Merseyrail

[DarloRich]

Just a quick question - are any other trains/units allowed to use the Merseyrail tunnels? Are maintenance units alowed into the tunnels or do Merseyrail/NR have special machines for thier network?

I imagine it is a no for the deep level circuit tunnel, but what about the Northern Line tunnel?

This has been confusing me for some time, particlurly how track maintenance takes place on the Merseyrail system as it is split into two sections by the river.

Cheers!

 

[pemma]

I don't know about the maintainence units used but DMUs are not allowed to use the underground sections.

Contrary to what some people think Pacers are allowed to cross the third rail at Hunts Cross and use platform 7 at Chester, which is 3rd rail electrified.

 

[First class]

I've seen (on both Link (Northern) and Loop (Wirral) platforms at LVC:

Cl. 507
Cl. 508
Class 73
MPV
Class 66 (possession)
Class 67 (possession)
Variety of On Track Plant
--------
Class 502 (now retired)
Class 503 (now retired)

 

[DarloRich]

thanks - that is great always wondered how they did all the maintenance work.

I thought the tunnels were smaller than standard size and wondered if they did everything by "man power"!

 

[First class]

Also just remembered that a three cl.313s were used for a short spell (including one being coupled to a 507).

313003
313063
313064 (possibly)

circa 1977.

The tunnels are not the problem people like to make out (like the pacer myth near 3rd rail). The problem is lack of ventilation for diesel units underground which can make it uncomfortable - as well as cause havoc with the stringent fire detection systems in place. Stand at Liverpool Central pl1/2 when the MPV comes through and you'll see what I mean.

When track was relaid late last year, 4 cl.66s arrived at once, 2 at each end of the consist. Network Rail (or the contractor that ended up coming) had to get huge fans brought in because you could barely breathe. As they were bungeeing the new rails on to the bed the consist was moving about 3/4mph and was there for hours smoking away!

 

[DarloRich]

Do they use tamping machines down there? It is part of the UK network i have never travelled on or even visited. Going to have to rectify that

 

[First class]

Do they use tamping machines down there? It is part of the UK netwrok i have never travelled on or even visited. Going to have to rectify that

They do, yes.

A 10mph TSR had to be put in place following the last relay of Moorfields-Liverpool Central because a tamper could not be sourced until about 2 weeks later.

 

[prod_pep]

The 313s involved were 313003, 313013 and 313063. Believed to have occurred on two occasions in 1977, with 313063 involved both times.

And no, a 313 was not coupled to a 507. It's a bit difficult for that to have happened in 1977 when the 507s weren't built until a year later! The whole point of using 313s on Merseyside was to test the suitability of PEP-design stock on the Liverpool Link and Loop tunnels.

 

[Edward111]

It was wierd but i saw a 175 in the 3rd rail platform at chester

 

[Intermodal]

It was wierd but i saw a 175 in the 3rd rail platform at chester

This happens fairly often, there is platform 7a and 7b. 7b (exclusively?) used for Merseyrail trains while 7a quite often has other TOCs using it, sometimes at the same time as a Merseyrail train being in 7b.

 

[Edward111]

Didnt know that thanks for the correction

 

[ukrob]

Network Rails Class 950 (the Class 150 derivative) ran through the Wirral loop last year (not during public opening hours).
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Also pretty sure that a departmental Class 501 was used for sandite and de-icing in the late 90s, both on its own and with a 73 sandwiched between the two driving cars.

 

[First class]

The 313s involved were 313003, 313013 and 313063. Believed to have occurred on two occasions in 1977, with 313063 involved both times.

And no, a 313 was not coupled to a 507. It's a bit difficult for that to have happened in 1977 when the 507s weren't built until a year later! The whole point of using 313s on Merseyside was to test the suitability of PEP-design stock on the Liverpool Link and Loop tunnels.

There is a picture of 313003 coupled to a 507(001?) on the Southport line- can't locate the website at the moment though.

This picture shows a 6-car 313 near Fazakerley...

 

[prod_pep]

There is a picture of 313003 coupled to a 507(001?) on the Southport line- can't locate the website at the moment though.

Repeating myself, but: the 313s visited Merseyside in 1977, a whole year before any of the 507s had been constructed. In other words 507001 hadn't even been thought of when the Southport line played host to Class 313s. Why did the 313s visit? To test the suitability of similar, DC-only, stock.

How on earth can two trains couple before one had even been built?!

 

[First class]

As I said, there is a picture of 313003 coupled to a 507 in 1978 stabled at Hall Road.

 

[prod_pep]

Fair enough, but I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[Hydro]

The TRU 950 regularly goes down there. Always at night, and it's a crap shift to do.

 

[Bevan Price]

I've seen (on both Link (Northern) and Loop (Wirral) platforms at LVC:

Cl. 507
Cl. 508
Class 73
MPV
Class 66 (possession)
Class 67 (possession)
Variety of On Track Plant
--------
Class 502 (now retired)
Class 503 (now retired)

And I was told a Class 47 was tested on the loop line some years ago (pre-Class 66 days).

Bevan

 

[Greeny]

For a time, 142's caused big problems at Hunts Cross West Jn due to the length of the speedomiter cables - they kept clipping the 3rd rail at the junction where the CLC crossed the Merseyrail. It was cured in the end by shortening the cables.

 

[emoaconr]

There're a few videos on Youtube of diesel traction through Merseyrail:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deiZyZXhLJM

Also of course ATW diesel trains from Wrexham Central use Platform 1 at Bidston which is used by Merseyrail services to West Kirby.

 

[daikilo]

And I was told a Class 47 was tested on the loop line some years ago (pre-Class 66 days).

Bevan

Various classes including 47 were used during building of the fly-under at Hamilton Square. I saw them pass my window. That said, can't comment if they ever went round the loop.

 

[185]

Do I count as a form of traction?

I had to go round some of it on foot after a minor err.. 'incident' some time ago.

It made Standedge Tunnel feel clean :roll: