Yes I sometimes take the later train and watch that leaving while sitting on the platform. Sometimes people struggle to get into a 4-car on that one as well
Cambridge platform 5 and Ipswich platform 1 are too short
Platform 1 at Ipswich looks like it could potentially fit a 3+3 configuration, but the overhead wires would need to be extended and it seems it'd be a bit too expensive/difficult.
That sounds like something that could be fixed if it was deemed necessary though - more importantly, could one extend the relevant platforms in Cambridge, or use different platforms given the density of services there
Neither was a loud and draughty 156 with rock hard seats (which are still ploughing away on the Hope Valley where I had the displeasure of catching one a few weeks ago).
I can see a 10 and 11 coach triple traction today. I think the pantographs on 755/3s will be too close (less than 80m) and it'll automatically go onto diesel
Just have to wait for Ely North Jcn to be redoubled.
Would it not be possible to have each outer unit have the pantograph raised? If so, I suspect there may have been a fault or something.
I think it would. Maybe a pantograph was isolated
Most likely. It's a little disappointing to see us regressing back to diesel traction because there aren't enough units, though.
Yes hope that runs today it was running the stopping 00:30 service. https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:C34659/2024-06-24#allox_id=0
I think the wires are switched off as the only trains to run have been 2 ecs 755s to Ipswich and the 0530 which journey check says is 11 coaches
I think the imbalanced diesel usage would cause issues on the non-electrified sections. They can't raise the pantograph while moving either from what I can tell.
Diesel tanks are all monitored and pans can be raised at line speed in designated areas.
Would certainly not be permitted. All 755s must stop at the X board. It would also add too much responsibility on the driver. COP and ASDO are only to be overridden in an emergency not in day to day operations.
What does COP stand for here? And why would ASDO need to be overridden?
But I imagine the added diesel consumption when idling would be enough to reduce their range and require more frequent refuelling - though this may not be a problem depending on how often they are refuelled. As for raising at speed, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that require upgrades to OHLE? If so, it may just be better to extend the line until the end of the platform. Of course none of this is solving Cambridge platform 5, which is the main issue as platforms 3 and 4 are most often used at Ipswich anyway.
Change-Over Protection, a GPS based system on the 755s to ensure pantographs are lowered when driving towards the end of OLE.
No, this is a fairly common myth.
