's re-opening.
Anyone know if it will be a casual re-opening or will the press be out in force filming the fanfare?
Don't tell Carer, but there's going to be a grand re-opening, with some special guests. And the flowers will still be there afterwards...
Why not? It will be nice to see the flowers.
Wasnt I allowed an opinion then?
In your eyes, obviously not, neither is anyboby else if they do not agree with your views.
How many councillors who have done nothing, said nothing and basically hidden away for the past 6 weeks will be re-appearing for the grand re-opening. Apart from our own Micheal Clayson who has at least tried to keep us informed there should be no councillors invited or welcomed, so stay away.
This event should be one for the workers not the suits its these people who have risked their lives and worked to keep the railway useable, just hope the press see it the same way.
There's a difference between an opinion and an attempted cynical slur. Wouldn't be so bad if you ever said "Oops sorry, I was wrong".
Volunteers are wanted to decorate Dawlish for celebrations to mark the completion of the railway line repairs.
Extra hands are needed to put up decorations for the reopening on Friday 4th April.
Volunteers will be needed on Thursday 3rd meeting at 2pm at Dawlish railway station.
Anyone able to help with dismantling the decorations is asked to meet at 3pm on Friday 4th April at Scala House.
Volunteers can contact the town centre development manager Emma Kay on emma@teignmouthanddawlishcic.org.uk.
I read and post on here , mainly for information and humour.
Does ayone agree with me, that these two clowns, continually sniping and arguing with each other, is growing tiresome and unwanted?
Elvis. Dont spoil their fun its all laughable stuff and MrsC is no match for Carer, she even agrees with you about being a clown
FredBassett - which councillors have done the work? Howard Almond and Ros Prowse, so if any one should be attending it is those two councillors. Howard was out at midnight the night of the storm helping those people who had to vacate their premises. He was at the Sandy Lane centre for most of the night helping as well. Ros Prowse was there the next morning and since then has done a lot of the leg work with Teignbridge to ensure that people had continued access to the centre until alternative accommodation could be found. Those two people do not blow their own trumpets on social media sites so I will do it for them! We have also had a large team of volunteers this week planting tubs on the station and generally working hard to ensure all is ready for the first train through. Other local people, including councillors, have helped in any way they can so in my book they should all be there!
As climate change takes hold this could become a yearly event it could be advertised we need a slogan it would bring thousands of folk to the grand opening it could possibly be larger than the air show.
As it happens, I won't even be in Dawlish on April 4th ...........
i hope it all goes to plan, and the whole town has a day to remember. These past few weeks have shown the very best of Dawlish and I'm so glad to be living here.
Excellent response which kind of proves my point. Including yourself you have only managed to mention three. What about the other 9 or 10 Town councilors, and seeing as we are naming names perhaps you could tell us what the following TDC members have contributed
Humphery Clemens
Alan Connett
Ted Hockin
John Petherick
plus the DCC representatives
As for dear old Rosaline not blowing her own trumpet, give us a break her mugshot appears everytime there's a press presence in town.
Shame Micheal wont be there at least he deserves some credability for his updates on EoD and here
Here's a suggestion assuming the weather permits on the 4th. Have a group of 'flag wavers' on the sea wall to make 'group cheery waves' to train travellers passing through. It may be quite an interesting social experiment to see how much positive reaction you get, as well as making those who have looked forward to using the line feel welcome back as well - you never know they also make a choice to get off at Dawlish next time 
Fred, the point I was making is that we all contribute in whatever way we can. Michael sits at his computer and does updates, which is fine, Ros and Howard get out and do practical things, which is great, Humphrey provided accommodation for some of the network rail workers, which is great. Apart from planting a few plants tomorrow and donating to the flood appeal I have done nothing! What you should realise is that each of us does what we can given our circumstances.
Some councillors are retired, others don't work, and some do work either full time or part time but we all bring our enthusiasm and commitment to the people of Dawlish, so within the time we have available we do what we can.
What have you done to support the people evacuated and the regeneration of the station? I am sure you have done what you have been able so why can't you appreciate what everyone else has done and not just focus on one person who has the time to post updates?
Nice idea but I dont think Network Rail have repaired the actual see wall yet have they. Think they have only concreted the missing bits of the railway balast retaining parapet. Can anyone advise if the sea front will be clear and open for next Friday info seems a bit scarce at the moment.
Rumour has it big Dave the snotty leader of the ConDems will be dropping in to perform the grand opening you can only laugh cant you. Is Teignmouth also having a grand re-opening do seeing as they have also been cut off for weeks
Margret. I get your point, but dont forget the main issues here the guys from all over the country in the orange suits have done the real work. No doubt people will say they have been well paid for doing it and I agree.
