GWML Electification

[andy stroud]

Just out of interest, does anyone know if they are wiring all four tracks between Severn Tunnel and Cardiff or just the two normally used for passenger trains?

[The Stationmaster]

Just out of interest, does anyone know if they are wiring all four tracks between Severn Tunnel and Cardiff or just the two normally used for passenger trains?

I would have thought it sensible to do so - but you never know if the money starts getting tight.  Certainly the new signals/signal structures are to electrification clearances on both the Mains and Reliefs between Ebbw Jcn and Long Dyke/Newtown at Cardiff. 

[Great Western]

Just out of interest, does anyone know if they are wiring all four tracks between Severn Tunnel and Cardiff or just the two normally used for passenger trains?

All four lines, from Severn Tunnel Junction (beyond the station its self) to Cardiff will be wired, along with all platforms at Cardiff Central and roads into Canton. What stages the work will be done in I don't know.

 

As for the Ebbw Vale branch the Ebbw Junc to Park Junction will be done, but I'm not sure if Park Junction to Gaer Junction will be done though, unless a direct Newport service is in place by then of course. However the freight inlets to Llanwern, East Usk, ADJ, Wentlog and Pengam won't be wired.

 

Great Western

[andy stroud]

Thankyou Mr Stationmaster and Great Western!

 

I wonder how frequent it is currently for passenger trains to find themselves diverted onto the goods lines.

[Fat Controller]

Thankyou Mr Stationmaster and Great Western!

 

I wonder how frequent it is currently for passenger trains to find themselves diverted onto the goods lines.

It's not that uncommon, though it's the stopping services that are pathed along the Relief lines, rather than the Paddington- Swansea and v-v ones.

[andy stroud]

It's not that uncommon, though it's the stopping services that are pathed along the Relief lines, rather than the Paddington- Swansea and v-v ones.

Many thanks for that. I guess there could still be the need at times though to divert everything.

Edited February 22, 2015 by andy stroud

[Great Western]

Thankyou Mr Stationmaster and Great Western!

 

I wonder how frequent it is currently for passenger trains to find themselves diverted onto the goods lines.

Between Severn Tunnel and Newport, it's not that common due to the low line speed 40 mph in the relief, however from Llanwern West Junction (East side of Newport) to Cardiff with a stop at Newport it's pretty commo in the western direction towards Cardiff. A lot of the xx21 from Bristol to Cardiff are booked via the RL from Llanwern West Junction to Cardiff. Or if not via Llanwern West they go RL at Newport via Platform 1 as there's a conflict (I believe in the WTT) with a Swansea HST which usually overtakes the DMU prior to Cardiff.

 

West to East from Cardiff to Tunnel its unheard of, but I don't think there is any booked DMU servcies down the RL, however a good bet for usual routes is the 2327 Cardiff to Bristol.....I've done Cardiff to Ebbw junction ML, crossed to the RL via P1 at Newport, then RL via Bishton Flyover to Magor Crossovers back to the ML to Severn Tunnel Junc. onto the Down Tunnel line in the station in the Up direction, then Up direction via the Down line through the tunnel back to Up tunnel line at Piling!

 

That was a red pen evening !!!!!

 

There is also the 0136 Bristol to Cardiff HST which sometimes goes RL all the way from STJ to Cardiff, God what a slow trip that is 40mph all the way to Newport, but still had time before booked departure !

 

Great Western

Edited February 22, 2015 by Great Western

[RJS1977]

 

There is also the 0136 Bristol to Cardiff HST which sometimes goes RL all the way from STJ to Cardiff, God what a slow trip that is 40mph all the way to Newport, but still had time before booked departure !

 

Great Western

Sounds to me like that's a route-retention job so that if any HSTs are diverted on to the relief lines, there are drivers who know the route.

[Great Western]

The driver signs the route as in all lines usually driven over, so a driver would learn Severn tunnel to Cardiff via both. They wouldn't submit a route refresh for the releif lines unless it was like the Willesden relief lines where they actually leave the main route for a period.

 

Great Western

[The Stationmaster]

Noticed today that considerable jungle clearance is still going on in Sonning Cutting - almost like its old self although how long it will last is another question of course.

 

And alas another problem seemingly linked with Crossrail works with 'signalling problems' today at West Drayton have a considerable impact on services on the Reliefs - no indication if it was an overrun of possession work, or a failure (although that seems unlikely judging by the way it was described), or yet another cable damaged.

[Fay Singpoint]

 

Although I can't see the logic with not providing a West end access/exit to the IEP depot, the only access is via a reversal (for Bristol) in Parkway.

 

Great Western

 

The West End (Patchway) connection comes later as part of the Parkway area capacity upgrade works. 

[Foulounoux]

BBC south today running the report of the cost increase and that completion will be delayed by 1 year

 

All those new shiny trains from Japan won't be able to run because they have no powerf

 

Ok he's sort of right but why do I feel I'm watching the tele tubbies and not a news programme

 

Colin

[St. Simon]

Hi,

 

I noticed this morning that in the past week or so, Structures have been erected in the strange new yard section at the East end of Swindon Station. I say strange in that there are 3 tracks all double ended with buffers, but with absolutely no track connection with the rest of the yard or main line.

 

I assume that it's a training centre of something, either I.E.P or Electrification, as there's a large building that looks a lot like a classroom. Any ideas from anyone?

 

Simon

[The Stationmaster]

Hi,

 

I noticed this morning that in the past week or so, Structures have been erected in the strange new yard section at the East end of Swindon Station. I say strange in that there are 3 tracks all double ended with buffers, but with absolutely no track connection with the rest of the yard or main line.

