Please contact me via colin.aldworth@btconnect.com

The Test Track is currently out of use & undergoing refurbishment.

The Test Track has two main components - The Old Dalby Test Track which is owned by BRB (Residuary) Limited, and The Asfordby Test Centre which is owned by UK Coal PLC and leased to BRB until 2028.

Metronet SSL Limited have leased both components from BRB (Residuary) Limited until 2015 to test new trains for the London Underground, and have awarded the Management Contract for the Test Track to Serco.

"1,738 metro cars will be built in Bombardier's facility in Derby, United Kingdom, between 2008 and 2015. [Bombardier Press Release]

These units are likely to be moved by rail from Derby to the Old Dalby Test Track.

4.35km of the shorter Up line from Widmerpool to Old Dalby will be equipped with third rail electrification, and a new signalling system will also be tested on the line. The Down line will remain available for testing other trains.

Currently planning permission is pending for the third rail upgrade.

The line has been out of use since 25th May 2007 for work between Melton Junction & Asfordby Shed, and because of a land slip near Old Dalby. Prior to closure, the last train observed on the line was on 16th May 2007, and an excursion used the line on November 11th 2006, just before Alstom's lease expired on 25th Dec 2006.

In June 2008 preparations were made for the third rail by fitting new concrete sleepers to part of the Up line, and on 9th July 2008, 67020 and 67021 delivered new rails to Old Dalby with the 6X60 Scunthorpe to Old Dalby.

As always, I would advise the General Public not to start using the line again as a footpath or dog walking route.

There are two good places to see the Test Track:

• The viewing platform at Widmerpool station which is a pub/restaurant so have some manners and buy a drink, and the footbridge at Asfordby Colliery (now with parking for one car).
• You can also get a limited view from the footpath at Widmerpool, Folly Hall Lane (not sure if that is a public right of way) & west of Upper Broughton village (tricky parking).
• You can't see a great deal at Plumtree Station (Perkins Restaurant) nor is there legal access at Old Dalby or Saxelby. Please give local residents a break & not trespass on private properties (or the track!).

There is a limited view with binoculars if you take the footpath from Old Dalby village over the top of Grimston Tunnel (not one for the physically inactive).

Alternatively you could walk the Green Line in West Bridgford, or take the nature trail along the Holwell Branch - accessed from the south of Holwell Village (limited parking) - see www.lrwt.org.uk.

*** HOT NEWS **** 4th Edition Now Available

A4 BOOK FORMAT. Laser printed, 290 A4 pages, Thermal Bound. Same text as the web version but with all the pictures and tables. £24.99 plus postage & packing. It is available from Melton Books, 5 Leicester Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 OPP, Tel: 01664 567769.

Thanks to LJ for these excellent photographs of the work at Old Dalby. This location is not accessable to the public.

Track repairs north of Old Dalby August 2008

Track repairs north of Old Dalby August 2008

10^thAugust 2008

Work continues on the upgrade. At Asfordby this week there were two EMDD vans, a portaloo, and it was clear from the state of the line that rail traction had recently used the line between Asfordby Shed and the Test Track (north).

Approximately half a mile north of Old Dalby, major work is underway to secure the subsidence.

2^ndAugust 2008

In this weeks RAIL magazine, there is an excellent picture of the subsidence on the Test Track

Planning applications for the 3rd & 4th rail have been resubmitted. In Rushcliffe the reference is 08/01324/FUL

11^thJuly 2008

Thanks to BW for a report of the first visit to the Test Track since May 2007. 67020 and 67021 worked 6X60 Scunthorpe to Old Dalby on Wednesday 9th May 2008, due onto the test track at 10.15am. It consisted of ten wagons of continuous welded rail. It was due to return as 6Z70 16.21 Old Dalby to Doncaster. Thanks to CW for the picture below taken at Melton Station as 6X60 prepares to reverse onto the Test Track. I understand more visits are likely soon.

Melton Station 9th July 2008

2^ndJuly 2008

The rails are now back in place as you can see in these photos from NB on Monday 30 Jun 2008.

Upper Broughton 30 Jun 2008

Upper Broughton 30 Jun 2008

21^stJune 2008

Considerable activity this week between Widmerpool and Upper Broughton, and thanks for the numerous emails. As the pictures from NB taken at these two sites show, the former Up line through Upper Broghton has been temporarily removed so as to fit the new sleepers at regular intervals. There is also work underway on the embankment at Old Dalby.

