Blackpool - Manchester Electrification

[driver9000]

Highest power draw of all the units that are likely to be cleared for that route. IIRC, 2 Pendolini (11 cars each) tested the power draw of the Manc-Liverpool section by passing each other at a critical point.

I forgot about that test.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

And if they need something really "dirty" in terms of power spikes/signal interference don't they use a Class 92?

 

[30907]

The through train I took to Buxton was am.
The question about via BLACKBURN ( can't prevent the Bburn capitals) to the S&C referred to the days when Chorley to BLACKBURN was open and passenger trains ran from Wigan to Blackburn via Chorley. In those days I easily got to Hellifield from Preston via Blackburn - and to Skipton from time to time. It was the late 1950s long after the L&Y / Midland trains from Liverpool and Manchester to Scotland ran via Hellifield !

In the 1958 timetable there was a reasonable connection at 8.30 from Chorley, 9.2-9.17 Blackburn, 10.10 Hellifield, after which nothing till the afternoon except Saturday lunchtime. I've not checked the returns, but assume you got back!

 

[DJH1971]

And if they need something really "dirty" in terms of power spikes/signal interference don't they use a Class 92?

Especially when they were said to have been causing merry hell to the signals when they were first introduced

 

[LDECRexile]

Highest power draw of all the units that are likely to be cleared for that route. IIRC, 2 Pendolini (11 cars each) tested the power draw of the Manc-Liverpool section by passing each other at a critical point.

Yes, that's what happened. The trains were due to pass around Broad Green, where we feared we might not be able to film, so Paul and I went to Earlestown for passes later in the sequence of tests. The elements joined in to make the tests very real, with horizontal rain to add to the fun.

Here's some of the action:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157673098211848

 

[Elecman]

There is one potential fly in the ointment that I have just seen today. The M61 overbridge between Horwich and Horwich Parkway has had zero work done to its parapet walls. Indeed it doesn’t even have a solid parapet merely a more solid version of a post and wire fence with big gaps in between the horizontals .

 

[CAF397]

That would be a fantastically embarrassing oversight.

 

[Elecman]

https://www.google.com/maps/place/M...2!3m1!1s0x487b091da73a0e2b:0x326a9c6941fff9ca

The M61 overbridge

 

[Karl]

There is one potential fly in the ointment that I have just seen today. The M61 overbridge between Horwich and Horwich Parkway has had zero work done to its parapet walls. Indeed it doesn’t even have a solid parapet merely a more solid version of a post and wire fence with big gaps in between the horizontals .

Is this the one seen here https://goo.gl/maps/etPriFXLkPB2

EDIT: Yikes! Elecman beat me to it

 

[The_Engineer]

There is one potential fly in the ointment that I have just seen today. The M61 overbridge between Horwich and Horwich Parkway has had zero work done to its parapet walls. Indeed it doesn’t even have a solid parapet merely a more solid version of a post and wire fence with big gaps in between the horizontals .

Does it need any work doing, seeing as a motorway is pedestrian-free??

 

[snowball]

Does it need any work doing, seeing as a motorway is pedestrian-free??

Unless your vehicle breaks down.

 

[Elecman]

Does it need any work doing, seeing as a motorway is pedestrian-free??

Well the M55 one was eventually done so I woukd assume so and that had a solid parapet already

 

[IanXC]

And if they need something really "dirty" in terms of power spikes/signal interference don't they use a Class 92?

And presumably diversion of Caledonian Sleepers via Bolton in the future is not beyond the realms of possiblity...

 

[YorkshireBear]

There is one potential fly in the ointment that I have just seen today. The M61 overbridge between Horwich and Horwich Parkway has had zero work done to its parapet walls. Indeed it doesn’t even have a solid parapet merely a more solid version of a post and wire fence with big gaps in between the horizontals .

It has not been overlooked, I believe it is on the list for construction in the near future, interaction with Highways England would always be one way of slowing things down. (not a dig just the way it is when 2 big organisations try talking to each other!)

 

[Joseph_Locke]

It has not been overlooked, I believe it is on the list for construction in the near future, interaction with Highways England would always be one way of slowing things down. (not a dig just the way it is when 2 big organisations try talking to each other!)

The part of the design team that did the electrification was assured that the part covering the advance bridge reconstructions had ALL overbridge parapet works in hand. The complete lack of activity at Lever Street footbridge and at other locations does make me wonder ...

