165134 Chalford 6 July 2019

165134 passes Chalford on 6 July 2019 with the 2B92 12:01 Cheltenham Spa to Swindon GWR service. This picture graphically illustrates the appalling state that Network Rail have let the track get into at this location. Total lack of maintenance has seen the down line become just two rails in a verdant carpet of greenery! Apart from the gauge, it reminds me of pictures of the Talyllyn Railway, when the present society took over in 1951. What is not particularly obvious from this angle, is that there is a short retaining wall next to the down line, the vegetation on the left being at a higher level. Recent tree clearance has opened up this view considerably, but still nothing has been dome to the nature reserve on the tracks. Old time gangers would have a fit if they saw this!