The Great East–West barrier Friends of the Have you ever tried to escape from The Friends have been exasperated by Lincoln, not easy is it? the spate of unreliability and lack of Rail Lincs Rail? Lincs? Number 66 June 2013 ISSN 1350-0031 Although we have two through trains a information, earlier in the year, which was & South Humberside Branch of the LINCOLNSHIRE day to , ironically leaving within a extremely undermining the efforts of Railway Development Society N e w s l e t t e r few minutes of each other, even getting to those who were trying to promote the line. London is not easy as the connections at The first train of each day from Newark are not always good with, at times, to Barton and back was Good attendance at Cleethorpes AGM the shuttle from Lincoln waiting for the being substituted by a coach service until London train to vacate platform 3. the start of the Sunday service on 19 May. We would like to see a better service via but the constraints of the flat Since the introduction of the new crossing at Newark means that even timetable the Class 185 working has altering stopping patterns to improve been replaced by a Class 153 calling at all services from Hykeham is impossible stations, but terminating at Town because of the lack of paths across the on the return run. However this service is , so any hope of a currently being replaced by a bus; more frequent service is a non starter. The possibly until July. This had become solution, a flyover, does not seem to be on necessary because of the land slip on 12 the agenda of at present and February near Hatfield & Stainforth would, I suspect, be very difficult to fit in. station, which had caused the temporary The other option is to travel via closure on the – to places like , Birmingham and the line and was affecting the availability of West Country, this is a valid route, but that the Class 185 sets which provide the is not easy. There is, on the positive side service. TransPennine Express is running an hourly service, but it is slow owing to it one train per week to Cleethorpes and stopping at every station and the low line speed as far as Gainsborough and of back on the line from Saturday, 25 course it uses that high quality luxury May for the duration of the closure of the stock, Pacers. The solution here is a semi line through Hatfield & Stainforth. fast service to Sheffield calling at only (AASB) Kiveton Bridge after Worksop with a new Worksop to Sheffield stopping service to produce a 30 minute interval service from Rail Lincs 67 will be published in October. Worksop to Sheffield. Please let the Editor have copy by 14 September. If the current Newark terminating The views and comments expressed in Rail Lincs services from Kings Cross were extended are not necessarily those of the Railway Photographs, by Sue Dovey & David Harby (clockwise from top left): to York not only would it solve the Development Society. M Mike Savage with some of the official guests and speakers A’R S AG connection problems at Newark, but Railfuture is the campaigning name for the Chris Brown in discussion with The Mayoress E YE e 11 would then provide an hourly service from Railway Development Society. N XT see g pa to Doncaster and York so that the Sue Dovey presenting flowers to Mayoress of Cleethorpes EN The Railway Development Society Limited is a (not David Harby with Nick Donovan, MD, First TransPennine T RA Sheffield trains could connect into for profit) Company Limited by Guarantee. MAKR E S Northbound and Southbound services at Registered in & Wales No. 5011634. Retford, providing much better journey Registered Office: 24 Chedworth Place, RAIL SHOW model railway exhibition - Sat/Sun 7 & 8 September Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND options than at present via the infrequent Walton Girls’ High School & Sixth Form, Kitty Briggs Lane, Grantham NG31 7JR service direct to Doncaster. 10:00am – 5:00pm Sat. 9:30am – 4:30pm Sun. Adults £4, Child £2, Senior Citizen £3 Just a few thoughts, but we do need to be pushing for some of these www.railfuture.org.uk In association with the Mallard High Speed Festival at Grantham station – SEE PAGE 11 improvements in the next round of franchising. (CB) IN THIS ISSUE – TABLE OF USAGE FIGURES FOR LINCOLNSHIRE AREA STATIONS Refer to page 2 for contact details of branch officers mentioned in Rail Lincs. Table edited by Alan Gouldthorpe – see pages 6 & 7 Cottesmore Press - Grantham - 01476 407569 Railfuture Lincolnshire Branch Committee 2013 to 2014 Grantham Rail Show board etc. As we go to press, it has been formally Stock for our sales stand, which goes a Alphabetical list of members: Colin Lingard - Branch Treasurer announced that the record breaking long way to financing the cost of the 12 Home Close, Bracebridge Heath, steam locomotive, Nigel Gresley’s A4 weekend, is running low so if you have any Anthony Berridge Lincoln LN4 2LP 01522 526620 pacific “Mallard” will be visiting sales material it would be most welcome. Friends of the Barton Line [email protected] Rail books and anything of interest to