geoff

Work continues on the Midland Mainline electrification with much of the wiring completed.

The sub-station, as I call it at Glendon South now has a name. 

The outdoor switch gear appears to have been connected to the indoor gear.

There is all sorts of kit appearing at the track level, in particular these orange cables and trackside device. Does anyone know what they are for please.

Thanks.

Geoff 

2 hours ago, jamie92208 said:

I would doubt that there will be any problem with clearances between the wires and fixed structures like the canopies.As I understand  it the clearance problem is to do with moving objects such as people  with brollies and pantographs.  However I would not claim to have any specialist knowledge.

 

As an aside, when The Midland electrified at Lancaster in 1907 the altered the outer edges of the canopy suppirts and bolted support girders to them spanning between the canopies. There was plenty of clearance for the , then, quite high voltage of 6.6Kv.

 

Jamie

That may well be the case but a section has been removed from the canopies at the northern end of both platforms 2&3 and platform 4 for examination or discussion about how they can be altered to accommodate the necessary clearances for the 25kv catenary. That work was undertaken in December 2017 and involves all the interested parties, NR, English Heritage or some other preservation body and presumably the local council or whoever controls the listing of buildings. As far as I am aware both Kettering and Wellingborough stations are listed and the canopies are included in the listing.

Platforms 1&2 at Kettering.

Electrification mast erected through the listed canopy on platform 1 at Kettering.

DR74501 running as 6J38 11:00 BEDFORD ENGINEERS SDGS - 16:14 DONCASTER D.C.E SDGS. running 23 minutes early at 12:28 on 09/10/2019 cruises through platform 4 at Kettering.

Train InformationTrain Running & Realtime Information
Runs on 09/10/2019 
VSTP schedule runs WO from 09/10/2019 - 09/10/2019 
Operated by Volker Rail 
Civil Engineers
Diesel Electric Multiple Unit
Timed to run at 134mph09/10/2019 09:00
Train Activated
Train ID - 62657V2I09 (Masked ID 657V)

Some photographs taken on Wednesday 9 October 2019 to show the current state of the electrification project at Kettering station. I have not heard of any announcement about dealing with the canopies to provide a safe working clearance for the wires..

Geoff

One from Wednesday 11th September 2019, taken at Harrowden Junction just north of Wellingborough on the Midland Main Line.

Geoff

D1944, 'Craftsman' rolls through the crossovers at Harrowden Junction running as 0Z56 11:57 ACTON MAIN LINE - 16:50 CREWE H.S. running on 11/09/2019
[refresh]    [close]    [alert]
Train Information    Train Running & Realtime Information
Runs on 11/09/2019 
STP schedule runs WO from 11/09/2019 - 11/09/2019 
Operated by Locomotive Services 
Light Locomotive
Diesel Locomotive
Timed to run at 75mph    11/09/2019 08:23
Train Activated
Train ID - 730Z561J11 (Masked ID 097U)
11/09/2019 16:38
UNSCHEDULED report received at CREWE

Pete, would you be able to make the trip from Leicester to Kettering? If so I can certainly check the loco over for you and if you bring the z(Z)21 and its router and your iPad along with the instruction booklet perhaps we can get that sorted too.

Geoff

I popped out on Monday to see how far the wires had reached.

Geoff

IMG_6466 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr 

Oakley (Harpurs Brook) Viaduct with the new catenary suports and wires.

IMG_6468 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

The temporary end of the wiring just beyond the Newton Road bridge near the site of Geddington Station.

Here is a link to a site which describes the fitting of a stay alive to a version 3.5 decoder. This is the standard decoder. I have not found a description for fitting one to a v3.5 micro though.

Geoff

http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/esuloksound52400v35keepalive.html

A blustery Saturday morning with the sun dodging the clouds made for challenging photography just north of Kettering.

