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Trivia: What are the sharpest curves on Network Rail routes?

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Clansman

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Whifflet, Carstairs and Shieldmuir Junctions are quite ridiculously tight. If I recall correctly there was 15mph speed restriction on DMUs working in multiple along Whifflet Junction, when Scottish Intercity Services were being diverted to Glasgow Central last year. Also, Shieldmuir and Carstairs Junctions make for good sight out of a drop light when HSTs cross over.
 
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sk688

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Don't know if counts as network rail, but Liverpool Street - bank on the central line is horrible. Lots of sharp curves and screeching
 

colchesterken

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My vote is for the Eastgate triangle Colchester. 15 mph speed limit holds up traffic at the level crossing for ages while they come in and out of Town station
 

Wilts Wanderer

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I would have thought the curves on the Gunnislake Branch, the last part of the Colonel Stephens light railway empire to remain open as part of the national rail network must be some of the tightest.

This would definitely have my vote. They are tight enough that 23m vehicles working in multiple are barred, as they risk striking each other.
 

Johncleesefan

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What about the rubarb at temple meads or Northam junction at Southampton (edit: just seen network rail only so discount second one, but why?)
 
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4973

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I will suggest the connection between the mainline and the Looe Branch at Liskeard.


Indeed. This one is so tight that NR will not sanction stock traversing it with passengers aboard because of risk of derailment.
 

LAX54

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My vote is for the Eastgate triangle Colchester. 15 mph speed limit holds up traffic at the level crossing for ages while they come in and out of Town station

Plus Bacon Factory Curve Ipswich and Reedham Jct to Reedham Bridge.
 

Ediswan

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The chord between South Tottenham and Seven Sisters provided a good view of the rest of the train and involved a lot of screeching when diverted that way last year. The overall impression was more narrow gauge that mainline.
 

les.

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Some of the line between Strathcarron and Kyle Of Lochalsh as it snakes around Loch Carron is quite sharp.
 

341o2

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The curve outside Salisbury station to the east is tight, although not as tight as some posted, has it still got a 15mph speed limit on?

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.0722759,-1.8023783,16z

Beat me to it.

Lymington Town to Pier seems quite sharp given the low speed and flange squeals

Island line

Would the Vale of Rheidol count, given that it was part of the national rail network until recently?
 
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Deepgreen

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Don't know if counts as network rail, but Liverpool Street - bank on the central line is horrible. Lots of sharp curves and screeching

It certainly is not Network Rail, but, yes, it's very sharp, not least at Bank station itself - the sharpest-curved platform on the LU network by a long way.
 
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