Remember this though if successive governments and councils had provided Network Rail and the maintainance companies with the money and resources needed to upkeep the safety and infrastructure of the railway none of this should have ocurred in the first place.
Will lessons have been learned and bigger, better improvements be made. I doubt it, as Leatash says above its likely to be an anual event. Dont worry though look on the bright side when both the A379 and the railway subside due to lack of investment and repair, we can always use the cycle path (see next topic) to get to work.
Fred, I absolutely agree with you!! The network rail workers are the real heroes in all this; all I ask is that you give credit to everyone involved. And yes, the breakwater should have been built 20 years ago! If you and I know that then why don't the powers that be know that? It really isn't rocket science.
As a keen cyclist I could have a bit of enthusiasm for the notion of cycling to work but at my age it would not be a long term option as the grave would beckon!
As far as I know, it's a Network Rail event. I have no inner knowledge of what's planned, but logic suggests that there will be announcements over the next few days so that people can join in the festivities. So, hopefully not long to wait for news!
Rumour perhaps but have just been informed that it is highly unlikely that trains will be running what we know as a normal service on Friday. It seems only one of the two tracks will actually be serviceable and that there will only be a token movement of trains. Anyone know different.
Informed by whom? Any trains are better than no trains. Not that you care, as you're only concerned with your lorry/4x4, and with scoring cheap political points on here and EOD.
MrsC
What lorry/4x4 and which political party do I score cheap points for.
I think you should visit Langdon for an assessment I dont even do facebook or comment on EOD
Why do you always have to question people who try to pass on informtion on here try contributing something useful yourself
Word reaches me that volunteers are needed on Thursday to hang bunting and help decorate the town centre
If you can help, please email Emma@teignmouthanddawlishcic.org.uk
Also on Friday to help clear after
i've asked when the actual itinerary for the day will be published, and will pass on news when I get it
Fred,
Found this quote from Network Rail Boss Julian Burnell
FredBassett, i don't know what is more laughable, your delusion in thinking tha you post useful information on here (everything you post is negative), or the fact that you forget what you've previously posted:
"I feel me a parking protest comming on with a couple of carefully placed commercial vehicles, anyone else up for for it?"
"Nah - BNP mate"
"What appears in the paper is usually a week out of date the gossip is far better on the so called EoD"
The first train to Paignton is at 5:55am and the first to Exeter is at 06:21am. There are a further 16 trains between Dawlish and Exeter scheduled to run before 12-noon. Hardly a "token movement of trains".
Normal service is being resumed!
Just been watching the news and the report on the lack of funding for rail infrastructure in the south west as per Network Rail's announcement today concerning their next five years worth of investment.
Anne Marie Morris was interviewed and unless my ears deceived me she said that despite NR's announcement she believed that the government was indeed listening to the need down here for rail infrastructure investment.
So, in the light of NR's announcement I wonder what reception the politicians will get should they (the politicians) turn up here for Friday's grand reopening?
No your ears were not deceiving you. Spotlights Justin Webb will be on one of first trains on friday. see him on 1.30pm and 6.30pm. or Dawlishbeach.com
I use The Cathedral & Quay car park £6.20 a day which is not to bad. Not sure what the trains cost but at least you can just jump in your car and go home.
Onport1968, believe you me that it's both cheaper and quicker by train. Even without the current roadworks taking place at the Swingbridge. Are you a local or a copy & paste? ;-)
Local if you must know . i do not agree with you . i never have any problems with my traffic . Well not much LoL..
Return Dawlish - Exeter is £4 or £2.65 with a Devon Card ...20 minutes to Exeter. or fast trains just 12 minutes to St David's..
Can you drive to Exeter in 12 minutes and cost £4? ..you could save £20 a week if you wnnt by train ..I know for some its a pride thing.
.
Yes i have a fast car Thank you. and i can use my car when i want . don't have to wait for late trains......
Onport, you don't really drive from Dawlish to Exeter do you. Not sure I understand why you pretend to, but each to their own I suppose.
There's a difference between an opinion and an attempted cynical slur. Wouldn't be so bad if you ever said "Oops sorry, I was wrong". LOL.
Oh dear Onport. Why so defensive? I truly don't understand why you pretend to be from here. That's all.
@Mrs C and @Onport1968 - jesus christ! will you two get a room!?? I started this post about dawlish station and you're now spamming my inbox with your constant bickering!
