Four track for Filton Bank - ongoing discussion

[whole diary]

[paul7575]

Electrified Track, Now!

Paul

[SandTEngineer]

I thought that some signalling enhancements were carried out a few years ago to allow pax services to run the loop when works in conjunction with platform 3 at FIT undertaken. Previously when pax were run on the loop a Pilotman had to be used between Avonmouth and Chittenham.

Be interested to find out if anyone knows what enhancements were done?  Would certainly mean less work in the long run which 'sometimes' helps make for a better case for re-instatement!

I'll have a look through my records, but it might take a few days (probably at the coming weekend).

Had a look through the records I have.  They are dated 1992.  They show the single line loop from Filton Abbey Wood to Filton West as signalled to passenger line standards using Track Circuit Block (TCB^▸ (Track Circuit Block)).  Nothing to stop passenger services using that line and the double track to Holesmouth Junction, which is also signalled to passenger line standards using TCB.

[martyjon]

I thought that some signalling enhancements were carried out a few years ago to allow pax services to run the loop when works in conjunction with platform 3 at FIT undertaken. Previously when pax were run on the loop a Pilotman had to be used between Avonmouth and Chittenham.

Be interested to find out if anyone knows what enhancements were done?  Would certainly mean less work in the long run which 'sometimes' helps make for a better case for re-instatement!

I'll have a look through my records, but it might take a few days (probably at the coming weekend).

Had a look through the records I have.  They are dated 1992.  They show the single line loop from Filton Abbey Wood to Filton West as signalled to passenger line standards using Track Circuit Block (TCB^▸ (Track Circuit Block)).  Nothing to stop passenger services using that line and the double track to Holesmouth Junction, which is also signalled to passenger line standards using TCB.

If I remember correctly the track between Avonmouth Station and Holesmouth Junction or Chittenham as I stated was signalled for through running but as the routing Avonmouth to Parkway had a number of consecutive ground signals a Pilotman was employed between Avonmouth and Holesmouth. I travelled in both directions at the time into Bristol on a Cardiff - Pompey service from Patchway via the curve to the closed Filton North Platform and from BRI^» (Bristol Temple Meads - next trains) to Parkway on a Voyager. We picked up the Pilotman at Avonmouth who rode to Holesmouth/Chittenham where the Pilotman detrained to pilot another Voyager to Avonmouth and thence the Voyager would continue to BRI.

The Severn Riviera line was RR'ed that weekend with diverted services passing at Clifton Down.

The enhancements I mentioned was merely to replace the ground signals by colour light 3 aspect signals. I WAS surprised by the use of a pilotman on the occasion as I had travelled over the route on specials previously with no problem but I presume with a number of movements involved it was as a precaution as I was informed NR^» (Network Rail - home page) didn't take kindly to passenger trains being signalled past more that 1 consecutive ground signal on a signalled routing.

[SandTEngineer]

Ah.  The reason for that was that there is no signalled movement to/from the Severn Beach line to the Filton Lines at Holesmouth Junction.  Although the track layout allows that, it has to be handsignalled if required.  Nothing really to do with the shunt signals.  Typical BR^▸ (British Rail(ways)) cost cutting excercise as neither the freight sector nor regional railways sector would pay for the necessary signalling.

I believe that arrangement has now been altered.  I'll see if a friend of mine can get hold of a current signalling plan.  Watch this space.

[Red Squirrel]

Perhaps not 100% a propos of this thread, but waiting at Clifton Down today I noticed that many of the sleepers there appear to be made of something akin to over-ripe pear. I am no expert, as you all know, but with my layman's view of the world I can't help thinking this may not be the best substance for keeping things in gauge. Is anyone aware if there are any plans to do any maintenance on the Beach line during the upcoming undoubtedly utterly essential three week closure?

[DaveHarries]

In regards the new layout at Filton Abbey Wood it seems that trains won't use the new platform - Platform 4 - immediately after the works of the blockade of 27th October - 18th November are complete. The RealTimeTrains website suggests that the new platform will come into use on 09th December and the site also suggests that the new layout created by the addition of the extra platform will give the following stopping arrangements:

Platform 1: trains from Bristol Parkway or Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads
Platform 2: trains to Bristol Parkway
Platform 3: trains from Cardiff Central which are not using Platform 1
Platform 4: trains to Cardiff Central

The arrangements, albeit subject to change, for trains stopping at Filton Abbey Wood on 10th December can be found at http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/FIT/2018/12/10/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt to give some idea.

Cheers,
Dave

[Clan Line]

I have to wonder if the budget for Filton Bank would stretch to a new bike shed at Filton Abbey Wood - they seem to need one ! (I don't think the young lady in the photo was the owner of any of the tethered bikes)

[Bmblbzzz]

The demand is clearly there.

[simonw]

There are several bike boxes in the car park, no sure what the arrangement is to use them but I do agree that a bike rack and security camera would be money spent, as would a coffee stall (opportunity for someone?) and a small ticket office (why not merge them).

Before anyone wonders, Filton Abbey Wood has a very high throughput and could justify being manned with some basic services.

[johnneyw]

Filton Abbey Wood does have a peak time ticket kiosk and the very manned MOD entrance next door with regular uniformed passengers on the platform does give a feeling of security. I massively miss the old coffee trike at Redland Station, seeing something similar at Filton (and please again at Redland) would be very civilised.

[tramway]

Platform 1 also needs enlarging, at peak times it gets very cosy and has done for a few years.

[TonyK]

I have to wonder if the budget for Filton Bank would stretch to a new bike shed at Filton Abbey Wood - they seem to need one ! (I don't think the young lady in the photo was the owner of any of the tethered bikes)

That sign next to one of the cycles chained to the railings - I presume it is purely decorative?

[SandTEngineer]

Only a few hours to go to start of FTN....

[chuffed]

And now the end is near..

Any budding lyricists out there to pen a parody along the lines (pun intended) of 'they did it,their way' for Tony in a tuxedo to perform on the morning of Nov 19th ??

[grahame]

And now the end is near..

And so they lay the final track work ...