LNER Azuma's on Cambridge diversions, diesel or electric?

[heart-of-wessex]

Hello all,

Attempting to create a realistic scenario on Train Sim 23 on the Kings Cross - Kings Lynn route, wishing to re-create the 2019 Christmas blockade when LNER ran diversions via Cambridge. Some of these were Azuma's but I can't find much reference videos at all and only found a couple of photo's from this period, and from what I've seen with pictures at Shepreth and Cambridge is the pantographs down, so running on diesel.

I would have though with running under the wires these would be running on diesel from Ely, or is it because these unit's have not been tested on the wires on this route therefore they just run on diesel? If that is the case I presume they drop the pantograph at Hitchin? Or can they not switch on the move?

Any help appreciated!

James.

 

[HarryF]

I can’t remember where the power changeover from Diesel to Electric and vice versa was, but I see, to recall there being a limit to the number of electric trains north of Cambridge, the normally scheduled trains reached that limit, necessitating the 80x running on diesel. I’ve been on 755s that have some the Ely-Cambridge leg on diesel too, and I got chatting to one of the lovely guards and he advised it was due to the same limitation.

 

[swt_passenger]

I would have though with running under the wires these would be running on diesel from Ely, or is it because these unit's have not been tested on the wires on this route therefore they just run on diesel? If that is the case I presume they drop the pantograph at Hitchin? Or can they not switch on the move?

Any help appreciated!

James.

The trains can and do switch on the move at certain locations, but NR may not want it to take power at all, as @HarryF notes the power capacity will be designed only for the normal service.

 

[Snow1964]

The trains can and do switch on the move at certain locations, but NR may not want it to take power at all, as @HarryF notes the power capacity will be designed only for the normal service.

It is one of the sections where power capacity for electric trains is completely out of sync with the signalling capacity, how close together the trains can run.

And yes Cambridge area resignalling is so new, it is after the 2050 decarbonisation objective came out, effectively was agreed where line capacity implies some diesel workings. Probably got through on a timing disconnect because of duration of planning.

Remains to be seen if could resignal an electric diversion route in future for diverted trains to be forced to use diesel, now the decarbonisation objective exists.

 

[Magdalia]

Cambridge area resignalling renewal hasn't happened yet, though some preparatory work has been done. It has its own discussion which is here:

Cambridge Area Signalling Renewal

I assume this belongs in this thread. ... The seven level crossings set to be upgraded are: Dimmocks Cote Waterbeach Milton Fen Meldreth Road Six Mile Bottom Dullingham and; Croxton (Norfolk) Dimmocks Cote seems to have issues more often than not, lost count of...

www.railforums.co.uk

The existing signalling was installed in the early 1980s and predates any electrification at Cambridge.

Since the original electrifications there have been power supply upgrades including during the August 1999 closure.

In recent years ECML diversions via Cambridge have been a regular feature in January of each year.

 

[TheBigD]

Reported previously on this forum that the changeover from diesel to electric and vv happens near Litlington for the Cambridge diversions.

Next diversions are planned for Monday 08th to Friday 12th January 2024 (unless the plans have been subsequently altered).

 

[dk1]

AFAIK the LNER & HT services if diverted remain on diesel throughout or at least have done in the last few years. Totally different to GA & even these changeover in Ely station not at North Jcn.

 

[ert47]

Diesel on the diversion, all electric was tried from Hitchin Junction to Shepreth Branch Junction, but the number of additional units caused caused a lot of issues

Change over probably took place at Stevenage to avoid blocking platforms at Hitchin (esp heading away from London)

 

[heart-of-wessex]

Thank you all, I might try and do one that stops at Stevenage and have a message instruction to change power there.

Thanks also for explaining the reason appreciate that, didn't think of that