Windermere line: could battery powered trains be the solution?

[CdBrux]

Moderator note: split from https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/windermere-line-electrification-progress.191705/#post-4192967

Why would this not be an ideal line for batteries instead of OHLE?

 

[higthomas]

Because then you have to lug heavy batteries around for 10 miles. You also are very limited on the traction you can do etc. All th reasons that electrification is the only long term way of powering most railways.

 

[deltic08]

Because then you have to lug heavy batteries around for 10 miles. You also are very limited on the traction you can do etc. All th reasons that electrification is the only long term way of powering most railways.

More than 10 miles of lugging around heavy batteries but throughout the lifetime of the bimode unit for the sake of 10 miles. Electrification of only 10 miles of single track railway should be a no brainer. Infill ectrification is the only way to go as we don't know how far into the future when these alternatives will be workable. We have been waiting over two years already for 769s that are still an unknown quantity and will they work reliably at the interface when they do arrive. Too much complicated technology when it could be simple and lighter electric.
Graylings lie, and that is what it was and he should be prosecuted for it, about the National Park not wanting masts was just to enforce his totally weak argument for cancelling electrification. The old County of Westmoreland painted its National Grid pylons green to blend in better and the same could be done with electrification masts.

 

[Nym]

You could probably even do the whole branch with Rail Return, although there is benefit in having an ATS (Autotransformer Site) around half way.

 

[Elecman]

You could probably even do the whole branch with Rail Return, although there is benefit in having an ATS (Autotransformer Site) around half way.

No chance of an ATS on the branch it will be 1 single fed section, probably with not even any section isolators

 

[adamedwards]

Can the wiring be done to a simpler spec given the 60 mph(?) speed limit (ie not GWR type supports!)? For example just the contact wire.

 

[bussnapperwm]

Would the battery 230s or even an extended 139 be an ideal candidate for this line running as shuttle services to the main line? A similar solution to Stourbridge Town maybe?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Would the battery 230s or even an extended 139 be an ideal candidate for this line running as shuttle services to the main line? A similar solution to Stourbridge Town maybe?

139 wouldn't be big enough. 230 might work, though given the tourist nature of the line I'd rather see the through service increased, even if this has to be to the expense of the Barrow line on which most demand is to Lancaster (either as a local journey or for connections to London) and not beyond. The easiest way to do this is to wire it and use EMUs for an hourly through Manchester Airport service.

 

[adamedwards]

Manchester Airport is key as Windermere sees a lot of overseas visitors especially Japanese thanks to Peter Rabbit.
Which prompts me to suggest when the Manchester Airport services improve they could name each train after a Beatrix Potter character. "Welcome aboard the Benjamin Bunny express..."

 

[Bald Rick]

Yes..