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Photo Album
Thuxton Passing Loop Construction
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Photo Album
Thuxton Passing Loop Construction
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The Mid-Norfolk Railway has been running at capacity for some time now, and we can only develop further by increasing the frequency of the trains. We began to consider our options in Spring 2008. Increasing the linespeed was quickly discounted as it would impose too many restrictions on us and only partly solve the problem. The only other option was to build a passing loop.
The half-way point between Dereham and Wymondham Abbey lies between Thuxton and Hardingham, so either would be a suitable location. Hardingham was the site of the loop that BR installed in 1965, but is unsuitable for our current purposes as the station has no regular public access. Furthermore, there is a requirement for a member of MNR staff to be on site at Thuxton to operate the level crossing gates when trains are running. The crossing keeper can take on the role of a signaller, so no extra staff would be required to operate the loop.
Having decided on a location, the planning of the loop could begin in earnest. It took several months' work to perform all the geometric calculations, source the parts that would be required, and get all the necessary approvals. Preparatory works commenced in the summer of 2008, with construction of the permanent way finally starting in January 2009. Bricklaying for the new signal box and platform extension began that summer, and it is hoped to have the project completed in time for the Class 37 Golden Juilee event in September 2010.
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Track layout at Thuxton. Pre-existing layout in black, with newly-added track in red. Not to scale. |
As well as a simple passing loop, the layout contains a siding that can be used to store various infrequently-used vehicles. This required the construction of a crossover at the south end of the site.
The signalling system will consist of a mixture of traditional semaphore signalling and more modern colour lights and power-operated switches. This gives the best of both worlds: the aesthetic appeal of semaphores, together with the convenience of colour light signals out of sight of the platforms. We are using recovered components from the former East Winch signal box near King's Lynn.
![9466 at Thuxton in 2006](javascript:toggle_image ("9466.jpeg", 200, 133, 550, 366))
A view of the southern approach to Thuxton in 2006, showing the state of the line before the project began. Visiting loco 9466 arrives at Thuxton with a Dereham-bound train.
3rd June 2006. Photo: Steve Allen
![Vegetation Clearance](javascript:toggle_image ("tractor.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
We had to clear away the large trees that were growing on the embankment near the station. These would have touched any passing trains that used the newly-laid loop, so they had to go. It was only a couple of days' work for a contractor, but would have taken us several weeks to do by hand.
25th September 2008. Photo: Richard Waterhouse
![General View of the Site](javascript:toggle_image ("august.jpeg", 200, 132, 550, 365))
After nine months' work, the turnouts at both end of the loop have been installed, and much of the permanent way is in place. We have made a start on extending the platform and building the signal box. A great deal of work remains to be done, however.
29th August 2009. Photo: Owen Stratford
![Team Photo](javascript:toggle_image ("team.jpeg", 200, 132, 550, 365))
Some of the large team building the passing loop. Behind them, the signal box rises from the ground.
29th August 2009. Photo: Paul Mobbs