ECML between Edinburgh and Doncaster is the area that sticks out for me.I’m not fully up to speed on XC route knowledge but how much of their routes are 125mph running? And how much of it is that line speed achievable?
Potentially, somewhere around Reading and GWML land?
Not sure if any of the Manchester services have 125mph running on any sections.
Should have also added there is a 50 limit through Burton.I knew there was something between Derby and New Street, but I couldn’t remember if it was 125 or 100mph.
I’m not fully up to speed on XC route knowledge but how much of their routes are 125mph running? And how much of it is that line speed achievable?
Yes, between Didcot Parkway and just West of Reading it’s all 120/125 although that‘s on the mainline only. Usually, crossscountry run on the relief line.Potentially, somewhere around Reading and GWML land?
Not sure if any of the Manchester services have 125mph running on any sections.
A high proportion of XC are booked mains, and have been for some years. It mostly follows the booked platform at Reading, if it’s P3 or one of the main through platforms they’ll normally use the mains between Reading and Didcot, and vice versa.Yes, between Didcot Parkway and just West of Reading it’s all 120/125 although that‘s on the mainline only. Usually, crossscountry run on the relief line.
A high proportion of XC are booked mains, and have been for some years. It mostly follows the booked platform at Reading, if it’s P3 or one of the main through platforms they’ll normally use the mains between Reading and Didcot, and vice versa.
Well I can only go by what’s shown as booked on RTT‘s WTT. (Looking ahead a few months to get past the temporary changes).Perhaps under the old layout but not any longer. The vast majority of XC services are actually booked to use the Relief lines. Platforming at Reading is not an issue either, as you can access P3, P7 or P8 from the Relief easily by being routed along the Festival line beneath the flyover, and the same on departure.
Besides, the timings don't even really merit 100mph running on that stretch. There's so much time that you could happily amble along that stretch at 80mph. Running on the Main at 125mph would just get you to Reading even earlier.
The ATP issue is certainly true between Westerleigh Jn and Bristol Parkway (not that you'd be able to hit the full 125mph and meet the speed reductions approaching Parkway), but not between Didcot and Reading as you say.
TRAINS NOT FITTED WITH AUTOMATIC TRAIN PROTECTION (ATP) – MAXIMUM PERMITTED SPEED
Trains not fitted with ATP may travel at permissible speeds between Reading West Junction and Didcot East Junction on the main lines. Over all other sections of line shown in Table A of this Sectional Appendix as being ATP fitted, the maximum speed for all trains not fitted with ATP must not exceed 110 mph at any point. This restriction is due to design limits of TPWS lineside equipment for trains fitted only with that system.
Yes, between Didcot Parkway and just West of Reading it’s all 120/125 although that‘s on the mainline only. Usually, crossscountry run on the relief line.
Bristol to Exeter isn`t all 110, it`s only until approx Bridgewater then it becomes 100 mph
Yes which is why I said 120/125 (on the Up Main)Not allowed to make 125 through Goring and Streatley or Cholsey, not sure about Pangbourne. They're starting to slow down at Tilehurst anyway.
Yes which is why I said 120/125 (on the Up Main)
Is there no 125 between Derby and Sheffield?
If not, then to summarise it sounds like three rough areas:
Some people have mentioned places between Birmingham and Manchester, but aren’t these only for tilting stock (and therefore not XC)?
- Reading to Didcot
- Birmingham to Derby
- Doncaster to Edinburgh (by far the longest)
The Mains were fun in an HST. Virgin used to operate them Bournemouth to the North I believe.
The crumple zone requirements are different either side of 115 mph (or whatever the km/h nearest equivalent is), but they’re still necessary.Is there any 125 N if Darlington? Or, for that matter, much over 100.
AIUI, if the max speed is 115 or less, trains only need one driver. And the end crumple zone wouldn't be required. Or is that a myth?
What?? Trains regularly travel at 125 with only a single driver...AIUI, if the max speed is 115 or less, trains only need one driver.
I believe that its 110 mph max, this coming about as a result of linespeed increases a couple of years ago, it certainly seemed like 110 mph when I went to Duffield.Is there no 125 between Derby and Sheffield?
But do any trains still require two drivers at 125 mph?