Upper Broughton 20 Jun 2008

Upper Broughton 20 Jun 2008

Upper Broughton 20 Jun 2008

Upper Broughton 20 Jun 2008

Upper Broughton 20 Jun 2008

Upper Broughton 20 Jun 2008

Upper Broughton 17 Jun 2008

Widmerpool 17 Jun 2008

15^thJune 2008

Lots going on. Workmen spotted at Tollerton last week. BW reports a Network Rail Tamper unit at Asfordby last Monday. SW & NT report activity at Widmerpool, where a large number of new concrete sleepers have arrived along with a ballast sweeper and JCB. The sleepers, as pictured from the viewing gallery, have three sets of precast holes to take the chairs for a third rail (either side) or a fourth rail in the middle.

6^thJune 2008

Thanks to SW who reports that the TCS radio mast at Platt Lane has been removed, and I note the same at Stanton.

27^thMay 2008

HOT NEWS The Rushcliffe Planning Application 08/00515/FUL& Melton Planning Application 08/00168/FUL were both WITHDRAWN on 24th Apr 2008 pending discussions with Nature England. They will be re-submitted when those discussions are complete (thanks SB + SW)

There has been maintenance work along the Test Track over the last month or so, including Tollerton, Plumtree and near Asfordby Tunnel.

Thanks to BW who informs me that recent trackwork near Melton Station means (if I correctly understand) the re-instatement of the Melton Junction crossover removed 40 years ago, which now allows trains from Oakham to access the Test Track without having to use the Up line to Oakham.

I also understand that there is a prospect in the future that the Pendolionos (hopefuly extended) may return to the Test Track.

12^thApril 2008

To summarise, the Rushcliffe Planning Application is 08/00515/FUL and the Melton Planning application is 08/00168/FUL.

Thanks to NB who sent me a photo of the Planning Application at Upper Broughton, and recent repairs to Bridge 63.

22^ndMarch 2008

I understand Serco have won the contract to add the third & fourth rail electrification.

I can confirm the Melton.gov URL below is correct.

12^thMarch 2008

Suddenly things are happening.

Today I saw a workman examining the track at Asfordby depot. Incidently there is also extensive work going on to remove part of the embankment which covers the former Welby Sidings.

NB reports seeing a Portaloo placed on the line side visible from Asforby bypass.

At Grimston, NB reports seeing quite a few workmen walking the line over the last two weeks.

At Old Dalby & Widmerpool there was no sign of any activity today.

NT reports there has been some maintenance work going on at the northern end of the track around Edwalton over the last week or so, with a machine cutting back vegetation and men working on the track.

NT also reports the Planning Application is on the Melton Council website, although when I tried a few minutes ago I got an error message.

http://publicaccess.melton.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=JWLHRHKO00K00

1^stMarch 2008

No news this month so far. I have not been able to find any planning applications on either the Melton or Rushcliffe Councils websites.

28^thJanuary 2008

The exhibition at Old Dalby is well worth a visit, and you will get a copy of the leaflet I described below. Mention is made of the slip just north of Old Dalby, repair of which is due to run from Feb to April. You can also see exactly where fencing will be improved to stop wandering onto the third rail section.

Thanks to NT who informs me repair work is now underway on the A46 bridge at Widmerpool.

19^thJanuary 2008

Thanks to SW who has provided me with a copy of an A5 leaflet from Metronet which I believe will be handed out on the open evenings. It basically confirms the Melton Times story with the 4.35km upgrade of the Up line with various maintenance, improved fencing and a local publicity campaign. As of Thursday I could find no mention of any specific planning application at either Rushcliffe or Melton web sites. For everyone interested in the Test Track it will be a relief to see this work going ahead.

Whilst on the Rushcliffe website, I did notice a proposal to build a disabled toilet at Perkins (Plumtree Railway Station).

Thanks to one kind reader, I have acquired a number of documents ex Edwalton Station, many from 1923 / 1924. Once I've been through them all I'll publish a summary here - but for rail historians I have already identified several forgotten rail movements from Edwalton, Plumtree and Wimerpool.

17^thJanuary 2008

Big Thanks to NT who points out an article published today on meltontimes.co.uk which records the fact that planning permission is now to be sought by Metronet from Melton Borough Council "to electrify the track, increase the number of trains to 12 an hour, and build a substation at Old Dalby". I am assuming this to be third rail electrification of the "Up" line from Widmerpool to Old Dalby. The application includes more security fencing & an education programme. Testing is due to start by the end of the year.

