Loss of signalling near Surbiton 6/3

[setdown]

Currently sitting on a train to Weymouth that’s been stopped near Surbiton for almost 90 minutes. Apparently there’s been a complete loss of signalling.

I’m not from round these parts, is it a regular occurrence? We’ve been told for the past hour that the signals are trying to be reset but no luck so far...

 

[Bald Rick]

Pretty rare to have a complete loss of signalling like that; it’s usually (but not always) a power supply issue where the main supply and back ups have failed. Typically if it can’t be restored within a couple of hours there’s will be temporary arrangements set up to get a very limited service moving.

In my experience this sort of thing happens about once a month or so somewhere on the network; and about half the failures are down to circumstances well beyond the railways control.

 

[Carlisle]

In my experience this sort of thing happens about once a month or so .

In recent times it does appear a more common occurrence on the former Southern Region areas than elsewhere

 

[AM9]

In recent times it does appear a more common occurrence on the former Southern Region areas than elsewhere

Would it be because of the more fragile nature of track circuits on 750VDC lines especially during these wet times?

 

[PG]

In my experience this sort of thing happens about once a month or so somewhere on the network; and about half the failures are down to circumstances well beyond the railways control.

As in some scroat has tried to nick the cables?

 

[Bigfoot]

Today's scroat was a rat.

 

[Bald Rick]

In recent times it does appear a more common occurrence on the former Southern Region areas than elsewhere

Not in my experience. What is happening is that you are hearing about it more.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Today's scroat was a rat.

Is that true??

I was meant to meet a friend for lunch in Wimbledon but had to postpone.

 

[EvoIV]

Yes, cable damage by rodent. Not an uncommon event but obviously it depends on which cable the rodents damage as to the consequences.

 

[theironroad]

Is that true??

I was meant to meet a friend for lunch in Wimbledon but had to postpone.

The Surbiton and rat failure didn't happen until about 2030 last night and was sorted by the early hours this morning so not sure how lunch was postponed

 

[CHAPS2034]

Yes, cable damage by rodent. Not an uncommon event but obviously it depends on which cable the rodents damage as to the consequences.

For both the passengers and the rat

 

[hwl]

Yes, cable damage by rodent. Not an uncommon event but obviously it depends on which cable the rodents damage as to the consequences.

Not the first rodent caused cable damage of the week in 3rd rail land either.

 

[AlastairFraser]

For both the passengers and the rat

Roast rat as delay repay for the passengers?

 

[QueensCurve]

Yes, cable damage by rodent. Not an uncommon event but obviously it depends on which cable the rodents damage as to the consequences.

Many years ago I recall the pesky little rodents made a feast of the Interlocking at Edinburgh Haymarket. It lead to several routes being locked out of use for a prologued period.

 

[PG]

Many years ago I recall the pesky little rodents made a feast of the Interlocking at Edinburgh Haymarket. It lead to several routes being locked out of use for a prologued period.

ah well next time I'm delayed due to signalling failure I can just say Oh rats

I'll get my coat...

 

[pompeyfan]

Hilsea in Portsmouth is particularly bad for rats and related signal failures. Signal faults at Hilsea seem particularly high compared to other parts of Havant box’s control area.