12q2 Phoenix - Robertsbridge Junction Station Plans

We had the pleasure at the AGM of a presentation by Mike Hart of the new plans for the development of Robertsbridge Station, on behalf of the RVR Heritage Trust. Detailed drawings have been drawn up for submission to the local authority, and a number of these are now on view in our mess van, pending completion of the visitor centre refurbishment. These are mostly too detailed to reproduce successfully in this small magazine, but a sketch showing the proposed general layout of track and buildings has been prepared (opposite –not to scale). We hope to be able to get the full plans on display soon, and perhaps more into the next Phoenix.

As the sketch indicates, and as widely anticipated, developments include a long new platform to accommodate K&ESR-length trains, and a long carriage shed opposite the platform. A water crane (currently stored at Rolvenden) will be placed at the southern end of the platform, fed from a new water tower to be built south of the carriage shed. There is space for a signal box (non-functioning) south of the platform.

The new station will have a run-round for locomotives. Coaling of locos will take place near the small loco shed to be built on the outer edge of the curve heading towards Bridge 1. The headshunt for this shed will be capable of being extended into the mainline station’s bay platform, should the opportunity arise at a future date. This could be useful for stock transfers, for example. A lever frame will be installed to control the turnouts at this northern end of the new track layout.

In terms of construction, preparation for the track layout changes should be starting later this year, once it’s possible to move the existing collection of railway vehicles further up towards Bridge 1. This is expected to happen this summer once new trackwork reaches the loading pad area. Stores and workshops also have to be relocated. Levels need to be improved on the track bed to remove the current slope towards the southern end, and the bed needs to be moved eastwards to give room for the platform to be built alongside the existing main station car park.

Under the plans, the VSOE building will be retained until after the new station building is completed, which is not envisaged to be for several years yet. However, everything else at the existing station site is either being moved or demolished to make way for the new scheme.

Workshops, stores, staff facilities including parking, and loco fuel etc will be distributed between the loco shed and carriage shed areas.

12q2 Phoenix - Dates for the Diary

East Sussex Gauge 'O' Group's
model railway exhibition, 15 &16 September, Bexleyheath (see advertisement below). model show, Sunday July 15th 10-5.00, Pett Village Hall, E.Sussex.
Details from Geoff Wyatt on 01424 813300.

K&ESR Hop-pickers weekend,
8 & 9 September 2012. Passenger train running is being extended beyond Bodiam across the RVR metals to Junction Road over the event weekend, for only the second time since the stretch of line was restored. RVR plan a stand at Bodiam.

Charity Toy and Train Fair, in aid of the Association of Bexley Charities,
Wednesday 29 August, Falconwood Community Centre, the Green, Welling, DA16 2PG. (6.30pm to 9.30pm –free parking). Erith Model Railway Society’s

12q2 Phoenix - Letters to the Editor

From Alan Bone – The 2012 Model Railway Exhibition was brilliant with nearly 400 visitors, the ACOL layout with its Col.Stephens theme, and excellent food for those attending and exhibiting. The layouts were better than last year, due to being smaller. It was ideal for everybody and credit must go to Paul Plummer of Erith Model Railway Society for his efforts to achieve lots of variety in a small space. Geoff Wyatt oversaw the whole event very well indeed. I’d like to thank all who helped, but I do need a person to help me put up road signs next year! The next event is already being planned for 18 and 19 May 2013, and I hope the editor can include lots of reminders in the Phoenix in the meantime! Alan

12q2 Phoenix - Elsewhere on the former SE division…

The last issue mentioned the remodeling of London Bridge station. What hadn’t been fully appreciated is that the scheme entails removal of the Victorian train shed. This shed is one of the dwindling number left in London, with Euston, Fenchurch Street, Blackfriars, Cannon Street, and Charing Cross having lost theirs over the years (Victoria has lost much of its main roof too). The only Victorian structure remaining at London Bridge will probably be the actual viaduct on which the station sits, though some of this will be removed to create a large concourse under all platforms.

Loss of the old train shed is sad, but it’s an inescapable consequence of adding the much needed extra through platforms at the high level. These will (in about 2018) connect to the new viaduct now sitting waiting alongside the old one right outside in Station Approach. Also going it appears will be the SER building shown below, which scrubbed up so well only quite recently.

Sunday 24th June

The work was concentrated on the VSOE today continuing on the shelves for the shop. Some units were being stained while others were being built. It won't be long before this is completed. Also, I believe the new carpet is due to be fitted very soon.

Finally, this afternoon we have received a thank you note (quite a large one) from Robertsbridge Children's Services for donating logs from lineside clearance. They've been put in good use in their garden.

Sunday 10th June

The VSOE upgrade of the museum and information centre is now nearing completion. The majority of regular volunteers helped out today. The new cream blinds are fitted which compliments the redecorated walls which has very much been finished. Since the last update, all five display units are built and painting those has begun. It won't be long before the new attraction is ready, however it is still in use for the shop refurbishment which is kept open on Sundays and the displays will need to be made.

(JE)

(JE) The display shelves at the end of the day