Island Line services, Isle of Wight. General discussion

[whole diary]

[Fourbee]

The bogies travel on ahead of your main luggage sir
https://youtu.be/p5zkiA-g6wg?t=456
Nice and shiny NSE^▸ (Network South East) livery, better than the London Transport livery in my opinion.

They are going to have to do that process in reverse at some point!

[Red Squirrel]

I note a very loose interpretation of the concept 'new'...

[grahame]

From the Island Echo

Island Line trains will not operate between 4th January and 31st March 2021 to allow for engineering works ahead of the introduction of new trains on the network, it has been announced.

South Western Railway has confirmed that for almost 3 months no trains will operate between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin whilst work is undertaken to transform the line, including the introduction of a new passing loop at Brading.

During the service suspension work will also be undertaken to improve the track, improve platform access and install new ticket machines.

Rail replacement buses will be in operation and a minibus will operate up and down Ryde Pier – which will be particularly important during the wet months.

[stuving]

There was a short piece on the "new" trains on South Today at lunchtime, with some pictures of them. It seemed rather short for the way it was introduced - maybe there'll be a longer one tonight (though that wasn't said).

[bradshaw]

Feature in the Islander Echo

https://www.islandecho.co.uk/no-island-line-trains-for-3-months-in-early-2021-confirms-south-western-railway/

[bobm]

Seen reports that the first of the new trains will start test runs in September.    I’m there for a week next month. I might be lucky and see it!

[CyclingSid]

Looks like the ferries will need better connections, as mentioned in the Islander Echo
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-53832185
Although it is Wightlink that operates to Ryde, but I would imagine they are in much the same situation.

[Rhydgaled]

Seen reports that the first of the new trains will start test runs in September.    I’m there for a week next month. I might be lucky and see it!

I thought the 'new' trains couldn't start running on the island until the infrustructure mods had been done, so assumed the 3 month shut down was to allow crew training as well as the infrustucture work (with most of the rolling stock testing being done on the mainland before hand). I could easily be mistaken though.

[stuving]

Seen reports that the first of the new trains will start test runs in September.    I’m there for a week next month. I might be lucky and see it!

I thought the 'new' trains couldn't start running on the island until the infrustructure mods had been done, so assumed the 3 month shut down was to allow crew training as well as the infrustucture work (with most of the rolling stock testing being done on the mainland before hand). I could easily be mistaken though.

Yes, that's exactly what has been announced about the closure. But presumably the new operators want to take their new toys out of the box to play with, even if it's only on a small part of the "network".

[Electric train]

Seen reports that the first of the new trains will start test runs in September.    I’m there for a week next month. I might be lucky and see it!

I thought the 'new' trains couldn't start running on the island until the infrustructure mods had been done, so assumed the 3 month shut down was to allow crew training as well as the infrustucture work (with most of the rolling stock testing being done on the mainland before hand). I could easily be mistaken though.

Yes, that's exactly what has been announced about the closure. But presumably the new operators want to take their new toys out of the box to play with, even if it's only on a small part of the "network".

I saw a photo on another forum of a Tamper on a low loader onboard a Wrightlink ferry, the comment was the first time in decades that they had transported one.

[grahame]

Interesting to look back to the early 1967 closure - from KentRail

On 18th September 1966, Esplanade became the temporary northern terminus of railway, Pier Head having closed the following day for partial reconstruction to take place as part of the electrification scheme. Tube stock cascaded from the Northern City Line was destined for the truncated remains of the Isle of Wight Railway, and as a result, the platforms at the Esplanade were lowered to meet the floor profile of these trains. Conversely, at the other stations which were to remain open, the tracks were instead raised. As a measure against future flooding, tracks within the twin bores of Esplanade Tunnel were also raised. The Esplanade to Shanklin line temporarily closed to all traffic on 31st December 1966, to permit advanced electrification works. The line, including the stretch to Pier Head, re-opened with a new electric service on 20th March 1967

I wonder if the replacement trains can run within loading gauge already on part of the line - St John's Road to Shanklin, perhaps, and local familiarisation can start.  Without passengers, big step on and off the trains wouldn't be a problem during that phase.

[bobm]

Problem might be line capacity.  With the current timetable (and two serviceable trains running) I don't think you could fit a third train in.  Could run at night I suppose.

[grahame]

Problem might be line capacity.  With the current timetable (and two serviceable trains running) I don't think you could fit a third train in.  Could run at night I suppose.

Doesn't the line support a 3 train, 20 minute regular service, passing at Ryde St. John's Road and Sandown?  Lack of intermediate loop at Brading stops them running a 2 train, 30 minute regular service, hence current 20 minute / 40 minute cycle.

With a loop going in at Brading to enable a 30 minute service, is the loop at Sandown being retained?  Any reductions at St John's Road?

[grahame]

There is a fault on one of the trains which runs between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin, resulting in a reduced service being in operation on the Island Line.

Trains will run as follows:
Trains will depart Shanklin at 18 minutes past the hour
Trains will depart Ryde Pier Head at 49 minutes past the hour

Additional information:
Additional maintenance is required to one of the Island Line trains, so there is currently only one train available to run.

Been said before ... just 2 serviceable trains for a two train service is cutting it pretty darned fine, especially where another train can't be run in from elsewhere on the network.

[grahame]

From the Island Echo

Island Line’s service between Ryde and Shanklin has been suspended this morning (Monday) due to mindless vandalism.

Those trying to get to work and school are having to hop onto bus services due to all services being cancelled.

Island Line was already down to just 1 train and was running a revised timetable accordingly. However, overnight persons unknown have graffitied the last remaining unit meaning that it has been withdrawn from service.

Until the graffiti can be removed the train will be unable to enter service.

Disruption is expected until 09:00.

A further reminder of the difficulty of running an isolated service with no ability to roll in a train from another line / pool.