Acton Main Line to Acton Wells Jct electrification

[mr_moo]

I got it checked on AIVR. Picture quality is poor but it's fully wired as marked in red. The link east of AML does not seem to be wired, but image quality is too poor at this time of year to be sure.

That section is definately wired too.

Have electric trains run on this newly electrified link yet?

Yes, we've had an Elizabeth Line train use it just after Easter.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

That section is definately wired too.


Yes, we've had an Elizabeth Line train use it just after Easter.

So its fully cleared for electric traffic? Could we see 99's going up there?

 

[GRALISTAIR]

So its fully cleared for electric traffic? Could we see 99's going up there?

I hope so. That would be really good. As they are Co-Co it should be easier.

 

[edwin_m]

I hope so. That would be really good. As they are Co-Co it should be easier.

At present I don't believe there is any electric freight on the GW network, partly because it had nowhere to go at the London end but the main source of traffic is aggregates from west of Newbury so that can't be electric anyway. Wentloog might be a possibility.

 

[Freightmaster]

Wentloog might be a possibility.

GBRf don't operate any trains to/from Wentloog; in fact they don't run
much freight of any description on the GWML!



MARK

 

[fgwrich]

GBRf don't operate any trains to/from Wentloog; in fact they don't run
much freight of any description on the GWML!



MARK

Does the Bristol Wineliner still run? I’m surprised that isn’t a candidate for Class 90s to Stoke Gifford for a 66 down the bank - although I suppose that now depends on if SG is a Heavy Haul depot or Freightliner too.

 

[zwk500]

Does the Bristol Wineliner still run? I’m surprised that isn’t a candidate for Class 90s to Stoke Gifford for a 66 down the bank - although I suppose that now depends on if SG is a Heavy Haul depot or Freightliner too.

SG is freightliner, although runrounds to/from Tytherington do take place on the Down Goods Loop.
A loco change in the down direction would be awkward but manageable. A loco change in the up though is far more disruptive as youd have 2 reversals at the London end of the station.
Also, where are the 90s running to/from at the London end?

It would, however, be a perfect candidate for class 99s.

 

[Class15]

SG is freightliner

Are you sure? Most movements now seem to be HHR.

, although runrounds to/from Tytherington do take place on the Down Goods Loop.
A loco change in the down direction would be awkward but manageable. A loco change in the up though is far more disruptive as youd have 2 reversals at the London end of the station.
Also, where are the 90s running to/from at the London end?

It would, however, be a perfect candidate for class 99s.

How can it be a perfect candidate for class 99s when Freightliner do not have any?

 

[zwk500]

Are you sure? Most movements now seem to be HHR.

Weren't HHR known until recently as FLHH? Apologies, old habits.

How can it be a perfect candidate for class 99s when Freightliner do not have any?

First, that I interpreted the comment to be asking about a GBRf service, and 2nd, HHR/FL could always procure some of their own.

 

[mr_moo]

So its fully cleared for electric traffic? Could we see 99's going up there?

Yep, fully operational for electric traffic.

 

[Tram Inn SB]

Does the Bristol Wineliner still run? I’m surprised that isn’t a candidate for Class 90s to Stoke Gifford for a 66 down the bank - although I suppose that now depends on if SG is a Heavy Haul depot or Freightliner too.

HH Depot now.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 May 2026 ==

Are you sure? Most movements now seem to be HHR.

How can it be a perfect candidate for class 99s when Freightliner do not have any?

93s….lol

 

[zwk500]

Colas posted a video of the first 345 to use the Poplars electrification earlier today: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/team...b&rcm=ACoAAB5MSmMBcdtUUUwiyXwH8GF2JidYYy21TBw

Includes a write-up on the delivery: https://colasrail.co.uk/srsa-poplars-electrification/

Poplars Project Scope

The main duties performed by our team were the installations of:

Incorporating our in-house expertise, we also completed other infrastructure upgrades including Overhead Line (OLE) and Signalling & Telecoms (S&T) on the Up and Down Main Lines.

• Overhead line equipment (OLE), including new structures and foundations
• New and modified wire runs
• New electrical sections controlled by a blend of motorised and manual switches
• A neutral section
• Signalling alterations and updates
• Upgrade to existing bonding arrangements and cable routes
• Installation of new safety and operational signage
• Upgrade to platform fencing at Acton Mainline Station

Other upgrades include software and interface changes at the Rugby and Didcot control centres. The upgrades will also improve depot access for maintenance of the Elizabeth Line fleet and contribute to Network Rail’s decarbonisation strategy to allow for sustainable electric trains to run on this section of the network and between the North London Line and Great Western Main Line (GWML).

The Anglia side of the network was energised in early November 2025, while the Western side received their power upgrades on the 27th of December delivered in conjunction with the SRSA’s OOC Christmas blockade.

Full operational capability expected by Easter 2026, where these upgrades will link to the existing electrified sections at Acton Wells junction, connecting with the Acton Willesden Line and the Barking to Gospel Oak Line.