2. Railways

Severn Tunnel Junction to Chipping Norton

Second day and it is the Summer Solstice, the longest day. Whilst I started at STJ it was my intension to return to England via the Severn Tunnel, but not literally!! I didn't get to the Welsh portal but I managed to see the English one. I found a few nice locations along the way. 21/6/2005
Read More
  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2021 SmugMug, Inc.
    In the distance half hidden behind the next bridge is the western portal of Chipping Sodbury Tunnel, 2 miles, 926 yards long and maintaining the 1 in 300 climb for east bound trains. An unknown HST powers DOWN the gradient with 1B51 1545 off Paddington to Swansea. Nothing remains of Chipping Sodbury station which closed on 3/4/1961.
    I could hear this train coming for quite a while before it appeared such was the noise from the usually quiet class 66 hauling 25 loaded HTA hoppers. 66167 grunts upgrade at 1 in 300 with 6D17 1553 Avonmouth Docks to Didcot Power Station. The bank starts at Stoke Gifford and finishes at Badmington 10 3/4 miles away.
    The upside loop is available to both up and down trains as there are crossovers at either end. Class 180 Adelante 180105 speeds towards the tunnel rostered to 1L88 1755 Cardiff Central to Paddington.