Beaulieu Park Station Construction

[greaterangrier]

If you have a look at the timings, a couple of trains have 2 minute pathing allowances/3 minute dwells at Witham or Chelmsford, ready for a Beaulieu Park call to be inserted.

They suggest 1tph off-peak - surprised it's not 2 personally.
During the peak it's quite variable, but I wouldn't expect any Witham starters to be removed. Both Witham starters currently have that 3 minute dwell at Chelmsford indicating they'll stop there.

 

[Class15]

If you have a look at the timings, a couple of trains have 2 minute pathing allowances/3 minute dwells at Witham or Chelmsford, ready for a Beaulieu Park call to be inserted.

They suggest 1tph off-peak - surprised it's not 2 personally.
During the peak it's quite variable, but I wouldn't expect any Witham starters to be removed. Both Witham starters currently have that 3 minute dwell at Chelmsford indicating they'll stop there.

All GA services seem to have significant ‘slack’ (presumably left over from when the older trains were being used) which could be used to add a Beaulieu Park call?

 

[Adrian1980uk]

The GEML can’t work like that unfortunately. Freight is usually timed ahead with the stops at Manningtree, Colchester & Chelmsford giving it time to keep in front. After Chelmsford it’s only a mixture of 85/90 so not so much of a problem. Since the Elizabeth line started there’s little to no paths available on the Electric Lines either. Witham is the only loop capable of holding them and then only the up loop (platform 1) is of any realistic use.

I'm not sure freight paths are the biggest problem on the GEML, it's more like the combination of 100mph express vs stoppers (I suspect they average 75mph anyway) and the freight.
If you set off a freight at 75mph and an Ipswich stopper 2 mins later, would it ever really catch up providing the stopper stops at Stratford and Shenfield.
Adding the extra stop probably makes it harder to time the Norwich express and I guess that's the use case of the loop instead of Witham as it might potentially open up an additional path as the headroom needed for the Norwich services is reduced slightly or leave as is but improve the end to end time.

 

[Class 170101]

I'm not sure freight paths are the biggest problem on the GEML, it's more like the combination of 100mph express vs stoppers (I suspect they average 75mph anyway) and the freight.

Freight is a pain.

If you set off a freight at 75mph and an Ipswich stopper 2 mins later, would it ever really catch up providing the stopper stops at Stratford and Shenfield.

Yes as the freight struggle up Brentwood Bank as due to the official weight being 1600t trailling load behind 1x Class 66. The EMU in front runs away from it. Indeed if you look at Shenfield at 13:28 on a weekday on Realtime trains there is even room for an ECS path between the stopping EMU and the Freight.

 

[fat_boy_pete]

Freight is a pain.

Yes as the freight struggle up Brentwood Bank as due to the official weight being 1600t trailling load behind 1x Class 66. The EMU in front runs away from it. Indeed if you look at Shenfield at 13:28 on a weekday on Realtime trains there is even room for an ECS path between the stopping EMU and the Freight.

Do you think, as per the article in this month's Modern Railways, that the introduction of class 93's and/or 99's would allow a timetable recast for freight on the GEML?

This in the light of the possible recast once Beaulieu Park is open and actual Sectional Running times of both passenger trains and the new Tri/Bi mode fright trains have operational experience.

 

[Class 170101]

Do you think, as per the article in this month's Modern Railways, that the introduction of class 93's and/or 99's would allow a timetable recast for freight on the GEML?

No because Access Rights will refer which will still allow for 1x Class 66 with 1600t trailling load. The Class 93s / Class 99s are small fleets currently so unless we see a bit surge in orders for these or similar the above comment won't change for at least 10 years. If anything the operators will load the freight trains heavier and still meet the SRTs of Class 66s with the newer traction.

This in the light of the possible recast once Beaulieu Park is open and actual Sectional Running times of both passenger trains and the new Tri/Bi mode fright trains have operational experience.

Beaulieu Park will make no difference to Freight as it doesn't stop there. The SRTs between Chelmsford and Witham will still be the same overall for Freight Trains as they won't stop at Beaulieu Park.

 

[fat_boy_pete]

No because Access Rights will refer which will still allow for 1x Class 66 with 1600t trailling load. The Class 93s / Class 99s are small fleets currently so unless we see a bit surge in orders for these or similar the above comment won't change for at least 10 years. If anything the operators will load the freight trains heavier and still meet the SRTs of Class 66s with the newer traction.


Beaulieu Park will make no difference to Freight as it doesn't stop there. The SRTs between Chelmsford and Witham will still be the same overall for Freight Trains as they won't stop at Beaulieu Park.

Thank you for clarifying. Unless someone makes it change (e.g. with track access financial incentives) we will keep timetable planning around the slowest, least efficient ( from a timetabling perspective) traction.

