First 125mph sections on the ECML

[hexagon789]

I'm interested to know which were the first sections of the ECML passed for 125mph running in 1977.

I believe originally that signs signifying the beginning and end of stretches where 125 was permitted were what was installed originally as a temporary measure rather than 'cutouts' with figures of speeds in the 105-125 region.

Thanks for any information.

 

[gimmea50anyday]

I think it was the racetrack stretch between northallerton and York as the linespeed of 125 is mentioned in the 1979 HST derailment report.

 

[hexagon789]

I think it was the racetrack stretch between northallerton and York as the linespeed of 125 is mentioned in the 1979 HST derailment report.

I believe that was also one of the first 100mph stretches back in 1964.

I think there must be more such sections, but what seems to have been done, quite possibly for a relatively short interim period is certain (I assume 100mph sections) were simply authorised for HSTs to run at 125, then reverting to 100 or lower as applicable.

Later they then seem to have properly signed intermediate limits from 105 to 125 as applicable and I assume that ties in with the further accelerations to schedules in May 1979.