Chiltern running on London Underground tracks

[pendolino]

I travelled with Chiltern today, between Amersham and Marylebone for the first time. Which started me wondering about the track - as far as I could tell, we were running on fourth rail electrified track.

Is the infrastructure owned/maintained by NR or LU, given that stations seem to be LU's? How does the signalling work - LU signalling and NR signalling are quite different as far as I'm aware - are there 2 entirely separate systems in place or do LU use NR signalling?

Presumably AWS is fitted as Chiltern would be limited to 40mph or less (even though it was dark, I'm sure we going at more than 40), do LU use this?

And what if emergency protection was required - can you place a TCOD across a 4th rail?

(That's a lot of questions, sorry!)

 

[Mojo]

Between Harrow on the Hill and Mantles Wood (slightly North of Amersham) it's LUL track and infrastructure (including signals) so works using LUL's rules; for example trains operating over this route must all be fitted with Tripcocks which is why the 172s cannot run on the Marylebone to Aylesbury via Amersham service.

AWS is not fitted because that system is not used on the Met line.

 

[Voyager 2093]

I travelled with Chiltern today, between Amersham and Marylebone for the first time. Which started me wondering about the track - as far as I could tell, we were running on fourth rail electrified track.

Is the infrastructure owned/maintained by NR or LU, given that stations seem to be LU's? How does the signalling work - LU signalling and NR signalling are quite different as far as I'm aware - are there 2 entirely separate systems in place or do LU use NR signalling?

Presumably AWS is fitted as Chiltern would be limited to 40mph or less (even though it was dark, I'm sure we going at more than 40), do LU use this?

And what if emergency protection was required - can you place a TCOD across a 4th rail?

(That's a lot of questions, sorry!)

In sections of the track mainly between the Northwood area and just south of Amersham I am sure the Chilterns are permitted at 60mph running... Open to correction where needed.

 

[Hydro]

And what if emergency protection was required - can you place a TCOD across a 4th rail?

You cannot use Track Circuit Operating Clips (TCOC) on 4th rail lines. A TCOD is slightly different, it's used for worksite protection purposes and can be reused. Think of a TCOC being a cheap one shot version of a TCOD.

 

[bengley]

In sections of the track mainly between the Northwood area and just south of Amersham I am sure the Chilterns are permitted at 60mph running... Open to correction where needed.

Correct

 

[Daniel]

I was pointed towards this thread, and asked why TCOC's are carried on Metropolitan line trains seeing as they can not be used on 4DC lines.


Metropolitan Line Suppliment
Section 3
3.7 Parallel running with Network Rail

i These instructions apply where Network Rail tracks run parallel to the Metropolitan Line between:
- Finchley Road and Harrow on the Hill
- Moorgate and Kings Cross
! At Farringdon there is both Alternating and Direct Current supply of traction current which should be regarded as switched on at all times.

Train obstructing an adjacent Network Rail track
If your train obstructs an adjacent Network Rail track, you must decide the quickest means to stop an approaching train. This can be by telling:
- The London Underground controller (via the MayDay button)
- The Network Rail signaller (via a Signal Post Telephone)
You must then try to safeguard the track by placing:
- A track circuit operating clip
- Detonators 20 meters apart
! Track circuit operating clips must only be used on lines which are not equipped with a forth electric rail.


---


Hope this helps

 

[jopsuk]

I'd have though the "Moorgate and Kings Cross" section could be removed? If a Met line train manages to get onto the remaining section, between Faringdon and Kings Cross, of National Rail tracks through there I'd be highly surprised if the driver would be in much of a position to do anything.

 

[driverchris52]

In sections of the track mainly between the Northwood area and just south of Amersham I am sure the Chilterns are permitted at 60mph running... Open to correction where needed.

In the up direction...60mph from the NR-LUL boundary to about halfway between Chorleywood and Rickmansworth then it drops to 50mph. 25mph through Rickmanworth. Back up to 50 until just after Moor Park then 60 again. 35 through north Harrow Jn then 40 again at the overbridge before the station and remain at that until after Harrow when the speed finally returns to NR's 75mph.

On the down..60 on the approach to Harrow dropping to 40 just before the station. Back to 60 after the north junction. Drop to 50 just before Moor park then 25 through Rickmansworth. After Ricky back to 60 until Amersham then 70 to the boundary.

 

[pendolino]

Thank you all for the replies, pretty much answered all my queries.