Fantasy: Given no limits, how would you modernise your line?

[aylesbury]

No third rail to Aylesbury please we like Chiltern.

 

[Cricketer8for9]

Flying/burrowing junction at Balham, followed by pairing the Victoria to East Croydon Line by direction. Lots of future fun needed, but anything to stop the vast number of flat junctions on the Brighton Main Line from Victoria.

 

[racyrich]

No limits. OK then.

On the c2c, build the DLR its own viaduct all the way from Limehouse and re-quadruple the mainline from there to Fen St.

ALL peak trains to be 12 coaches. With comfier seats.

Correct the 1961 omission of a flyover at Barking for down Tilbury trains. All it needed was a ramp up to the up District flyover and that to be 2 tracks wide.

Oh, and a half-hourly morning peak crossrail service from Southend to Heathrow. No equivalent evening trains, no return workings. They can go back to Shenfield or wherever.

 

[Bletchleyite]

My local line is Merseyrail Northern Line. Compared to so many others, we are lucky, and even no improvement at all would leave little room for complaints. However: for a metro service 4tph is a bit mean - 6 or 8tph would encourage more usage and mean a true turn up and go service.

As a former resident I long thought 6tph would be justified (possibly with 3 of them turning short at Maghull), and could mean a driver job for every displaced guard who wants one.

 

[satisnek]

Snow Hill Lines:

• Electrification
• Electrification
• Electrification

On the Stourbridge route there's not really anything else that could be done. It's a twisty, steeply-graded line with lots of stations often situated on the twisty, steeply-graded bits. Kidderminster and Stourbridge were historically aligned to Wolverhampton rather than Birmingham and we're left with the legacy.

 

[DasLunatic]

My plans for the Great Eastern Mainline:
- Upgrade tracks for 110mph running from Shenfield through to Norwich (except Chelmsford)
- Bi-directional passing loop at Chelmsford
- Bring Manningtree P4 into regular use by adding new points at the east end
- Give Needham Market a London service by stopping the extended Ipswich service there
- Haughley Junction flyover and electrification to Bury St Edmunds

 

[HSTEd]

Totally reconstruct the line between Nottingham, Grantham and Skegness into a Shinkansen esque line, which despite its high stop density would be laid out for 170mph running, with even the all shacks services being operated by Class 395 esque units.
Although it would serve many of the same station locations, it would do so on a far higher speed alignment, especially in the Nottingham approach where Netherfield would likely be replaced with an underground station.
There would also be a Grantham North station near Gonerby Moor, both as an opportunity for future development on that site, but also as easily accessible Nottingham Park and Ride

 

[GusB]

I know this is a no-limits, fantasy thread and I'm assuming crayons are allowed, but are we allowed to disagree with anything posted? I do take issue with this:

Meridians on all long distance services. More Revenue Protection Officers, each with a body cam and security vest. Each station would be wheelchair accessible and have a drive-through type bus stop, connecting with local bus services.

You forgot to mention the tasers and restraints.

Anyhow, getting back on topic, my local line is Aberdeen-Inverness. Much of what I'd like to see is already in the pipeline, and some of it has been proposed but unlikely to happen in my lifetime. I'd like to see the line doubled from end-to-end, but I doubt it will happen in my lifetime, nor will electrification. One can dream

 

[Cowley]

I know this is a no-limits, fantasy thread and I'm assuming crayons are allowed, but are we allowed to disagree with anything posted? I do take issue with this:

You forgot to mention the tasers and restraints.

Anyhow, getting back on topic, my local line is Aberdeen-Inverness. Much of what I'd like to see is already in the pipeline, and some of it has been proposed but unlikely to happen in my lifetime. I'd like to see the line doubled from end-to-end, but I doubt it will happen in my lifetime, nor will electrification. One can dream

I see your redoubled Inverness to Aberdeen route and raise you a redoubling of the Cowley Bridge Junction to Crediton section of the Tarka Line with reinstated passing loops on the section north of Yeoford enabling a more frequent service and class 31/33 or steam operated heritage services to run at weekends which will also call at a new ‘Cowley Bridge Parkway’ (that’s right) station, just over the road from me. The station will obviously be waterproof and will feature a bench dedicated to myself.

