140 mph on classic lines

[Zoe]

It is possible for to travel at 140 mph on the GWML, ECML and WCML. Does anyone know how?

 

[Mojo]

I am sure that they did some overspeed testing of Pendolinos during the West Coast upgrade. Not sure of the actual speed but I know the line was closed and platforms out of bounds. It's been mentioned in the past that trains have to do a 10% overspeed testing[1] which would mean 137.5mph.

[1] http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38834

 

[Hydro]

The most well known was the testing of the Class 91's, on the ECML. Travelling under flashing green aspects on a pre-determined section. I've heard the trains were published in the WON and no track workers allowed on track in the area whilst the train was running, as the speeds meant all sighting distances were exceeded for lookouts.


I gather the APT did some ridiculous speeds on the WCML when being tested.

 

[Matt Taylor]

I recall an HST doing a very fast non-stop run from Newcastle to KX in around September 1985 which hit some high speeds on the Darlington-York section. The absolute record for an HST is 144.7mph. Further details of UK speed records are here:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ms.draper/FNRM_SoE/Products/TurnerTexts/Y.html

 

[Failed Unit]

ECML has some sections that could be; most of Doncaster - Darlington and Peterborough - Grantham. Just need to wait for the in cab signalling.

 

[Zoe]

It's actually possible to travel at 140 mph on these lines most days though.

 

[Dennis]

Sprint forwards through a train travelling at 125.

Or, even better, invoke the ideas of relativity and enjoy 250MPH everyday,

 

[Zoe]

Sprint forwards through a train travelling at 125.

Or, even better, invoke the ideas of relativity and enjoy 250MPH everyday,

Well done, it took people longer to get this one than I was expecting.

 

[flymo]

I recall an HST doing a very fast non-stop run from Newcastle to KX in around September 1985 which hit some high speeds on the Darlington-York section. The absolute record for an HST is 144.7mph.

For some reason locked into my brain 43038 (trailing) & 43153 (leading) on this 2+5 beast, thundering though the centre roads of York at 50 mph. Giddy up hoss......

Might be wrong of course......

 

[Lampshade]

I've heard the GWML is theoretically possible of Eurostar speeds using tilting stock :?

 

[mumrar]

It's actually possible to travel at 140 mph on these lines most days though.

But it isn't, is it. HMRI will not permit running above 125mph without dedicated in-cab signalling systems in place on 'classic lines'.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

But it isn't, is it. HMRI will not permit running above 125mph without dedicated in-cab signalling systems in place on 'classic lines'.

See the post about the laws of relativity

 

[Broken Viking]

It is possible for to travel at 140 mph on the GWML, ECML and WCML. Does anyone know how?

Class 370...

...'Nuff said!
Aye, I saw the bit about relativity a few posts up...But using the same reckoning, a Class 370 will carry it's passengers at speeds in excess of 850mph without even breaking a sweat!

 

[deltic1989]

iirc on MSTS East Coast Express part 2 the Speed limit between Peterbro' and Stoke summit is 140mph but thats just MSTS.