Chelmsford Sidings remodelling works.

[dk1]

Anybody know the reason the sidings here have recently been relaid with three sidings alongside each other? They are now together between the old Royal Mail canopy & the main line.

Ive not seen any aggregates traffic in there for well over a year & can only think its something to do with later stages of the HOBC work currently working between Norwich & Diss. Even then i would have thought it unlikely to fit & will require much shunting to/from the running lines or for stabling EMUs should the OHL get extended into the yard.

 

[Class 170101]

EWS 66 with wagons was in the sidings about a fortnight ago when passing.

 

[306024]

I think you'll find it is just for aggregates traffic, HOBC remains based from Parkeston, and no plans for EMUs to stable down there.

The postal trains were good fun, with shunting vans around and the odd ex class 302 EMU calling in. And then there was the Rowntrees chocolate train. Even got a lift home once on a 47 running light engine from there.

Sad to recall someone being electrocuted working in the yard many years ago when a pole they were carrying touched the overheads.

 

[dk1]

Remember seeing the 'Chelmsford Chocolates' thundering through Colchester behind a 37 en-route York.

 

[RichmondCommu]

In the 1980's Rowntrees was an important customer for rail freight. As was of course the pet food plant at Melton Mowbray and grain traffic in East Anglia. Sadly all now gone and never to return.

 

[dk1]

In the 1980's Rowntrees was an important customer for rail freight. As was of course the pet food plant at Melton Mowbray and grain traffic in East Anglia. Sadly all now gone and never to return.

I never say never

 

[dk1]

Ironically it's got a mention in the latest Modern Railways. A planned Concrete Batching plant was turned down by planners due to 'urbanisation' of the area (such a shame), however it retains permission for stone trains & a new Acton-Chelmsford flow for London Aggregates has now started. I had noticed RailFreight Services unloading machines in this yard.

 

[306024]

NR Overhead wiring train has been stabled down there recently, and a 66 on stone traffic was also there this morning.

 

[dk1]

NR Overhead wiring train has been stabled down there recently, and a 66 on stone traffic was also there this morning.

Busy place these days