Geoff

IMG_6413 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

1Z35 06:41 EALING BROADWAY - 14:05 YORK running on 09/03/2019
Train InformationTrain Running & Realtime Information
Runs on 09/03/2019 
STP schedule runs SO from 09/03/2019 - 09/03/2019 
Operated by WCRC 
Unadvertised Express Passenger Service
Diesel Locomotive
Timing Load - 715 tonnes
Timed to run at 60mph
First & Standard Seating09/03/2019 01:10
Train Activated
Train ID - 731Z351609                      KETTERING09:1309:12(-1)09:3409:42(+8)1SStops to take up passengers
Stops for watering of coaches
KETTERING NORTH JUNCTION09:3709:46(+9) (4)6233 Duchess of Sutherland accelerates through Glendon cutting with the Railway Touring   Company's "The Yorkshireman" 9 minutes late after an extended water stop in Kettering where the train arrived on time. 0950 Saturday 9th March 2019 .

IMG_6415 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

IMG_6416 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

IMG_6417 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

 (4)6233 Duchess of Sutherland leans into the curve onto the Manton line at Glendon South with the Railway Touring   Company's "The Yorkshireman" 9 minutes late after an extended water stop in Kettering where the train arrived on time. 0950 Saturday 9th March 2019 .

I'm looking for some help - some time ago I posted a small layout with a pinkish, foggy, early sunrise/late sunset sky - the back-scene was done by spraying multiple layers of grey, over-sprayed with white from rattle cans - in a similar manner to Barry Tens "Cogirep". I need to reference something - and can't find it - part of the problem being that I probably gave it a suitable name and can't remember it! - If somebody can point me to where it is hiding, I'd be grateful - thanks for any help.

Jack, try this link.

Geoff

Fiddlestick Yard, 'Sin City, USA

Think there is still some S&T work to be done and the immunisation for the OLE

From Kettering South junction there are several places where the existing signalling installations are in the alignment of the future up slow. These along with the scaffolding at Wellingborough are all preventing the completion of the track laying. Some are single masts some are cabinets and at least one, in the Ise Valley between Isham and Harrowden Junction, is a signal bridge.

Geoff

There does definitely seem to be clearance for the missing track once the scaffold is removed.

 

Jamie

I agree that once the scaffolding has been removed there will be clearance for the up slow to continue through the bridge and into the station and then onto Bedford. I just thought it strange that the new track has been slewed away from the normal alignment at the existing Mill Road bridge.

Geoff

Here is a photo of the new over bridge just north of Wellingborough station. The bridge looks now to be complete but the scaffold remains much as it is in the photo and is blocking the alignment of the new up slow.The photo was taken in May 2017 not long after the main girders were lifted in to position.

Geoff

IMG_4299 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

The new road bridge to give access to the development to the east of the line blocks the view of Wellingborough Station from the Mill Road bridge.

The fourth platform at Wellingborough is still there in the undergrowth I think.  There is a housing development going on beyond it, and I wonder if the platform work is delayed by that for some reason.  Otherwise, is there any sign of pointwork to the south of the station that might mark the southern end of a single line? 

Here are a couple of photos showing the slow line platforms at Wellingborough.

Geoff

45049 6O85 up slow Wellingborough station 15:04 14/8/75 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

45 049 Up coal Wellingborough station slow line. 15:04 14/8/75 f3.5 1/500 135mm

IMG_2673 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

Geoff,

 

You deserve our thanks for documenting & explaining the radical Wellingborough remodelling over the festive period. Very interesting & you relate it well to the historical features. What plans are there for the MR roundhouse, if you know?

 

Dava

Thank you for your kind words Dava. The remaining roundhouse has been in use as a warehouse in the past but I do not know what the future holds for it though.

Geoff

The fourth platform at Wellingborough is still there in the undergrowth I think.  There is a housing development going on beyond it, and I wonder if the platform work is delayed by that for some reason.  Otherwise, is there any sign of pointwork to the south of the station that might mark the southern end of a single line? 

The fourth platform on the up slow side is still there. I do not recall the Northampton push pull using a bay on the up slow, indeed I think it only ever used the down slow platform, but I stand to be corrected on that. I am not aware of any paintwork at the south end of the station. The new up slow cannot yet pass under the new road bridge for Stanton Cross as there is scaffolding still in place blocking the alignment. There was some time ago an advert for the Stanton Cross development featuring a new station building on the up slow side with an extended footbridge and strangely a Virgin Pendolino I believe.