What time on the 4th Friday are the celebrations supposed to start at the station. I heard on good authority that the big event is supposed to be in Teignmouth. If that is correct why?
It looks like the train carrying the VIP(s) should arrive in Dawlish at around 9.40 but there is still no definite information. However, if you look at the National Rail booking site there is a train leaving London Paddington at 7.06 which is the only train out of Paddington stopping at Dawlish so it is a fairly safe bet that it will be carrying people who think they are important.
@ Margaret. This train departs Dawlish 9.44am but does not usually stop at Dawlish. According to Real Time Trains It stops at Dawlish on Friday only .And from Next monday does not stop there.
Makes sense for them to be on the first train from London in months.
However, this special 'extra stop' just for their convenience gives the 'decision makers' the view that Dawlish is better served by direct London Trains than it usually is!! Normal direct service is 3.10hr just twice daily (i.e. 10.00 and 17.33 from Paddington).
Their one off 'special extra stop benefit train' is 2.36hr!!!!!!!! - Which is of course what Dawlish deserves as a journey time. Nevertheless, it does mean that they can then merrily retreat back to their desks feeling vindicated that the whole SW is well served by trains.
Although less eventful, it would have been far more poetic justice for them to crawl into Dawlish on a 'local stopper' having had to get out of their comfy first class seats at Exeter. Alternatively to have had to get the 10.00 and go the 'Great Way Round' via Bristol.
Sorry if this sounds a bit 'party pooper cynical' but I do feel this 'special treatment' has lost a good political opportunity to demonstrate the failure to optimise journey times due to the woeful lack of sufficient stock to provide a comprehensive service of 'semi fasts' from London.
...and to 'put a fiver on it' I would guess they will return on the 14.46 from Dawlish, which as I am sure you all know already is the one and only direct fast train (2.38hr) either way as a regular scheduled service. p.s. The real reason that this is a fast train is to compensate mid-day Cornish travellers for having to suffer a diddly stopper all the way from Penzance to Newton A. before finally getting the London HST connection from Paignton.
Stephen and Clive are right. I travel to London almost every week, sometimes twice a week, and if I want to get a through train it is generally slower and goes via Bristol. The exception being the 14.46 which does take the normal faster route. The train on Friday does not normally stop at Dawlish. But perhaps we can make political capital out of this and get more support for more of the London trains to stop at Dawlish. I won't hold my breath in anticipation though!
I havent been on a train for 40 odd years but it seems to me every stop along the line would like the fast London train to stop at their station why should Dawlish be any more important than any other town on the line.
@ Margaret. There Is a 6.21am which runs direct to London Paddington and you can go to Exeter St.Davids and change there to a train that goes via Westbury, not Bristol Temple Meads. Lovely countryside via Westbury Including the White Horse on the hill!!!!!.
If a fast train stops at every stations... it cant be fast can it
What Leatash saiys is so often said what people say....like to see and expect a train / bus service but dont want to use it!
Ah, the old conundrum of 'everyone wants the station but nobody wants to see trains pass them by'. Technically, if the Cornish Riviera stopped at Dawlish it would put Dawlish at only 2.15hr from London!!! compared with an average journey time of 3.05hr.
Nevertheless, if the current connection wait time at St Davids when getting off the Riviera of 22mins (i.e. 12.08/12.30) was shortened to say 12mins then 2.25hrs could be achieved anyway . Do this on a clock face basis and Dawlish really would be well served!
In fact, going back to my original point has anyone in the history of Dawlish ever managed to catch a direct train to or from London scheduled at only 2.36hr, as per the lucky dignitaries on Friday? I bet not. - Funny how well things can be done when there's a will to do so!!
@leatash - i understand your point but its a whole lot worse off than say totnes and yet should be nearly half an hour better off.
This train leaving London on Friday and arriving here a mere 2.36 hours later. Is it stopping at any stations on its way here?
We went up to London for the weekend in Jan. Took the train from here to Exeter St. David's. (20 mins or so). Had to wait at Exeter St. David's for 20 mins(ish) for the Waterloo train which then took something like 3hrs 30mins to reach Waterloo. So, travelling time from catching train from Dawlish to getting off train at Waterloo of something like 4hours 10mins.
I remember catching the train from Dawlish to Penzance a few years back - it took a good three hours each way.
@ Yes Lynne. Reading,Newbury, Pewsey, Westbury,Taunton, Tiverton, Exeter St Davids, and extra stop Dawlish. Usually this train does not stop at Dawlish.
