ECML Wires Down 02.09.20

[Whistler40145]

Not when the auto-tensioning is working correctly...

...the Mk.3 ECML catenary, for its significant number of failings (and failures) isn't like the old GEML compound catenary with its fixed termination, (semi) fixed tension system. It can cope with a reasonable window of temperatures as long as the tail wire pulleys and counter-weights aren't seized solid...

My apologies, not really clued up on the different catenary systems

 

[Mojo]

The rail industry really needs to get a grip of how it handles these incidents going forward at a time where it desperately needs customer numbers to grow.

 

[swt_passenger]

A likely future candidate for conversion from Headspan to portal?

Isn’t it already in progress along here, or do you mean you want more done faster?

 

[Expression357]

Still huge issues in this morning’s peak. Between 07:00 and 07:59

Between 07:00 and 07:59:

07:02 to Brighton ran
07:02 to Moorgate ran
07:10 to Kings Cross ran
07:17 to Horsham cancelled
07:21 to Kings Cross cancelled
07:32 to Brighton ran
07:32 to Moorgate ran
07:40 to Kings Cross ran
07:47 to Horsham cancelled
07:51 to Kings Cross cancelled

Only 2 of the 6 fast trains operated.

Several issues here - some of which is the result of where trains ended up last night. Peterborough Spital Sidings only received 3 out of its 6 Class 700 FLUs and such.

 

[Dr Hoo]

By way of comment on the contingency arrangements yesterday, a family member on a day trip to London was about to return north from King's Cross when the line was blocked. After a reasonable interval it seems that virtually all passengers for Yorkshire and other relevant area were directed to St Pancras. Family member got a seat in a 'full' (but not totally overwhelmed) Meridian. "No social distancing today" announced the guard. Hardly any toilet facilities working. No refreshments at the moment, of course.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Isn’t it already in progress along here, or do you mean you want more done faster?

Sorry. I did not realize it was already in progress. Good to know thanks.

 

[swt_passenger]

Sorry. I did not realize it was already in progress. Good to know thanks.

It’s hard to pin down exactly what the recent work covers though, I think they said something about highest risk areas...

 

[59CosG95]

It’s hard to pin down exactly what the recent work covers though, I think they said something about highest risk areas...

It has mainly been in high risk areas; Conington was done as the line is very exposed to high winds and the associated dewirement risks that entails.
Stevenage had a couple too, although that was mainly part of the Platform 5 works there.
NR & their associated designers haven't yet found a way to re-use existing structures for Mid-Point Anchors, nor have they found a way to anchor Out-of-running wire runs that avoids the use of flying tails in areas where there are more than two tracks.

Highest dewirement risk areas also tend to gravitate towards large stations with lots of crossovers - 2 of the riskiest areas would probably be Doncaster and Peterborough.
Additionally, each structure would have to be assessed to see if it could take a portal boom being plonked on it, along with SPS, cantilevers and any conductors (which also give radial loads in addition to distributed/point loads).

 

[peperami97]

The signing of the route I think is less of a problem on the diversion via Cambridge and Ely as it's a common diversion used fairly regularly. The bigger issue I guess would be the lack of OHLE between Ely and Pboro, and I'm told by the local staff that there is a power availability issue at times on the existing lines. Someone with more knowlegde will probably explain that bit better.

 

[Ianno87]

The signing of the route I think is less of a problem on the diversion via Cambridge and Ely as it's a common diversion used fairly regularly. The bigger issue I guess would be the lack of OHLE between Ely and Pboro, and I'm told by the local staff that there is a power availability issue at times on the existing lines. Someone with more knowlegde will probably explain that bit better.

Reminder that LNER now have a significant fleet of bi-mode trains, so lack of OLE is not the major barrier to diversions it once was.

(For info, bi-modes on diversion cannot currently draw power after Litlington neutral section, just west of Royston)

 

[peperami97]

(For info, bi-modes on diversion cannot currently draw power after Litlington neutral section, just west of Royston)

Is this because of the power issues ?

 

[Ianno87]

Is this because of the power issues ?

I believe so yes, although between Ely and Ely North Jn there appears to be a "Class 80x drop pantograph" sign covered over fr when the power issues are addressed.

 

[59CosG95]

The signing of the route I think is less of a problem on the diversion via Cambridge and Ely as it's a common diversion used fairly regularly. The bigger issue I guess would be the lack of OHLE between Ely and Pboro, and I'm told by the local staff that there is a power availability issue at times on the existing lines. Someone with more knowlegde will probably explain that bit better.

On the WAML north of Cambridge, there is, I believe, only one feeder station - Milton, located north of Cambridge North station, just to the south of the A14. There is a Neutral Section north of Littleport, but only for sectioning purposes - it's literally a single cantilever on its own sandwiched by another on each side bristling with switchgear - in the middle of nowhere. Either side of here, to Littleport and Downham Market, an auxiliary wire is used as a disconnector as it's that remote!

 

[greyman42]

By way of comment on the contingency arrangements yesterday, a family member on a day trip to London was about to return north from King's Cross when the line was blocked. After a reasonable interval it seems that virtually all passengers for Yorkshire and other relevant area were directed to St Pancras. Family member got a seat in a 'full' (but not totally overwhelmed) Meridian. "No social distancing today" announced the guard. Hardly any toilet facilities working. No refreshments at the moment, of course.

