125mph non tilt live on WCML

[Tilting007]

Isn't the 75 mph limit as much due to the 3-aspect signalling and the signal spacing as the state of the track?

Correct - plus several geo-tech (earthwork) issues.

 

[Tilting007]

I don't know, sorry, but it is something worthwhile addressing; Having been diverted via Northampton on Friday 13th as per my Post #57, I was again diverted via Northampton on my return north on Tuesday, on 1S45 0827 Euston-Glasgow C!

I think there was an axle counter failure at Blisworth Tuesday!

 

[Markuk]

Isn't the 75 mph limit as much due to the 3-aspect signalling and the signal spacing as the state of the track?

And tight clearances in the tunnels maybe

 

[Merle Haggard]

I don't know, sorry, but it is something worthwhile addressing; Having been diverted via Northampton on Friday 13th as per my Post #57, I was again diverted via Northampton on my return north on Tuesday, on 1S45 0827 Euston-Glasgow C!

Living at Northampton it seemed unfortunate that, of the £1,000,000,000 (approx) spent on the "West Coast Modernisation" approximately - err - £0 was spent on the Northampton loop. The upgrading of the class 350s from 100 mph to 110 mph isn't much of a breakthrough, with the linespeed of 75.

But, on the other hand, there's no difficulty regulating between class 4s, 2s and 1s let them all 'run'...

 

[Bald Rick]

Living at Northampton it seemed unfortunate that, of the £1,000,000,000 (approx) spent on the "West Coast Modernisation" approximately - err - £0 was spent on the Northampton loop.

You’re out by a factor of 10 on the total cost, and a factor of infinity on the Northampton loop!

 

[Merle Haggard]

You’re out by a factor of 10 on the total cost, and a factor of infinity on the Northampton loop!

"approx' ...

But, seriously, what improvements were made on the Loop?

There was the new station building - but half of that was generously provided by Northampton property tax payers. Apart from that, I can't think of much - still foot crossings on the level, for instance. Contrast that with the two expensive new footbridges close together on the Old Line near Milton, one of which cannot be accessed by a footpath right of way, but that's an aside...

 

[Bald Rick]

But, seriously, what improvements were made on the Loop?

Resignalling, and lots of track renewal.

 

[Falcon1200]

Resignalling, and lots of track renewal.

But not for higher line speeds?!!

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

But not for higher line speeds?!!

Wasn't the line south of Northampton station upgraded to 100mph, as on the slow lines further south?
Plus improvements at the Rugby/Hillmorton end, and new freight connections.

 

[Falcon1200]

Wasn't the line south of Northampton station upgraded to 100mph

That's good of course.

 

[Bald Rick]

But not for higher line speeds?!!

Wasn't the line south of Northampton station upgraded to 100mph, as on the slow lines further south?
Plus improvements at the Rugby/Hillmorton end, and new freight connections.

100 on the Down New to the M1.

And yes much improved into / out of Rugby.

I forgot to mention upgraded power supplies, so the trains can accelerate faster

 

[Merle Haggard]

100 on the Down New to the M1.

And yes much improved into / out of Rugby.

I forgot to mention upgraded power supplies, so the trains can accelerate faster

Thanks for the information.
I had thought that the signals had only been fitted with energy saving LED bulbs in new heads, my mistake.
However, and not being surly, that 100 mph stretch on the down is just 3 1/2 miles (from Roade station - site of, to Bridge 11), straight (after then tall overbridge at Courtenhall) and downhill. But it's a start. Taking the timings from Sunday diversions the pass to pass time from Northampton station (admittedly accelerating away from the 20 PSR) to Rugby for a Pendo seems to be 19 1/2 minutes for 2 chains short of 19 miles; about 58 1/2 mph. But there seem to be a few long standing slacks, not sure whether it's unstable earthworks or condition of track. I would say it's much less twisty than the Old Line, built much later with Compulsory Purchase for a good alignment.
Is there not an instruction that LNw drivers should not pull away on full power? - I think I've read it on here somewhere. And the freights that really struggle up the bank from town on the Down are the ones that are diesel hauled.

 

[Bald Rick]

I had thought that the signals had only been fitted with energy saving LED bulbs in new heads, my mistake.

Complete resignalling, with new interlockings and control at Rugby.

Is there not an instruction that LNw drivers should not pull away on full power?

That I don’t know. I would hope that all drivers of all trains pull away on full power at every station where conditions, linespeeds and signalling allow; that is what the timetable is usually designed for!

 

[Merle Haggard]

That I don’t know. I would hope that all drivers of all trains pull away on full power at every station where conditions, linespeeds and signalling allow; that is what the timetable is usually designed for!

Sorry, getting confused with the 810s - appeared on this forum but might have been rot.

 

[Farmer1997]

Were the improvements to the Northampton Loop discussed above what was originally planned, or was more intended and subsequently not taken forward? If the latter, what was intended?

 

[Bald Rick]

Were the improvements to the Northampton Loop discussed above what was originally planned, or was more intended and subsequently not taken forward? If the latter, what was intended?

The plan was built.