Okey doke folk. Here's a suggestion for us all to stick our fourpennyworth in if we are, how to say this politely?, if we are.......er.....a bit fed up with the train services we get here and how long it can take to get from here to London or Cornwall let alone London to Cornwall.
We all write a letter to our national paper of choice (daily and sunday newspapers) giving our experiences of the services and the rolling stock that we get here. Feel sure that with such a diverse political affiliation by those who both post on and who read this website that a broad sweep of papers from the Guardian to the Telegraph, the Mirror to the Mail, the Observer to the Sunday Times, could be covered. And whilst at it why not suggest to the relevant editors that they do a feature about Dawlish and its rail line. Potentially lots of free publicity and will remind politicians that there is an electorate down here with an eye to next year's general election............
The bottom line is the unsuitability of the rolling stock, and not just that it is old. Mind you, the last two times I managed to catch an HST to Cornwall a widget dropped off the 'Cornish Riviera' at Exeter and we waited some 25mins to replace it. Then on the return journey there was a loud bang as we passed through Dawlish (pure coincidence I assure you) as a connecting door fell clean off into the carriage and we lost time again at Exeter as the moribund door was duely carted away leaving a 'breezy carriage'.
I remember when the HSTs were introduced in 1982 thinking we had hit the jackpot which indeed we had compared with the old lumbering single loco hauled stock. I was also impressed that we had been blessed with 125mph stock (yet puzzled why so lucky, given it only achieved that speed for the final 25min sprint into Paddington) but at least they made improved progress up the Devon banks as well.
Anyway, that was 32 years ago now!! The real issue is that although HSTs do their best in the SW, HSTs were never really designed for Paddington to Penzance journeys. They were designed for non-stop high speed runs on the straight and flat, and for this they are still, to this day, very good indeed. For example, the 10am King's X to York (approx. 200miles) non-stop in 1.51hr, to Darlington (250miles) in 2.21hr (dream on Bodmin Parkway) and to Newcastle (approx. 300miles) in 2.51hr (dream on Penzance).
Obviously line speed is at least half the problem in making comparisons about why it takes an extra 2.10hr at best to Penzance. But I would suggest that lost time stopping at stations is the other half of the problem, and yes of course this route is going to inherently have more stops which is why the HSTs are so unsuitable.
To Penzance the typical stopping pattern is around 16 stops. Each stop costs 3 to 5minutes including braking and starting again. This equates to around 64minutes lost which I would wager that a modern electric train could cut in half!! Put another way, running non-stop, I would put my money on an HST having a good chance of making it to Penzance in 4hrs. (e.g. Recent promo run from Plymouth to London was 2.43hr plus take 1.46hr up morning Golden Hind through Cornwall minus 20mins for its 5 stops = 4.09hr).
Poor standing start accelerations by modern standards, lack of power on hills, track curvature and rubbish manual doors all contribute to a criminal loss of time for and between stations possibly totalling the best part of an hour to Penzance.
This exemplifies why this stock is so outdated and not fit for purpose anymore. It is why there is no solution as good as having electrification and pendolino trains for this line throughout. Anything less is a disgraceful sellout on what is deserved and could be achieved.
Hmm, now which paper shall I send this to Lynne?
In case anyone is thinking 'what's is in it for Dawlish?' the answer is simple. Quite apart from faster trains generally, if they lose less times at stops then it is easier to justify more semi-fast services and that means more direct trains for Dawlish. Of course you may need that old kernel of a DALine to get electrification past the sea wall and a 'Dawlish West' station on the route.
To illustrate my point about the rubbish acceleration of HSTs from standing starts first try watching this lumbering HST clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=mpxsHwotuMI#t=253
You will see that from the moment of the driver reving up the engine at 4.16 in the clip it takes until 5.16 a full one minute later for the train to clear its front end starting point.
Then compare with this clip of a SWT sprinter as used on the Honiton line.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhatJuazY9Y&feature=player_detailpage#t=0
This takes less than 30seconds to clear the platform which approx. same overall distance as the above HST achieved.
Then the lumbering HST arrives, then the SWT sprints off etc, you get the idea!!
Considering these are all diesels...electric is even better QED
p.s. Don't get me wrong, HSTs are great at speed, just not all this stopping and starting malarkey.
...and for what the SW really needs...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usHD1shuOFs&feature=player_detailpage#t=7
I can only assume you got a good deal on the ticket price from Southwest Trains to travel into Waterloo, you can knock an hour off the journey time by going to Paddington instead.
