Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2017

[whole diary]

[hassaanhc]

Not advertised on Journeycheck, but there appear to be overhead wire problems on the Heathrow branch. Several Heathrow Connect services are cancelled and I've seen a few Heathrow Express services on the relief lines.

[stuving]

Not advertised on Journeycheck, but there appear to be overhead wire problems on the Heathrow branch. Several Heathrow Connect services are cancelled and I've seen a few Heathrow Express services on the relief lines.

It is (rather curtly) adverstised, by Heatrow Connect themselves of course:

Service updates
No services

There are no Heathrow Connect services in either direction due to overhead line outage.

Alternative routes include Heathrow Express Services, GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) Services to Hayes & Harlington then the 140 bus to Heathrow Airport. Piccadilly Line services also run between Heathrow and Central London.

Last Updated 07:39 30 October 2017

[NickB]

Cancellations to services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run on the line towards London Paddington.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 07:45 31/10.
Customer Advice
Heathrow Connect services are unable to operate. Heathrow Connect customers with valid tickets may use London Buses between Hayes & Harlington and London Heathrow

[ray951]

Cancellations to services between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run on the line towards London Paddington.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 07:45 31/10.
Customer Advice
Heathrow Connect services are unable to operate. Heathrow Connect customers with valid tickets may use London Buses between Hayes & Harlington and London Heathrow

Cancellations and delays now expected until end of service.

[tomL]

Disruption is likely to affect the service on Wednesday 1st November as well. Please check for updates. (updated at 19:30)

And in to tomorrow.

[hassaanhc]

Any idea what and where the actual issue is? Really confusing because:

1. Heathrow Connect services are cancelled, which suggests there is an issue by the Heathrow branch, but that wouldn't be "between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington"
2. Some GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) services from west of Hayes & Harlington are crossing onto the Mains and either stopping or passing there.
3. The GWR Hayes & Harlington services appear to be running as normal, apart from the delays.

[SandTEngineer]

Looking at the OPEN TRAIN TIMES map http://www.opentraintimes.com/maps/signalling/d3_1 the problem seems to be on the UP RELIEF at Ladbroke Grove ahead of 114 signal, which trains are being cautioned past at danger.  Not sure if its a points or signal problem, but if its still going to be causing problems on Wednesday 01 November then it looks like a serious points problem to me (a run through perhaps?).

I think the HEATHROW CONNECT services are the easiest to 'THIN OUT' as there are alternative solutions for getting to/from Heathrow.

[hassaanhc]

Looking at the OPEN TRAIN TIMES map http://www.opentraintimes.com/maps/signalling/d3_1 the problem seems to be on the UP RELIEF at Ladbroke Grove ahead of 114 signal, which trains are being cautioned past at danger.  Not sure if its a points or signal problem, but if its still going to be causing problems on Wednesday 01 November then it looks like a serious points problem to me (a run through perhaps?).

I think the HEATHROW CONNECT services are the easiest to 'THIN OUT' as there are alternative solutions for getting to/from Heathrow.

That is very well spotted actually! I do seem to remember my train stopping in that area for a few minutes (2S23 1119 Hayes & Harlington to London Paddington), and several others I've checked also lose 3-4 minutes between the locations shown as Old Oak Common East and Ladbroke Grove. Thanks for the info!

[Henry]

 With my ' cynical head on', as this disruption seems to be the normal.

 Perhaps it would easier to announce when services are not disrupted.
 I empathise with anyone relying on these services.

[ChrisB]

I think the HEATHROW CONNECT services are the easiest to 'THIN OUT' as there are alternative solutions for getting to/from Heathrow.

The only one offered is the 140 bus! Not exactly suitable, methinks.

[grahame]

I think the HEATHROW CONNECT services are the easiest to 'THIN OUT' as there are alternative solutions for getting to/from Heathrow.

The only one offered is the 140 bus! Not exactly suitable, methinks.

Is Heathrow Connect a commercial venture, or a franchised service where performance penalties are incurred? 

[chrisr_75]

I think the HEATHROW CONNECT services are the easiest to 'THIN OUT' as there are alternative solutions for getting to/from Heathrow.

The only one offered is the 140 bus! Not exactly suitable, methinks.

Why is it not suitable? It's possibly the quickest alternative connection possible from Paddington to Heathrow

[ChrisB]

With luggage?....

[SandTEngineer]

I think the HEATHROW CONNECT services are the easiest to 'THIN OUT' as there are alternative solutions for getting to/from Heathrow.

The only one offered is the 140 bus! Not exactly suitable, methinks.

Why is it not suitable? It's possibly the quickest alternative connection possible from Paddington to Heathrow

Yes, I've done that several times when coming up from the Far Southwest, changing at Reading for a local to Hayes, thus avoiding Paddington in the peak.

[chrisr_75]

With luggage?....

Yeah, why not? I've bussed to Heathrow on many occasions with luggage. 12 mins on a 140 after 15 mins on a train is preferable to more than an hour by tube...imo that is!