Ron Ron Ron

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBmgY2hV9pM

I did not know that. Would explain why they have installed at Old Dalby for the 800/801 tests. I think you may have misread that Joseph. I'm sure Jonathan is talking about the Thameslink tunnel, not the KX mainline. .

I'm not sure if this post should be in this thread (GWML Electrification), or under the Class 800/801 thread. However, it's about OHLE and probably applicable to the GWML. The Stanton Tunnel, on the Old Dalby test track, has been fitted out with a new design of conductor rail, as part of the Electrification and IEP test programmes. The Class 800 based there, will be used to carry out high speed trials as part of NR's testing of this conductor rail system, with a view to it being installed in tunnels as part of the electrification programme. wk_27490-sample_a.jpg .

It's priced at £199 (non-sound), not £300+ "Many people" ? I'm not sure of your point? If it's being produced using the usual business model, it'll be a limited production run, so they only have to sell what they plan to make. Has the order closing date been mentioned yet? . .

I struggled to find them Keith, but eventually found them by using the search function and just searching on "Alpha". The details are contained in a News letter. .

It's not the first time though, is it?

A few more photos I've found..... CBCr6ihWsAA-vma.jpg CBCr-1qWoAA5TSI.jpg CAw0jALWoAAzpZT.jpg:large 16778309956_2aacbcef07_b.jpg https://www.flickr.com/photos/ukbuses/16802317731/in/photostream/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/ukbuses/16617303949/in/photostream/ .

To my untrained eye, the model definitely looked stunning in the flesh. Lots of fine added detail. A Class 68 body shell sat on a lower shelf.

As I said, I don't know if the information I was given is accurate or true. I had previously thought, from the information on the 'net (from press releases, company web sites, the online "radio" interviews and articles) that the only exclusivity, was in Bachmann's sole right to incorporate BlueRail Trains chips in RTR. The chips are supposed to be going on general sale. Both companies have stated their desire to make the technology available to all. Now we hear otherwise, Who is to be believed? .

I spoke to someone "in the know" and very much part of the DCC manufacturing and retail industry, at Ally Pally. He thought that the direct Bluetooth idea was brilliant, but said that Bachmann have squashed it a birth by taking out patents and licensing rights on certain aspects of the system. Another person agreed that they've patented the system. The other issue being the very high licensing price that has to be paid to be able to manufacture devices containing Bluetooth. Small manufacturers would not be able to afford this. I'm guessing most decoder manufacturers and smaller RTR model manufacturers fall into this category? I've no idea how true or accurate these comments were, but they came from people who have been looking at this development from within the industry. .

Just floating a guess, regards the platform speakers. Could it be to reduce the overall volume and noise nuisance to the neighbours? More speakers, but broadcasting at a lower volume, to cover the platform length, meaning people close by would hear the announcements, but the sound won't be loud enough to travel far. Just a complete guess, so I might be completely wrong. Second wild guess. The people of Burnham and Taplow are hard of hearing ? .

I'm very pleased you've posted this topic. When they announced the weathered version, my heart also sank. The 450's are our local mainstay "down 'ere" and yes they are generally in pristine condition. I do hope Bachmann reconsider, or take on board the plea to tone down the weathering to an absolute minimum. As an aside, on my trip up to London for the Ally Pally show today, I noticed most of the 444's were unusually very very grubby. I know at this time of year the units suffer more due to the cr*p weather, but I have never ever seen them look so bad. In contrast, all of the very many 450's I saw on the way, and at Clapham Jct and Waterloo, were sparkling clean, as usual. As were the red 455's. .

Announced at Alexandra Palace today. Effectively, a sort of NCE Mini Panel that can be used on any DCC system. Install under any control or mimic panel, to provide DCC control of points and accessories. Even for a DC controlled layout. As with other similar modules from other manufacturers, it will massively reduce wiring and likely improve electrical reliability. Also there is the Alpha Box, a stand alone "dumb" Booster, that can be used to independently power an accessory bus. Useful if your DCC system's power output is too low to handle the number of points and other accessories on a layout. Also useful if the layout is controlled by analogue DC, but you want to cut down on the masses of wiring needed for points, signals and other layout accessories. The Alpha Box can also be used just as a plain Booster for any DCC system. Price hinted as around the £99 mark. Currently works on NCE, but Dongles are being developed to enable the Cobalt Alpha to work with other brands of DCC system, such as Lenz, Digitrax, ESU etc, etc. .

The first Class 800 SET seen at Old Dalby. It is due to start running under its own power next week, according to some reports. https://www.flickr.com/photos/75454768@N02/16298552703/in/photostream/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/75454768@N02/16731115900/in/photostream/ .

The old L&B terminus portico lies down near the end of the station, north of the station throat, in all proposals. The HS2 stations main entrance is alongside Moor St. whatever the actual design of the station building ends up as. One proposal is this.....

It's almost certain HS2 will be funded and operated as a PPP or totally (or mostly) private concession. Is Runs As Required thinking of this.....? http://www.infrastructure-intelligence.com/article/oct-2014/higgins-considering-french-style-ppp-hs2-phase-two .

There are plenty down in the town centre on a Saturday night. .

Without looking it up, I suspect all the various growth forecasts were made before the recent revelations on immigration and population growth were announced. With a population now growing faster than previously forecast, increased migration and an increasing birthrate, it's likely that public transport, like the health service, are at the risk of being caught short. London's population continues to grow the fastest.

The problem with that Ed, is that any business case gets weaker the further north you go. Basing it purely on London-Scotland would present the the weakest and most tenuous business case of all. The original NR HS2 study made very interesting reading and presented quite compelling arguments. The case for London-Birmingham being very strong, extending to Manchester and Leeds cementing it. However, once you extend further than that, the business case gets progressively weaker, with the huge expense of the extensions not being supported by the potential market and need. .

Along with the rest of your post, I totally agree Mike. However, I'm not sure why platform lengthening would be such a cost issue in the big scheme of things. Tens or even hundreds of ££millions are a tiny amount compared with £50 billion. On the existing capacity; it's all very well showing that off-peak loadings are only 40-50%, whilst admitting that there is overcrowding, but only in part of the weekly peak periods; but that doesn't solve anything. The peaks with the most demand are the problem that has to be addressed with solutions beyond the usual pricing mechanisms and other tinkering. Personally, I totally buy into the capacity justification for HS2. I just don't buy into about 80% of the business case presented, which is largely garbage. Having said that, I'm sure there are alternative justifications that could help build a better business case, even if it's still not a 100% convincing. .

Indeed Keith, but it's only fair to point out that only 60% (approx.) of the fleet have been extended. IIRC, the baseline figures for HS2 used the pre-lengthened capacity of the Pendolino's, but I may be wrong. As I read it, the committee are reporting that actual detailed work on the alternatives has not been done to the required degree to prove it, one way or the other. .

The House of Lords committee fully accept the capacity arguments, but challenge the lack of alternative solutions being properly explored and costed. e.g. Train lengthening (e.g. the increase in Pendolino's from 9 to 11 cars is a 20% increase in capacity) e.g. Use of in-cab signalling to reduce headways and provide more paths. e.g. Infrastructure improvements to increase capacity. They are fully aware of the excess capacity that exists throughout most of the week and working day and have highlighted where the trains are full to capacity. All they are looking for is proper evidence to support, or disprove the case for HS2. . .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-32041167 .