Recent content by SignalEngineer

If I'm not mistaken, Adlington Chord was built a few years ago to allow trains to run back north from Grantham & turn east on the line over ECML & eliminate need to cross on the flat.

Yes the last 2 trains (the 2nd one only running on Friday) have no connections. But the last train from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury has a connecting service from Coast Line.

Barmouth is very nice. You could go to the beach. There is a chippy across the road from the railway line on the inland side after the crossing. There are plenty of cafes and pubs in town (and also a big co-op next to station). After your lunch you can walk through town, then across Barmouth...

Under the current timetable it takes 4 hours for a return journey with very tight (less than 10 mins) turn-arounds at both Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. The class 37(97) is unlikely to be able to maintain the timetable for the following reasons: 1) Very poor acceleration and breaking compared...

It will be very tight in that single line section (ideally it would be double track but it will never happen). In fact the hourly service will be even more susceptible to delays than the current 2 hourly service. Due to the need to pass at loops and only approx 10 min turn around time at...

It has been used a number of times (at least twice) during driver training and first week of operation (to pass trains). It was to be used to pass trains today when the points failure occurred at Fron Junction (the Western end of the loop) resulting in significant delays as trains were already...

Dovey Junction - Machynlleth Section. The new signalling system has an axle counter about half way to split the section into two (just like it was when it was track circuit block up to end of March). So yes, two trains can follow each other. Also, there is provision for shunt movements at both...

During the close-down week parts of the line will be progressively handed over for driver training / route familiarisation. So there will be trains running (without passengers). Only a limited amount of drivers have been passed out for Pwllheli - Harlech operation, the remainder will need to...

Don't forget other modifications to the underground trains to make them suitable to operate on Network Rail infrastructure: eg AWS, TPWS, Radio system (GSM-R,CSR or NRN). This involves putting the equipment around the trian, under it, and then putting all the neccesary controls on the driver's...

For the through route you would definitely get 100mph over it (it's just like any other set of cross overs on 100 or 125mpg track (the restriction is on the turn out speed, not the straight through route). But then again, what's the point of having 100mph on a turn out when the train is going...

Yes this is correct. Only the indicator would need to be changed, not the interlocking. Altohough they look like 'dot matrix', most 'modern' indicators are fibre optic strands in the desired pattern run back to a lamp (this so you are always sure that the lamp is either on or off, and don't...

There are various types of crossings on the UK network. From a timing perspective the distinguishing factor is if it is Manual or Automatic. Automatic Crossings (either half barrier or no barriers) only require approx 20-30 secs (It's specified in the RSSB regulations I believe) of gates...

Good clarification Railsigns. I've just found quite a good summary of the TVM 430 signalling system on the website below. This is used on LGV lines in France and also on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (HS1) in the UK between St Pancras and the tunnel. the new stations (Stratford & Ebbesfleet)...

I have the same card and agree it is a bit confusing (especially at the TVM). My understanding is that the partner card has the same conditions as a normal railcard but I do remember once instance where a ticket office staff member told me the opposite, but in that instance my fare was more...

Just to clarify - at the moment it is still RETB (Radio Electronic Token Block) and only class 158s and some 97 (ex class 37) locos are fitted with them. There are also portable units available for steam trains and other specials. From Sutton Bridge Junction (just past Shrewsbury) onwards it...