Representative Grantham on the same weekend as Phil Mason - Rail Lincs Editor 47 Eastfield Road, Barton on Grantham Rail Show model railway children always sells well. If you can offer Branch Vice-Chairman DN18 6AW 01724 721397 exhibition on 7 and 8 September 2013. help or sales stock please contact David 10 Cottesmore Close, Grantham NG31 9JL Harby. It will be very helpful if members Chris Brown 01476 407569 As part of the 75th anniversary National International Committee Member [email protected] celebrations of the record breaking run, a can commit to specific times when they 24a Lannimore Close, Lincoln LN5 8SF are available to assist. Geoffrey Meanwell partnership including South 01522 544913 07766496466 39 Alexandra Road, LN10 6RE District Council, Lincolnshire County [email protected] 01526 352389 Council and major sponsor Carillion Rail, Spalding Station Ralph Coulson Tim Mickleburgh in co-operation with East Coast Trains, It appears that the structural problems at 24 Willingham Road, LN8 3DR Corresponding Member Network Rail and the National Railway Spalding railway station may soon be 01673 842177 07792947498 11 Boulevard Avenue, Grimsby DN31 2JP Museum will enable Mallard to go on resolved and work resumed on the vacant Andrew Court 01472 350404 show on former sidings, off the Up slow rooms, surplus to railway requirements. Rock Cottage, 91 High Street, Nigel Morley line adjacent to the car park south of The original plans were for the local Lincoln LN1 2HA 01522 702651 52-58 High St., Heckington, Lincs NG34 QT Grantham station. The sidings are being radio station to use space which would Alan Gouldthorpe 01529 460624 [email protected] relayed by Carillion Rail. Mallard will be need permanent security staff to be on 48 Overton Court, Barton on Humber, Don Peacock - Hon Branch Secretary joined by other historic exhibits as part of duty due to the equipment and also as a N Lincs DN18 5QH 07412060971 National Passenger Committee Member [email protected] a free east coast ‘Story of Speed’ when base for the local Police Community 1 Queens Road, Barnetby le Wold, visitors will not only get a close up view of Support Officers. It is not clear whether David Harby - Branch Chairman, N Lincs DN38 6JH 01652 688549 Mallard, but a chance to view a Deltic these plans are still ongoing. The station Exhibition Screen Officer, [email protected] National Treasurer, Media Spokesman locomotive – Mallard’s high speed diesel has been repainted and along with floral Tom Rookes - Minutes Secretary National Freight Committee Member successor. It is hoped to have a free displays by staff and the Friends (station 77 Ruskin Avenue, St. Giles, Lincoln LN2 4DE 6 Carral Close, Brant Road, Lincoln LN5 9BD vintage bus service linking the Grantham 01522 540513 adopters) group, looks very attractive. 01522 874513 [email protected] Rail Show at Walton Girls’ High School & (PBJ) Mike Savage Brian Hastings - Emeritus Chairman Sixth Form, off Harlaxton Road, with the Corresponding Member Media Spokesman (North) display at the station. 2014 AGM 260 Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 7ET Rail Lincs Northern Correspondent 01472 235721 The Rail Show and this year’s unique After the success this year of moving the 312 Wharf Road, Ealand, Scunthorpe, [email protected] Mallard event provides one of the few AGM away from Lincoln, we expect that by N Lincs DN17 4JW 01724 710528 opportunities we have to meet and talk to the time you are reading this the Festival [email protected] Carolyn Sharp 33 Firbeck Ave., , Lincs PE25 3LA members of the public who are not Hall at Market Rasen will have been Paul Jowett - Corresponding Member, 01754 766581 always regular rail users. This year we booked for the next branch AGM on 15 Rail Lincs Southern Correspondent [email protected] hope to have a Railfuture presence at March 2014. We expect to be following Branch Representative on District Council’s Partnership Group Chris Precey both events and ask branch members for the same agenda that has worked well in 8 Deepdale Drive, , , Committee Representative their commitment to volunteer their help recent years with the formal AGM in the Lincs NG34 8LR 63 Brascote Road, Hinkley, Leics LE10 0YE in manning the two stands. As the press morning and, after a break for lunch, a Francis Wallace Lee George Bishop release states: “Thousands of visitors are public meeting in the afternoon. 14 Thirlmere Close, , SELTA Chairman expected to flock to Grantham….” As we are at Market Rasen, services on Lincoln LN6 8ES 1 Church Green Drive, Fishtoft, The time taken to plan and set up the Lincoln – Grimsby route, or rather the 01522 686592 Boston PE21 0BA displays and then dismantle afterwards, lack of services, will feature in the [email protected] [email protected] does take up a full weekend and more, afternoon session. If members have therefore it is important if members can other specific topics they would like us to offer to help for a few hours at the cover would they please contact David exhibition sites or designing a new display Harby or Don Peacock.