Geoff

A new year and a new junction. This is the last day of the blockades and 'normal' service resumes tomorrow, Wednesday 2 January 2019. It is a little disappointing to see the new up slow looks not to be going further on for a while. Whether that is down to the continuing work on the new bridge across the line to the Stanton Gate development or whether it is because the slow line platforms have to be rebuilt or something else I do not know.

Geoff

fullsizeoutput_545f by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

The new junctions at Wellingborough North between the fast lines and the down slow.

fullsizeoutput_545e by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

The current end of the new up slow serving as a head shunt for the Finedon Road Sidings exit road.

fullsizeoutput_545c by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

The juntion between what will become the up Slow and the down slow eventually with a new 'traffic light' signal to control it.

fullsizeoutput_545b by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

fullsizeoutput_545a by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

More pictures of the work at Wellingborough North Junction on Boxing Day and Friday 28 December 2018.

Geoff

fullsizeoutput_5423 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

Day three, 26 December 2018. and work is still in progress on the mainlines.

fullsizeoutput_5407 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

Day three, Boxing Day, and work on the point mechanisms continues as the line is prepared for service on the following day Thursday 27 December 2018.

fullsizeoutput_5436 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

The new Wellingborough North Junction. work is still in progress to reconnect the slow line and the Finedon Road Sidings release road.

fullsizeoutput_5412 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

The new Wellingborough North Junction. work is still in progress to reconnect the slow line and the Finedon Road Sidings release road.

fullsizeoutput_5431 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

222022 cruises through the new junctions at Wellingborough North with 1B31 1012 Nottingham to St Pancras International on time at 1108 on Friday 28 December 2018.

fullsizeoutput_5424 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

The new Wellingborough North Junction. work is still in progress to reconnect the slow line and the Finedon Road Sidings release road which has been slewed across and needs aligning.The first panel of the new Up Slow has been set out. A limited service is running on the fast lines.

fullsizeoutput_5425 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

The new Wellingborough North Junction. work is still in progress to reconnect the slow line and the Finedon Road Sidings release road.

fullsizeoutput_5426 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

Rolling stock and loco trapped in Finedon Road Sidings, Wellingborough Up TC Gbrf.

There is major track renewing and remodelling at Wellingborough North Junction.

 

Geoff

[/url]fullsizeoutput_53ff by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

Day 1, Monday 24 December 2018, of the work to remodel Wellingborough North Junction in preparation for the new Up Slow line. The release road from Wellingborough Up TC, Finedon Road Sidings has already been slewed across here.

9N9B3375 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

Day 1, Monday 24  December 2018, this longer shot shows the old Up Main to  Up/Down slow connection and the remains of the connection to the Finedon Road Sidings release road. The signal bridge is probably in the way of the new Up Slow as are all of the ecisting signals between here and Kettering.

9N9B3407 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

Slewing the track of the release road from Finedon Road Sidings.

9N9B3421 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

Finedon Road sidings.

9N9B3426 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

66614, 1916 POPPY 2016, waiting on the Up Fast at Harrowden Junction to leave the possession with a spoil train.

9N9B3430 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

Another train waiting on the Up Fast just north of Harrowden Junction to continue into the possession.

Geoff

Not sure what the work is but there's something major about to commence with a full possession on all lines between Kettering and Bedford on Monday. Trains are running south to Kettering before a reversal to terminate at Corby, buses being provided to Wellingborough and Bedford. Not sure if the work is continuing over Christmas Day and Boxing Day but would seem likely as there's nothing major planned for Sunday which would have been a more logical day if it was a single day possession.

 

It might seem a bit strange for Southbound trains to run South to Kettering before turning back and heading 8 miles North to Corby for onward Southbound bus connections but evidently such are the volumes expected, there's insufficient space at Kettering to handle the number of coaches required whereas Corby has a number of bus bays and a car park which has access suitable for coaches.

 

Preparations include additional toilets installed and bay markers for the coaches, staff are being drafted in from elsewhere. The train service is three an hour in each direction which is more than Corby has ever seen in its history, old or new stations, and more than its ever likely to see again, even after the wires are up.

