Chiltern Evergreen 3 project - ongoing discussion

[whole diary]

[Noggin]

Would these be the same neighbours who bought new flats backing onto railway sidings only, to complain when they realised that they weren't empty at night, but full of DMUs^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit) with diesel engines running by any chance?

Reminds me of the acquaintance at university who was renowned as a light sleeper, who proudly announced the location of his new house, right next to the railway line in Cardiff. When questioned on the wisdom of this, his reply was that the only trains using the line were squitty little things that stopped running reasonably early. Didn't have the heart to tell him about the coal trains with squealing brakes that used the line through the night, I believe he was on sleeping pills within a couple of weeks and moved out before the end of the first term. 

[IndustryInsider]

Would these be the same neighbours who bought new flats backing onto railway sidings only, to complain when they realised that they weren't empty at night, but full of DMUs^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit) with diesel engines running by any chance?

No, these are townhouses much nearer the station where the new platforms are being built.

How much of the falling behind has been due to delays in starting while NR^» (Network Rail - home page) responded to objections by the same neighbours, eventually found by the planning process to be unjustified?  

"Own goal" is the first phrase that springs to mind.

For the one person with influence (and any others) that tried to put all sorts of spanners in the works, I agree.  I feel sorry for those that have just shrugged their shoulders and put up with it and are now faced with a month of constant noise, and NR certainly won't be endearing themselves to them one bit.

[IndustryInsider]

I think it's going to be called 'Up Relief' from Wolvercote Junction to Oxford North Junction, then 'Up Jericho Bi-Di' or something very similar from Oxford North Junction to Oxford station.  Either way, I'll confirm when I know for sure.

I know for sure - from NR^» (Network Rail - home page)'s Project Senior Sponsor....which is where my info came from initially, but now have it in writing

Following the commissioning of Phase 1, in 2018, it will be call the “UP Relief” all the way from Wolvercote Junction to Oxford station.

That should defuse any arguments!

I suspect he's a reader on here :-)

Well that's very strange because on the Signalling Scheme Plans its called the 'Up Oxford Relief' and it extends all the way from Wolvercote Junction to Hinksey North (in the final layout).

Wow, Chris B looks as if he might be in the wrong. Is this a first ?

I strongly doubt it this time :-)

Well, all I can state is that on the Phase 0 and Phase 1 final TVSC^» (Thames Valley Signalling Centre - about) signalling scheme plans that I have seen its always shown as 'Up Oxford Relief'.  Currently, as Industry Insider has stated above, it is called the 'Down Jericho'.

Finally seen it confirmed in enough official places to confirm it is going to be called the 'Up Oxford Relief'.  SandTEngineer was right.  ChrisB, his contact within NR, and my original suggestion were wrong.

[SandTEngineer]

According to the Open Train Times maps test running/driver training has commenced today (21 November 2016) between Oxford Parkway and Oxford.

[ChrisB]

Hmmm, interesting - must just be to the 3car platform 2 plus the other movs within the station - platform 1 & the extension to platform 2 aren't finished yet....

I wonder who trains the driver trainers? :-)

[SandTEngineer]

Hmmm, interesting - must just be to the 3car platform 2 plus the other movs within the station - platform 1 & the extension to platform 2 aren't finished yet....

I wonder who trains the driver trainers? :-)

Yes, really interesting as I have just watched a test train (5T22) go into and out of Oxford Platform No.1.

They are also testing movements to/from the Oxford Up Carriage Sidings and Hinksey Reception Line.

[ChrisB]

Progress over the weekend - there was little track in that platform 1 last Friday.

[paul7575]

Geoff Plumb has added three pics to his site of a Chiltern unit on the section near Wolvercot tunnel:
https://plumbloco.smugmug.com/Trains/November-2016/i-4Tdd8kQ

Paul

[IndustryInsider]

With signalling commissioned the footpath at Aristotle Lane has finally closed.  Much upset to allotment owners who now have to take a slight detour over a new bridge.

However a major improvement for lots of local residents as whistle boards associated with the crossing have now been removed.  They might not notice too much difference in the short term though, as workers still need to be warned of approaching trains as they finish off the Oxford Corridor Phase 0 works and continue Phase 1 works recently started.

[Noggin]

Geoff Plumb has added three pics to his site of a Chiltern unit on the section near Wolvercot tunnel:
https://plumbloco.smugmug.com/Trains/November-2016/i-4Tdd8kQ

Paul

Wow, that's a lot of yellow fencing. Presumably what H&S^▸ (Health and Safety) demands these days when you have rebuilds.

Incidentally, does anyone know if the support for future electrification goes as far as mast bases installed, or are there just gaps where they can be planted as required?

[IndustryInsider]

Just passive provision.

[Noggin]

Just passive provision.

Ta

[IndustryInsider]

The full length of Platform 2 (six cars) at Oxford is being commissioned this weekend, with Platform 1 set to follow on the day of the new service starting.  Still a fair bit of work to do on it and I imagine it will still be a bit of a mess for a few months after whilst several bits of work are completed - the canopy for a start.  Not the sort of impression Chiltern would have wanted to present to its passengers, but I guess getting it open on time is the important thing!

[ChrisB]

There apears to be a height difference between platforms 2&3, with a ramp construction at the north end with a step currently closer to the overbridge. Wasn't expecting that...

[TonyK]

Reminds me of the acquaintance at university who was renowned as a light sleeper.

I knew a light sleeper who always woke up with a light on.

I can't finish that joke...