Scottish Electrification updates & discussion

[route:oxford]

There would need to be a lot of Route Clearance work undertaken first. Although at one time Virgin’s aspiration was to run at least one 390 a day from Stirling that died a death when the franchise renewal went wrong so I don’t think it’s likely to be any sort of priority. Pendos are still not Route Cleared for the R&C, which is a particularly useful diversion, more than 3 years since it was first electrified.

It would certainly be very welcome.

Is it likely that a route that can accommodate an 80X series unit would be capable of accommodating a 390?

 

[gingertom]

could it be that the EGIP OLE does not have harmonic dampers installed? AFAIK these are needed for 390s to run to minimise interference.

 

[NotATrainspott]

I'm pretty sure 350/390 clearance via Cumbernauld and Falkirk Grahamston is included in NR's plans.

Also IIRC the R&C electrification was deliberately designed so that it could be a 390 diversionary route. Something like that they re-used some power supply equipment from elsewhere on the WCML that they knew would already work.

 

[gingertom]

I'm pretty sure 350/390 clearance via Cumbernauld and Falkirk Grahamston is included in NR's plans.

Also IIRC the R&C electrification was deliberately designed so that it could be a 390 diversionary route. Something like that they re-used some power supply equipment from elsewhere on the WCML that they knew would already work.

that was definitely the case for Rutherglen & Whifflet OLE.

 

[Mag_seven]

Also IIRC the R&C electrification was deliberately designed so that it could be a 390 diversionary route. Something like that they re-used some power supply equipment from elsewhere on the WCML that they knew would already work.

that was definitely the case for Rutherglen & Whifflet OLE.

I read elsewhere that VTWC drivers no longer sign the R&C line so that appears to have been a waste of time.

 

[JohnR]

I read elsewhere that VTWC drivers no longer sign the R&C line so that appears to have been a waste of time.

That seems to be a policy of VTWC - they dont seem to support drivers signing for diversionary routes.

 

[gingertom]

That seems to be a policy of VTWC - they dont seem to support drivers signing for diversionary routes.

sounds like a false economy to me.

 

[Highlandspring]

VTWC Polmadie drivers sign all the recognised diversions except the R&C (that’s, Shields Jn/Larkfield, Cathcart Circle, Hamilton Circle, Holytown via both Bellshill and Braidhurst, Wishaw Connecting line and some know the G&SW. VTWC Edinburgh drivers sign the above and the R&C, Cumbernauld and E&G. VTWC Preston drivers don’t sign any diversionary routes in Scotland.

 

[najaB]

VTWC Polmadie drivers sign all the recognised diversions except the R&C (that’s, Shields Jn/Larkfield, Cathcart Circle, Hamilton Circle, Holytown via both Bellshill and Braidhurst, Wishaw Connecting line and some know the G&SW.

That was evidenced by how quickly they were able to set up the G&SW diversion during the Lammington block.

 

[gingertom]

and some know the G&SW. VTWC Edinburgh drivers sign the above and the R&C, Cumbernauld and E&G. VTWC Preston drivers don’t sign any diversionary routes in Scotland.

That was evidenced by how quickly they were able to set up the G&SW diversion during the Lammington block.

the more you can sign the easier it is for the schedulers. Lamington must have been a nightmare getting the people with the knowledge in the right place. A job well done.

 

[och aye]

http://www.centralfm.co.uk/2018/05/22/34392/

First stage of Forth Valley rail electrification complete

Engineers from Network Rail have completed the first phase of a project to electrify the lines linking Stirling, Dunblane and Alloa, to the main Glasgow-Edinburgh route.

The newest section has been approved for passenger use following testing last weekend.

Work began back in October 2016 and should be completed next year.

 

[59CosG95]

http://www.centralfm.co.uk/2018/05/22/34392/

First stage of Forth Valley rail electrification complete

I assume this has been implied to be the route via F'kirk Grahamston?
Now all we need to do is wait for the electric trains to begin.

 

[385001]

I assume this has been implied to be the route via F'kirk Grahamston?

From Network Rail.

https://www.networkrailmediacentre....ling-dunblane-alloa-electrification-delivered

The first section of the Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa (SDA) electrification project completed covers 26 single track kilometres between Greenhill, Larbert and Polmont junctions and includes Falkirk Grahamston and Camelon stations.

As well as providing a diversionary route for electric trains using the main Edinburgh – Glasgow via Falkirk High route an electrified route between Glasgow Queen Street and Falkirk Grahamston via Cumbernauld, the completion of the line also delivers additional benefits with the future proofing of the Grangemouth branch section for freight.

The link also includes a video of some of the testing.

 

[InOban]

All they need are some electric trains.

Interestingly the video only covers testing to Grahamston. So if any stock is available, the direct QSHL service to Grahamston via Cumbernauld could go electric, before they get extended to Edinburgh when the rest of the project is completed.