A public exhibition will be held at Old Dalby Village Hall on Monday + Tuesday 28 + 29 Jan from 2pm to 8pm. I hope to be there one evening so if you spot me, say hello and I'll mention you on the website.

1^stJanuary 2008

Happy New Year to all my readers. Once again we enter a new year with the short-term usage of the Test Track unclear - I hope in 2008 we get an early clarification on the post Metronet situation, and an early resolution of the land slippage. If you have any information please email me at the usual address.

There has been some work recently, thanks to SW who saw men working at Widmerpool next to the viewing platform on 19 Dec 2007.

18^thDecember 2007

Thanks to two of my regular correspondents who report the line remains closed due to a land slip. I did a quick survey of the line last Friday and saw nothing to report.

18^thNovember 2007

I have been trying to get a statement on what is happening with regards to the Test Track and the "Metronet" situation, but I have not been able to get any comment. Suffice to say I am not aware of any start to add the third rail electrification between Widmerpool & Old Dalby, and I believe the line is still closed for maintenance at the southern end. I hope to bring you a more detailed update over the Christmas holidays.

14^thOctober 2007

A quick round-up of earlier issues.

The Bridge over the A46 at Widmerpool appears to have lost a number of bricks at roadside - no repairs appear to be on going at present.

Thanks to SW who spotted 4 men working on the line at Old Dalby on Wednesday October 10th.

Thanks to BW who reminds me that the line between Melton Junction and Asfordby Shed was closed on 25 May 2007 for maintenance. I'd missed the point that this was scheduled for 6 months which explains all the inactivity. Despite that BW tells me he has seen little activity on that stretch, and I took these pictures yesterday, the first looking north into Asfordby Tunnel, the second looking south towards Melton Junction.

1^stSeptember 2007

Thanks to SW who reports repairs to the A46 railway Bridge recently.

Keyworth News reports aggravated burglary at Perkins (Plumtree Railway Station) on 4th Aug 2007, with staff being locked in the laundry room.

I did a quick inspection of the Test Track last Friday - absolutely nothing going on traction wise. Lines into Asfordby depot still very rusty. The field at Old Dalby adjacent the Test Track and formerly part of the Depot sidings appears to be in use although I'm not sure what for, perhaps you know?

18^thAugust 2007

Apologies for the lack of updates but there is no Test Track news, other than I spotted that Perkings got Planning Permission back in June to renovate & extend the goods Shed. Have a look at the plans on the Rushcliffe Borough website - looks superb.

22^ndJuly 2007

Thanks to NB who points out that earlier this month, vegetation had been cleared at Bridge 63 & weedkiller applied to the track.

For further information on Metronet please refer directly to the Metronet Rail Website.

11^thJune 2007

Thanks to SW & NT who point out a Metronet Press Release dated 7th June 2007 announcing that Serco have been awarded a Management Contract for the Test Track. Their responsibilities include Site Safety Management System (including operations), Track and infrastructure maintenance for all 21km of railway, Vegetation and pest control, and Operation of trains once testing commences.

Readers will recall that Serco were responsible for the Test Track prior to Alstom taking it over for Pendolino testing.

The Press Release also clarifies the Third Rail situation: Metronet plans to electrify and use for its purposes a 4km stretch of line that runs parallel to the main route which carries overhead electric cables (i.e. from Widmerpool to Old Dalby). By maintaining the entire line, Metronet may also be able to make this unique facility available through Serco to other organisations.

NT also reports that the June issue of Modern Railways says that the line between Melton Junction and the Asfordby shed is temporarily out of use.

10^thJune 2007

I did one of my regular inspections yesterday of the public access points to the Test Track and I can report there is absolutely nothing happening. The rails at Asfordby are very rusty with weeds now prominent in many places, and there are no obvious signs that the whole Test Track is leased by Metronet. As I understand it, testing of the Bombardier trains is not due to start on the Test Track until next year.

3^rdJune 2007

Once again there is a chance to travel between Melton & Kettering (via Harringworth Viaduct) by Steam/Diesel on Sunday 24th June 2007 - contact www.vintagetrains.co.uk

17^thMay 2007

Big Thanks to BW who reports the locos yesterday were 37218 and 37259 - making them the first ever DRS 37/2's to visit the Old Dalby Test Track, and amazingly the first ever pair of DRS 37/2's to work a test train! (previously, these duties were only occupied by DRS 37/6's, as Serco/Network Rail drivers were not passed for any other sub-classes).

The working was 4Q10 08.56 Derby RTC to Edwalton. The pair were booked to leave Edwalton at 16.45, and were booked to call at Old Dalby at 17.13, before returning to Derby.

The reason they run is to perform calibration work on recently modified or repaired test train stock on the non-electrified section of track at Edwalton.

Thanks to NB & BW for these photos from yesterday

Upper Broughton

Upper Broughton

Edwalton

Widmerpool

Widmerpool

Widmerpool

16^thMay 2007

Thanks to NT who reports a short Network Rail train at Tollerton today (16th May) - 3 coaches and two DRS Class 37s.

The owners of Plumtree Station (Perkins Restaurant) have applied for Planning Permission for "Conversion and extension of the goods shed to a wedding and function venue; erect replacement shed".

The average number of hits on this website has doubled over the last year to nearly 20,000 a month. Don't forget only part on the book is on the web, you'll have to buy the rest from Melton Books !

29^thApril 2007

Thanks to NT who reports a short yellow Network Rail train at Plumtree at lunchtime on 27th April 2007.

I checked the southern end of the Test Track last Saturday and track repairs appear to be complete.

5^thApril 2007

Thanks to NB who reports Network Rail commenced track maintenance and sleeper replacement this week on the southern end of the Test Track between Melton Junction and Asfordby Tunnel. He reports this work may go on for some time, and has kindly provided a photo (looking south with the remains of the arrester bed track on the right). As I recall, this single line of track had little if any renewal work during the "Pendolino" upgrade.

25^thMarch 2007

Thanks to RM who has drawn my attention to a press release from UK Coal confirming the lease arrangements which I cover at the start of this news section. http://miranda.hemscott.com/ir/ukc/pdf/press/asfordby_let.pdf

16^thMarch 2007

This weeks RAIL MAGAZINE draws attention to a notice on the Network Rail website stating that one of the lines at "Holwell Junction" is to be temporarily taken out of use for a period of 2 years as it has no perceived use. Officially quoted as "Asfordby Junction to Asfordby Mine Boundary", if you stand on the footbridge at the former colliery and look towards the Test Track, this is the line on your left which extends through Asfordby Tunnel to where the Test Track joins it. Judging from the rusty rails, this line hasn't seen use for some time. Taking this out of use should not affect the Test Track in any way.

Well done to Perkins and the Plough Normanton for achieving entries in the new Michelin guide.

9^thMarch 2007

Spotted again today at Widmerpool, other loco is 37606. Thanks to AW for the photos.

8^thMarch 2007

Spotted at Tollerton and Plumtree today, 4 yellow test carriages topped & tailed with two DRS Class 37s, the northern one being 37612. The northern road loop at Tollerton is tarmaced and almost ready for use.

19^thFebruary 2007

Thanks to RM for additional information on the Metronet lease. Firstly there is an official Metronet press release on their website http://www.metronetrail.com/default.asp?sID=1170757840171 dated Feb 12th and quoting Melton MP Alan Duncan. Please note additional comments on the lease arrangements at the top of this page.

I understand that it is likely that the Up line from Widmerpool to Old Dalby will be fitted with 3rd and 4th rail DC. This will allow the main Down line to be used by other rail companies while the tube trains run on the DC track.

Work on the northern A606 loop at Tollerton is proceeding well with gravel in place. The bridge featured again on BBC East Midlands Today last week with some local residents saying there were too many warning signs (and wanting all lorries redirecting via the A52 and A46). Not sure about too many signs - there were at least 3 incidents with lorries at that bridge last week.

2^ndFebruary 2007

Thanks to SW & anon, I can confirm that the Test Track is now being leased by Metronet who will be testing Underground trains for the Metropolitan Line. At least 4km of the line will be equipped with third/fourth rail electrification, and a new signalling system will also be tested on the line.

25^thJanuary 2007

Thanks to NT & SW who report the Test Track being used today (Thu) and yesterday by a short train made up of 5 coaches - one Serco, a yellow Network Rail vehicle with a pantograph engaged with the overhead and 3 Network rail coaches, topped and tailed by DRS rail class 37s 37069 and 37602. The train was spotted at Tollerton, Plumtree and Widmerpool, and using both lines. NT has kindly provided these shots at Widmerpool from his mobile phone with the train on the former Up line.

22^ndJanuary 2007

Work appears to have started today on the second lorry turning circle at Tollerton - this one on the Wheatcroft side of the Bridge.

20^thJanuary 2007

Firstly thanks to SW who has spotted that the trees have been cut away either side of the bridge on Platt Lane. This is the third report of activity at the northern end of the Test Track in the last 2 weeks.

I visited both Asfordby and Old Dalby today and there is absolutely no activity at either site. The tracks at Asfordby are rusty and have not been used for some time. There is still a stick-on Alstom sign at Asfordby main entrance but no sign at all at Old Dalby. The breach in fencing at Asfordby has been fixed.

For those visting the area in the future, I had lunch today at the Black Horse Grimston. On the basis of our meals alone, I award 5/5 Menu, 4/5 Tastiness, 4/5 Value For Money, 5/5 Venue and 5/5 Service. Almost every table in the pub was booked. This pub and the Plough Normanton on the Wolds are currently the two I recommend if you are in the area.

There is mention of the line in the January edition of Rushcliffe Local News, a free newspaper. P Lacy is a member of the Nottinghamshire Chamber Transport Committee and the Emda East Midlands Business champion who is campaigning for affordable rail led solutions. P Lacy thinks the Great Central preserved line should be extended from Ruddington to Edwalton and on around the Ring Road to cross the River Trent at Gamston. Likewise linking Melton Mowbray by rail "laying new track on the old Dalby Test Line" terminating at Tollerton with the extended Great Central Line. There could be a Park and Ride at Tollerton and Gamston.

Looking through my archives I found a recent, official report on the viability of building a carpark and new station west of Bingham on the A46 near the A52 to use as a park & ride, i.e. a new station on an existing line. The report concluded that using standard & accepted economic calculations, the proposal was poor value for money. I don't like it but that's what is said. Same for Matlock - "Buxton". So a new line round the Ring Road?

I've had reports of an incident at Bridge 19A (over the Ring Road) between Christmas and New Year when somebody was stretchered down from the Test Track. Does anybody know what happened?

Finally there will be another chance to ride Steam from Melton to Kettering on June 24th - contact Vintage Trains

17^thJanuary 2007

Thanks to NT who reports further sightings today of men in yellow vests on the Test Track, this time between Plumtree and Stanton Tunnel. Their van was marked Bridgeway Consulting who according to their website " offer a full consultancy service with particular expertise in railway infrastructure". But whose are they working for? - is it Metronet, Serco, Network Rail, BRB Residuary or somebody else? Come on - I know you know - let's let my 10,000 readers know.

8^thJanuary 2007

Happy New Year to all my readers - again December was a much higher month than average for accesses. Thanks to to DB who this morning spotted two men in orange jackets inspecting the line at Tollerton. I can only think of 2 reasons to inspect the line - it is about to be used or it is about to be leased.

23^rdDecember 2006

Happy Christmas to all my readers. In November a new record was set with more than 15,000 accesses to this website - no doubt the excursion helped. I made my annual visit to the Public Record Office at Kew last week and saw some new & relevant files opened under the 30 year rule. I will post details of some of these on this website shortly. However in one particular case, I need to see if somebody mentioned in the opened files still lives in the area to get his side of the story first !!! As for the Test Track in 2007 - I wish I had some firm information but I don't. If you know, let me know so we can all know.

02^ndDecember 2006

Further news from SW who tells me engineers have removed all Colour Lights and Electric Boxes at Widmerpool. I assume this is happening elsewhere on the Test Track as assets are removed before the lease expires at the end of this month. I can only assume there are no takers for the lease after all, or the new leasee is not prepared to pay for these assets. If you know, let me know so we can all know.

Below you can see the sign at the Tollerton loop yesterday, although there was no evidence of a tall vehicle. No expense has been spared on the loop which even has its own street lights.

20^thNovember 2006

Thanks to SW who tells me engineers were removing the Colour Lights on the Up line at Widmerpool on Friday 18th. I have not had time to check the rest of the Up line to see if the same has happened elsewhere - but clearly this is disappointing news.

Copyright

Please note that this website is provided on a non-profit basis to provide both free access to a large part of my book and to share the latest news on the Test Track. Any information you provide me is acknowledged. All other information on this website including non-acknowledged photographs, is copyright. You may not reproduce sections of this website without my permission. I have never refused permission to people who ask.

13^thNovember 2006

Thanks to NT who records a meeting of the London Assembly Transport Committee on October 12th, where the speakers included Andrew Lezala, the Chief Executive Officer of London Metronet. Mr Lezala said Metronet "are negotiating for a test track in Leicestershire, the Old Dalby test track, which is 20kms long, because we see the benefit of doing more extensive, intensive running, 24 hours possibly",

24 hours a day - I feel a wave of protests coming on ...

