Pylon hunt 18: Hemel Hempstead, 9th September 2023
| Destination | Hemel Hempstead |
|---|---|
| Goals | J L Eve 0.175 |
| Distance | 15.1 miles (total on foot) |
| Walk number | 173 |
Through conversation with pylon enthusiast Ian McAulay it became clear that the pylons we were calling “L16” were in reality two different types. In most cases we were correct in our identification, but it turned out that there is a second, similar type, presently referred to as J L Eve 0.175 on account of it using the standard (for 132 kV) Lynx conductor (originally 0.175□″ SCA) instead of the higher capacity “Zebra” conductor used by L16 and more closely associated with 400 kV lines. Although the angle towers of the two types are noticeably different in design, the straight line towers are very similar and are easy to mistake for one another.
These Eve 0.175 pylons are uncommon, although not as rare as they initially seemed; most fortunately there just so happens to be a line of them within my reach, running between Piccotts End substation in Hemel Hempstead and Lye Green Grid substation outside Chesham. This journey was thus instigated to get some photos of these elusive towers.
The first photo of the day was of a miniature traction engine that I came across unexpectedly on the walk to the station:
No idea who the kid was so I removed his face. The traction engine is similar to the one that I got given the chance to drive over 20 years ago, a memory I will never forget.
Shortly after getting on the train, the guard told us that (presumably due to air conditioning failure) we were in the warm carriage and that the rest of the train was cool; by staying where I was, I had my own carriage, quiet, but warm! This is unit number 350255, for the fellow rail enthusiasts. All four journeys today were on class 350s.
There wasn’t time to photograph the whole walk, so most of the public footpath and built-up areas got left out. A quick snap of a 33 kV single circuit line. 33 kV is more commonly double circuit.
Most of the public footpath I followed was under trees, offering some shade from the heat. This time I followed my sketched out map and ignored the temptation to go where I was not meant to. I had limited time—the first-in and last-out rail service is only hourly and thus I had limited leeway with time—and no desire to get lost.
Almost there … This was a hot and very humid day!
One of the pylons I was aiming for specifically, believed to be PEB9, which I encountered on Google Street View when exploring the line:
I am always glad to live in such a beautiful part of the world, even if I did have to reach this spot via two train journeys.
33 kV recloser … which of course I only know that because it says so right there on the pole!
Even in the residential areas you get nice views of the countryside here.
Heading back to the station:
Back at Hemel Hempstead railway station, with enough time to get an ice cream and a drink before boarding the train.
Finally, just a cat on a bench …