 

[GraphitProjekt]

I suppose it'd be difficult to rule out class 66 timings on any freight path because the FOCs will quite understandably desire the ability to switch out the loco on a short term basis. Freightliner will sometimes run a 2xClass 90 set which I presume has better timings.

 

[Class15]

I suppose it'd be difficult to rule out class 66 timings on any freight path because the FOCs will quite understandably desire the ability to switch out the loco on a short term basis. Freightliner will sometimes run a 2xClass 90 set which I presume has better timings.

FL effectively use diesel timings no matter what traction the train is pathed as… it means that diesels will not be losing time on an electrically timed train.

 

[fat_boy_pete]

FL effectively use diesel timings no matter what traction the train is pathed as… it means that diesels will not be losing time on an electrically timed train.

And I assume this won't change until FOC's are incentivised financially to use electric traction on electrified routes

 

[Adrian1980uk]

And I assume this won't change until FOC's are incentivised financially to use electric traction on electrified routes

I guess the cost switching out the 90s for a 66 even on an occasional basis would be huge if the freight path wasn't timed for a 66 as the delays that would bring to the passenger service would be pretty bad with the capacity constraints we'd be trying to mitigate timing the freight with 90s

 

[Class 170101]

And I assume this won't change until FOC's are incentivised financially to use electric traction on electrified routes

Will also be a problem if a path doesn't have a slot to change traction at the changeover point. See GBRF running straight through Ipswich as they have no time to changeover traction on some services so has to be the same loco throughout, therefore either a bi-mode or Diesel Locomotive.

 

[66701GBRF]

Will also be a problem if a path doesn't have a slot to change traction at the changeover point. See GBRF running straight through Ipswich as they have no time to changeover traction on some services so has to be the same loco throughout, therefore either a bi-mode or Diesel Locomotive.

GBRF trialed loco changes at Ipswich some years ago on the Manchester/Felixstowe service with 92s to and from Ipswich and 66 between Ipswich and Felixstowe. It was determined it wasn't worth while as you needed extra staff, extra loco and it removed any delay recovery which all took away most incentives.

 

[Class 170101]

If you have a look at the timings, a couple of trains have 2 minute pathing allowances/3 minute dwells at Witham or Chelmsford, ready for a Beaulieu Park call to be inserted.

They suggest 1tph off-peak - surprised it's not 2 personally.
During the peak it's quite variable, but I wouldn't expect any Witham starters to be removed. Both Witham starters currently have that 3 minute dwell at Chelmsford indicating they'll stop there.

Realtime Trains | Departures from Beaulieu Park between 0200 and 0159 on 21/05/2025

Train information at Beaulieu Park between 0200 and 0159 on 21/05/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Two trains per hour off peak at Beaulieu Park. All day service calls shown in the link above.

 

[fat_boy_pete]

Realtime Trains | Departures from Beaulieu Park between 0200 and 0159 on 21/05/2025

Train information at Beaulieu Park between 0200 and 0159 on 21/05/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Two trains per hour off peak at Beaulieu Park. All day service calls shown in the link above.

Just the one Up and one Down daily timetabled 'Rusty rail' calls at the loop platform 2. As we've debated above, it won't be regularly used by freight so let's hope that all that expensive operationally flexible infrastructure gets more use at some point in the future!

 

[JCO1406]

Nice to know which trains will defiantly stop at Beaulieu Park. Ipswich was expected as it stops at most/all stations on the line, I had predicted that Braintree services would stop there. I guess I could say I'm partially correct, only during the peak hours. 2tph off peak and 4tph peak, not bad. It will be interesting to see how much pressure it takes off Chelmsford.

 

[Canary73]

Nice to know which trains will defiantly stop at Beaulieu Park. Ipswich was expected as it stops at most/all stations on the line, I had predicted that Braintree services would stop there. I guess I could say I'm partially correct, only during the peak hours. 2tph off peak and 4tph peak, not bad. It will be interesting to see how much pressure it takes off Chelmsford.

I'm slightly nearer to it than Chelmsford but I'll still use the main station for Norwich as there doesn't look to be much in the way of decent connections northbound. It will also be interesting to see the frequency of services and routes from the bus stands. Buses shut down pretty early as it is with some routes finishing by 1900 and earlier at weekends which is unhelpful.

 

[GraphitProjekt]

Yeah I've noticed that too that trains from london run all the way to like 1am at chelmsford and the buses are long gone by then. Then 70+ taxis descend on the driveway and you have to pay way more than the train journey was

 

[Horizon22]

Nice to know which trains will defiantly stop at Beaulieu Park. Ipswich was expected as it stops at most/all stations on the line, I had predicted that Braintree services would stop there. I guess I could say I'm partially correct, only during the peak hours. 2tph off peak and 4tph peak, not bad. It will be interesting to see how much pressure it takes off Chelmsford.

I would have expected maybe another off-peak. Whilst most people will probably be doing peak direction travel and off-peak to London, there are some sizable gaps.

