Glen Douglas as a Passing Loop

[Esker-pades]

(Glen Douglas on the West Highland Line between Garelochhead and Arrochar & Tarbet.)

As far as I understand, there is a passing loop at Glen Douglas (as well as the MoD sidings). Would it be possible to schedule trains to pass there? I can't find any examples in current timetables.

If they couldn't, how much work would it take to facilitate passing? For example, are the points controlled by Banavie, or via a local ground frame? Are there RETB boards up?

Also, why do a few trains have non-passenger stops there?

 

[30907]

Glen Douglas is a normal crossing loop, and a decent length, so trains can cross there if required.
There is no platform, and a crossing involving a crew change would therefore be ruled out (?).
No idea about the odd calls, unless it is to do with p-way staff needs.

 

[Highlandspring]

The only loops where you can't cross in normal service on the WHL are Gorton and Corrour.

 

[Esker-pades]

The only loops where you can't cross in normal service on the WHL are Gorton and Corrour.

Forgive my ignorance, but where is Gorton loop?

 

[blackfive460]

Forgive my ignorance, but where is Gorton loop?

On Rannoch Moor between Rannoch and Bridge of Orchy.
Here https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@56.5956567,-4.6177951,321m/data=!3m1!1e3

 

[InOban]

In days of yore, ie the class 37 days, the evening train from Oban passed the train from Glasgow at Glen Douglas.

 

[AMD]

In the summer, when West Coast Railways need a path for one of their movements Glen Douglas is often used as a crossing point.

 

[Jonny]

Is the proximity of Glen Douglas to Faslane naval base one reason that they try to avoid using it?

 

[Highlandspring]

No.

(Don’t read this, it’s just to extend this post more than 5 characters)

 

[68000]

The interlocking allows Glen Douglas to be used as a crossing point, the points are the same operation as the other crossing points and TPWS is fitted. It is classed as an intermediate Token Exchange Point and is used where required (not very often)

 

[68000]

The only loops where you can't cross in normal service on the WHL are Gorton and Corrour.

From memory, both of those Token Exchange Points were exempted from TPWS fitment due to the costs of bringing in the necessary infrastructure (mainly power). I assume that is the reason they are not used.There are two more on the FNL.

 

[Highlandspring]

I assume that is the reason they are not used.There are two more on the FNL.

Georgemas Jn can't be used for an 'ordinary crossing (it's a special case) but which TEPs do you have in mind?

 

[InOban]

From memory, both of those Token Exchange Points were exempted from TPWS fitment due to the costs of bringing in the necessary infrastructure (mainly power). I assume that is the reason they are not used.There are two more on the FNL.

Surely this wouldn't be a problem now, with wind turbines and/or solar panels with backup batteries and radio control?

 

[68000]

t which TEPs do you have in mind?

I think Altnabreac and Fearn Token Exchange Points were not fitted with TPWS

 

[68000]

Surely this wouldn't be a problem now, with wind turbines and/or solar panels with backup batteries and radio control?

This was in 2002-2003, no idea if is now cost effective. The exemption was not to fit due to the risk being ALARP, it did not preclude the crossing points being used and that must have been a later operational decision (if indeed those crossing points are not used due to lack of TPWS)

 

[Highlandspring]

I think Altnabreac and Fearn Token Exchange Points were not fitted with TPWS

Altnabreac isn’t a TEP (perhaps you’re thinking of Forsinard?) and there isn’t a crossing loop at Fearn so it’s an intermediate TEP. Both - and indeed all TEPs on the Far North - are now fitted with TPWS equipment.

 

[68000]

Altnabreac isn’t a TEP (perhaps you’re thinking of Forsinard?) and there isn’t a crossing loop at Fearn so it’s an intermediate TEP. Both - and indeed all TEPs on the Far North - are now fitted with TPWS equipment.

Altnabreac is in the interlocking as a TEP for the siding

Edit: Found this http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.652.7639&rep=rep1&type=pdf

 

[Maxfly]

As stated Glen Douglas is a standard crossing loop on the WHL but there is no station. Currently the timetable doesn't have a requirement to cross passenger trains there but it could happen if additional traffic came on the scene. Traffic can be booked to cross the as Currently happens with the likes of tampers etc. Bare in mind this would increase journey time as not a booked stop due to the lack of station.

Altnabreac was plainlined quite a few years ago now, iirc when the cwr went in?