Ron Ron Ron

Reported in June this year (2017)..... http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/15330037.Plans_to_build_reservoir_the_size_of_Heathrow_back_on_the_table/ Earlier, in March this year..... http://www.oxfordshireguardian.co.uk/abingdon-reservoir-plans-could-still-go-ahead-after-10-year-battle/ .

You've got your numbers a bit wrong, but your point about more transits is correct. In fact it's quite a lot more trains, than those being replaced. The total number of GWR IEP trains, i.e. trains supplied under the IEP, is..... 57 trains, consisting of 36x 5-car and 21x 9-car. So assuming the 5-cars will operate in pairs for the bulk of their peak time operation, that will make it.... 39 trains, consisting of 18x 10-car and 21x 9-car. Add to that the GWR non-IEP trains, i.e. the Class 802's ordered separately and not as part of the IEP, which is.... 36 trains, consisting of 22x 5-car and 14x 9-car. Again assuming 5+5 pairings as one train, that equals.... 25 trains, consisting of 11x 10-car and 14x 9-car. Added together (both IEP and Eversholt supplied) that gives us... 93 trains consisting of 58x 5-car and 35x 9-car. Again assuming 5+5 pairings as one train, that gives us... 64 trains consisting of 29x 10-car and 35x 9-car. [note: There is no such train called an "IEP"] .

That wouldn't have been much use, as the French didn't anticipate the larger Berne Gauge either; having to upgrade the whole of their standard gauge network to the wider and taller Berne Gauge (after WW1).

Nutford, there's a well worn, old DCC cliche that says that DCC can be as simple, or as complicated as you want it to be. Everything from just 2 wires to the track and simply driving trains, to a full blown computer controlled or assisted layout, with all manner of sophisticated and automated features. Plus everything in between. If I'm reading you correctly, some of your requirements may be straying into areas that require a bit more involvement on the complex and sophisticated side. However, do not fear. There's usually more than one way to skin a cat (no animal cruelty intended). What might be called "proper automation", usually involves using a computer (PC, laptop etc,) and a software package, which I guess is not what you're looking for (at least not at this stage of the game). However, certain automated actions can be done without involving a computer and that includes station or signal stops. For this, you'll either need decoders that can respond to a required action, such as Lenz's Automatic Brake Control (ABC) feature, triggered by simple trackside modules; ...or, a trackside electronic module, designed to perform these functions under DCC. Other than the fact that ABC equipped decoders will respond and non-ABC decoders won't, I don't know enough about this to say whether stopping actions can only be automatically applied to specific locos/trains? A computer based software package would be able to do this. Otherwise your options are limited (it is still possible). Detection and block control devices designed for DC will not work on DCC. It's important to remember that DCC is quite different to DC control, in that you are "driving the trains and not the track". i.e. you do not control the track power. I'm not sure of the best way to explain this.... The person driving the train is responsible for obeying signals and/or entering particular sections of track (just like the prototypical railway - apart from examples of automatic train operation ). For block control under DCC, you need some method of instructing the driver of the train, more specifically the decoder inside the loco/train, to obey signals or line side electronic devices that control entry to the next block, or section of track. Lenz sell a set of modules that allow a form of block control, but it relies on using decoders that are compatible with their ABC feature. http://www.lenzusa.com/1newsite1/Asymmetrical.html. - click on the links to modules BM1, BM2 & BM3 from that page. There's at least one or two another producers of similar DCC specific devices. A signal input from a detection device (e.g. like a reed switch) can be used to trigger a control module, which will then initiate a series of actions, such as change a series of points and signals or indicator lights. I'm not sure what sort of ability there is to issue commands to stop and start locos, but a combination of this and something like a Lenz ABC arrangement could achieve what you want. The NCE Mini-Panel is one such device. https://www.dccconcepts.com/manual/nce-owners-manual-mini-panel/ As Oldddudders (Ian) says in post no. 5 above, it will be best to look at what options are available to allow you to perform the tasks you require and then work backwards to find either the DCC system(s) that support them, or if they are not system specific. . .

This bridge was replaced and the approach roads regraded and rebuilt, in less than 3 minutes....

I'm curious to know why it is being said that it would take a year to replace this bridge? Is this NR saying it, or the local councils and local protesters? Bearing in mind, in recent times similar bridges have been replaced, including raising the approach roads, in the space of only a a few days. What is so different in this case?

My bad, as some youngsters say (...boy I hate that turn of phrase!). I'm guilty of repeating something posted on another forum and the Rail Technology magazine web news item. I should have checked myself. Thanks for putting me straight chaps. .