There is major track renewing and remodelling at Wellingborough North Junction.

Geoff

Not sure if I mentioned this before, but I appreciate you taking photos of the changing landscape.

 

I was watching part of a documentry a couple of years ago that suggested in the future, we'll have less and less photos of the changes we make as people are more interested in taking photos of themselves.

 

I love seeing photos of trams running in Leicester City Centre and the Great Central station, seeing how it looks compared with now.  You documenting this will be great for the future.

Thank you Sir TophamHatt.

Geoff

Some photos of class 66s at work on the Midland Mainline north of Kettering earlier this month, on the section which is not scheduled for electrification as far as we know, ie Kettering to Leicester.

Geoff

fullsizeoutput_5397 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

66621 attacks the climb to Desborough out of the Rushton cutting with 6M91 11:13 THEALE LAFARGE FHH - 17:49 HOPE (EARLES SIDINGS) FHH on time at 1526 on Wednesday 12 December 2018.

fullsizeoutput_539c by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

66771 rolls down the gradient from Desborough towards Rushton with the 1320 Bardon Hill Gbrf to Crawley New Yard (Gbrf) on time at 1515 on Wednesday 12 December 2018.

fullsizeoutput_5396 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

66736 Wolverhampton Wanderers powers out of the Rushton cutting under the Pipewell Road bridge in the gathering gloom  on time at 1632 on Wednesday 12 December 2018 with 6M54 12:18 COLNBROOK LAFARGE GBRF - 16:43 BARDON HILL GBRF.

fullsizeoutput_53b4 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

66761, Wensleydale Railway Association 25 Years 1990-2015

A trip up to Glendon earlier this week gave me a chance to take a snap of the work on the sub-station being constructed just south of Glendon South Junction (as was ). The contractor on site said this was to feed into to overheads at this point but he didn't know where the indeed was coming from. He also said he understood there was still a site to do at Braybrooke which is where the 400/274 kv grid line crosses the railway a couple of miles south of Market Harborough.

Geoff

fullsizeoutput_53b5 by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

Formwork for the base of the sub-station at Glendon ready to receive concrete. The Kettering to Corby 33kv tower line keeps watch from the hedgerow.

fullsizeoutput_534d by Geoffrey Robinson, on Flickr

A very smart 56103 bowls through Glendon North on its way to Leicester L.I.P. running as 0Z56 1100 Willesden Dc Rail Sidings to Leicester L.I.P., right time at 1356 on Monday 12 November 2018.

Geoff

Not strictly to do with the electrification although it shows the problems for photography posed by the infrastructure even before it is completed. 

66715 Valour rounds the curve from Glendon South towards the Glendon Iron Coy's bridge with 6E89 10:16 WELLINGBOROUGH UP TC GBRF - 18:00 RYLSTONE TILCON (GBRF) 3 minutes early at 1041 on Thursday 15th November 2018.

However, there is news since I discovered earlier this week that work has started on the substation to feed into the system at Glendon. The site was cleared right at the beginning of the work on the line and now contractors are constructing the foundations for the substation a short distance north of the Glendon Road over bridge. Although the site is directly adjacent to a 33kv line I doubt that will be used. The nearest 132kv line is about 400m away near the road bridge or the 275/400kv line at Braybrooke, a few miles away, could be used but it would be a long run of cable. 

Geoff

Hello Geoff

Unfortunately as Nigel and Rob have already said, there isn't any way to remap the functions.  Only the CV's listed in the manual can be read and not all can be written to.  

Don't forget the TTS decoder is based on the R8249 decoder and as such is a fairly basic decoder when it comes to being able to alter CV's.

 

All I have really done to the file is to increase the list of TTS Decoders that decoder pro can recognise when the chips are read and to populate the sound level tab in the programmer for each TTS decoder added so that the volume levels can be adjusted for each sound from within decoder pro.

 

Brian

Thank you Brian, that was the information I was looking for. Nevertheless, and even though I will not be using TTS decoders because of that limitation, thank you for the work you have done to help users have greater access to them.

Geoff