Ironic Comment in Modern Railways Regarding Current State of Rail in UK

[whole diary]

[eightf48544]

In December's Modern Railways there is an ironic comment that sums up the current state of UK^▸ (United Kingdom) Rail.

Apparently Network Rail is busy reinstating the North to West curve at Todmorden to allow trains from Manchester to directly serve Burnley Accrington and Balckburn via Todmorden rather than Bolton. Allegdely quicker, certainly to Burnley.

The irony is that Northern Rail can't start a service when the curve is ready as they "Can't source suitable rolling stock."

You couldn't make it up.

[broadgage]

Might not be as silly as it sounds.
The work presumably needed doing for future use, even if lack of rolling stock prevents it being used initialy.

If it will take many years to procure rolling stock, then yes it is a bit silly, but if the stock is only months away, then no harm in being ready for it.

[Electric train]

Having had a quick scan read, will read properly later, often equipment is declared "live" long before its actual use and my not even look complete or even been fully registered (aligned) this is done so that it comes under "rules" and staff get used to the restrictions imposed but with a low risk, although when there is a fear of theft the system is charged as soon as possible

There seems to be some poor workmanship although it does make a good point there is indeed a shortage of skilled OLE^▸ (Overhead Line Equipment, more often "OHLE") linesmen and an even shorter supply of supervisors, the industry is gearing up for this but with a competitive tendering process contractors have been reluctant to start employing and training staff

[eightf48544]

Interesting you (Electric Train) comment on the Manchester Chat Moss Newton le Willows electrifcation which also appears in the same issue. I suppose taking up bradgague's point about stock being available shortly, will there  be some units (185s?) released when the Manchester Scottish trains become EMUs^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) using the Chat Moss route to the WCML^▸ (West Coast Main Line)? Although whether they will be be availble for the Burnley services via Todmorden or be used to strengthen the regular Transpennine services only DaFT^» (Department for Transport - critical sounding abbreviation I discourage - about) can say.

What it does highlight is that until a substantial amount of the current electrification programme is completed there is a chronic shortage of DMUs^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit). Long live the 14X.

[John R]

The intention is to use the Cl 185's to strengthen other TPE^▸ (Trans Pennine Express) services, so none will become available to Northern (unless there is a change of plan for an interim period until December 14).

[paul7575]

DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) have been consistent in explaining ever since the order (for the 10 EMUs^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit)) was placed that TPE^▸ (Trans Pennine Express) would also retain all their existing stock, including all their 170s.  There's nothing for them to decide really.

Paul 

[eightf48544]

So no stock for the Todmorden curve until?

[John R]

December 14, when some stock will be released with the second phase of the North West electrification.