 

[GusB]

I see your redoubled Inverness to Aberdeen route and raise you a redoubling of the Cowley Bridge Junction to Crediton section of the Tarka Line with reinstated passing loops on the section north of Yeoford enabling a more frequent service and class 31/33 or steam operated heritage services to run at weekends which will also call at a new ‘Cowley Bridge Parkway’ (that’s right) station, just over the road from me. The station will obviously be waterproof and will feature a bench dedicated to myself.

I only know of this line through SimSig, and I agree that the whole single-line thing is an issue. Presumably you'll be the wealthy philanthropist who funds these improvements?

 

[Cowley]

I only know of this line through SimSig, and I agree that the whole single-line thing is an issue. Presumably you'll be the wealthy philanthropist who funds these improvements?

It’s a fantasy thread and if I want my own bench and hot n cold running 33s goddammit!
Hmm, I think I may need to get to sleep at this point...

 

[roversfan2001]

First thing: stop the Airport-Blackpool semi-fasts at Leyland instead of Buckshaw Parkway to reflect the passenger numbers using each station.
Second thing: introduce a new bi-hourly electric Wigan-Blackburn service, stopping at Euxton, Leyland, Bamber Bridge (via Farington Jn), Mill Hill and Blackburn (obviously requires electrification from near Lostock Hall to Blackburn, can use the platform 3 bay there).
Third thing: Hourly stopping service between Preston and Crewe.
Fourth, and most important thing: require a guard on ALL services.

 

[GusB]

It’s a fantasy thread and if I want my own bench and hot n cold running 33s goddammit!
Hmm, I think I may need to get to sleep at this point...

Dammit - if only you knew how long it took me to remember that "philanthropist" was the word I needed, you may not have disappeared off to bed so quickly.

 

[kilonewton]

EGIP as it should have been.

 

[PaulLothian]

EGIP as it should have been.

Absolutely!

 

[davyp]

Being very selfish. Hazel Grove to Buxton line - move the joint in the continuous welded rail some 500 metres away from its present location at the bottom of my garden on top of the embankment. Thank you.

 

[30909]

Woking flying junction; it's often mentioned, even proposed but is continually put on the too difficult, too expensive list; though I am certain timekeeping and or journey times on both the SW Mainline and the Portsmouth Direct would improve.
Also reopen Cranleigh to Guildford there's all sorts of benefits except for the NIMBYs of Bramley.

 

[bastien]

Electrify the whole of Bristol Parkway - Temple Meads - WSM - Bath - Chippenham - Westbury area (and on to 3rd rail land in time) with whatever kit they successfully used in Scotland (it's a commuter railway so no need for this 140mph+ madness). Build new stations with passing loops at Saltford and Corsham.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Conwy Valley: new Stadler 4 section Swiss style scenic, big windowed DMUs x3 (2 in use and a spare), 2 hourly clockface service with a whole network of buses for the national park based around this from a newly constructed facility at Betws, first class to sell to tourists as money for old rope, posh meals available in 1st at lunch and dinner time provided by a local restaurant. On board staffing to be a safety trained steward who sells food, drink, tickets and does not operate the doors (or maybe just closes them if preferred and to avoid a DOO debate ) but is required on all trains due to the remote nature of the line.

Then market the hell out of it in conjunction with the Ffestiniog Railway and get the tourists in by the coachload.

The concept could work on other touristy lines too.

 

[darloscott]

For the Tees Valley area it would be much about service improvements that would link more of the area together. There'd be a 15 minute frequency out of Darlington, two going to Saltburn as present, with one heading to Nunthorpe and one heading to Hartlepool. That would improve the links between many of the major towns in the area whilst costing relatively little to do, apart from the planned (required) new platform in Darlington. A 2nd hourly service to York & Leeds would be a wish list item but GC could perform this task quite easily if they were ever to run hourly to London. Maybe 2 hourly in future with a 2 hourly Middlesbrough-York additional much like Scarborough are getting.
If we were allowed to get the crayons out then I'd reopen the line between Nunthorpe & Guisborough and also run a passenger service upto Loftus on the Boulby branch.

 

[xotGD]

Just to add - extend Embsay and Bolton Abbey services to start from Skipton. With a different visiting 37 operating each weekend.

 

[BigCj34]

Reading these forums, I see many fantasy ideas about push-pull 442s saving the nation and it got me thinking; my line (the Furness line) is about to lose its 185s due to the TP North capacity upgrade. So I was thinking; how would I fix it?