Thanks for the many emails and pictures for the Edwalton Equinox. Some pictures below, more to come.

12^thNovember 2006

Thanks to SW & MS for additional info on yesterday's trip.

The train left Kettering 45 minutes late due to "operating difficulties leading to the loss of the path on the southern end of the MML" and thereafter ran an hour or so late.

I was at Melton Junction when it arrived at 1455, approximately an hour late (I was wearing a black coat and standing on the crossing just down from the Ground Frame).

The Trip was hauled by 67016 and 60013 with the Class 67 leading the trip onto the Test Track and then towards Asfordby Shed where 57311 Parker was added to the Class 67. The train then reversed with the Class 60 at the head (see picture below) and ran with 3 engines to within a loco length of the buffers at Edwalton which is the furthest I can remember a trip going. As it passed Plumtree going north at 1555, we estimated the speed of this first trip at 40 to 50 mph.

The train returned to Old Dalby and then made a second run to the Tollerton loop in the dark.

Both the Class 57 and Class 60 were detached near Asfordby and I believe passengers were then let off at Melton.

The commentary on board was given by somebody a gentleman who worked on the Pendolino test team, who was also selling photo CD relating to the line.

My digital camera let me down, so it's off to Boots before I can publish any more of my photos, but I have received some additional photos which I will post soon. This is just south of Plumtree Station with the first trip just before darkness set in.

7^thNovember 2006

Pathfinder tell me they have around 25 Standard Class and 25 First Class seats left for Saturday and will sell these on the day on a first come basis from Coach A. Note these may all be sold before the train gets to Kettering. In the schedule below I missed out the leg from East Leake to 50 Steps Junction.

5^thNovember 2006

Thanks to a number of people for the provisional timings for next Saturday.

0830 depart Ealing Broadway Class 67 with 13 carriages

1032 depart Kettering topped & tailed with Class 60 and Class 67

1120 arrive Loughborough South Junction for Great Central Line

1148 arrive East Leake

Proceed to "50 Steps Junction" & back with GCR Class 25 Pilot

1248 depart East Leake

1350 arrive Melton Mowbray

1405 arrive Melton Junction

1430 arrive Old Dalby (no sign of a trip to the Asfordby Shed)

1530 arrive Edwalton (timed at 20 mph from Old Dalby)

1545 depart Edwalton

1615 arrive Old Dalby (timed at 40 mph from Edwalton)

1635 arrive Melton Junction and detach Class 60

1759 arrive Kettering

1948 arrive Ealing Broadway

I cannot be responsible for these times which are printed in good faith. The Test Track timings are very generous and I would arrive very early to guarantee getting pictures.

29^thOctober 2006

Has anybody got the approx timimgs for the Pathfinder tour? If so please let me know and I'll publish here.

17^thOctober 2006

Thanks to JW who points out that in the November Railway Magazine (£3.60 from all good newsagents) Serco may lease the Test Track again. An interesting suggestion - with Serco having leased the line before Alstom, they would take on a much upgraded facility. So Serco or Metronet or ??? Place your bets. Not sure the Edwalton Equinox will be the last train we see on the line...

15^thOctober 2006

Thanks to JA who tells me that Pathfinder Tours are planning to run a railtour "The Edwalton Equinox" down the Test Track on the afternoon of Saturday 11th November 2006. The itinerary hopefully includes a trip up to the Asfordby shed, and is preceeded by a run down the Ruddington Branch. See their website for more info. I'll have pictures of this tour on these pages, and if you want to include any photos yourself, please email them to the usual address - copyright is obviously yours. Pathfinder ran the last full tour of the line which was in 1993 (thanks RS).

10^thOctober 2006

In a RAIL Magazine exclusive, they claim Metronet may lease the Test Track to prove new trains before they go into service on the London Underground. Buy RAIL for more info - £3 from good newsagents. Presumable a buffer vehicle would be needed to power the Underground Stock from the Overhead electric. According to Metronet's website "Metronet Rail, a consortium of five world-class companies, is responsible for upgrading, replacing and maintaining two-thirds of London Underground's infrastructure – its trains, stations, signalling, track, tunnels and bridges - under a 30-year Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract which came into operation in April 2003."

22^ndSeptember 2006

An Old Dalby Station sign (totem) from BR(M) days was sold at auction last Saturday for £800.

20^thSeptember 2006

The Tollerton road loop has now been tarmaced.

