A few strange, but possibly plausible, ideas

[cosmo]

I'm the sort who always seems to come up with strange ideas, sometimes they might work in real life, other times they just won't.

I've been having a think recently and have had a few ideas, mainly relating to rolling stock but there's a few others too, and I was just wondering what people here would think. I guess this could serve as a thread for such ideas from others if there's not a thread for it already!

So, without further ado:

• A possible way to create new rolling stock: strip out old DVTs and install a compact-ish engine, generator etc. Thinking maybe an EMD V12 of some descripton, or maybe a pair of Cummins I6es? This means strengthening them up, fitting motors or re-bogieing and the likes but I'm thinking along the lines of the Class 19 project, maybe a diesel-hydraulic or diesel-electric loco? It would certainly open up possibilities for cheaper, short term loco hire.
• There seems to be some opposition to the use of old HST sets as parcels/freight sets but personally I don't think it's a bad idea! I'd go one further and suggest the use of old 91 sets, if there's any, maybe even with surplus 43s with TDM equipment (or powered DVTs as above). You'd have 9000hp on tap and 100mph+ operation - an upgrade on the current 325s, and you could even go 10 coaches if needed - though parcels could be packed tighter and more densely than humans can so maybe not!
• An idea for a route upgrade: Full electrification of the Tyne Valley line (Newcastle-Carlisle via Hexham). This would allow faster journey times and also allow direct electric services to/from Newcastle, towards Carlisle, Glasgow, Lancaster and more. This would also eliminate the need for Class 67 drags of any electric sets over it (though the bi-mode revolution we're seeing is already taking care of that!)
• The introduction of a sleeper service from London Kings' Cross to Wick (yes, you're reading this right!) This may need an extension of the platform at Wick but it would provide a third sleeper service and one that takes tourists from London to the far north. There would be 7 to 8 cars total and calls at Doncaster, York, Darlington, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Wick. Rather than split the train at Edinburgh, for any other portions, this would allow for a simpler journey and easier crew changes.

There's just a few of mine but let's hear other people's quirky but plausible ideas too

 

[Clip]

There seems to be some opposition to the use of old HST sets as parcels/freight sets but personally I don't think it's a bad idea! I'd go one further and suggest the use of old 91 sets, if there's any, maybe even with surplus 43s with TDM equipment (or powered DVTs as above). You'd have 9000hp on tap and 100mph+ operation - an upgrade on the current 325s, and you could even go 10 coaches if needed - though parcels could be packed tighter and more densely than humans can so maybe not!

If there was anything wrong with their current fleet then maybe - but there doesnt seem to be so why change it?

The introduction of a sleeper service from London Kings' Cross to Wick (yes, you're reading this right!) This may need an extension of the platform at Wick but it would provide a third sleeper service and one that takes tourists from London to the far north. There would be 7 to 8 cars total and calls at Doncaster, York, Darlington, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Wick. Rather than split the train at Edinburgh, for any other portions, this would allow for a simpler journey and easier crew changes.

Theres a thread about this on here already - and how long do you think this would take? Especially on the journey back to the cross?

 

[6Gman]

I'm the sort who always seems to come up with strange ideas, sometimes they might work in real life, other times they just won't.

I've been having a think recently and have had a few ideas, mainly relating to rolling stock but there's a few others too, and I was just wondering what people here would think. I guess this could serve as a thread for such ideas from others if there's not a thread for it already!

So, without further ado:

• 
  
• The introduction of a sleeper service from London Kings' Cross to Wick (yes, you're reading this right!) This may need an extension of the platform at Wick but it would provide a third sleeper service and one that takes tourists from London to the far north. There would be 7 to 8 cars total and calls at Doncaster, York, Darlington, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Wick. Rather than split the train at Edinburgh, for any other portions, this would allow for a simpler journey and easier crew changes.

There's just a few of mine but let's hear other people's quirky but plausible ideas too

But how many people a day actually want to travel to/from Wick?

I've been to Wick. It's a nice enough place. But hardly a business or tourist hotspot.