Rail Lincs 66 - 2 Rail Lincs 66 - 11 News from Skegness hostess on ‘Caroline’ throughout this From the Chairman from Carolyn Sharp time travelling all over and meeting Network Rail officials and other VIPs. 2013 has been a busy year so far and was the best he has ever seen. On Saturday 20 April, West Coast Railway there are so many topics I could write Whilst on the subject of train operating Company (WCRC) ran a charter train from Skegness Station about that I am going to cop out and write companies (TOCs) responses to Skegness to Windsor – top and tailed by May Day Bank Holiday proved very busy at a few words about each. stakeholders, I have been impressed with 57313 and 57314 – two new additions to Skegness. By 13:00 over 600 Firstly the branch AGM. Cleethorpes is the way (EMT) has the loco fleet of WCRC, both ex Virgin and passengers had arrived - 286 on a 156 at not the easiest of places to reach from organised the Nottingham blockade still painted in Arriva colours. All went well 11:00. Consequently all evening trains the south of the county so I was very services. A lot of planning has gone into and passengers enjoyed four hours in were busy departing Skegness. All due to pleased to see a third of our branch this, including a full scale exercise of the Windsor with the added bonus of blue the weather – now long forgotten with membership there. Even more pleasing complicated bus movements around skies and sunshine despite an early frost. return to NE winds. was to see a full room for the afternoon . Locally, EMT has put On Saturday 12 October 2013, WCRC During the Nottingham blockade conference. When we were planning the in a lot of effort to solve a problem I are running a charter train from Skegness Skegness seems to be faring better than conference we were keen to get a good identified for Hykeham passengers so as to Hastings picking up at Wainfleet – many places in that on some days trains attendance from non members and with to ensure they can get to work for 09:00. Boston – Heckington – Sleaford– do run the entire journey from 24 signing the attendance list and quite a Let us hope that any unforeseen Grantham. Premier Dining Seats: Nottingham to Skegness and return. few more who did not sign, we certainly problems that crop up during the £159.00. First Class Seats: £79.00. Early and late trains from Nottingham to succeeded in our aim. blockade are as efficiently dealt with. Standard Class Seats: £59.00. For Grantham and return are replaced by The idea for an AGM at Cleethorpes to During the blockade EMT is offering a further details - please contact Carolyn buses throughout the blockade. It will be coincide with Cleethorpes 150 came 15% discount on ordinary tickets where Sharp:- 01754 766581, 07733238577. interesting to see how all the luggage and from Mike Savage and he organised the passengers have to use a rail The destination of the autumn buggies and sundries accompanying event from start to finish. I received some replacement bus. A discount for journeys excursion is limited to travelling south passengers fare during this time. It does very complimentary emails afterwards which are disrupted due to engineering again as engineering works are in seem unfair that dogs are not permitted which were well deserved. The event was work is something Railfuture has been progress on many other routes. on buses since many travel by train to exceptionally well organised and at their campaigning for. Now EMT has set an Skegness. (Last year I did also count The postponed double steam charter next meeting the branch committee example let us hope other TOCs follow. cats, fish, birds, hamsters, gerbils, rats to Skegness in May is now scheduled for passed on their grateful thanks to Mike In one of his recent Lincolnshire Echo and a snake – fortunately all caged.) Saturday 13 July using Oliver Cromwell who, along with Tim Mickleburgh, has columns, my local MP, Karl McCartney The route of the HST to Skegness on only. Wait and see! joined the branch committee as a chose to pontificate on the local railway Saturdays in the peak season is still corresponding member. scene. As might be expected he had Network