Euxton WCML overhead wire problems 24 May 2019

[QueensCurve]

Presently onboard 9S65 1143 Euston to Glasgow just departed Crewe. I understand there are overhead wire problems at Euxton initially affecting all 4 lines but now reported as affecting the fast lines only.

At risk of being "voyerish or spotterish" does anyone know what happened? Any pictures perhaps?

 

[GRALISTAIR]

At Euxton there was Auto Transformer work and of course old meets new as the Preston Blackpool new electrification kit meets the 1973 kit from Weaver -Glasgow extension. I wonder if it is those items that are the root cause?

 

[40Mick]

Local news article here states that the issue is between Preston and Euxton Balshaw lane, suggesting it's the WCML that's broken and not the branch line to Manchester

 

[Mathew S]

Local news article here states that the issue is between Preston and Euxton Balshaw lane, suggesting it's the WCML that's broken and not the branch line to Manchester

It's affecting both the Bolton line and the WCML. According to staff at Piccadilly for a time all lines through Preston were blocked. Some lines are now (3pm) open, but not all. Absolute bedlam at Piccadilly with people advised to use TfW Chester services, and change at Warrington for Preston, Carlisle, Lancaster etc.

 

[40Mick]

Looks like OP's train has made it through the problem area though http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P59235/2019/05/24/advanced

 

[trainophile]

I am on the 1252 (departed 1300) from Edinburgh and our TM has been giving us regular updates about the situation. Just left Lancaster so hoping we get through Preston without too much further delay.

 

[Mag_seven]

Looks like OP's train has made it through the problem area though http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P59235/2019/05/24/advanced

I suppose it being a Voyager helps!

 

[londonmidland]

Manchester Piccadilly is, understandably, a bit of a mess right now, with delays and cancellations all over. Some of the services not directly affected by the overhead wire issues are being affected too, due to, what I presume is, congestion and train crew being out of place.

 

[Darandio]

Might want to amend the thread title.......

 

[trainophile]

Right, need some delay repay advice.

Arrived at Wigan North Western at 1606, so assumed I had missed my 1604 connection from Wallgate and didn’t rush. However when I got to Wallgate at 1614 I discovered it had been running late and I had only just missed it.

I did try to check before arrival at WGN but couldn’t get a signal.

It now appears that the 1630 to Southport is running 14 minutes late so I will actually arrive just over half an hour after I would have done had I got the 1604.

Does this mean I can claim from Virgin (who presumably claim it back from Network Rail), or would they argue that I could have got the delayed 1604? I believe the official connection time between the two stations is 1 minute, but as it involves crossing a busy road that’s somewhat optimistic, especially when it takes a minute to get from the front of the train to the station exit at North Western.

 

[Mathew S]

Right, need some delay repay advice.

Arrived at Wigan North Western at 1606, so assumed I had missed my 1604 connection from Wallgate and didn’t rush. However when I got to Wallgate at 1614 I discovered it had been running late and I had only just missed it.

I did try to check before arrival at WGN but couldn’t get a signal.

It now appears that the 1630 to Southport is running 14 minutes late so I will actually arrive just over half an hour after I would have done had I got the 1604.

Does this mean I can claim from Virgin (who presumably claim it back from Network Rail), or would they argue that I could have got the delayed 1604? I believe the official connection time between the two stations is 1 minute, but as it involves crossing a busy road that’s somewhat optimistic, especially when it takes a minute to get from the front of the train to the station exit at North Western.

I've seen the connection time listed as 12 minutes before now (5 mins being the minimum for each of the stations, plus 2 mins to walk between them).
But yeah, claim (I assume your journey to Wigan NW) was with Virgin?). Worst that can happen is they refuse, you've lost nothing by trying. And your journey was delayed, so you're doing nothing dishonest.

Out of curiosity, how did you take that long to get from NW to Wallgate? That bit of Wigan isn't exactly a delight to spend time in

 

[trainophile]

I nipped to the loo at North Western ☺️.

I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t assumed I had already missed the 1604.

 

[trainophile]

It’s ironic that our excellent TM was announcing all relevant connections as we approached each station, but of course wouldn’t have thought about Wigan and the walk across.

 

[STANDISH]

Was it on the fast or slow lines ,where the wire problem was ?

 

[londonmidland]

Was it on the fast or slow lines ,where the wire problem was ?

I believe the affected line is the down fast. Though the up fast is closed as well, so all services are using the slow lines. Repairs to take place tonight.

 

[M60lad]

I've got a trip planned upto Lancaster tomorrow morning will the line be back fully running by then?

 

[gimmea50anyday]

A northern 319 was reported to be stranded. Wether it was as a result of if or if it was the cause isn't clear. Internal message states "Northern 1N56 on the down slow has lost power and needs fitters attention or assisting"
"50mph ESR on the up fast for diesel and electric traction but the OLE still needs to be examined" That was at 13:31

 

[Whistler40145]

I believe the affected line is the down fast. Though the up fast is closed as well, so all services are using the slow lines. Repairs to take place tonight.

Presumably the OHLE on the Fast lines can be isolated but the Slows can still be energised?

 

[Robertj21a]

Can't we get the title showing the correct year, before it confuses everybody !

 

[MarkWi72]

I was waiting at Brinklow for 4M25 and wondered why it arrived 1hr 25 mins late. I have my answer.

 

[_toommm_]

A northern 319 was reported to be stranded. Wether it was as a result of if or if it was the cause isn't clear. Internal message states "Northern 1N56 on the down slow has lost power and needs fitters attention or assisting"
"50mph ESR on the up fast for diesel and electric traction but the OLE still needs to be examined" That was at 13:31

It was stuck at Farington Curve Junction - it took nearly three hours to travel between Farington Junction and Farington Curve Junction, a journey timed to take a minute.

 

[QueensCurve]

Looks like OP's train has made it through the problem area though http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P59235/2019/05/24/advanced

I believe the affected line is the down fast. Though the up fast is closed as well, so all services are using the slow lines. Repairs to take place tonight.

A northern 319 was reported to be stranded. Wether it was as a result of if or if it was the cause isn't clear. Internal message states "Northern 1N56 on the down slow has lost power and needs fitters attention or assisting"
"50mph ESR on the up fast for diesel and electric traction but the OLE still needs to be examined" That was at 13:31

Can't we get the title showing the correct year, before it confuses everybody !

13 minutes down at WGN, diverted onto the slow line at Balshaw Lane Joined the queue for PRE at Farrington Junction. Made the connection to the 16:13 at Lancaster to Barrow.

Trains were passing on both Up lines tying in with it only being the Down Fast that was affected.

Thank you for the heads up on the affected train.

Title duly amended.

 

[TBSchenker]

It appeared to be the Down Fast OLE through Euxton Jn that was damaged. Because the OLE is headspan on this section of the WCML all lines were shut, presumably until the severity can be established and status of lines found out.

Because the damage was through the junction, it effectively severed the Manchester line from Euxton Jn.