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Class 230 into revenue service
Christopher125 replied to Old-sparky's topic in UK Prototype Discussions (not questions!)
TfW's Class 230 fleet entered passenger service today, 230010 doing the honours. -
GWR Battery Train Trial
Christopher125 replied to Christopher125's topic in UK Prototype Discussions (not questions!)
I really don't think that's fair - the Ballater unit was unique and short-lived for good reason! No-one doubts you can power a train with batteries, but their cost, weight, performance and longevity didn't really make them a practical or cost effective alternative to diesel traction. It's entirely legitimate to see if the latest battery and fast-charging technology has, in favourable circumstances, changed that and lives up to the promises. -
Following their COP26 demonstration runs, Vivarail have secured the contract to trial a battery train and fast charging system on the Greenford branch: https://news.gwr.com/news/gwr-fast-charging-trial-brings-regular-battery-only-rail-services-a-step-closer
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IoW light rail conversion proposed
Christopher125 replied to DavidB-AU's topic in UK Prototype Discussions (not questions!)
Touch wood it seems to be going ok? Brading is fully open at last too. Brading by Chris, on Flickr 1987/09 - 12. Pre'36 Tube Stock at Brading. by Ron Fisher, on Flickr -
IoW light rail conversion proposed
Christopher125 replied to DavidB-AU's topic in UK Prototype Discussions (not questions!)
Despite previous reports, SWR will operate a half hourly service from next Monday - morning and evening peaks only, and the extra services will turn back at Esplanade. https://www.southwesternrailway.com/other/news-and-media/news/2021/december/swr-announces-two-island-line-trains-per-hour-during-peak-periods -
Sorry, quoted the wrong post...
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Wasn't that at Barrow Hill though?
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IoW light rail conversion proposed
Christopher125 replied to DavidB-AU's topic in UK Prototype Discussions (not questions!)
This letter does a good job explaining why - without finding some time between Ryde and Brading - passing trains at the new loop is looking problematic. https://www.countypress.co.uk/features/19727028.brading-passing-loop-island-lines-major-problem/ -
IoW light rail conversion proposed
Christopher125 replied to DavidB-AU's topic in UK Prototype Discussions (not questions!)
Despite talk of level boarding at Brading and significant work replacing the adjacent cattle creep with a culvert, underpinning the platforms and excavating the trackbed... the track itself appears no lower now than before. Presumably it's been descoped at some point - no great surprise - but it's left the 484's wheelchair ramps somewhat inadequate. Anyone know more? (484001 being delivered last year and a video uploaded today) -
IoW light rail conversion proposed
Christopher125 replied to DavidB-AU's topic in UK Prototype Discussions (not questions!)
Timekeeping is much better today so far, losing a minute here or there along the way but it's actually an hourly service. -
IoW light rail conversion proposed
Christopher125 replied to DavidB-AU's topic in UK Prototype Discussions (not questions!)
Bit of a weird day. - Signalling issue at Ryde in the morning. - Poor timekeeping, presumably due to dwell times, new speed limits and TPWS? - Lineside fire near Sandown kyboshed the service mid-afternoon. - Surprisingly they used the horn instead of the whistle for crossings - I did wonder how they'd get that past the ORR tbh, even though it's distinctive and what people here expect. -
IoW light rail conversion proposed
Christopher125 replied to DavidB-AU's topic in UK Prototype Discussions (not questions!)
The LT museum did some filming last week for their latest Hidden London Hangout, includes footage onboard and from the cab - Hidden London Hangouts S4E10 -
IoW light rail conversion proposed
Christopher125 replied to DavidB-AU's topic in UK Prototype Discussions (not questions!)
Hopefully you can see this linkedin post by the signmaker AJ Wells, showing the signage at Brading - I remain totally baffled by the foot crossing, the fencing is above head height yet it still looks like the crossing will remain open with only a stern warning to look both ways. Quite bizarre. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ajwellsandsonsltd_architecture-branding-construction-activity-6859134600984190976-7MEU ...on closer inspection some of the fencing on the far side has been cut down, but the view towards Sandown is still obstructed. There's been a lot of activity at Brading this week I gather, presumably trying to sort this out? -
IoW light rail conversion proposed
Christopher125 replied to DavidB-AU's topic in UK Prototype Discussions (not questions!)
They've found a use for the adaptor coupling - thanks to James for capturing 484004 pushing 006 down to Sandown, where both remaining 483s now await transport to wales.