 

[YorkshireBear]

The part of the design team that did the electrification was assured that the part covering the advance bridge reconstructions had ALL overbridge parapet works in hand. The complete lack of activity at Lever Street footbridge and at other locations does make me wonder ...

At my last count there were 5 parapet extensions schemes to construct. I just know that work is planned, don't know when. Was trying to reassure that someone isn't going to suddenly realise we need to do some work!

 

[a_c_skinner]

Won't this mean turning on the electricity will be delayed?

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Won't this mean turning on the electricity will be delayed?

I don't see why. I have seen many bridge parapets etc increased in height after electrification on other lines. They will probably put up concrete barriers on the M61 and maybe close the inside lane on one side only. Raise the parapet (or what ever) then rinse and repeat on the other side. I don't see why the switch on can still not happen on time. My 2 penneth

 

[DJH1971]

I don't see why. I have seen many bridge parapets etc increased in height after electrification on other lines. They will probably put up concrete barriers on the M61 and maybe close the inside lane on one side only. Raise the parapet (or what ever) then rinse and repeat on the other side. I don't see why the switch on can still not happen on time. My 2 penneth

One bridge in particular being the 'skew' bridge at Rainhill

 

[Moonshot]

Open question to everyone on this thread, on what date do you reckon everything will be done and the whole shooting match ready for electric trains between Blackpool and Manchester?

 

[LDECRexile]

I had a quick whizz down to the Salfords today, via Bolton.

I couldn't see any wiring changes since Monday, but:

1. The buffet at Bolton was open and doing business
2. Work was in progress on the unfamiliar structures near Squeeze Belly and Balustraded bridges
3. The lift to the westbound platform at Salford Central was back in action after a long closure

I reckon Salford Central looks wire-ready.

Handful of photos added to the Combined Volume here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157661069863633

We're away again from tomorrow morning to Sunday pm. Please send images as usual. I should be able to process any received before 21:00 today today and owt after than on Sunday evening.

 

[LDECRexile]

I have been asked to share this:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/43605027775/in/dateposted-public/

I'll be in Germany seeing my brand new granddaughter!

 

[a_c_skinner]

I have seen many bridge parapets etc increased in height after electrification on other lines.

Expressing surprise, not disagreement, but I thought the parapet hight was a safety issue, so are we happy with managing risk by not having it last very long?

 

[GRALISTAIR]

I have been asked to share this:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/43605027775/in/dateposted-public/
I'll be in Germany seeing my brand new granddaughter!

Congratulations and great news on the lifts at Kirkham and Wesham

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Expressing surprise, not disagreement, but I thought the parapet hight was a safety issue, so are we happy with managing risk by not having it last very long?

Well if it was a road over especially with a pedestrian footpath that would be different. This case is a motorway with -in theory - next to zero foot traffic. I can show photos of roads and footpaths over busy motorways with very low barriers indeed. It is a different set of rules (unfairly imho) for roads.

 

[a_c_skinner]

It is a different set of rules (unfairly imho) for roads.

Considering the cost of higher parapets it does seem unfair, esp as IIRC the required height has been raised fairly recently.

 

[DJH1971]

Open question to everyone on this thread, on what date do you reckon everything will be done and the whole shooting match ready for electric trains between Blackpool and Manchester?

My wild guess would be around November

 

[td97]

These could be relevant for the M61 bridge - they do mention lane 3 but also the left lane, and also the reference to barrier rather than central reservation? Thoughts?
Roadworks on M61 https://roadworks.org/?108057315
Roadworks on M61 https://roadworks.org/?108057318

Apparently the parapet over the Wigan line should be completed by 1 Oct. Have these been done?
https://roadworks.org/?34802798
https://roadworks.org/?34802796

 

[td97]

Open question to everyone on this thread, on what date do you reckon everything will be done and the whole shooting match ready for electric trains between Blackpool and Manchester?

Pendolino testing at the start of next month sounds too optimistic. I think the wiring (as in OLE) will be completed before the source of electricity for the wires is ready.

 

[superkev]

Pendolino testing at the start of next month sounds too optimistic. I think the wiring (as in OLE) will be completed before the source of electricity for the wires is ready.

Don't forget that even after it all goes live there's all the approvals and paperwork to do which in the GW seems to have taken months. I don't think there yet using electric mode beyond Didcot despite the wires being live for several months.
K