With the proposed increase in the number of passenger services expected to use this stretch of line, notwithstanding the aim to eventually allow 140 mph running, it would be interesting to know how restrictive this will eventually be for vehicle and pedestrian traffic using these level crossings. I see that the Steventon level crossings allow the only road access to a section of the village, south of the railway. Without these crossings, that section of the village would be completely cut off and isolated from any road network. Closing them would be impossible without the construction of a new access road and bridge, or a new road link to the B4017 High St. and the existing bridge crossing. All very expensive, so who pays? Then again, what if increased use of the railway and higher speeds result in restricting road access to something like only 5 or 10 minutes in every daytime hour? On the face of it, this would seem to be a very difficult problem for the future. As for the bridge; there doesn't appear to be any physical reason why it can't be raised or replaced. The issues are the temporary impact on traffic access and the local concern of the effect on the village and many of its businesses, plus the matter of its listing, which is also being used as an excuse to do nothing about the problem. I'm minded to think of peoples reactions (here and elsewhere) to the protests about HS2. .

Rail Technology magazine reports that the first Class 802 has started testing on "the western". There are reports that it will be running to Penzance next week.

I don't know how I missed this and I can't find any previous mention of it on the forum. Use WiThrottle or Engine Driver on a smartphone or tablet, to add extra throttles to the Prodigy Advance2, Prodigy Express2 or Prodigy Elite systems. No need for any computer software running (i.e. JMRI) No need for an internet connection No need to connect to a WiFi network (e.g. home network) No need for a separate router. http://www.modelrectifier.com/product-p/0001530.htm. (a couple of videos on this link) http://www.modelrectifier.com/category-s/332.htm

A ProCab would be the natural extra handset, but a PowerCab handset will just act as a ProCab in this application. (n.b. Obviously the built-in command station and booster will be isolated and redundant when used as an additional handset with the curly cable.) .

The Steventon Gap Band, or shortened to Gap Band Oops upside your head (span)....... .

Euston to The City will become Old Oak Common to The City. HS2 will connect at Old Oak Common with Crossrail, which will take passengers directly to.... Farringdon - [Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and mainline trains] Liverpool St. (the new station is midway between Liverpool St. and Moorgate) - [Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Overground and mainline trains] Whitechapel - [District, Hammersmith & City, Overground] Canary Wharf - [Jubilee, DLR] All handy for the City and Docklands (Canary Wharf). I believe it's also correct that the euston underground stations are being merged into one complex, with a new, larger ticket hall and concourse located to the west of the current one and close enough to Euston Sq. for that to be absorbed into the enlarged underground station. p.s. Why are we talking about HS2 and Euston in this topic thread? This topic concerns the Class 800 series. There is a separate topic covering HS2. .

View from the bridge looking west... https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.621407,-1.3179477,3a,60y,279.18h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sg9F2Q9QrJU8Aq6J8u-69mg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Dg9F2Q9QrJU8Aq6J8u-69mg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D7.9360876%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656 View from The Causeway level crossing, looking east towards the Stocks Lane crossing and the bridge not too far beyond that...... https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.6214601,-1.3280252,3a,60y,77.97h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXLMeQjvhKFXzOwja4WQv1w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 .

Infer what? If you read what I said, I asked if the Hornby Sales stand was (quote) "an attempt to emulate Bachmann's exhibition sales effort? " i.e. Carrying out direct retail sales at the show. The preamble was written with regard to the topic of this thread (i.e. context). I said I didn't know if the presence of this stand would amount to any discounting or dumping of stock. n.b. From the show plan (hall layout), although not that far away, the Hornby Sales stand (A37) appears to be separate and located away from their main stand (A18). edit: I also note that Bachmann's sales stand will be on the opposite side of the hall to their main stand. .

I don't know if will amount to any large discounting, or dumping of stock, but Hornby will have a second and separate stand at Warley in a couple of weeks time. It's listed on the show guide as "Hornby Sales". Is it an attempt to emulate Bachmann's exhibition sales effort? .

That sounds like an assessment of the contents of an MP's laptop. .

I think that might be the Saturday only diagrams, that must have already started (28th Oct). The GW Coffee Shop and Rail UK Forums report the following two additional diagrams starting on Monday 13th Nov. I've no idea about the accuracy of this information, or whether or not splitting of units is delayed for now.. From 13th November 2017 (4x 10 car sets in service) As above, plus: 1A04 06:33 Bristol TM - Paddington 08:14 1B15 08:45 Paddington - Swansea 11:43 1L62 12:28 Swansea - Paddington 15:33 1C24 17:30 Paddington - Taunton* 2023 1A37 21:27 Taunton - Paddington^† 00:34 1B05 06:45 Paddington - Swansea 09:47 1L52 10:28 Swansea - Paddington 13:33 1B42 14:15 Paddington - Cardiff C 16:23 1L82 16:55 Cardiff C - Paddington 19:02 1C28 19:30 Paddington - Weston SM* 21:48 Notes: *Service splits at Bristol TM, 5 car forward to Weston SM/Taunton ^5 car from Taunton/Weston SM, 10 car from Bristol TM †Because of engineering works, during the first two weeks of operation, the 2127 from Taunton will reverse at Chippenham and then run non stop via Melksham and Pewsey to Reading 0023, arriving Paddington 0102. .

