PhilJ W

Checked Google Earth and indeed the same house is still there with what appears to be the same front garden wall with the gap neatly filled in. The house now has a bay window where the tram passage was and there is no indication of its existance.

Thats exactly the route I proposed above being completely unaware of the previous tramway. The brook therefore must be culverted beneath Cornwall Street. I am going to check Google streets to see if the house that had the tramway running through it is still extant and if it is for any evidence of the tramway passage.

I know of someone who's car was hit whilst on his drive (the driver of the car that did it was drunk). And another incident where a chap drove onto his drive and collided with another car belonging to a complete stranger who's excuse was "There was no other parking space." I don't know the outcome of the second incident but the woman who'd parked her car in the chaps drive threatened to claim against his insurance!

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Tunbridge Wells is most definitely out then, DD's reputation is as bad north of the Thames as it is to the south. A slight problem is that a few of the venues I was looking at will be closed, due to a certain Royal Wedding! Understandable in many cases as with so many people glued to the box footfall will be negligible. I think we will have to form an escape committee for GDB to help him get away from the (not so) Fun Day, Bob, do you think they'll notice if you were replaced by a cardboard cut out? I was going to suggest a fake accident but that will be tempting fate too much. C & C's where appropriate, be back later.

Goodnight all.

Evening all from Estuary-Land. I think I may have solved the 'where to go to avoid the wedding/cup final' conundrum. Whats more its not railway related so I should also avoid the awl. I only have to check the opening times and entry fees and consult with my companions.

There is a short one way stretch by Basildon Market. I was crossing that road and looked right as that was where the traffic was supposed to come from. I was almost instantly greeted by a blast on the horn and a squeal of brakes on my left. The driver got out of the car and started lambasting me about jaywalking! His shouting attracted the attention of a couple of police officers and he complained to them about my 'jaywalking' at which point one of the officers pointed to a one way sign with the arrow pointing to where he had just come from, as he wrote out the penalty ticket.

Studying the map has given me an idea. Firstly the line would need to be converted to light rail as my suggestion includes some sharp curves and some fairly steep inclines. Firstly the tunnels would not be used instead the line would continue along the Esplanade on a rising viaduct to just past Peter Pan's Funfair where it would turn south and follow the line of Cornwall Street, still on viaduct. The line would cross The Strand and Simeon Street still on the viaduct. After crossing Simeon Street the line would descend to ground level using the area between Marymead Close and the Simeon Street Recreation Ground, the line can then rejoin the existing formation. I'm aware that threading the line/viaduct through Cornwall Street could be problematical as there would only be space for a single track. Also noise and privacy issues will have to be addressed (perhaps by enclosing the line within a box as on certain metro systems). Hopefully this will not involve the demolition of any properties but there may be objections to the viaduct obstructing the 'sea view' from some properties but this might be aleaviated if the is space to carry the line to the north of Peter Pan's funfair. The tunnels could be given over to pedestrians and cyclists. Cheaper fares.

Morning all from Estuary-Land. A bit of a late riser this morning, well I did rise earlier but after a long soak in the bath I laid out on the bed and went back to sleep. Indeed, you couldn't make it up.... http://www.wisbechstandard.co.uk/news/murrow-crash-cattle-memorial-1-5510985

Goodnight all.

That should also ease the curves enabling longer stock. The only problem is that the dividing walls may be supporting something.

That causes traffic jams galore during the rush hours as it is almost impossible to get onto the A13 from the A130 due to the constant stream of traffic using the roundabout between Sadlers Farm and the A127.

Does the frequency of service require double track? If a single track is all that is needed it should be easier to fit it in and with traffic signals set to give the trams priority it should work.

That Morgans a long way from Nottingham (registration).

A bit awkward in a right hand drive car.

Not helped by the fact that to continue towards Southend or Canvey where the road splits you take the left fork. If you want to take the A130 which is to the left you take the right fork.

My sympathies to that young girls family, I can't imagine what they must be going through.

Morning all from Estuary-Land. The slugs have returned! I couldn't sleep last night so I came down to do a few soduku puzzles when I noticed the trails on the carpet and went searching for the perpetrator. I found him (her?) alright, with my bare foot so I had to scrape the remains up and bin them. No sign of any of its mates but the trails lead behind some very heavy furniture that I can't move without help. Thoughts are with Debs and any other ailing ER's, be back later.

Goodnight all.

No need to be gentle getting it out, it's almost certainly a write off.

I looked at Ely but its just a little to far for my liking, there is a closer one to me at Royal Tunbridge Wells but thats only a small exhibition. I am contemplating going to a preserved railway, theres plenty to choose from, the Bluebell and the Chapel and Wakes Colne are easily doable from home.

Extra space could be created by filling in the tunnels and their approaches and utilising street running.

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. Visited Rayleigh toy fair this morning and spent a few bob, mostly on diecasts including a brace of 'World of Stobart' track machines at £5 each. Discussed with various people if there is enough interest to be able to fill a coach to the Warley show in November. Not much else to report, still looking for somewhere to hide from next Saturdays Royal wedding/cup final as I have not the slightest interest in either.

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Just a quick hello and goodbye this morning as I'm off out shortly. Best wishes to Debs and all other ailing ER's, be back later.

The first generation Manchester Metrolink cars are being scrapped at the moment, another lost opportunity?