St blazey turntable

[Lord Longhop]

I see once again some are calling for DBS to repair the turntable at St Blazey, the one that they don't use, just so other companies who are not prepared to pay for this facility can use it. Maybe DBS should spend a ridiculous amount on this and in doing so put in jeopardy the current clay contract, 30 peoples jobs, and loads and loads of lorries on the road, just so a few steam cranks can have some fun.

 

[Trainfan344]

Don't DBS have Steam Drivers? So surely it would benefit them as they would be able to hire out more steam drivers and therefore make more money.

 

[fsmr]

Not knowing the area, how did it survive so long. It also seems to be in an awkward location looking on google maps meaning it isn't just tucked out the way do loco's still have to traverse it as it seems to be on the connection line. If so, I would imagine removal for repair would be difficult without making a temporary bridge

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Not knowing the area, how did it survive so long. It also seems to be in an awkward location looking on google maps meaning it isn't just tucked out the way do loco's still have to traverse it as it seems to be on the connection line. If so, I would imagine removal for repair would be difficult without making a temporary bridge

It used to be used by RM trains up until the end of the Bristol-Penzance TPO trains for turning sorting coaches around as they were "handed"

 

[Cliveblackpool]

I see once again some are calling for DBS to repair the turntable at St Blazey, the one that they don't use, just so other companies who are not prepared to pay for this facility can use it. Maybe DBS should spend a ridiculous amount on this and in doing so put in jeopardy the current clay contract, 30 peoples jobs, and loads and loads of lorries on the road, just so a few steam cranks can have some fun.

From Turntables thread

Has been used in the past for turning diesel locos (local clay traffic) to even out wheel wear, and wagons when new tipping frame installed. Essential for steam tours to Cornwall.
For many years BR and successors have wanted rid of the turntable to make more space for the industrial units in the old roundhouse.

Locos on the local clay runs, do experience more wheel wear on one side more than the other. It has had a few weeks of extensive use turning the old tipper wagons, and more recently the new hopper wagons. Saving many miles going to Laira triangle and back.
I agree it is only fair for other parties to contribute, eg local & county councils, and funds from friends etc. Steam tours generate great interest in the County, and contribute towards tourism etc.
What is wrong with the turntable and what cost is proposed.
Years of neglect has probably contributed to the problem - eg lack of oil & grease.

 

[RichmondCommu]

As far as I know DBS have now repaired the turntable at St Blazey. It was reported in one of the rail magazines but I can't remember which title it was.

 

[Cliveblackpool]

As far as I know DBS have now repaired the turntable at St Blazey. It was reported in one of the rail magazines but I can't remember which title it was.

Hope so.
There are few railway roundhouses left, and St Blazey has Grade II listing. It would not be complete without a turntable, preferably kept in working order. Otherwise it becomes a waste of space!
I have seen steam engines turned there - a good view, young children and families watching a heavy loco being turned by two guys winding a handle.
The location is actually Par, but the adjacent station was renamed St Blazey to avoid confusion back in 1879, when the loop line was built after acquisition by GWR.

Update from Cornish Guardian

Campaigners-renew-action-St-Blazey-turntable

Campaigners renew call for action on St Blazey turntable

Posted March 30, 2015

Angry campaigners have renewed their call for a railway turntable in St Blazey to be restored to full working order.
The giant century-old turntable at the St Blazey engine shed was declared unsafe and off-limits by Frankfurt-based logistics company DB Schenker (DBS) last year.

DBS, which runs china clay operations in the St Austell area, is responsible for the turntable's upkeep, but said it no longer used the site and refused to foot the six figure repair bill...............

http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/Ca...ey-turntable/story-26254903-detail/story.html

 

[Lord Longhop]

As far as I know DBS have now repaired the turntable at St Blazey. It was reported in one of the rail magazines but I can't remember which title it was.

I repeat what I earlier said that IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED and nor will DBS repair it because they no longer use it, now whether they agree to let companies at their own risk use it like last year remains to be seen

 

[DarloRich]

I see once again some are calling for DBS to repair the turntable at St Blazey, the one that they don't use, just so other companies who are not prepared to pay for this facility can use it. Maybe DBS should spend a ridiculous amount on this and in doing so put in jeopardy the current clay contract, 30 peoples jobs, and loads and loads of lorries on the road, just so a few steam cranks can have some fun.