...but what you will probably get at best is a 'loco drag' from Plymouth...something like this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXrW0ATCfcQ&feature=player_detailpage#t=154
...but please let's hope we don't just carry on making and doing as we are we ever aging HSTs...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Bhp5i1EITxc#t=2
...or if really desparate to keep the HSTs going for ever this might be one solution...!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDS6DNtVWSk&feature=player_detailpage#t=8
And if I haven't bored you all yet, here's something a little more local. This is a most impressive video that someone has made of the best and worst of times of truely iconic Dawlish.
The steamers shown here really should be shown up on a big TV display to impress on the visitors on Friday just how important the railway is as a tourist draw to Dawlish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeKh9MAdNVk&feature=player_detailpage#t=5
South West Trains (Stagecoach) need to take Devon and Cornwall..them you will have better trains...problem solved.
Honiton line is very reliable and clean trains.
Southern Railway - Southampton-Brighton have speedy quiet fast trains that zap in and out of stations, no HST 'delay' door ckosing on that line! . They have 18 stops on the Brighton line and still do the journey in 95 minutes...about 70 miles.
Watch the video... and see what I mean.
@wondering - i didn't buy the tickets but do know that the part of london we were staying in was much nearer waterloo than paddington. so, factor in time and cost of travelling on tube/by taxi to/from paddington then there may not have been much difference.
@Clive - you are a font of knowledge. which paper(s) you should write to? any and all of 'em i would suggest.
note the missing capitals in my post above! i do wish whoever/whatever it is that is causing it would stop their fooling around.
@leatash. having taken everything in a bit more, i think you're right. stench pipes aside, a green bridge would be in better keeping with the rest of the town than the drab one we've got.
Green wouldnt be my prefered colour for anything but thats what we have and it would then all match and if there where gold highlights it would match exactly as per the railings along the brook. And then maybe the railings along the track could be painted from the same tins just a thought.
Maybe a green bridge with gold swan motifs... The new footbridge could be livened up too, there are eight blank panels screaming out for attention.
Anything has got to be better than a boring grey bridge and a viaduct bridge painted in left over MOD tank paint which doesn't match anything in the rest of the town!
Actually, holly green is the colour of the benches and bridges in the town so holly green with gold swans is perfect!!
Maybe someone could contact the town manager she may be able to negotiate with NR for permissions and then get the cash for the paint and we have the talent to do the painting so minimal cost there.
Just a suggestion. See my thread about Artwork in the Town. Could someone officially make this suggestion about the swans and the colours etc on the viaduct, to the town council for them to pursue with NR? And (and I know I say this a lot) write a letter to the Gazette suggesting the idea. Mcjrpc perhaps? I think it was your suggestion.
That way the idea gets a wider audience and if more people are in favour then perhaps NR and the TDC Conservation Officer might bow to public pressure.
Clive pointed out it would have to be marine proof and referenced a company called PPG. It has a 479 page download of its products - not come across Holly Green yet!
It's the idea that I think should be promoted in the first instance.
That company doesn't do Holly Green? What about another shade of green then? Are there other companies that also produce marine proof paint and who do a Holly Green? Clive, do you know?
I wasn't being too serious, with 479 pages of product, I wouldn't even know where to start.
Margaret Swift, you've obviously been involved in this sort of discussion before, would the conservation officer be the person to contact to solicit an opinion?
Consult the TDC conservation officer? oh my gawd! Didn't someone say (Margaret S?) on here somewhere that the reason the viaduct is the bland colour it is, is because the conservation officer said that it had to be so? Think I'm right on that. That's why I was promoting the idea of public opinion maybe swaying the Conservation officer's mind with regard to the viaduct being painted green with gold swans.
Yes, I'd like to know why in the first place the current colour and not the green or any other was selected. In my opinion it's not helpful to get the conservation officer on the defensive by campaigning against the decision without understanding the background.
Suspect NR will also have had a big say in what colour the viaduct should be as I believe they own it. Anyhow, for anyone who wishes to pursue this with the TDC Conservation officer these contact details might be useful.
The other issue that will need consideration is what preparation of the existing grey may be necessary (may be nothing more than de-greasing needed) and selecting not just marine grade paint but something that is both a topcoat and compatible with existing. Painting swans on ditto, which may mean a DIY job may not be too simple. I'll have a word with PPG and see if they can advise on options etc.
Clive This is not a complicated job a good powerwash a application or two of Jotun UN1263 then the green topcoat we have Brian Steffans who could paint the swans it is that simple and not complicated at all.
What causes the rusty run marks and how can they be avoided?
Richard Bland is no longer the conservation officer, maybe the new one will have a better eye. His name is Tony Dayglo.
Only joking.