Rail Inspection Saloon under discussion. (CS) The closure of the Doncaster – plenty to say about the Lincoln High ‘Caroline’ made its annual trip to this part Charter from Skegness standing alongside a Scunthorpe line by the Hatfield Colliery Street level crossing, much of it of the country on Tuesday 21 Southern Class 450 unit at Windsor & Eaton Riverside landslip came as a surprise to everyone, misguided in my opinion, and his wish for May staying overnight in but after a few initial hiccups the a direct train to Kings Cross, but he had Skegness – departing early emergency rail replacement buses and nothing to say about local services. I do Wednesday morning into North freight diversions have worked very well. sometimes wonder why there is so much Lincolnshire. ‘Caroline’ is a one- To reroute up to 140 freight trains every local media emphasis on trains to coach open saloon. In the day was quite a feat for which Network London but very little about any other. 1980’s Prince Charles and Rail deserve our congratulations. London may be our capital city but it is not Diana travelled on it on their At the start I did hear of a few problems the centre of the universe. Judging by my honeymoon. Lord Hinton (class with the rail replacement buses, but First experience of overcrowded and slow 37, DRS) is the loco which TransPennine responded to stakeholder trains to Nottingham and Sheffield, local usually accompanies ‘Caroline’ comments and when our committee services deserve as much, if not more, on its weekly trips from April to member Chris Brown, someone with emphasis. September to various plenty of rail replacement bus experience Representatives from the recently destinations throughout Great from the sharp end as a driver, had a look formed Market Rasen Rail User Group Britain. My daughter, Holly, is at the operation, he commented that it attended our last committee meeting to employed by DRS and works as

Rail Lincs 66 - 10 Rail Lincs 66 - 3 discuss how we could work together for Major resignalling Experiencing an Services were disrupted throughout better services on the Lincoln – Grimsby the day, with some IC225s being route. Since then I have had further works at Nottingham ECML disruption ‘dragged’ by ‘Thunderbird’ Class 67s, as discussions with them and Lincolnshire The increasingly unreliable 40 year old Services on the East Coast Main Line repairs were not due to be carried out County Council which have resulted in a signalling system in the Nottingham area were severely disrupted on Easter until the Saturday night. (PM) survey of existing and potential rail use at is being replaced this year. At the same Saturday, 30 March, due to a power Market Rasen being planned. Lincs CC time the opportunity is being taken to supply problem affecting overhead lines Days out by train have kindly agreed to print the survey improve the track layout and add an extra at Newark North Gate. East Coast, Grand forms and provide prepaid reply platform at Nottingham station. To Central and Hull Trains services were from Lincolnshire envelopes. The survey (also available on- enable the work to be completed there subject to delays which, in many Saturday, 22 June 60009 ‘Union of line) is due to be launched on 6 July. If you will be major disruptions at Nottingham instances were in excess of one hour. South Africa’ hauls the Railway Touring live in the Market Rasen area please look station between 20 July and 25 August. Trains in both Up and Down directions Company charter from Kings Cross to out for the survey, fill it in, return it and There will be no trains to the west of were affected. Frustratingly for York picking up at Potters Bar, Stevenage encourage your friends, neighbours and Nottingham station for all of this period. passengers, initially the customer and Peterborough. acquaintances to do likewise. Trains from Lincoln and Skegness will information screens at Grantham Saturday, 6 July Compass Tours charter Whilst on the subject of surveys, only be able to reach Nottingham for showed northbound services to be from Peterborough, Grantham, branch committee members Chris some of the blockade period. Liverpool – running on time or at worse a mere ten Bottesford and Nottingham to Carlisle. Brown, Alan Gouldthorpe and myself services will be diverted via East minutes late. It was not until a train had have assisted with a survey of Hykeham Midlands Parkway and and will departed and moved a few hundred yards Saturday, 13 July Steam Days charter station users on behalf of the Nottingham not call at Grantham. from the platform end to come to a stand hauled by ‘Tornado’ from Kings Cross, to Lincoln Stakeholder Board. For six days East Midlands Trains (EMT) held a very at the signal berth just north of the Stevenage and Peterborough to Beverley over a two week period almost every useful meeting on 10 May where station, where it waited for up to an hour, and Scarborough. passenger joining every train at Hykeham stakeholders were able to ask questions that the full impact of the disruption Wednesday, 9 October West Coast and some alighting passengers were and raise concerns. A lot of planning has became apparent. If only staff at Railway Co charter from St. Neots, interviewed. Swinderby was also gone into the rail replacement bus Grantham had been able to explain this Huntingdon, Peterborough, Grantham, surveyed but without any Railfuture services and we were assured that there impending delay, passengers would have Newark North Gate, Retford and input. The detailed information gained will be plenty of controllers in place to felt better informed. It transpired that Doncaster to Carlisle via the Settle and will be used to campaign for and plan deal with immediate problems as they electric trains were being held just north Carlisle line and return along the future services on the route. arise. South East Lincs Travellers’ of Grantham station so that they could be Cumbrian Coast line. At their full council meeting on 12 April Association (SELTA) passenger counts given a clear run to Newark where they 2013 Lincolnshire County Council are being used to ensure that there will be ‘coasted’ through North Gate station. Saturday, 12 October PMR charter from formally adopted their 4th Local sufficient units allocated to Skegness to Subsequently this delay caused following Lincoln, Nottingham, , Transport Plan. This sets out their Grantham/Nottingham trains. trains approaching Grantham from the Chesterfield and Sheffield to Carlisle. transport strategy for the next 10 years. I am already aware of some Routing south to become ‘stacked’ one behind Haulage by 46233 “Duchess of Public transport is mentioned, but the Guide Easements which will be permitted the other and becoming increasingly late. Sutherland” Hellifield – Carlisle – majority of the strategy concentrates on during the blockade and more are still Services operated by IC225 electric Hellifield. roads. We were assured by Lincs CC that being negotiated as this is being written. trains could not make scheduled stops at VISITING CHARTER after LTP4 was adopted they would revise Looking at the easements, I am already Newark North Gate because of the On 20 July Compass Tours has a charter the detailed Rail Strategy, so we now aware of, it seems that for most, maybe ‘coasting’ arrangement and only diesel arriving in the County when a pair of Class await this revision. all, cross Nottingham journeys, it will be powered trains: HSTs, Hull Trains and 20s haul the ‘Jolly Fisherman’ from All in all, with other activities possible to find a diversionary route (e.g. Grand Central were able to make a Hooton, Chester, Crewe, Whitchurch, mentioned elsewhere, it has been a busy Lincoln to Leicester via Peterborough or Newark North Gate call. In some cases Wem, Shrewsbury, Wellington, Telford, spring for yours truly and the rest of the Sheffield) without having to pay any Hull Trains and Grand Central services Wolverhampton, Walsall, Coleshill committee. However, after years of higher than normal fare. (DH) were making additional calls at North Parkway and Nuneaton to Lincoln, fighting rail contraction it is a pleasant Gate and passengers were advised to Wainfleet and Skegness. (GM) change to be involved in some positive change from IC225s at Grantham or actions. David Harby Doncaster.

