AUTO: South West: Updates from GWR
AUTO POST. Firstly, the naming of GWR shunter 08663. Named St Silas, it commemorates the St Silas church, which was destroyed 75 years ago during a bombing raid in January 1941.
Sadly 140 lost their lives that night as German airmen attempted to hit the Railway and Docks area of the city.
Simon Cassidy, Driver Operations Manager, said: ‘The Royal British Legion do a fantastic job in supporting countless people affected by service for their country. We are proud that this locomotive will serve as a tribute to the work of the Legion and in remembrance to those who lost their lives on that fateful evening.'
Next, and as reported, 387s are to be built for the GWR fleet. The first of the fleet is being constructed, and we've stumbled across some of the first images! #Exclusive! More units are to be built in due course, as the Govia 387s aren't transferring now. Detail here about the 387s for GWR. Plus, of course, there's Intercity Livety 43002 which was unveiled at the Bristol SPM Depot Open Day - see Matthew's post regarding that one.
Next from GWR: As part of Network Rail’s £40bn Railway Upgrade plan, state-of-the art signalling technology is currently being installed on the South Wales Mainline, providing more reliable rail services for the growing number of passengers. Under the upgrade work the signal box is scheduled to close next year and the new signalling controls operated from the Wales Railway Operations Centre in Cardiff.
Basically, Network Rail has completed the next stage of electrifying the Great Western Mainline - which will allow the Class 800/801s to operate. This type of stock will begin tests from September between Reading/Didcot, the first area to be electrified along the line.
Then by December 2018, as reported in May, the entire line between Bristol Parkway, Cardiff and Newbury should be electrified - followed by Bath by 2019, Oxford by June 2019 and all platforms at Bristol Temple Meads by 2020.
Retired and current Welsh signallers attended the ceremony including former signaller Herbert Farr, 90, from Whitchurch, who was the first person to work in the signal box in 1966.
Staying with GWR, they've also named another of their locomotives, in order to celebrate 50 years of the Cardiff panel signal box - which has now been replaced by a new signalling system. The plaque was unveiled by Managing Director Mark Hopwood.
Mr Hopwood said: “Together with Network Rail, GWR are delivering a renaissance in rail on the Great Western network, with brand new trains that will operate with new signalling managed through a new signal centre - providing faster, more frequent services and a step change in customer experience.
“It does mean saying goodbye to some old friends, and I am really pleased that we can do that in some style for the Cardiff Signal Panel Box – a worthy recipient of a GWR loco nameplate.
Mr Farr said: “It is wonderful that the signal box is being recognised. I worked on the railway for almost fifty years and in the Cardiff Panel Signal Box for nearly thirty years. Taking the job in the signal box was a fantastic move, allowing me to meet people from across the railway.
"Although it is sad it will be closing I think that the improved technology for signalling is marvellous.”
GWR: The specially named power car will operate up to four routes a day, providing as many as 2,000 people every day the opportunity to travel on board the Cardiff Panel Signal Box named train. ^Harry.
