Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2016

[whole diary]

[Bmblbzzz]

What is an NX panel? Presumably not National Express! And no, it's not in the acronyms list.

[rower40]

What is an NX panel? Presumably not National Express! And no, it's not in the acronyms list.

Entrance-Exit.  On the signaller's illuminated diagram of the railway, there's a button next to each signal.  He presses the button at one signal, then the button at the next signal, and the route between them sets if it's safe to do so.  The points in the route then swing to the direction required; once they've all moved to the correct position, and all the track sections between the two signals are clear of trains, (and a bit more besides - called the overlap), and lots of other checks-n-tests, then the signal at the entrance of the route can change from red to a "proceed" aspect - yellow, double-yellow, or green.

Other kinds of signaller's panel exist - e.g. Turn-push, OCS^▸ (One Control Switch) (One Control Switch).  But they all tend to get called "NX", just like all vacuum cleaners get called Hoovers.

[Bmblbzzz]

Thanks. Very clear explanation!

[Worcester_Passenger]

Agree about the clarity of that - can we have the explanation in the list of acronyms as well?

[Billhere]

Sorry for the jargon, it comes naturally after a while, even if it doesn't apply anymore.

Three weeks into retirement, and never given it a thought. My replacement who was due to start today bailed out yesterday morning, so the few that remain will be working extra hours to provide the cover required to keep the job going.

If you might be looking for a little job that pays reasonable well, lovely location, decent public to deal with then keep an eye on the vacancy list for NR^» (Network Rail - home page). Downside 24/7 cover on rotating eight hour shifts including a week of nights every five weeks, and two Sundays in five.

[johoare]

From Journeycheck:

Cancellations to services between Southall and Slough
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Southall and Slough trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 20 minutes. Disruption is expected until 10:30 08/09.
Last Updated:08/09/2016 09:04

[Jason]

There were pretty bad delays leaving Paddington yesterday evening due to signalling problems.
Not a good 'back to school' time.

[patch38]

It seemed to be a combination of things, starting with the fatality at Tilehurst earlier in the day and then being compounded by points issues. I was on 1C23 (17:00 to Bristol Temple Meads) which left P9 on time, stopped at Westbourne Grove, the driver changed ends, brought it back into the bay, changed ends again and then eventually left on a different path. Mind you, I had to smile at the legion of people who leapt off to seek other services when we returned to PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains): we were definitely first back out and there were then seats to spare!

[bobm]

From Journeycheck:

Cancellations to services between Southall and Slough
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Southall and Slough trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 20 minutes. Disruption is expected until 10:30 08/09.
Last Updated:08/09/2016 09:04

Causing delays of around 20 minutes. Some fast trains being sent on the relief lines as far as Dolphin Junction or Slough West to try to avoid being talked past a signal on the down main. Therefore delaying a few London bound services as they cross back and forth.

[Adelante_CCT]

which left P9 on time, stopped at Westbourne Grove

Would that be Westbourne Park or Ladbroke Grove?

Or how about Ladbroke Park 

[bobm]

Perhaps it was occupying two track circuits... 

[patch38]

Would that be Westbourne Park or Ladbroke Grove?

Or how about Ladbroke Park 

See what the commuting is doing to my brain? 

[TaplowGreen]

...........and as if this afternoon's suicide (assumption) at Southall wasn't enough...........

Cancellations to services between Southall and Slough

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Southall and Slough fewer trains are able to run on some lines towards Reading.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 19:30 09/09.

...........all in all not a great day, thoughts with all concerned/involved/delayed.

[BBM]

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/paddington-delays-commuters-face-mayhem-at-busy-london-station-after-fatality-at-southall-a3340501.html

Commuters at Paddington station face rush-hour chaos tonight after several trains were cancelled because of a fatality on the tracks in west London.

Passengers told of “utter mayhem” at the busy London station with tempers reportedly fraying on overcrowded platforms as people battle to get home.

Pictures of information boards show a number of trains have been delayed after a person was struck by a train at Southall station just after 2pm.

Rail operator Great Western Railway warned services had been cancelled or delayed by up to an hour as a result.

Some people took to social media to warn others to avoid the station as hundreds of passengers crammed to get onto trains.

One man told the Standard it was “every man for himself”.

Paul Johnson tweeted: “This is bloody dangerous on the Taunton to Paddington train. Never seen so many people on a train. Even India doesn't have this.”

Cal Roscow added: “Avoid Paddington at all costs. Stuck and can't even get to the train.

While another user wrote: “Delays from Paddington due to fatality. Top end of the station closed due to overcrowding. People getting angry with staff, not their fault.”

Another posted: “Train travel - utter mayhem at # #Paddington.”

[ellendune]

Paul Johnson tweeted: “This is bloody dangerous on the Taunton to Paddington train. Never seen so many people on a train. Even India doesn't have this.”

What there were people hanging on the outside of the train and on the roof?