Gas Factory Jn to Bow Jn (LTSR to GEML)

[JW16]

I noticed the track branching off the Great Eastern main line at Bow Jn to connect with the Fenchurch Street line at Gas Factory Jn has become overgrown with weeds and bushes. Is the link not in use anymore?

 

[causton]

I don't think so!

Some random searching has found at least one service which has used the line 5 days ago...
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/L44528/2016/06/03/advanced

 

[dk1]

Often see 357s using it on divert & crew refreshers.

 

[gazr]

There was one passenger service due to use the chord this week (Mon-Thu) due to engineering, but these got capped during the last week or two. The next scheduled use for passengers is in July (same deal, one train a day, MThO).

 

[christopher]

There was a engineering train I saw using it on Saturday from the works that diverted c2c into Liv Street I imagine.

 

[chris11256]

The link does get used. c2c use it when the line is blocked between Limehouse and Barking. Of course it's no good if the blockage is actually at Limehouse!

Besides this it's used sometimes for Stratford diversions. Sometimes at Christmas there are services which divert via Stratford, but still go to/from Fenchurch Street.

 

[Expression357]

This link of course will see increased 357 action when the Barking - Gospel Oak blockade extends through Woodgrange Park, meaning that the 357s having lathing at Ilford will need to go via Gas Factory-Bow Junction instead.

 

[Class 170101]

The extensions through Woodgrange Park will only apply on Sunday mornings (until around 14:00), the rest of thr week it will beopen for freight (with a few occasional exceptions).

 

[class303]

There was one passenger service due to use the chord this week (Mon-Thu) due to engineering, but these got capped during the last week or two. The next scheduled use for passengers is in July (same deal, one train a day, MThO).

interesting always wanted to do this one, very rarely comes up in passenger service iirc.

 

[klewer]

interesting always wanted to do this one, very rarely comes up in passenger service iirc.

Managed to get it in on c2c's (excellent) "last blue train" tour a couple of years back. Was probably the only chance I'll ever have to do that section..

 

[James Wake]

Managed to get it in on c2c's (excellent) "last blue train" tour a couple of years back. Was probably the only chance I'll ever have to do that section..

That tour was great, I managed to get a couple of cab rides (Laindon to Benfleet in the white) and through East Ham sheds in the blue.

I've done the chord a couple of times since then though. It can be done like has been said with those Christmas trains that do Upminster-Barking-Stratford-Limehouse-Fenchurch Street.

 

[racyrich]

When c2c services use Liv st on weekday evenings for engineering works it's usual for the last Fen St departure to go down there to Stratford.
This is the time of year to do it, daylight at 20.30, so you can see the Bow Road platforms.

Also, there always used to be an ecs from Fen St in the morning about 9.30 that went down there. I used to see it disappearing down the chord if I went into work late. I'm too diligent now!

 

[rebmcr]

When c2c services use Liv st on weekday evenings for engineering works it's usual for the last Fen St departure to go down there to Stratford.

Yep, that way the posession from West Ham/Barking to the junction gets to start a bit earlier than the bit from the junction to Fenchurch Street.

This means it's almost always the last departure from Fenchurch Street on the day, although there can still be some subsequent Stratford-Liverpool Street workings.

 

[Class 170101]

Also, there always used to be an ecs from Fen St in the morning about 9.30 that went down there. I used to see it disappearing down the chord if I went into work late. I'm too diligent now!

I have a look in Real Time Trains yesterday and these appear to have been removed from the timetable. As I recall it a down working post morning peak and an up working at the back end of the evening peak.

 

[causton]

I have a look in Real Time Trains yesterday and these appear to have been removed from the timetable. As I recall it a down working post morning peak and an up working at the back end of the evening peak.

Indeed, that was what I was looking for and was disappointed I had to go back a week :P