Scottychoo
Member
- Joined
- 10 Dec 2018
- Messages
- 129
I heard that the Severn Tunnel will be diesel only permanently due to too many ongoing issues in there. Diesel for 5 miles on a 75mph section isn't going to result in any loss of time surely.
Except it would prevent any electric-only trains from ever running (e.g. 387s). I heard that all the problems were solved, or at least mitigated with a more regular inspection/maintenance regime.I heard that the Severn Tunnel will be diesel only permanently due to too many ongoing issues in there. Diesel for 5 miles on a 75mph section isn't going to result in any loss of time surely.
Yes, reported in posts around #9249, quoting Noel Dolphin of Furrer & Frey...Except it would prevent any electric-only trains from ever running (e.g. 387s). I heard that all the problems were solved, or at least mitigated with a more regular inspection/maintenance regime.
moving to an ally alloy(?) catenary and then retesting... could be proving wacky???Yes, reported in posts around #9249, quoting Noel Dolphin of Furrer & Frey...
It's not the end of the world if 387s can't run to Cardiff.
Do I understand from your posts Tom, that 387s can run from Parkway to Cardiff the day after Boxing Day?The tunnel is being juiced, this will allow 12 car 387 sets to work over on event days which has always been the plan, and why the extent of wire was extended to include the lengthened (for 12 car 387 stabling) brickyard siding and Line A turnback.
Without this there was no need beyond the platform ends at Cardiff.
So only rumor then. Just makes no sense if we truly want to decarbonize.I heard that the Severn Tunnel will be diesel only permanently due to too many ongoing issues in there. Diesel for 5 miles on a 75mph section isn't going to result in any loss of time surely.
It surely is vital that the Severn Tunnel is electrified as sooner or later there will be a desire to run other electric services through the tunnel such as stoppers between Cardiff and Bristol/Bath? Reducing fumes in tunnels is also important from a health point of view - despite the ventilation. The fumes are also likely to be part of the problem regarding the corrosion of the overhead equipment.
I heard that the Severn Tunnel will be diesel only permanently due to too many ongoing issues in there.
Do I understand from your posts Tom, that 387s can run from Parkway to Cardiff the day after Boxing Day?
Edit: I should explain I mean 'in principle'. I've no doubt that other measures, training, etc would be needed to be implemented.
Platform extensions at West Drayton on relief lines (platform 3 and 4) now open to passengers. Reinstated platform 5 also open to passengers but no signage or indicators, suggesting early use unlikely.
A question that’s been asked a few times with no obvious answers. I suspect if we were starting now P5 wouldn’t necessarily have been provided; although it will provide a bolthole during perturbations eg if there’s a problem at Heathrow. The December timetable doesn’t have any obvious passenger service overtaking going on. Although not all Crossrail services stop everywhere I don’t think the frequency is such that any overtaking is needed.What is the intended use for P5, now that more services are headed to Heathrow?
Also, how is that fifth line west of there (through Iver etc) being utilized if at all? Overtaking of faster Crossrail services? Freight?
The future T5 Crossrail services were originally West Drayton terminators which would have blocked the up relief platform hence useful to be able to have the goods line usable to go round.A question that’s been asked a few times with no obvious answers. I suspect if we were starting now P5 wouldn’t necessarily have been provided; although it will provide a bolthole during perturbations eg if there’s a problem at Heathrow. The December timetable doesn’t have any obvious passenger service overtaking going on. Although not all Crossrail services stop everywhere I don’t think the frequency is such that any overtaking is needed.
But it’s not really part of the GW electrification project.
Sure. I didn’t want to repeat an oft repeated discussion.The future T5 Crossrail services were originally West Drayton terminators which would have blocked the up relief platform hence useful to be able to have the goods line usable to go round.
THe remaing 10tph that turn back at "Paddington" will get extended to OOC when the HS station opens. More trains further west beyond OOC is problematic.Yep I was aware too, hence the Heathrow comment.
I wonder about any future frequency increases beyond Paddington/OOC - it could still be an option, as is Hayes, although I'd expect even more to go via Heathrow.
when I had a look at realtime trains for that date, they have the london - Newport & Swansea services as being under diesel power from pilning station.The treat as live date is 27/12, actual open go electric traction is Jan 15th I think it is - obviously the black hole needs sorting before 387s can operate over there, unfortunately it’ll be to late for the 2020 Six Nations.
But switching back at STJ.when I had a look at realtime trains for that date, they have the london - Newport & Swansea services as being under diesel power from pilning station.
Platform extensions at West Drayton on relief lines (platform 3 and 4) now open to passengers. Reinstated platform 5 also open to passengers but no signage or indicators, suggesting early use unlikely.
It surely is vital that the Severn Tunnel is electrified as sooner or later there will be a desire to run other electric services through the tunnel such as stoppers between Cardiff and Bristol/Bath? Reducing fumes in tunnels is also important from a health point of view - despite the ventilation. The fumes are also likely to be part of the problem regarding the corrosion of the overhead equipment.
Perhaps they should build a barrage across the estuary which generates electricity with the railway on top? One in the upper estuary would be much cheaper than the previous plans for one from Lavernock to Brean Down.
Presumably platform 5 at West Drayton, although it remained intact, hasn't been used by passengers since the lines to Staines West/Uxbridge Vine Street closed and the track through it was designated a goods loop?
argh the perils of the Sharpness RailwayAny over the Severn option will have to let shipping to Portbury, Sharpness and Gloucester underneath. A new tunnel would be better IMO.