TheKnightWho
Established Member
when will exeter central become electrified?
2030.
when will exeter central become electrified?
So GWR will be taking 365's after all
What belongings are they taking from 365?
I meant the class 365's
I have a little text doc. setting out all the correct arrangements of 's' and that much mis-used apostrophie. Anyone want a copy? Em me. (My son says that you don't Em people now, you "Ping" them!).You meant the class 365s. That was a grammar pedant post
What sort of 'overhead' is to be used in Severn Tunnel?
I have a little text doc. setting out all the correct arrangements of 's' and that much misused apostrophe. Anyone want a copy? Em me. (My son says that you don't Em people now, you "Ping" them!).
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What sort of 'overhead' is to be used in Severn Tunnel? One assumes there's room for it, or maybe the trackbed is to be lowered? It's a wet environment anyway. I remember travelling on a DMU Cardiff - Bristol in the 70s (front seat OF COURSE) but the tunnel was full of fog!
2030.
Will electricity still be around then?
Will electricity still be around then?
If it's not then we're in a while works of trouble, as electricity is naturally occurring and without it there would be a lot of problems in the natural world.
Apparently Network Rail are running a drop-in this afternoon on Oxford area improvements and electrification, in Seminar Room A of the Saïd Business School, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1HP from 4pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday, 7 September. Supposedly some of the project team will be there, for anyone looking to get some outstanding electrification questions answered it might be your chance!
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-route-modernisation/oxford/
I noticed Tackley resignalling was mentioned on the latest release. I did make me wonder whether this was the installation of 3 aspect signalling from Heyford to Wolvercote and maybe even the commissioning of the down passenger loop/relief line as far as Wolvercote, or is it still planned to do a big bang resignalling in Spring 2018 of the Oxford area?
Network Rail (NWR) proposes to agree operational land grab with HenThames Ltd who have submitted a planning application for an 80 bedded care home on the old LA Fitness site in Newtown Road which could harm future electrification of the branch line.
This was an agenda item on Tuesdays Henley Town Council planning meeting.
HenThames have threatened an adverse possession order on NWR this effectively is a law concerning squatters rights, and it is one of the most controversial ways of attempting to acquire land which does not belong to them.
Michelle Horsley, member of the Keep Henley Active campaign to keep the site as a fitness centre said, The surveyor for NWR is of the opinion that if it cuts a deal with HenThames to keep the east side in the possession of NWR this will be the part which will be used if they decide to raise the bridge for electrification, furthermore their legal advice said that if HenThames lodged the adverse possession order, NWR would not even defend its land.
The tile of land which belongs to HenThames is clearly marked with a boundary line, as is the NWR operational land, and we presented this evidence to the Planning Committee last night which shows these boundaries. We have sought independent advice which confirms that under no circumstances should such a deal be struck prior to electrification it is like putting the cart before the horse.
We praise NWR for seeking the opinion of Henley Town Council, but despite the Councils protestations they unanimously (with the exception of Cllr Nimmo Smith) to recommend that NWR do not dispose of the operational land prior to electrification, NWR are under no obligation to follow the Councils opinions and wishes.
I dont know what I find more disturbing HenThamess bully tactics at this attempt to occupy NWR land and threatening the future of this branch line for their own gain, or NWRs walk all over us attitude in their proposal not to fight this
I sincerely hope Henley Town Council will work with NWR to explore every legal avenue open to them to keep this operational land rightfully in the hands of the owner NWR.
Patricia Mulcahy, Chair, Henley Branch Users Group said, We understand that Network Rail has received an adverse possession claim for a piece of land close to the bridge, which could lead to Network Rail being forced to accept a transfer of the piece of land in question. This is in connection with the 3rd partys planning application for development of its adjacent land.
Network Rails view is that the Outline feasibility work they have undertaken has concluded that a track lowering solution is viable, so that works to raise the bridge are not going to be necessary for installation of overhead line equipment.
However, given the propensity to flooding in that particular area, HBUG would query the wisdom of a track lowering solution. If the bridge had to be lifted, the land in question would be required as part of that work. Therefore, HBUG would object to the granting of adverse possession to the developer for fear that it would compromise HBUGs objective of ensuring the long term viability of the Henley Branch Line.
Or just tell Henley to **** off and leave them with a DMU.
Could NR turn round an say to the council "If you grant the adverse possession order, we'll close the Henley branch"? If the Henley branch were to close, would that shave very much off the overall budget?
Or change it so that the Marlow Line gets their catenary instead.
The 130-year-old Severn Tunnel will close for six weeks from Monday (12 September) to upgrade it in preparation for a fleet of brand new electric trains, which will result in more seats and faster, more reliable train journeys – all part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan to provide a bigger, better railway for passengers
Filton and Horfield residents are invited to attend a drop-in event to find out more about the next steps in Network Rail’s plan to upgrade the railway in the Bristol area.
The event will take place between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday, 15 September at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park. Members of the Network Rail project team will be on hand throughout to explain the plans and to answer any questions.
Work is due start next month at Filton Abbey Wood station and in the neighbouring Horfield cutting as part of the project to double the number of tracks between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway from two to four.
The scheme will allow more trains to operate, reduce journey times and allow for trackside maintenance work to be undertaken without disrupting services, as well as allowing more freight services to operate. It also allows for electrification of the line which will enable the introduction of a fleet of quieter, greener, faster electric trains.
To accommodate the new trains, a fourth platform will be built at Filton Abbey Wood station with ramped access to the existing footbridge. To support the embankment, a retaining wall will be built between the new platform and the residential area that backs onto the railway. This phase of the work is due to take a year before Network Rail’s orange army will return to extend the three existing platforms and lay the new track.
The work in Horfield cutting will consist of building a 1.25m retaining wall which will in turn provide room for the construction of two additional tracks. This work extends from south of Bonnington Walk Bridge to Filton Abbey Wood Station and is expected to last seven months.
Press release including video with clips of drilling in Severn tunnel:
http://www.networkrailmediacentre.c...e-for-six-weeks-for-essential-railway-upgrade
More excitingly, we also see that the Network SouthEast will be reformed, extending to South Wales and using Class 373s! Who'd have thought? (Presumably 442s for semi-fasts).
Fingers cross the tunnel work and diversions all go to plan! I know it's not electrification related per se, but the Oxford-Didcot closure did seem to go very smoothly.
...you must have missed all the stuff about the short platform lengths at Bourne End and non-availability of short AC rolling stock?
It's not short platforms at Bourne End that are a problem!