10th August 2020 · On-Line Meeting: From Platform Bench to Viaduct Maintenance

Presenter: Phil Deaves

We returned to “Zoom” for our fourth successive virtual meeting on Monday 10th August. Thirty-five members and guests took part on line from their respective homes near and far.  For this occasion Phil Deaves presented “From Platform Bench to Viaduct Maintenance.” This was a full and very detailed visual account of the points to be considered when setting out to open a new station or when making other changes which may necessitate alterations to the infrastructure.  This could include the introduction of a new or augmented train service or a new design of traction or rolling stock. Phil explained that as well as being a member of the RCTS, he was also Network Development Manager for the (present day) Great Western Railway and that much of his illustrative material in this presentation had originally been prepared for that company. Phil took us through the multitude of features on a large or small modern station that had to be considered including adequate space for the site, public and staff facilities, platforms and their associated buildings, running lines, road access for vehicles and pedestrians, signalling and its associated structures. Our great thanks go to Phil for his presentation, and also to Jeremy Harrison and David Jackman for once again looking after the technical side of this virtual meeting, all for our enjoyment.