Obviously loadings will be checked once it opens and there's scope for more services in a new timetable iteration, but not sure on this timetable that loads would be taken off with the limited frequency.

 

[ScotGG]

How's new housebuilding going on the area? One big factor is the thousands of new homes isn't it?

 

[Horizon22]

How's new housebuilding going on the area? One big factor is the thousands of new homes isn't it?

Looking at the masterplan, the bulk of the housing west and north-west has been built. A considerable amount of the area would be within 1 mile of the station, once walking routes are built.

 

[petersi]

may be of interest to this thread

 

[LAX54]

may be of interest to this thread

That YT channel has done some very good (GA area) videos in the past too

 

[THC]

Looking at the masterplan, the bulk of the housing west and north-west has been built. A considerable amount of the area would be within 1 mile of the station, once walking routes are built.

ISTR that without the station permission was given for only 3,600 new homes whereas with the station opening an extra 10,000 or so can be built. It'll all be somewhere on the Chelmsford City Council planning portal.

THC

 

[Canary73]

Got a cab from Chelmsford yesterday on the way back from Heathrow. As it was nearly 2300 the buses towards Chelmer Village and Beaulieu Park station had all finished. The cab driver said that the council wants taxi drivers to pay £500 each for a licence to use the ranks when the station opens. He didn't see many taking it up at that cost. Given the time the station has been in development, a competent council would have engaged with the bus companies and other stakeholders to map out the routes served from the new station and the frequencies and timings. Although I doubt the council has money to spend on tendering services, we could end up with a situation that Beaulieu Park is poorly served for those that don't have their own transport resulting in people shunning it in favour of Chelmsford station that has better transport options. That would be underwhelming if it happened, especially given the number of houses across Chelmer Village and Beaulieu Park.

 

[Bringback309s]

Just the one Up and one Down daily timetabled 'Rusty rail' calls at the loop platform 2. As we've debated above, it won't be regularly used by freight so let's hope that all that expensive operationally flexible infrastructure gets more use at some point in the future!

The 19.31 Braintree is overtaken by a Norwich service, the daytime Ilford stock move also overtaken by a service from Norwich

 

[dk1]

The 19.31 Braintree is overtaken by a Norwich service, the daytime Ilford stock move also overtaken by a service from Norwich

In the past peak Braintree services have been booked to sit in Ingatestone & Chelmsford down loops to allow a premier Norwich service to pass.

 

[greaterangrier]

The cab driver said that the council wants taxi drivers to pay £500 each for a licence to use the ranks when the station opens. He didn't see many taking it up at that cost. Given the time the station has been in development, a competent council would have engaged with the bus companies and other stakeholders to map out the routes served from the new station and the frequencies and timings. Although I doubt the council has money to spend on tendering services, we could end up with a situation that Beaulieu Park is poorly served for those that don't have their own transport resulting in people shunning it in favour of Chelmsford station that has better transport options. That would be underwhelming if it happened, especially given the number of houses across Chelmer Village and Beaulieu Park.

Absolutely agree. Searching up "Beaulieu Park Taxi Rank" reveals the following document.

https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/media/1qel3jnq/item-5-bp-station-taxi-rank-permit.pdf

It makes for an interesting read.
In summary, they are suggesting:

• £500 to £1500 for a permit.
• 15-35 permits initially, a maximum of 50 within first year
• A consultation

 

[jonb]

An interesting incident at this evening, owing to an earlier issue with 1F53 (16:35 Colchester Town - Liverpool Street) at Kelvedon, 1F55 (16:52 Colchester - Liverpool Street), was regulated for 1P51 (16:00 Norwich - Liverpool Street) in platform 2 at Beaulieu Park. Unfortunately, 1F55 was unable to gain power and was eventually declared a failure. Passengers were detrained onto a rescue unit that was formed off the cancelled 1F69 (19:15 Witham - Liverpool Street) which ran into platform 1. It was deemed safe for customers to use a certain part of the platform, being accompanied by Network Rail staff and the site manager

 

[fat_boy_pete]

An interesting incident at this evening, owing to an earlier issue with 1F53 (16:35 Colchester Town - Liverpool Street) at Kelvedon, 1F55 (16:52 Colchester - Liverpool Street), was regulated for 1P51 (16:00 Norwich - Liverpool Street) in platform 2 at Beaulieu Park. Unfortunately, 1F55 was unable to gain power and was eventually declared a failure. Passengers were detrained onto a rescue unit that was formed off the cancelled 1F69 (19:15 Witham - Liverpool Street) which ran into platform 1. It was deemed safe for customers to use a certain part of the platform, being accompanied by Network Rail staff and the site manager

So first (albeit unplanned) passenger use of the new station! I thought platform 1 was still fenced off from the up main running line, but presumably there must be a gap.