Were tickets being accepted out of Euston?

 

[Ianno87]

On the WAML north of Cambridge, there is, I believe, only one feeder station - Milton, located north of Cambridge North station, just to the south of the A14. There is a Neutral Section north of Littleport, but only for sectioning purposes - it's literally a single cantilever on its own sandwiched by another on each side bristling with switchgear - in the middle of nowhere. Either side of here, to Littleport and Downham Market, an auxiliary wire is used as a disconnector as it's that remote!

I *think* there is a single feed just outside King's Lynn.

 

[43 302]

Reminder that LNER now have a significant fleet of bi-mode trains, so lack of OLE is not the major barrier to diversions it once was.

(For info, bi-modes on diversion cannot currently draw power after Litlington neutral section, just west of Royston)

Only about a third of LNERs fleet is bi-mode and is diversions did have to occur on a short notice how many of those would actually be available? It's likely there would be some up in Scotland, or in the north on other routes and some are out of service. Most LNER services would not be able to divert via unelectrified lines.

 

[philjo]

Were tickets being accepted out of Euston?

I saw on the LNER site yesterday about 5pm it mentioned ticket acceptance was available from Euston to Manchester and on TPE services from Manchester to Leeds/York but there was no mention of acceptance on services from Euston to Carlisle or Edinburgh.

 

[A0]

Only about a third of LNERs fleet is bi-mode and is diversions did have to occur on a short notice how many of those would actually be available? It's likely there would be some up in Scotland, or in the north on other routes and some are out of service. Most LNER services would not be able to divert via unelectrified lines.

However the Cambridge line doesn't have unlimited capacity - you have 5 tph running Hitchin - Cambridge, plus one Hitchin-Royston normally on the current Thameslink/GN timetable. That's before you then factor in from Shepreth Junction to Cambridge you've also got the GE line traffic to consider as well.

Yes, there may be some paths which can be used, but probably not enough to cover the current 5 departures an hour LNER has from Kings Cross.

 

[6Gman]

I don't want to go OT but if Cambridge- Peterborough was sparked up it would be valuable for incidents like this and part of F2N/West Midlands for freight too.

Except for the issue of route knowledge as mentioned already.

And route capacity.

("How do you solve a problem like Ely")

 

[43 302]

However the Cambridge line doesn't have unlimited capacity - you have 5 tph running Hitchin - Cambridge, plus one Hitchin-Royston normally on the current Thameslink/GN timetable. That's before you then factor in from Shepreth Junction to Cambridge you've also got the GE line traffic to consider as well.

Yes, there may be some paths which can be used, but probably not enough to cover the current 5 departures an hour LNER has from Kings Cross.

Didn't even think of that. In reality I bet less than a fifth of services would be able to be diverted.

 

[800001]

Were tickets being accepted out of Euston?

Yes to Manchester to connect with TPE to Leeds and York

 

[A0]

Didn't even think of that. In reality I bet less than a fifth of services would be able to be diverted.

I suspect you'd get 2tph at best - that would mean 7 tph running along there - and don't forget there's a small matter of the level crossing at Foxton which is on the A10, so adds to congestion on a main road as well......

 

[Class 170101]

Were tickets being accepted out of Euston?

NRES said Avanti was accepting tickets to Glasgow / Edinburgh as well and via Manchester and Leeds (TPE)

I *think* there is a single feed just outside King's Lynn.

Correct

 

[Giacomo]

I made it as far as Biggleswade. Never gotten off there in my life. Waited on the train for over an hour, decided to take a walk, found a lovely cafe, relaxed for an hour, returned to the station to find chaos unfolding and was offered either a replacement bus to King’s Cross or a taxi home to Peterborough. Gleefully accepted the taxi home, happily called work and said it ain’t happening today and got home quite rapidly. All in all a decent day! I guess I was one of the lucky ones.

I waited at the station, instead of going to a cafe, but I also got a taxi to Peterborough, then got a train back to Leeds
Good idea though, I might go to a cafe next time this happens.

 

[dan4291]

What typically happens to drivers and train crew in this sort of scenario, say if they're based up north and are trapped in London?

 

[najaB]

Most LNER services would not be able to divert via unelectrified lines.

How capable are 801's running in self-rescue mode? What speed are they capable of?

 

[43 302]

How capable are 801's running in self-rescue mode? What speed are they capable of?

I don't know, but I think I recall hearing 25mph. Certainly wouldn't be able to operate a passenger service, unless coupled to an 800.

 

[heedfan]

How capable are 801's running in self-rescue mode? What speed are they capable of?

Approx 20mph I believe. I only drive them on depot but they aren't really designed for sustained running on a single GU. Said GU gets very hot, very quick.

 

[Dave91131]

How capable are 801's running in self-rescue mode? What speed are they capable of?

Others will know more than me but I think 30mph rings a bell?

I think it's a sort of "get to the nearest loop or next station if not too far" engine rather than one suitable for a long-ish diversionary route.

 

[swt_passenger]

When the full electric units appear for work at Eastleigh they often seem be hauled by an 800, presumably they can run at a reasonable speed as single engine EMU in multiple with a DMU, (although obviously much lower than the ECML itself needs).