12^thSeptember 2006

I checked Asfordby on both Sep 1st and Sep 9th and the track appears rusted over again. Somebody has removed a piece of metal fencing close to the footbridge, which is lying dangerously on the footpath - not sure why - could be to give easy access to the line.

21^stAugust 2006

Can anyone advise me about the rolling stock movements made by road, during the morning rush hour on the A606 at Hickling last Friday 18th August 2006. Were these anything to do with the Test Track?

12^thAugust 2006

On a quick visit to Asfordby Shed, it is clear from the state of the rails, that there has been recent rail activity on the branch and into one road of the Shed. The Tollerton road loop has still not been tarmaced.

25^thJuly 2006

Thanks to RM who has received a statement from BRB (Residuary) issued under the Freedom of Information Act which confirms Alstom has given notice to terminate its lease with effect from 25th December 2006, i.e. it is currently still leasing the line. The statement also confirms that no definite decision on the future of the line has yet been taken.

23^rdJuly 2006

Thanks to Anon who tells me that he understands that Alstom have NOT yet given notice of determination under the terms of their lease, pending "behind the scenes" negotiations which are going on about the line's future. None of my other sources can add to this, so if you know any more please email me.

8^thJuly 2006

I called in at the footbridge adjacent to Asfordby Shed last Saturday 1st Jul. There was no activity and it was clear from the state of the track, that the line from the shed to the Test Track had not been used since my last visit. The sign at the Business Park still says Alsthom.

15^thJune 2006

I called in at the footbridge adjacent to Asfordby Shed this lunchtime. One of the shed train doors was open, and it was clear from the state of the track, that the line from the shed to the Test Track had been used recently. There was no activity at Old Dalby.

5^thJune 2006

Thanks to NT who reports the Test Track being used on Friday 2nd June 2006, by the Network Rail DMU (see 18th April 2006). The turning circle at Tollerton is still waiting to be tarmaced.

19^thMay 2006

Thanks to SW who reports the Test Track being used on Tuesday 16th May 2006, by 3 Network Rail Carriages, Top & Tailed with 2 DRS locomotives. They were spotted at Plumtree Station around 9.20 am, and again at Tollerton at 12.10pm.

13^thMay 2006

Work continues on the tiny turning circle at Tollerton.

1^stMay 2006

I visited Asfordby today and the rails have rusted over since my last visit.

Vintage Trains Limited are again offering a chance to travel on the sister line between Oakham and Kettering on 28th August, Bank Holiday Monday, hauled by steam one way, diesel the other. Details www.vintagetrains.co.uk.

29^thApril 2006

I can confirm that the work on the A606, south of Bridge 20 at Tollerton, does appear to be a small turning circle for very small lorries. The work is well advanced with gravel in place.

24^thApril 2006

Work has commenced today on the A606, south of Bridge 20 at Tollerton, on what I suspect is the turning space for lorries. If so, I'm surprised the Authorities have not waited for a definitive statement from the Department of Transport on the future of the line, before spending our money.

18^thApril 2006

Thanks to AW, NT & SW who all reported seeing a yellow Network Rail DMU using the Test Track on Tuesday 11th April 2006, the unit being spotted at Tollerton & Plumtree between 11am and 15:25pm

7^thApril 2006

I visited Asfordby footbridge yesterday and it was clear from the track condition (shiny versus rust) that there had been recent rail movements on two of the tracks into the Asfordby Shed. There was also a car parked adjacent to the shed. As far as I am aware there has been nothing down the Tollerton end of the line since Feb 2006.

15^thMarch 2006

Thanks to NT who reports that on 6th March 2006, Derek Twigg, the under-secretary in the Department of Transport provided 4 written answers to a number of questions submitted about the test track by Phillip Hollobone, the MP for Kettering.

Before a final decision on the future of the Asfordby to Edwalton railway test track is taken, full account will be taken of the needs of the railway industry including development and research. Network Rail is currently carrying out an assessment.

No decision on the future of the Asfordby to Edwalton test track has yet been taken. Following Network Rail's assessment of future needs for test track facilities, if the need to retain the facility is identified, the industry will explore ways to continue the operation.

The Department for Transport expects to meet Network Rail to discuss its plans for test facilities for the railway industry when their assessment of future needs of test track facilities is complete.

Before a final decision is made about the future of the Asfordby to Edwalton railway test track, all interested parties including the East Midlands regional assembly will be consulted and their views taken into account.

So as I have already said, although the Alstom facility appears to be closed, the line itself is not closed, and has been used during February. It is important that this message is understood locally, else the dog walkers return under the 25kV overheads!!!

