Above 50 all the way, how far?

[vidal]

Back in the 1980s there was a novel called Bullet Train by Joseph Rance (ISBN 068803702X) about a Shinkansen with a bomb on board set to detonate if the speed fell below 50mph.

What's the longest journey that this could be achieved in the UK above 50mph?

Criteria are train has infinite fuel, so assume electric. Crew fatigue is not a problem as there is spare crews available on board. Once above 50mph it cannot go below this speed and speed limits cannot be broken so some slower curves and junctions must be able to be taken at 50mph.

Set off anywhere on the network and assume that you are running on greens all the way.

Longest journey wins a Casey Jones burger!

James

 

[The exile]

Are there any unavoidable 45 or below limits at all on the WCML? ECML won’t get beyond Newcastle, I imagine.

 

[RT4038]

Are there any unavoidable 45 or below limits at all on the WCML? ECML won’t get beyond Newcastle, I imagine.

Carlisle Station? On the ECML, can you go through York above 50mph?

Although not entirely within the UK, I would guess St Pancras to near Marseille would be the most likely contender? ( or even further via Montpelier Sud-de-France towards Narbonne?)

 

[JonathanH]

Needs a 50mph loop / curve at each end of the route so it can be continuous.

 

[brad465]

Once out of Paddington it should be possible to get to Exeter at or above 50mph via the B&H, as I believe Reading station and through Southcote jct can manage it. Were it not for the 45mph speed restriction through Exeter St Davids the run would go all the way to Plymouth. This would not be possible in the up direction though as the route through Reading is slower.

 

[eldomtom2]

Back in the 1980s there was a novel called Bullet Train by Joseph Rance (ISBN 068803702X) about a Shinkansen with a bomb on board set to detonate if the speed fell below 50mph.

Based on the 1975 film The Bullet Train.

 

[30907]

Carlisle Station?

What's the limit through Preston?

On the ECML, can you go through York above 50mph?

No.

 

[jfollows]

What's the limit through Preston?

35mph (https://sacuksprodnrdigital0001.blo...tern (North) Sectional Appendix June 2024.pdf)

 

[Egg Centric]

Although not entirely within the UK, I would guess St Pancras to near Marseille would be the most likely contender? ( or even further via Montpelier Sud-de-France towards Narbonne?)

If you can be completely outside the UK then you can circle the Velim test centre indefinitely

 

[Nottingham59]

Can you do Paddington Oxford Bletchley Preston?

 

[jfollows]

Can you do Paddington Oxford Bletchley Preston?

Not at any speed today. No track. And not electrified where there is.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Stick a 150 carriage onto a low loader, then drive at 55mph round the M25. Infinitely....

 

[The exile]

If you can be completely outside the UK then you can circle the Velim test centre indefinitely

Eventually at Onllwyn as well, IIRC.

 

[HSTEd]

Stick a 150 carriage onto a low loader, then drive at 55mph round the M25. Infinitely....

Good luck actually achieving 55mph for any length of time on the M25......

 

[RT4038]

Can you do Paddington Oxford Bletchley Preston?

Can a train pass from the main to the Bletchley branch at Oxford at 50mph?

 

[Nottingham59]

Can a train pass from the main to the Bletchley branch at Oxford at 50mph?

Probably not. The crossovers at Oxford North junction to the 50mph branch towards Bicester seem to be just 25mph.
But at least there is track all the way to Bletchley now.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Good luck actually achieving 55mph for any length of time on the M25......

Out of rush hour, is the secret.

 

[Snow1964]

Can you do Paddington Oxford Bletchley Preston?

There is no platform out of Paddington that allows 50mph, so would need to start journey at next station

 

[The Planner]

Probably not. The crossovers at Oxford North junction to the 50mph branch towards Bicester seem to be just 25mph.
But at least there is track all the way to Bletchley now.

Bletchley isnt 50 either.

 

[swt_passenger]

There is no platform out of Paddington that allows 50mph, so would need to start journey at next station

I think according to the OP you can start at 0. It’s only after you’ve reached 50 for the first time that you cannot go slower. If you don’t allow that the entire scenario is impossible.

 

[Sly Old Fox]

Once out of Paddington it should be possible to get to Exeter at or above 50mph via the B&H, as I believe Reading station and through Southcote jct can manage it. Were it not for the 45mph speed restriction through Exeter St Davids the run would go all the way to Plymouth. This would not be possible in the up direction though as the route through Reading is slower.

Line speed through Reading towards B&H is 40. 95 towards Swindon but you’ll come across a 40 at Bath or 30 at Newport going that way.

 

[The exile]

Line speed through Reading towards B&H is 40. 95 towards Swindon but you’ll come across a 40 at Bath or 30 at Newport going that way.

What’s the reason for the severe restriction at Newport - or is it just a matter of “passenger trains all stop anyway”? Hadn’t realised there was severe curvature…