simon b

They were quick, but not the quickest. The ultimate speed run of a REP was in connection with testing for the euro-star trains. Alsthom and SNCF engineers were skeptical of the current collection ability of the 3rd rail system for the new trains, so a special test was arranged. This was an overnight possession between Ashford and Tonbridge where a overhauled REP with maximum diameter wheels was run flat out. As it screamed past Staplehurst it was clocked at 117mph before the power was backed off. Apparently the ride in said unit at that speed was horrific.

They do hold the official record for the fastest 3rd rail EMU in the world, 109mph. (A REP has been faster but that was a special test train). Also the first use of automatic plug doors, the only EMU to be built with the "full size" mk3 shell, and the last example of the SR's recycling policy.

Both providing power sometimes, bet that combination accelerated nicely.

New Haven railroad, with the Long Island railroad a close second.

PRR's T1 was an interesting design but how many know about it's bigger brother, the monstrous S1? Possibly the fastest steam loco ever built if you believe the story's...

Great idea for a micro layout, looking forward to progress.

That just screams Liverpool street! Dont forget the giant twin postbox down the side of the stairs.

That's exactly what I was getting at. If the boards all must be the same width it could be done in 18" wide giving a 3 foot operating well.

Have you looked at Boston port? These might give you some ideas.

Can I make a suggestion that you only have one side of your layout 2 feet wide, and the other 3 sides 1 foot wide with extra width in the corners. This would give you a wider operating area in the center of the layout, and cut out alot of wasted space. In the period your modeling around 1995 the majority of stations had slimmed down to just the basics, the classic goods yard and cattle shed was long gone so stations can be small. It's possible to build a 2 or 3 track station area on the narrow 1 foot wide side of the layout, then build your yard/sidings on the wider 2 foot side.

That's the first picture I've seen of the DRS cromptons actually hauling a service train!

So coming back to my idea of two platforms from a single line, could it be done as follows: Single line comes onto layout under the token system, first thing encountered is a warning board marking the end of the token section which reads: "End of token section. Permissive working. Check points and proceed as far as platform is clear." Next thing would be a points indicator, followed by the points themselves. If needed the points are changed via a ground frame which is released using the token. Train then enters platform, train crew returns token to machine. Section clear for next train. For a train to leave the station there is a stop board on the end of each platform which reads: "Start of token section. Obtain token and permission to proceed." Just after the platform ends would be a points indicator along with a sign "Check points before proceeding". If needed points are changed via the ground frame using the token. Train then leaves the platform and enters the token section. Does that sound workable or have I got it wrong? I quite fancy building something like Sudbury but with both platforms in use.

Aha! That makes things a lot clearer, thank you.

In the case of Bourne end I take it it's not possible to bring the first train from Maidenhead into the up platform, reverse the points and return the token to the machine, then allow another train from Maidenhead into the down platform? Is that why the first train of the day is always "locked in" to the Marlow branch, as that's the only way of getting a second train into Bourne end? Sorry if I seem to be asking the same sort of questions, I just want to make sure I understand how it all works.

Thanks for the video link, interesting to see how it's all laid out. The permissive platform must be very unusual, I didn't realize that would be possible with a token system. One question I do have is that there doesn't appear any way to "lock in" a train in platform 1, whilst another arrives/departs platform 2. Or is that not a requirement on this system?

Thanks for the replies. The period for this is 1990 to 2005, I've just been reading about the system in use on the Whitby line Here. One thing mentioned in that link is that at a station forming a passing loop there are token machines on each platform, admittedly this is at a point where two block sections meet, but could I have a token machine for each platform of a terminus? Though I suppose I'm still left with the issue of the points not set for the correct road...

Thanks for that, I'll have a look at the Whitby line. I was thinking of having a line side cabinet next to the groundframe which would contain the token machine. If I've got the procedure correct the signalman releases the token machine remotely, the train crew then inserts the token into the ground frame to set the route, removes the token and boards the train, train then departs with token? One question that has crossed my mind, what protection would there be on the pointwork to ensure that an approaching train didn't take the wrong line and collide with a waiting train? Or would the token machine not release for an incoming train unless the route is set into a clear platform?

Hi all, a few questions for those knowledgeable in such things if I may. I have a plan in my head for a dmu operated WR branch line using what I think is the "token block" system, with no signals. What I'm not sure of is how adding a second platform at the terminus affect things. I'd like to have a single line branch coming on scene, which then divides into two platform tracks at a small terminus using just one point (think Bourne end but without the Marlow branch). I'd like the point to be worked from a ground frame using the token to release it, no signals at all. Would this be realistic? Would I need trap points on the platform lines? Any examples of such a situation on the network? Cheers in advance.

Looks great, having no trailing truck it reminds me of the LSWR black tanks.

This is on Ebay at the moment, a class 47 in large logo parcels red. Done properly it could look quite smart.

I thought the reason for building the P2 was better traction and more power?

Outstanding. Can we have an update to your Romford blog?

Great work, looks just like the old Met connection at Liverpool street.

In recent years a couple of generator sets with Napier T9-59 engines have turned up for sale, how different these are to the T9-29 in the class 23 I've no idea but certainly an interesting thing to listen to.

That suits it a lot better I think, looks like it should of been designed that way. Now if it had a center headlight like DP1 instead of those doors it's almost the front of an EMD A unit.