Could the Goblin and West London Orbital be connected?

[Sprigibax]

The lines run so close to each other it feel like a missed opportunity not to connect them. I’m aware that the MML is too busy but in that case would building a dedicated line between Gospel Oak and West Hampstead Thameslink be worth it? You could also have an interchange with Belsize Park or Hampstead - or build one at Tufnell Park and ditch Gospel Oak altogether.

 

[JonathanH]

The lines run so close to each other it feel like a missed opportunity not to connect them. I’m aware that the MML is too busy but in that case would building a dedicated line between Gospel Oak and West Hampstead Thameslink be worth it? You could also have an interchange with Belsize Park or Hampstead - or build one at Tufnell Park and ditch Gospel Oak altogether.

Previous discussion in this thread https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...n-added-to-mayor’s-transport-strategy.161342/ suggested there was no obvious scope for a flyover, and obviously no ability to cross the MML on flat junctions.

Do you have a map for where you think the link would be built and what would need to be removed in the way? I think it really comes down to the expense of any work and lack of land for relatively little return.

 

[Sprigibax]

Previous discussion in this thread https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...n-added-to-mayor’s-transport-strategy.161342/ suggested there was no obvious scope for a flyover, and obviously no ability to cross the MML on flat junctions.

Then could you have the Goblin trains run into the NLL and join the MML via a short section of track linking the two at West Hampstead?

 

[JonathanH]

Then could you have the Goblin trains run into the NLL and join the MML via a short section of track linking the two at West Hampstead?

But that is what was in the previous thread (and your initial post). The MML is simply too busy for a train service to cross from the Dudding Hill Line to the Gospel Oak to Barking Line on a frequent basis.

It is physically possible to do so.

Ah, I think you actually mean a new route, joining just east of West Hampstead North London Line station. I don't think the elevation of the railways and the position of West Hampstead Thameslink leaves room for that.

So, I guess that you would need to build a junction on a deck above the MML, have a flyover that goes over the top of West Hampstead Thameslink Station, sever West End Lane, and connect that flyover into the westernmost pair of lines on the MML.

 

[Sad Sprinter]

I would have thought any westward expansion of GOBLIN would be to the West London Line. But the freight is in the way.

 

[Mgameing123]

But that is what was in the previous thread (and your initial post). The MML is simply too busy for a train service to cross from the Dudding Hill Line to the Gospel Oak to Barking Line on a frequent basis.

It is physically possible to do so.

Ah, I think you actually mean a new route, joining just east of West Hampstead North London Line station. I don't think the elevation of the railways and the position of West Hampstead Thameslink leaves room for that.

So, I guess that you would need to build a junction on a deck above the MML, have a flyover that goes over the top of West Hampstead Thameslink Station, sever West End Lane, and connect that flyover into the westernmost pair of lines on the MML.

How about this. What if we made a flyunder for the Goblin somewhere in the MML tunnels. It can be steep as its only electric passenger trains that will use this link and if this is not possible and the only way to get into West Hampstead is by doing it on a non frequent basis then isn't this what we should do? Just run services when paths open up?

 

[Sad Sprinter]

What about just terminating Goblin at West Hampstead Thameslink or even Brent Cross? I doubt there would be much trough demand anyway from Harlesden to Haringey and even if there is, they could change at Cricklewood.

 

[Mgameing123]

What about just terminating Goblin at West Hampstead Thameslink or even Brent Cross? I doubt there would be much trough demand anyway from Harlesden to Haringey and even if there is, they could change at Cricklewood.

Doubt there is capacity for terminating trains on a through platform.

 

[SynthD]

How about this. What if we made a flyunder for the Goblin somewhere in the MML tunnels. It can be steep as its only electric passenger trains that will use this link

The alternative passengers could take will be considered beside this multi hundred million pound project. It is to change trains.

if this is not possible and the only way to get into West Hampstead is by doing it on a non frequent basis then isn't this what we should do? Just run services when paths open up?

Are you thinking of bidding for paths when they come up, or using slots on the day when the freight service isn’t running? Neither will provide a turn up and go service.

 

[Mgameing123]

The alternative passengers could take will be considered beside this multi hundred million pound project. It is to change trains.

Are you thinking of bidding for paths when they come up, or using slots on the day when the freight service isn’t running? Neither will provide a turn up and go service.

No just run an odd service on the section. It’s better than nothing!

 

[MarkyT]

How about this. What if we made a flyunder for the Goblin somewhere in the MML tunnels. It can be steep as its only electric passenger trains that will use this link...

A new bore paralleling the MML ones but passing beneath them somewhere in the ~2km length of the tunnels might work. Needn't be that steep so could also be useful for freight. A connecting chord to the NLL at West Hampstead could access Wembley for greater freight utility.