Great Western Main Line electrification - ongoing discussion

[whole diary]

[TonyK]

We have the Big Shutdown at Bristol Parkway coming up, after which I assume the electric will be complete from PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains) to BPW^» (Bristol Parkway - next trains). No need for pan up/down, so presumably they will be able to run electric mode to BPW.

[a-driver]

I would be disappointed if the wires are energised and ready for use and not used. This project has already been a huge embarrassment without it being discovered that trains were still running on diesel when they could be running on electric.

I believe they are energised but there’s load testing to be carried out amongst other things. It’s like a “settling in” period. 

[Timmer]

I would be disappointed if the wires are energised and ready for use and not used. This project has already been a huge embarrassment without it being discovered that trains were still running on diesel when they could be running on electric.

I believe they are energised but there’s load testing to be carried out amongst other things. It’s like a “settling in” period. 

I expect there will be a lot of testing to take place before passenger trains take the juice from the Over-Head Line Equipment (OHLE), but would hope we wouldn't have to wait until the May TT change to see IETs^▸ (Intercity Express Train) running on electric rather than diesel heading west past Didcot.

Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronym

[Wizard]

I’m confident that IETs^▸ (Intercity Express Train) will be running on electric as far as Bristol Parkway after the Christmas/New Year shutdown.

[Adelante_CCT]

It'll need to be signed off for passenger use by the ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about), which I guess will be around Christmas time, similar to last years sign off of the Maidenhead to Didcot section.

[martyjon]

Had letter to my home address from Network Rail, addressed Occupier, Dear Neighbour, detailing the forthcoming works during the forthcoming closure which quotes, "This work will enable new and upgraded trains with more seats to run under electric power to Bristol Parkway station, which will be quieter for residents living near the railway."

The letter carries a reference 120m18c.

[Electric train]

It'll need to be signed off for passenger use by the ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about), which I guess will be around Christmas time, similar to last years sign off of the Maidenhead to Didcot section.

Not quite as complex a sign off, the Maidenhead - Didcot NR^» (Network Rail - home page) had to have the full isolation and maintenance instructions in place and briefed to staff.

I would be disappointed if the wires are energised and ready for use and not used. This project has already been a huge embarrassment without it being discovered that trains were still running on diesel when they could be running on electric.

I believe they are energised but there’s load testing to be carried out amongst other things. It’s like a “settling in” period. 

I expect there will be a lot of testing to take place before passenger trains take the juice from the OHLE, but would hope we wouldn't have to wait until the May TT change to see IETs^▸ (Intercity Express Train) running on electric rather than diesel heading west past Didcot.

Yes there is testing to be done, the fact that it is live over an operational railway means some key tests have been done and signed off.

The introduction to passenger use is not only a NR action, once NR has accepted it from the construction team, the TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company) needs to make an application to run electric traction.  Its process, I expect trains run electric will just happen with out too much of a fan fare 

[eightf48544]

I’m confident that IETs^▸ (Intercity Express Train) will be running on electric as far as Bristol Parkway after the Christmas/New Year shutdown.

Has the Steventon Bridge problem been resolved?

I  understand it requires either a 60 mph restriction with pan  up  or  diesel and pan down for IETs, due to sharp changes in height of contact wire.

[onthecushions]

There's a UK^▸ (United Kingdom) Rail forum report of two return journeys by 80x's from Reading to Swindon under ac power on 1/9, early a.m.

OTC

[ChrisB]

And another last night, I've heard on ther grapevine

[Noggin]

And another last night, I've heard on ther grapevine

Almost seems like they know what they are doing now :-)

[BBM]

Not sure if this is the right place to post in the Coffee Shop but in RailUKForums there's a thread about electric loco 87002 working a GB^▸ (Great Britain) Railfreight (GBRf) charity passenger charter under its own power last night from Didcot West End to Paddington: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/class-87-on-the-gwml.170024/

Post #18 has a hellfire photo of the loco at PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains)! 

Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronym

[grahame]

Not sure if this is the right place to post in the Coffee Shop but in RailUKForums there's a thread about electric loco 87002 working a GBRf charity passenger charter under its own power last night from Didcot West End to Paddington: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/class-87-on-the-gwml.170024/

Post #18 has a hellfire photo of the loco at PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains)! 

I don't know where the right place is - and I designed the original darned system!

I am tempted by Preserved railway lines, Railtours and other rail based attractions as it's a rail tour ... in fact I may split it off to there this evening (if I don't fall asleep first after a day's moving!)

[eightf48544]

Saw a picture of it, running light through Taplow last night at the Marlow and District Railway Society meeting. Asked how it got onto the GWML^▸ (Great Western Main Line) as there is no 25Kv connection between WCML^▸ (West Coast Main Line) and GWML. Allegedly dragged by a 66 to Hayes(?) loop.

Now that raises a question about GWML electrification why were

 Acton ML to Acton Wells (NLL),
 Acton Wells to West London Jn
 Acton Wells to Cricklewood Curve Jn and Silkstream Jn
 Acton Canal Wharf Jn to Acton Branch Jn

not electrified?

[IndustryInsider]

I believe some, if not all, are still scheduled to be done at some point, though not part of the GWEP^▸ (Great Western Electrification Program) - most electrically hauled freight coming off the NLL would still need to transfer to diesel in Acton Yard though.

Given the recent costs of electrification I think we can wave goodbye to any wholesale move from diesel to electrically hauled freight trains for a while.