Crossrail/Elizabeth Line. From construction to operation - ongoing discussion

[whole diary]

[paul7575]

What are these PR^▸ (Public Relations) people like?

They are saying the boring machines were 'revealed' today.

So they must have been hidden before?   

They were 'unveiled' in an earlier press release in December - I guess they have to use every buzzword in the spinmaster's dictionary...

Paul

[Chris from Nailsea]

Well, they need a bit of spin: those boring machines don't just pop up out of the ground, you know ... 

[anthony215]

I have read on WNXX^▸ (Stored Unserviceable, Mainline Locos HQ All Classes) that there has been some problems trying to fit the TBM's  under the steel framework  which is errected over the portal at the royal oak end.

[Electric train]

I have read on WNXX^▸ (Stored Unserviceable, Mainline Locos HQ All Classes) that there has been some problems trying to fit the TBM's  under the steel framework  which is errected over the portal at the royal oak end.

I did notice the first TBM had gone so far and it is taller than one of the frames ................. ooooooooooops  ............ but they are continuing with the fit out

[IndustryInsider]

An article on the Crossrail project which is well worth a read:

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/in-depth/the-big-story/what-lies-beneath-excavating-crossrails-tunnels/1012220.article#comments

Meanwhile a nice shiny 10-car length platform extension is nearing completion on the Down Main platform at Hayes & Harlington.  Not sure why that was chosen first, but with the exception of a bridge demolition near Iver it's the first sign of visible works on the GWML^▸ (Great Western Main Line) route.

[IndustryInsider]

Meanwhile a nice shiny 10-car length platform extension is nearing completion on the Down Main platform at Hayes & Harlington.  Not sure why that was chosen first, but with the exception of a bridge demolition near Iver it's the first sign of visible works on the GWML^▸ (Great Western Main Line) route.

Though the revised Airport Junction is hot on its heels.  You can see initial work on the retaining wall if you look left just as you pass under the flyover as you head away from London.

http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Press-Releases/NETWORK-RAIL-STARTS-WORK-FOR-HEATHROW-CROSSRAIL-SERVICES-1a41/SearchCategoryID-8.aspx

[Boppy]

Having read the description of how this junction is to be changed I'm still having trouble picturing the new viaducts and track layout.  Is there a diagram of how it will finally look anywhere?

Thanks,

Boppy.

[IndustryInsider]

This diagram, originally posted by Paul, shows the likely new layout.  It's certainly going to look quite different!

http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s18-xrail-appx2_single_line_GW.pdf

[IndustryInsider]

Phyllis has started her work:

http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/crossrails-first-tunnel-boring-machine-breaks-ground-at-royal-oak#.T6RRLcVG3YQ

The spoil conveyor system and loading sidings are also nearing completion, so it won't be long before the first spoil train leaves from Westbourne Park.

[Oxman]

I was struck by how pristine it all looks. Won't last, of course!

[Boppy]

Thanks IndustryInsider for pointing me towards Paul's diagram post.

I can now imagine how it will look and yes it does indeed appear quite a bit of work will be done to enable that Up Airport line as well.

Thanks,

Boppy.

[eightf48544]

Also thanks for Paul's post. One little addition that I've always thought would increase operational flexibility would be to put a connection from the bay platform 5 at Hayes to the Hayes Goods loop there appears to be room over the canal bridge. It is only a short length and would need a short lenth of wire as well. It would mean a Down train  for the bay would cross at Southall West onto the goods loop and run to the bay and not run wrong line blocking the Up Relief as now. At the same time an Up train could leave the bay and depart Up Relief passing the incoming train which will already be on the goods loop.

Thus clearing the down relief at Southall West and only blocking the Up Releif for a crossing move rather than a wrong line run.

I reckon it would require  4 of these new signal units, two point motors and 2 new route indications on existing signals.

[IndustryInsider]

That would indeed be a more sensible layout, though that goods loop can often be occupied for several hours by stone trains going into, or waiting to leave, the Hayes Tarmac unloading siding.  It also acts as a run-round loop for other freight services.

[TonyK]

It's an unfortunate accident of the English language that these very interesting machines are called "boring machines". After all these years, dirt is now being dug! I look forward to getting on the train at Stapleton Road, and asking for "Tottenham Court Road, please".

[Btline]

It's an unfortunate accident of the English language that these very interesting machines are called "boring machines". After all these years, dirt is now being dug! I look forward to getting on the train at Stapleton Road, and asking for "Tottenham Court Road, please".

I doubt they'll be direct trains from Bristol.

Besides you'll just ask for London Terminals won't you? (or London Zone 1)