 

[Southsider]

All they need are some electric trains.

Interestingly the video only covers testing to Grahamston. So if any stock is available, the direct QSHL service to Grahamston via Cumbernauld could go electric, before they get extended to Edinburgh when the rest of the project is completed.

Hopefully rolling stock should not be a constraint now that Scotrail have tapped into the available market in the shape of the 365s and a solution to the 385 issue seems to be in sight (pardon the pun). I have to say I’ve been impressed by Scotrail’s ability and willingness to move quickly in grasping opportunities of late and I hope it continues in this respect.

 

[Class 170101]

the more you can sign the easier it is for the schedulers. Lamington must have been a nightmare getting the people with the knowledge in the right place. A job well done.

But a nightmare for the roster clerk trying to keep driver knowledge up to date and refreshed as needed - although on some TOCs its the drivers responsibility to keep their knowledge up to date.

 

[Class 170101]

VTWC Polmadie drivers sign all the recognised diversions except the R&C (that’s, Shields Jn/Larkfield, Cathcart Circle, Hamilton Circle, Holytown via both Bellshill and Braidhurst, Wishaw Connecting line and some know the G&SW. VTWC Edinburgh drivers sign the above and the R&C, Cumbernauld and E&G. VTWC Preston drivers don’t sign any diversionary routes in Scotland.

What happened yesterday (Saturday) then? Virgin and TPE decided not to run trains between Edinburgh and Carlisle via Cumbernauld and Falkirk Grahamston whilst the usual route was blocked..

 

[InOban]

Because the blockade was at Carstairs! Track renewal.

 

[najaB]

What happened yesterday (Saturday) then? Virgin and TPE decided not to run trains between Edinburgh and Carlisle via Cumbernauld and Falkirk Grahamston whilst the usual route was blocked..

They probably looked at the numbers and decided that running via the diversionary route didn't stack up. Paths would likely be at a premium.

Because the blockade was at Carstairs!

Or that, even!

 

[92002]

All they need are some electric trains.

Interestingly the video only covers testing to Grahamston. So if any stock is available, the direct QSHL service to Grahamston via Cumbernauld could go electric, before they get extended to Edinburgh when the rest of the project is completed.

Would probably need an extra 334 flushed out of the system and clearance to use it DOO from Cumbernauld to Falkirk.

Not a major problem though.

 

[InOban]

I was thinking that when the 365s take over E-G in the next few weeks, the 380s could take over the Falkirk via Cumbernauld services.

 

[92002]

I was thinking that when the 365s take over E-G in the next few weeks, the 380s could take over the Falkirk via Cumbernauld services.

Think the plan is when 365s come on stream that the diesel worked trains on the E&G will be first to go. Some more are due off lease shortly to go to Northern.

The chances of 380s returning to Inverclyde are slim for a while yet. They will probably go to 318s as 314s are released ny 385s.

The 380s that were transferred to E&G were originally bought for Glasgow Airport services that never started. Inverclyde was not in the equation.

 

[PaulLothian]

An enquiry from my daughter, who has told me about engineering work currently taking place just east of Niddrie West Junction on the Edinburgh Sub. She wondered if this is electrification-related. Apparently quite a big piece of work with Portakabins.

 

[92002]

An enquiry from my daughter, who has told me about engineering work currently taking place just east of Niddrie West Junction on the Edinburgh Sub. She wondered if this is electrification-related. Apparently quite a big piece of work with Portakabins.

Doubt its electrification related, since nothing has been signed off.

Think there are junction renewals in the plan.

 

[PaulLothian]

Doubt its electrification related, since nothing has been signed off.

Think there are junction renewals in the plan.

Thanks. I'll have to ask her to walk up that way again to get updates!

 

[gingertom]

Doubt its electrification related, since nothing has been signed off.

Think there are junction renewals in the plan.

is it maybe W12 gauge clearance work, or has that been completed now?

 

[Class 170101]

Because the blockade was at Carstairs! Track renewal.

The route was still open towards Glasgow to / from Carlisle at Carstairs.

 

[PaulLothian]

An enquiry from my daughter, who has told me about engineering work currently taking place just east of Niddrie West Junction on the Edinburgh Sub. She wondered if this is electrification-related. Apparently quite a big piece of work with Portakabins.

Update - she waylaid a workman on the way back from shopping! Not directly electrification-related; scheduled reinforcement of track bed over old coalmine workings, if I got her message correctly.

 

[mcmad]

Don't think it was planned, there was a hole opened up a few weeks back and I think its the infilling of the old mineshaft to enable the line to reopen.

 

[PaulLothian]

Don't think it was planned, there was a hole opened up a few weeks back and I think its the infilling of the old mineshaft to enable the line to reopen.

Interesting - thanks.