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Which distance data to use in logs

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35002

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Which distance data to use in logs - Posted: May 25, 2014 - 10:38 AM Quote and reply
Although I have not yet submitted any articles for Milepost I have a question about which mile and chain data I should/could use.

When I started train recording I purchased a full set of Bradford & Barton Diesel Enthusiast's Pocket Guides and used them for my timing points. Now that I've belatedly joined the RPS I have access to the distance charts which show different mile and chain data for some points. OK so it might only be a chain or two but that leaves me with a quandry.

By way of example I've always recorded City Basin Jn in Exeter at 195-16 whereas the RPS chart quotes 195-20.

So in preparing a log for publication do I go with the Bradford & Barton detail or the RPS chart? If I go with the latter the average speed from the previous point would be different.

Any help would be appreciated.

Nigel
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9102

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Re: Which distance data to use in logs - Posted: May 25, 2014 - 12:02 PM Quote and reply
You can use any timing point that you want. What matters is knowing the exact distance for the timing point. The RPS charts are probably the most accurate that are accessible to members. If the timing point you use is not listed in the RPS chart, then you need to estimate the distance relative to the adjacent RPS locations.

MP 195:20 is close to the site of the former City Basin Jn signal box (195:19). Some people may have timed at the former junction points (195:12 according to the Cooke GWR Atlas), or at Exeter Basin Jn points (195:32). I am unclear where the 195:16 originates, but possibly the compiler estimated that Cooke's distance was incorrect.





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13102

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Re: Which distance data to use in logs - Posted: May 26, 2014 - 7:53 PM Quote and reply
9102 said:
You can use any timing point that you want. What matters is knowing the exact distance for the timing point. The RPS charts are probably the most accurate that are accessible to members. If the timing point you use is not listed in the RPS chart, then you need to estimate the distance relative to the adjacent RPS locations.

MP 195:20 is close to the site of the former City Basin Jn signal box (195:19). Some people may have timed at the former junction points (195:12 according to the Cooke GWR Atlas), or at Exeter Basin Jn points (195:32). I am unclear where the 195:16 originates, but possibly the compiler estimated that Cooke's distance was incorrect.







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Re: Which distance data to use in logs - Posted: May 26, 2014 - 8:01 PM Quote and reply
Going back in time the RPS distances have changed as measurements have got more accurate. I used the Bradford Barton distances years ago and then moved on to the RPS ones. My old logs use the RPS distances that were published at the time and newer logs over the same route may well be slightly different mileages. I don't worry about that too much, just use the best information that exists when I calculate the log. It might alter tomorrow when Ian updates a route!

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