Viewing Single Post From: Stations on the Ratty

Viewing Single Post From: Stations on the Ratty
robvulpes	9 Oct 2008, 07:09 PM
Porter Posts: 12 Group: Member Member #862 Joined: September 21, 2008	Quote: What do people think of the recent station improvements on the R&ER. Personally, I liked the footbridge at Ravenglass and the grass verge behind the turntable As a Ratty volunteer guard, I can say that from the operational point of view the Ravenglass alterations are a vast improvement. The footbridge pillar on platforms 2-3 was a serious obstacle, (and the headroom beside it was limited as my scalp can testify!) and it prevented a direct run onto the turntable from platform 3. The indirect run had a sharp curve which the 8-coupled locos didn't appreciate. You could always guarantee that the last passengers for an already-late train on pl.1 in high season (remember - 5 trainsets on a single line with no slack in the timetable) would walk slowly over the footbridge (partly because the level route in front of the turntable was blocked by the back of the train.) It's quicker, safer and more wheelchair, pushchair, infirm - friendly on the wide smooth path behind the turntable. A pity the retaining wall wasn't built or faced in stone rather than rendered. IIRC the railings are now green (they were initially unpainted metal) which makes them look far less intrusive. Dalegarth station building was simply rotting away, and AIUI the catering was no longer up to Environmental Health standards. Something major had to be done, but I agree the internal layout isn't great. Robert


Stations on the Ratty · 15" - 20" Gauge