 

[swt_passenger]

“Sleeper to Wick” has its own existing 12 page discussion thread:
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/could-a-sleeper-service-run-to-wick.143068/page-11#post-4108012

“Freight or Parcels on HSTs” has a number of existing threads, the most recent was earlier this month:
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/converting-hsts-to-freight-use.185654/#post-4098474

 

[cosmo]

“Sleeper to Wick” has its own existing 12 page discussion thread:
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/could-a-sleeper-service-run-to-wick.143068/page-11#post-4108012

“Freight or Parcels on HSTs” has a number of existing threads, the most recent was earlier this month:
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/converting-hsts-to-freight-use.185654/#post-4098474

Ah thanks, adjusted OP to reflect. Will go discuss these in appropriate threads!

 

[hexagon789]

An idea for a route upgrade: Full electrification of the Tyne Valley line (Newcastle-Carlisle via Hexham). This would allow faster journey times and also allow direct electric services to/from Newcastle, towards Carlisle, Glasgow, Lancaster and more. This would also eliminate the need for Class 67 drags of any electric sets over it (though the bi-mode revolution we're seeing is already taking care of that!)

This is in my view a sound proposal, as a double track east-west route between the two major InterCity mainlines I think it has to be one of the ripest candidates for electrification.

Perhaps they can raise linespeed above the pitiful 65mph as well.

 

[t_star2001uk]

Deleted

 

[Indigo Soup]

This is in my view a sound proposal, as a double track east-west route between the two major InterCity mainlines I think it has to be one of the ripest candidates for electrification.

Perhaps they can raise linespeed above the pitiful 65mph as well.

With higher line speed - I believe it was considered a reasonably fast route in the days of the Newcastle to Stranraer boat traim - and electrificiation, it could be quite useful asa regional route and as a diversionary route north of Newcastle. It's actually a couple of miles shorter from Newcastle to Glasgow via Carlisle than it is via Edinburgh!

 

[hexagon789]

With higher line speed - I believe it was considered a reasonably fast route in the days of the Newcastle to Stranraer boat traim - and electrificiation, it could be quite useful asa regional route and as a diversionary route north of Newcastle. It's actually a couple of miles shorter from Newcastle to Glasgow via Carlisle than it is via Edinburgh!

I think it could, perhaps to the extent that such an upgrade is hopefully quite viable, certainly the normal service frequency is probably sufficient enough to warrant electrification now.

 

[AlbertBeale]

I think it could, perhaps to the extent that such an upgrade is hopefully quite viable, certainly the normal service frequency is probably sufficient enough to warrant electrification now.

It's only about half an hour longer - plus/minus, depending on connections - London-Carlisle via Newcastle compared to direct; off-peak tickets the same price (presumably valid either route), and a more scenic and less crowded journey perhaps? Still, for less than hour longer, you could go London-Carlisle via Settle, if you want scenery...

 

[hexagon789]

It's only about half an hour longer - plus/minus, depending on connections - London-Carlisle via Newcastle compared to direct; off-peak tickets the same price (presumably valid either route), and a more scenic and less crowded journey perhaps? Still, for less than hour longer, you could go London-Carlisle via Settle, if you want scenery...

It's still half an hour, and besides even just electrification would be an improvement.

 

[LUYMun]

There's a proposed TOC called "Humber Coast and City Railway" that plans to operate trains between London and Cleethorpes via Cambridge instead of the ECML.

 

[AlbertBeale]

It's still half an hour, and besides even just electrification would be an improvement.

Yes - I wasn't arguing against upgrading the route, just pointing out that it was a nice alternative for some journeys already.

 

[AlbertBeale]

There's a proposed TOC called "Humber Coast and City Railway" that plans to operate trains between London and Cleethorpes via Cambridge instead of the ECML.

But presumably it would have to use the ECML at Peterborough? And reverse at Lincoln.

 

[hexagon789]

Yes - I wasn't arguing against upgrading the route, just pointing out that it was a nice alternative for some journeys already.

No I didn't think you were, simply I was highlighting my view that cutting the journey time further, even if it isn't significantly longer, would be beneficial.