That bridge was listed along with hundreds, if not thousands of mundane and not very special buildings and structures, during a period in the 1980's and early 90's of (in my opinion, excessive) listing frenzy. While I agree that it remains very important to value and where possible, preserve our built environment and its impact on local areas and communities, the people responsible for many of these unnecessary listings went much too far. There are numerous examples around the country, where you cannot avoided asking, Why???? The railway infrastructure isn't a museum and nor should it be, but there is a place to retain certain buildings and structures that not only preserve our heritage, but that also continue to add tangible practical and aesthetic value. e.g. St. Pancras St, KGX and various outstanding viaducts and bridges. A bl**dy mundane brick built road bridge certainly does not come into that category and even if this particular one did have some "special" redeeming feature, practical considerations should see it either raised in a sympathetic manner, or removed for preservation elsewhere. The primary concern of locals, at least from the local press reports, appears to be from local businesses (pubs, cafes, shops and other small businesses) who are worried about the potential loss of trade and subsequent damage to their businesses during any period of rebuilding or replacement. In other words, their concerns and worries about that one years business is holding up an important national infrastructure improvement that should endure for decades if not for another century and a half. Surely the focus should be on whether (or not) to address the concern of the local businesses, but in the meantime, get the bridge replaced or rebuilt ASAP. If that can't be done, then remove the bridge and provide an alternative crossing point (expensive of course). Maybe HS2 should provide some guidance here? p.s. This discussion should be in the GWML Electrification thread, not this one concerning the Class 800. .

Good news regarding left/right handedness. The physical buttons are assigned (mapped) by the user to whatever function you require them to perform. Also, the control knob can be worked by your thumb from either side. Price wise, mine cost me significantly less (...and I mean a lot less) than what Gaugemaster and others are asking for one of these. .

I don't know about track, but I've seen a fair few layouts at exhibitions that seemed to be dead, with nothing happening on them for ages. .

Interesting for me too, as I haven't yet been able to have a proper play with it, due to being up to my neck in decorating and DIY jobs to be completed before Xmas ....or (comedy German accent)... I 'vil be shot. First impression is that the handset is very comfortable in the hand and the control knob and programable physical buttons are ergonomically well designed and easy to operate without looking at the handset. I hope to post some more once I've become familiar with the system. .

Information posted on another forum, from someone who has fairly detailed knowledge of what is going on, suggests that the software power upgrade has been implemented on those trains being used in service, but that the engine performance and acceleration and speed profiles have been tailored to achieve the overall timetable timings. Apparently the trains are not running at maximum power and the prime considerations appear to be the effect on engine wear, maintenance and fuel efficiency, no doubt as a result of the complicated and probably costly amendments to the IEP contracts and train lease arrangements. Furthermore, it is becoming clear that the software is dynamic, in that it adjusts the engine power output according to various parameters. For example if one engine is shut down (e.g. 5 out 6 running on a 5+5 pair) then the power output is adjusted accordingly. It is entirely possible that further software tweaks will continue to be applied as operational experience is gained. As D854_Tiger and others (here and on other forums) have said, the current situation is temporary, forced on Agility/Hitachi and GWR by the DafT and NR's failure to deliver the electrification programme on time. .

I have just acquired a SmartControl, but don't have an ECoS to hand to test this out. However, on page 14 of the handbook, with regard to the ECoSLink socket on the back of the SmartBox, it states that "You can connect your PIKO SmartBox with an ESU ECoS command station". The SmartControl system can also be used with all ESU compatible devices (i.e. all the ECoS add-on's, boosters and modules etc.). The new ESU DCC system, the CabControl, which is a direct ESU badged equivalent to the SmartControl (apart from the increased 7 amp track power rating), uses standard MobileControl 2 handsets. If additional handsets are required for this system, then these would be the same MobileControl 2 handsets that are available for the MobileControl 2 add-on to the ECoS. There are additional PIKO badged SmartController handsets available for the SmartControl system, but I've no idea if these can be used independently with the ESU CabControl or a MobileControl 2 equipped ECoS. I haven't yet been able to properly test my new SmartControl, but the app looks very much like the ESU app. I don't yet know whether or not it's exactly the same, or will work seamlessly with the ECoS or CabControl. The SmartControl and the CabControl are basically the core of the ECoS without the extra features associated with the ECoS console (hardware console controls, large screen, route control and editing features etc). According to the SmartControl handbook, with regard to connecting to model railroad software.... "The PIKO SmartBox acts like an ESU ECoS command station. In most cases you will be able to connect using the ESU ECoS settings." The handbook also says that the PIKO SmartControl is supported by JMRI, RocRail, RR&co TrainController, WinDigiPet software. .

It originated as North Coast Engineering, but is now just known as NCE Corporation. They operate from here (click for Google street view) Their address is.... NCE Corporation 82 East Main Street Webster, NY 14580 .