 

I assume that it's a training centre of something, either I.E.P or Electrification, as there's a large building that looks a lot like a classroom. Any ideas from anyone?

 

Simon

I made the same assumption when I saw it a few weeks back - at that time without any structures but the three double-ended tracks to nowhere were in place back then.  Seems it might be an outbase of the new electrification training centre at York perhaps?

[Steadfast]

The sign on the adjacent road (not sure of the name, but past McDonalds and TK Maxx) has a Network Rail sign saying Electrification Training School. I was driving so couldn't grab a shot, but will try next time I pass as a passenger

 

jo

[St. Simon]

Hi,

 

I've also noticed that the Up platform starter signals at the Eastern End of Swindon station have been upgraded from the Filament heads to Dorman LED Search Light heads.

 

It's interesting that this has happened before the installation of a new higher gantry at some point in the future (I don't know when), particularly when the old Western End Gantry still has filament heads and the newer one behind hasn't been fitted yet.

 

Simon

[The Stationmaster]

Hi,

 

I've also noticed that the Up platform starter signals at the Eastern End of Swindon station have been upgraded from the Filament heads to Dorman LED Search Light heads.

 

It's interesting that this has happened before the installation of a new higher gantry at some point in the future (I don't know when), particularly when the old Western End Gantry still has filament heads and the newer one behind hasn't been fitted yet.

 

Simon

There does seem to occasionally be something of a divergent path between fitting of new heads on existing structures and the provision close-by of replacements for the existing signals - perhaps a few left hands and right hands are at work?

[Re6/6]

It looks like 2016 completion date is under threat, according to 'Rail Magazine' #769.

 

It reports that costs are continuing to rise. For those interested in this excellent project it is an interesting read.

 

One of the salient points from the article is the prospect of IEPs idling in sidings due to the unfinished work. Having read that suggestion, isn't there a bi-mode train that could be used for commissioning/driver training etc?

 

In response to RM, NR spokesman Dan Donovan (media relations manager..trade and specialist) chose not, it seems, to explain the reasons for the project management failures, instead gave out this anodyne statement to the magazine:

 

(Precis)......"...it was the biggest and most complex electrification scheme for more than a generation. This work is a major investment in improving the railway in the region, and will lead to better, faster, more reliable journeys in the future for millions of users.While work is progressing well and we're aiming for an end of 2016 target for the Thames Valley, the programme is subject to change and alteration as the scope and needs of the overall project change....[Ctsy Rail Magazine]

 

Well, the first part is b******' obvious, the second would do justice to a politician. All of it a prime example of 'management B.S'

 

I just sadly shake my head that this prestige project seems not to be going to plan.

[The Stationmaster]

Driving, earlier today, along the road which generally parallels the railway between Goring and Pangbourne part of the reason for delay is still obvious with a continuing situation of gaps where masts have not been erected despite those to either side being in position.  But work is obviously taking place, more masts are appearing and - at long last - the lineside jungle is getting a major slaughtering, just a shame that the tree stumps don't appear to be getting the coup de grace.

[96701]

Driving, earlier today, along the road which generally parallels the railway between Goring and Pangbourne part of the reason for delay is still obvious with a continuing situation of gaps where masts have not been erected despite those to either side being in position.  But work is obviously taking place, more masts are appearing and - at long last - the lineside jungle is getting a major slaughtering, just a shame that the tree stumps don't appear to be getting the coup de grace.

Mike, one word - Ecoplugs.

http://www.ecoplug.com/

[D1059]

Driving, earlier today, along the road which generally parallels the railway between Goring and Pangbourne part of the reason for delay is still obvious with a continuing situation of gaps where masts have not been erected despite those to either side being in position.  But work is obviously taking place, more masts are appearing and - at long last - the lineside jungle is getting a major slaughtering, just a shame that the tree stumps don't appear to be getting the coup de grace.

 

Interesting link about the Ecoplugs - do we know if they are being used ? - or will we just get the usual clearances and 5 years down the line it will be as bad (or worse) than it is now

[Michael Woolford]

Hi,

 

I noticed this morning that in the past week or so, Structures have been erected in the strange new yard section at the East end of Swindon Station. I say strange in that there are 3 tracks all double ended with buffers, but with absolutely no track connection with the rest of the yard or main line.

 

I assume that it's a training centre of something, either I.E.P or Electrification, as there's a large building that looks a lot like a classroom. Any ideas from anyone?

 

Simon

Simon,

 

The area you describe has become aan electrification training school; this explains the unconnected lines. Things are still being worked on and work has been ongoing in that area for some months now. I've had a good view of what's been going on as the office overlooks the entire area. I will try and get some photos from the office with a decent sized lens and may even venture out towards the main road and underbridge. Hope this helps.

 

Michael

[RJS1977]

I've just heard that the telephone cables at Cholsey got cut through last weekend, consequently telephones, credit cards internet and CIS at Cholsey are currently out. That could make life "interesting" for me in the CWR ticket office this Sunday if there's disruption!

[ess1uk]

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31831603

First trains arrives

[Re6/6]

I think that I read somewhere that the seating positions on the Cl 800s are improved, providing an aligned window for each row of seats.

 

Hopefully that will be the case. I just hate the claustrophobic 'windowless' environment on some stock. HSTs used to be excellent, with most seats having a view until Ms Forster of FGW created the notorious 'cattle class'.

 

P.S. I wonder how soon an 800 will appear in model form...!

Edited March 12, 2015 by Re6/6