I'd work in combination with the Windermere line as well. Splitting and joining of services on this route at Lancaster makes the concept a lot more viable.

In terms of infrastructure, the Furness line suffers from some slow speed limits which could be raised with little work. I think an aim of 60mph between Barrow and Ulverston (where there is a lot of curves as it goes around the Furness peninsula), and 90/100mph between Ulverston and Carnforth would be a reasonable aim. It would also be a good idea to sort out the junction with the WCML at this time, removing the slow flat junction raising the capacity of the WCML at the same time. Electrification would be on the cards as it would allow good use of old EMUs - although Grayling wouldn't be too happy.

Initially (while the work to modernise the infrastructure continues), it would be an aim to give the line 1tph clock face. The line can deal with 3tph in both directions from what I've seen in the current timetable, but a consistent service will help significantly. As electrification comes online, high quality modern EMUs (ideally refurbished 350/2s from WMtrains as they already have the 110mph capability for the WCML) would operate a new service pattern. All times are from Barrow-in-Furness.

xx16: Slow to Preston, calling at all stations
xx46: Semi fast to Manchester Airport, calling at Ulverston, Grange-over-Sands, Arnside, Carnforth, Lancaster (where it joins with another service from Windermere), Preston, Wigan North Western, Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport.

By having all services on the line at least to Preston, the bay platforms at Lancaster can effectively be decommissioned (with Platform 5 available for Morecambe services). Routing what would be 8 car trains through the busy Wigan-Manchester corridor allows the service to easily cope with demand between what currently is the busiest section on TPEs Manchester-Scotland services. SDO would be installed using the Tracklink system (as used on SWR) allowing shorter dwell times and a more efficient service.

The Cumbrian Coast may become isolated somewhat in terms of no through running on the Furness Line, but a possible extension of Newcastle services may solve this issue. It would be an aim to harmonise Cumbrian Coast services in the new timetable with an easy connection on to the slow service at xx16.

I think I rattled on a bit, but overall it would be my way of sorting out what has the potential to be a relatively busy line. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the ideas that come along, though!

What will replace the 185s if they are about to be withdrawn? Will there be any Manchester services at all or will it be on Sprinters!?

 

[JohnRegular]

All the Eastleigh-Fareham line needs is doubling of the short single line sections. Trains are currently timed to pass between Botley and Hedge End, but a slight delay to either service can result in the other being held at the single line section south of Botley.

If I was to give a more 'ambitious' answer, I'd say reopen the Gosport line. Largest settlement in the UK with no railway station, it is ridiculous!

 

[Lrd]

If I was to give a more 'ambitious' answer, I'd say reopen the Gosport line. Largest settlement in the UK with no railway station, it is ridiculous!

But you got a busway that no one wanted

 

[LOL The Irony]

What will replace the 185s if they are about to be withdrawn? Will there be any Manchester services at all or will it be on Sprinters!?

Sprinters until the 195's come so we all have to "enjoy" 156's without luggage racks on an airport service until this time next year.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Sprinters until the 195's come so we all have to "enjoy" 156's without luggage racks on an airport service until this time next year.

156s have a huge van area and generous overheads.

 

[LOL The Irony]

156s have a huge van area and generous overheads.

The 185's have a dedicated luggage rack by the bike area in coach A with a mirror to check on your luggage. Also my big suitcase still won't fit fully on. Plus I don't fancy leaving it where an opprtunist could just swipe it considering the van area is by the door.

 

[Agent_Squash]

156s have a huge van area and generous overheads.

But there still not air conditioned and will slow down services significantly.

 

[LOL The Irony]

But there still not air conditioned and will slow down services significantly.

My recent journey https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/lols-railway-logbook.158548/#post-3265278 was a 156 from the Airport and it was 8 minutes late into Piccadilly (where I boarded) and 10 minutes into Preston. Not a significant slowdown as it only lost a further 2 minutes. But to be fair to the 185, it could have made up the time and maybe only been 6 or 5 late into Preston. Anyways let's stop talking about the 185 problem here.

 

[BigCj34]

Sprinters until the 195's come so we all have to "enjoy" 156's without luggage racks on an airport service until this time next year.

That's annoying, where are the 185s off to? Are more Sprinters coming in to make lup the shortfall or will there have to be more locohauled services?