Topological
Member
Given the increased number of terminators at Cardiff and the problems with trains being stuck behind ones that cannot depart (as happened with the Portsmouth Harbour that was stuck behind the ultimately cancelled Holyhead)
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For reference I have made a stylised diagram which shows how the platforms work =x= is the platform, ----- are running lines. Platform 0 is short, but 1 to 4 are all long islands which easily take the 2 x 5 car 80x.
Could Cardiff Central have crossovers installed halfway along platforms 2 and 3 to enable trains to arrive and depart using the central lines? Would that sufficiently reduce the need for trains to go out to the sidings to terminate?
Probably all too expensive, but could it help?
The Wikipedia article has a nicer plan showing the layout about half way down: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiff_Central_railway_station
A relevant section of the Wikipedia is included below:
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For reference I have made a stylised diagram which shows how the platforms work =x= is the platform, ----- are running lines. Platform 0 is short, but 1 to 4 are all long islands which easily take the 2 x 5 car 80x.
Could Cardiff Central have crossovers installed halfway along platforms 2 and 3 to enable trains to arrive and depart using the central lines? Would that sufficiently reduce the need for trains to go out to the sidings to terminate?
Probably all too expensive, but could it help?
The Wikipedia article has a nicer plan showing the layout about half way down: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiff_Central_railway_station
A relevant section of the Wikipedia is included below:
Cardiff Central has eight platforms, numbered 0, 1a/b, 2a/b, 3a/b, 4a/b, 6a/b, 7a/b and 8. There is no longer, despite signage, a Platform 5; this was a west-facing bay platform situated between Platforms 3 and 4 which was removed in the 1960s.[36][37] Platform 0, a short through platform at the north of the station was created in 1999.[11][29]
The station has ten tracks running through it. All but two of the tracks have an adjacent platform, and the remaining two are through lines for goods trains and other non-stopping traffic.
Platforms 3 and 4 are divided into 'A' and 'B' sections and are capable of holding two local trains or a nine car Class 800 train. Other platforms can be used by more than one train, but are not all sectioned.
Platforms 6 to 8 at the south side of the station are used by Valley Lines trains between Cardiff Queen Street, the north of Cardiff, the Valleys, and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Platforms 0 to 4 are typically used by longer distance regional and national services operated by Transport for Wales Rail, Great Western Railway, and CrossCountry to destinations including London Paddington, Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, Carmarthen, Derby, Nottingham, Gloucester, Manchester Piccadilly, Milford Haven, Taunton, Portsmouth Harbour, Swansea, Holyhead and Chester.