Rail Lincs 66 - 4 Rail Lincs 66 - 9 (continued from page 5) Ruskington, to be closed at the same explain matters: why a blockade gets Timetable changes and Joint Line Update The Sleaford Avoiding Line has now been time, the problems were so severe for most work done quickly, for example. planned engineering work Ruskington it was decided to leave work Overall, Network Rail did a good job, Except for the usual summer only put back to good order but still awaits the signal contractors. The southbound Up on the fourth bridge, Priory Road which is the bridges look good to last another 150 services on the Grimsby and Skegness located near the station between the years and there are great improvements routes, the only service change this May line is operational, but as of 14 May, the relayed northbound Down line still A153 and Fen Road bridges, until the last to the roadways and footpaths. Two is that the previous 06:10 Peterborough so that one road to the east would be glaring mistakes were the failure of to KX service is extended and will now awaited reconnection to existing track at Sleaford North Junction. It is not clear open for the village. promised ‘door to door’ letters to start from Grantham at 05:44. It is Work on the first of the three bridges households in the vicinity of the two reported that East Coast hope to extend whether the Down line will be put into use in the near future, although informed commenced on time during the blockade bridges in the village to materialise and this to start from the December timetable covering the Easter period when train the contractor tasked with road signing of change. sources suggest that it may not be brought back into use until new signalling services were suspended. Preparatory diversions made a ‘hash’ of the detailed As well as the Nottingham blockade, work to divert utility services was carried work. Also, it did not help that on the only mentioned elsewhere, there is planned is installed. The Up line is used with existing semaphore signals. Currently out prior to road closures. Although the road open through Ruskington at the weekday as well as weekend engineering light engine movements are taking place bridge works were completed on height of the bridge works, a public utility work on the Joint Line. There may also be over the Up line as route learning schedule, road closures over-ran by up to contractor decided to carry out planned some last minute changes as a result of refreshers prior to the East Coast Main ten days due to problems with various work necessitating traffic lights on the the Hatfield/Stainforth work so whenever Line diversions during June. utility companies and lack of co- only open diversion route! you travel this summer and autumn you Sleaford North signal box and the ordination between contractors. The A big plus was East Midlands Trains’ are advised to check for last minute splendid brick built South box will, of requirement to install crash barriers on arrangements to provide bus alterations. (DH) each side of the A153 bridge (for the first replacements during the Sleaford to course, close sometime in 2014. Unconnected with the Joint Line, there is time) meant that a long period of single Lincoln line closure. A special booklet was Franchise Renewals line road operation had to be published by Lincoln staff, with copies speculation that Sleaford West and East After the complete shambles of the West implemented. These delays meant that available locally, at booking offices and signal boxes may well close around Coast franchise renewal Department for work on Priory Road Bridge started late by handed out on trains prior to the 2021/22. Of course experience reminds Transport (DfT) have issued a new about two weeks. Work being carried out disruption. us that on the railway such a target can franchise schedule. East Coast will be the from 20:00 on Saturdays until 06:00 on Also on the Joint Line, it appears that slip as the network moves to its aspiration first of our local franchises to be re-let, Mondays with the intention of completion Saxilby station will gain a footbridge for of controlling the railway with thirteen or with the new franchisee due to take over in time for the Joint Line diversions. users and a planning process is being fourteen signalling centres. in February 2015. The Northern and All four bridges have new centre spans instigated. However, no decisions have Bridges on the Avoiding Line have been TransPennine franchises have both been and the old GNR side arches have been been made for Ruskington or completely rebuilt. They cross the River extended to end in February 2016. With totally filled in with concrete. According to . (PBJ) Slea Navigation, Boston Road (old A17) both ending at the same time it will and the Sleaford – Boston railway line. a Balfour Beatty engineer, apart from Sleaford Station enable DfT to change the Northern Four bridges on the Joint Line north of superficial brickwork wear and tear, the At Sleaford station, just one business unit England franchise areas. The East Sleaford North signal box were rebuilt old bridges were extremely sound, hence remains to be used as part of an initiative Midlands franchise is extended from April during the blockade of the line in March there being no need to completely between East Midlands Trains and North 2015 to October 2017. The government and April. At the same time bases for new remove the side arches. The bridges have Kesteven District Council to renovate the have made it clear that the existing signals and cable troughs were installed, uniform high parapets, comply with W12 unused rooms. Having the space occupied franchisees will not automatically together with track relaying. Major works loading gauge and compliant for future also acts as a deterrent to misuse at the continue to operate the franchise during included the lowering of track in electrification. station. the extension. This is subject to a Washingborough Tunnel and rebuilding There was no doubt that the bridge During May, the Booking Office had a satisfactory outcome of the financial of the following bridges, from south to works have caused great anger, anguish complete refurbishment to upgrade the negotiations and Directly Operated and short term disruption for Ruskington working area for the staff and renew north: Paper Mills Bridge on a minor road, Railways will be standing by to take over residents. A lot of complaints have been equipment. Security will also be improved, Road (A153) on the busy any franchise if needed. (DH) Skegness route and Fen Road a minor made towards Network Rail by people which, hopefully, will mean that East who cannot see the ‘bigger picture’. Midlands Trains see the Booking Office village road within Ruskington. With three busy bridges, two really vital for Network Rail held two meetings to try and having a long term future. (PBJ) (continued on page 8)

Rail Lincs 66 - 8 Rail Lincs 66 - 5 Interchanges

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