Colwick TMD (Rectory Oil Terminal)
This cache is located close to the recently opened Colwick TMD (traction maintenance depot). The site is an extension of Eastcroft TMD which is located a few miles away just outside Nottingham's Midland Station.
The depot is used to store and maintain diesel locomotives including the much-loved EE class 37! Prior to this it was used for many years as an unloading facility for the now defunct Colwick Oil Terminal which is now a supermarket. I think the last train to unload here was back in 2019. After that the site was decomissioned and was unused for a while until DATS test trains (including class 43 HST power cars) appeared for a year or two. Following that, the site once again became dormant and overgrown and the rails were again completely rusted over.
To my great surprise, in June 2023 I noticed a class 56 had turned up! I had no idea why at the time. Waiting to be scrapped maybe? During the summer of 2023 more loco's appeared and construction of a new siding began. During the autumn and winter, construction of what would later turn out to be the depot building started. It was now obvious this was going to be something bigger than just a scrapyard. While all this was going on, loco's were arriving and departing regularly and there was a mixture of 37s, 56s, 70s and even a 50 (Fearless) down there. Early in 2024 construction seemed to be complete and a sign reading Colwick TMD appeared on the front of the shed.
A typical scene at the depot. Pic taken on 11/05/2024.
As a rail enthusiast and regular visitor to the area I'm happy to see the old Rectory Oil Terminal back in use for what I hope will be many years to come. This is also the last tiny bit of the once huge Colwick Marshalling Yards still in operation. The yards closed in 1972.
This cache is within the Netherfield Lagoons nature reserve so you can also enjoy a walk around there and maybe pick up a few more caches along the way if not already found. Be advised that the footpaths can become very wet and muddy so appropriate footwear is essential!
Tweezers are recommended. Please replace the cache exactly as found. Thank you!
This cache has been placed with the kind permission of Gedling Conservation Trust.
Joint FTF: Spire67 / PlasmaWave
2nd: Aladdin Sane
3rd: NottsWalker