Class 92 third rail / freight resurgence.

[lumitumey12345]

Recently I’ve started to see an in increase in class 92s with GBRF starting to haul more freight services especially in third rail territory, does GBRF plan to expand on these runs? If anyone has any info I would be greatful.

 

[Class15]

Recently I’ve started to see an in increase in class 92s with GBRF starting to haul more freight services especially in third rail territory, does GBRF plan to expand on these runs? If anyone has any info I would be greatful.

I believe this is hauling new wagons from Dollands Moor to Wembley. Seems to have stopped now.

 

[Jonny]

Can the 92s do moving changeovers at Shepherds Bush/Mitre Bridge? That would solve the issues around stopping for changeover.

 

[Class15]

Can the 92s do moving changeovers at Shepherds Bush/Mitre Bridge? That would solve the issues around stopping for changeover.

They must be able to given that they’ve operated from Dollands Moor to Wembley many times.

 

[contrex]

Can the 92s do moving changeovers at Shepherds Bush/Mitre Bridge? That would solve the issues around stopping for changeover.

I have read that there can be problems. The bottom of North Pole Bank is where the DC to AC changeover happens. If the 92 does not play ball a stop and reboot can be needed, resulting in climbing the bank from a standing start which can be problematical. Even if successful there is a loss of speed from the 20mph changeover speed. Also there is a signal near the bottom of the bank and another at the top at Mitre Bridge Junction protecting a level crossing so unlucky aspects can be tricky. And 92s don't like wet rails in the rain...

 

[XAM2175]

They must be able to given that they’ve operated from Dollands Moor to Wembley many times.

The question was about moving change-overs.

 

[contrex]

The question was about moving change-overs.

Answer, above, summarised. They can and usually do moving changeovers, initiated at 20mph although the speed will drop before the other type of juice kicks in.

 

[59CosG95]

I have read that there can be problems. The bottom of North Pole Bank is where the DC to AC changeover happens. If the 92 does not play ball a stop and reboot can be needed, resulting in climbing the bank from a standing start which can be problematical. Even if successful there is a loss of speed from the 20mph changeover speed. Also there is a signal near the bottom of the bank and another at the top at Mitre Bridge Junction protecting a level crossing so an unlucky aspects can be tricky. And 92s don't like wet rails in the rain...

ISTR somewhere (might have been Modern Railways Magazine) that floated the idea of extending the wires southwards to Kensington (Olympia), allowing changeover there. Such a scheme would probably come too late for the 92s though, if it ever came to fruition...

 

[Class 170101]

Would there still be the issues of getting into / out of Yards / Sidings around Southampton etc? I doubt many of these have 3rd Rail installed?

 

[Jonny]

Would there still be the issues of getting into / out of Yards / Sidings around Southampton etc? I doubt many of these have 3rd Rail installed?

Maybe, but they can work to Dollands Moor for the Channel Tunnel with one form of electrification available throughout even as things stand.

 

[Snow1964]

Would there still be the issues of getting into / out of Yards / Sidings around Southampton etc? I doubt many of these have 3rd Rail installed?

A lot of third rail has been removed in Southampton area on yard approaches etc.

If you look at photos from late 1960s and early 1970s will find it extended to Canute Road, and the approaches to some yards near Millbrook, Redbridge, Northam, Bevois Park etc.

The electro-diesels (class 73 and 74) had low power diesel engines so didn't want them pulling out of yards on diesel as was too slow. When they were replaced by using diesels on electrified lines policy didn't need the third rail.

 

[zwk500]

ISTR somewhere (might have been Modern Railways Magazine) that floated the idea of extending the wires southwards to Kensington (Olympia), allowing changeover there. Such a scheme would probably come too late for the 92s though, if it ever came to fruition...

Kensington Olympia has been mentioned in various strategy papers, usually also including lengthening of the loop and reinstatement of the southbound through line to allow freight to be held there for pathing options. Extending the wires to Shepherd's Bush was looked at in more detail but the benefit was extremely marginal, even for such a limited change.

Would there still be the issues of getting into / out of Yards / Sidings around Southampton etc? I doubt many of these have 3rd Rail installed?

The main dock approaches are not electrified, so yes there'd be problems there.