Surely the sensible thing to do, if the table is a required asset, would be for an agreement to be reached for DB to repair the turntable in return for a contribution from those who wish to use the asset and those who would benefit ( councils/tourist body etc.) along with helping to meet the ongoing repair costs

That assumes all users are willing and able to pay though

 

[Lord Longhop]

And there lies the problem, DBS don't use it so won't repair it and nor will companies who want to use it pay for it to be repaired, the 1st steam tour has not been cancelled yet and that is on April 28th so watch this space

 

[route:oxford]

And there lies the problem, DBS don't use it so won't repair it and nor will companies who want to use it pay for it to be repaired, the 1st steam tour has not been cancelled yet and that is on April 28th so watch this space

Have DBS threatened you with redudancy if the turnable is repaired?

 

[Lord Longhop]

Have DBS threatened you with redudancy if the turnable is repaired?

Redudancy ? Turnable ? I think I realise what you are trying to say, and no I don't work for DBS but why should DBS be expected to repair something they don't use, if other companies want to use then pay for it , simple really.

 

[Cliveblackpool]

Hopefully English Heritage, Cornwall Councils etc will help fund it.
Maybe DBS could be persuaded as good public relations /publicity, to repair the turntable, possibly in return for Steam tours thanking DBS making the tour possible - using their St Blazey turntable, in their advertizing / brochures etc. Also having their logo on the turntable, which would be viewed on TV when a steam tour is in Cornwall.

I can't believe DBS would pull out of the clay contracts, to them a minor concern, of a turntable lol!

 

[RichmondCommu]

I repeat what I earlier said that IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED and nor will DBS repair it because they no longer use it, now whether they agree to let companies at their own risk use it like last year remains to be seen

Just out of interest how do you know that it hasn't been repaired?

 

[Lord Longhop]

Hopefully English Heritage, Cornwall Councils etc will help fund it.
Maybe DBS could be persuaded as good public relations /publicity, to repair the turntable, possibly in return for Steam tours thanking DBS making the tour possible - using their St Blazey turntable, in their advertizing / brochures etc. Also having their logo on the turntable, which would be viewed on TV when a steam tour is in Cornwall.

I can't believe DBS would pull out of the clay contracts, to them a minor concern, of a turntable lol!

DBS are nothing more than a profit making company, if figures are to be believed about how much is needed to repair the turntable then it is no wonder they won't put up the money and lets be honest why should they.The simple solution is for whoever wants to use it repair it, If my next door neighbour asked me to repair his drive because he wanted to use it I would soon tell him where to go. As for it not being repaired you will have to take my word for that, that is not to say an agreement like last year eg use it at your own peril is not or wont be in place soon

 

[richw]

We had this last year with the whole it can't be used, needs repairing rubbish.

Yet at least 2 steam tours managed to use it....

The Lancashire fusilier used it in July, and I believe it was used on at least one other occasion.

DBS made the owners of the trains using it sign disclaimers that DBS were not liable for any damage.

 

[83G/84D]

My understanding is that St Blazey yard is "open access", indeed Colas Rail have stabled engineering trains there in recent months. Having said that DB Schenker are owners parts of the depot such as the Traincrew depot (now largely disused), turntable and wagon shops.

It would be beneficial to have a fully repaired turntable as the steam charters generate extra money for the local area but no-one is prepared to pay for repairs meaning that it used on an "own risk" basis when steam charter companies wish to use it.

With the nearest turning facilities at Laira, should the turntable be taken out of use completely at any time due to it's condition it will probably mean the end of steam charters west of Plymouth unless trains are top n' tailed.

 

[Lord Longhop]

You are correct although calling the train crew depot largely disused would be harsh on the 20 people who work there daily. The plain simple facts are certain train operators expect everything to be free and unfortunately these days DBS have become wise and will no longer foot the bill for things that other companies won't pay for but want to use.

 

[83G/84D]

You are correct although calling the train crew depot largely disused would be harsh on the 20 people who work there daily. The plain simple facts are certain train operators expect everything to be free and unfortunately these days DBS have become wise and will no longer foot the bill for things that other companies won't pay for but want to use.

My statement was based on the fact that compared to just 10 years ago the traincrew depot is underutilized with only one manager now located there.There are only a few drivers based there and I was told they can book on duty by phone.No slight intended on the staff.

 

[Lord Longhop]

My statement was based on the fact that compared to just 10 years ago the traincrew depot is underutilized with only one manager now located there.There are only a few drivers based there and I was told they can book on duty by phone.No slight intended on the staff.

No you are correct again that numbers have dwindled but all DBS drivers book on by phone, and there are no managers there the nearest are at Westbury I believe