5^thMarch 2006

I visited Asfordby, Old Dalby & Widmerpool yesterday and other than security at Asfordby all locations were deserted. All facilities appear still in place and the signals are still powered. An attempt had been made at Old Dalby to tear down the Alstom sign.

Could the news in todays Sunday Times of Mr Darling's decision to head up the procurement of HST2 with the publication of presumably an RFI in the European Journal, be a saviour for the Test Track?

New road signs have appeared at Widmerpool advising traffic of Bridge 20 at Tollerton. Didn't stop a lorry this week...

8^thFebruary 2006

Thanks to NT who reports Network Rail using the Test Track again today despite the line being "closed". I still think we've only got half the story.

The Melton Times (Feb 2nd) has reported the "closure" of the Test Track on 31st Jan 2006 http://www.meltonmowbraytoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=752&ArticleID=1336646

According to an Alstom representative, the future of the 12 people working there was under discussion.

30^th January 2006

The response was that informal discussions had been held to consider the impact of "Alstom's announcement of its intention to surrender its lease of the Asfordby/Old Dalby test track. Alstom's announcement was not preceded by discussions with the Department. BRB Residuary Ltd. has subsequently asked Alstom to clarify its intentions so that the future of the facility can be considered."

Interesting

25^th January 2006

Thanks to NT who reports that there was a Network Rail train on the Test Track today at 12:30 between bridge 20 and the A52 bridge. It comprised of two yellow class 31s (one of which was 31 105) and four coaches in a mixture of yellow and blue/green livery.

21^st January 2006

I visited both Asfordby & Old Dalby this morning, and there was no activity. Thanks to SW who tells me that at 13:30 on 13th January 2006, he spotted a a 3 car Network Rail yellow DMU parked at Plumtree Station which then proceeded over Bridge 20 at Tollerton. I have no information on whether notice has been given on the lease.

December 30^th 2005

On visiting Asfordby this morning, the use of the temporary lights alongside the Shed became obvious with 2 Jubilee carriages being loaded onto lorries.

December 28^th 2005

The January edition of Modern Railways has an item on the Test Track under "informed sources". If their informed source is correct, the breakpoint in Alstom's lease for the Test Track is December 2006, and 12 months notice are required. In otherwords, notice has to be given now. The article also talks about the alternative French Test Track at Valenciennes, home of the new European Railway Agency, which apparently won't be ready until at least 2009. Buy the magazine for more details.

Note Dec 22 text has been updated

December 22^nd 2005

I called by Asfordby this morning where there was no visible outside activity. 2 of the 3 lines into the shed have STOP signs, and some work appears to be underway to one of the lines alongside the shed - portable night lights appeared to be present with generators.

In this week's RAIL, John Richmond, Test Centre Manager at Asfordby disputes the criticism from Network Rail in the previous edition, and states that not having a continuous loop of track (i.e. trains need to reverse) is more representative of real operating conditions. He also states that feasability work has been done on providing a loop on the Test Track. Buy RAIL to see the whole text.

According to the BBC & Nottingham Evening Post, a teenage girl was assaulted in a field close to Plumtree station on Monday night. Police spent Tuesday searching the fields between Keyworth and the Test Track. One source says the attack was on the Test Track itself at Plumtree.

December 18^th 2005

Thanks to SW who reports seeing a train parked at Plumtree Station at 13:30 on 15 Dec 2005. It was top and tailed by two class 37s, one black and one yellow, with 3 network rail yellow carriages.

A number of people have told me of demands by some to convert all or part of the Test Track into a cycletrack. Rushcliffe Councillor Sam Boote covers this subject and Bridge 20 in his regular news website http://www.sboote.demon.co.uk/news.html. I quote "Alstom have no plans to dispose of the track, and the Rail Property Board (its ultimate owners) have stated that they intend to keep the track infrastructure intact, even though there are no further uses in sight. Although both Rushcliffe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council are interested in the possibility of a cycle/footpath, the track's owners don't want to hear of it. So the Tollerton bridge will remain, even without any bikes or trains or anything else going over it, while tall lorries continue to crash underneath it."

Earlier in the month, there was maintenance work underway at Widmerpool. So what is going on? Well, looking at all the reports, it's fairly clear to me that the Test Track is going to be kept in place, but activity at Asfordby shed is to end. The only question is what level of maintenance / use is there going to be in 2006. If you know more, please let me know.

December 7^th 2005

There are a couple of