Class 483

[Chris125]

If it wasn't for the tunnel and a couple of low bridges then the line would probably be a good candidate for conversion to a tram route

Height shouldn't be a major issue for low floor trams, though I can't imagine the ride quality would be too good without major track renewal.

Chris

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Height shouldn't be a major issue for low floor trams, though I can't imagine the ride quality would be too good without major track renewal.

Chris

Might be a little tight once the space for the overhead is taken into account

 

[Drsatan]

I recall over Christmas 2008 work was undertaken to repair the tunnel lining which involved digging up some of the roads above the tunnel; no work was undertaken to lower the tunnel floor. Lowering the floor would be problematic as due to the presence of Monktonmead Brook near the approach to Ryde St Johns flooding is problematic.

Running trams along Union Road (the main road between Esplanade and St Johns) wouldn't be possible unless the trams used a rack and pinion, because the road is very steep.

I predict that one day St Johns tunnel will be closed, and the trackbed south of St Johns will be turned into a guided busway.

 

[455driver]

I predict that one day St Johns tunnel will be closed, and the trackbed south of St Johns will be turned into a guided busway.

Because they are such good value and all the guided busways in the Country have met with such universal approval!

 

[DarloRich]

Out of interest how is the infrastructure maintained?

I love my little trip on the island line on my rover and must go back and explore more

 

[Chris125]

Might be a little tight once the space for the overhead is taken into account

It would depend on the design but there shouldn't be much in it if a 3.48m 503 could fit, but even if slab track and/or rigid overhead electrification was required this would still be much cheaper than a surface alignment.

Chris

 

[Lrd]

Out of interest how is the infrastructure maintained?

When there were storms at the end of last year/beginning of this year I saw lots of workers on the boat travelling over every day to deal with the various landslips, signalling stuff etc

 

[Chris125]

When there were storms at the end of last year/beginning of this year I saw lots of workers on the boat travelling over every day to deal with the various landslips, signalling stuff etc

IIRC there's an Island-based gang who carry out day-to-day maintenance with road-rail vehicles and personnel brought over from the mainland when neccesary.

Chris

 

[Birdbrain]

Worth mentioning that this looks to be a good day out next Saturday http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/uploads/iow150croppedposter.pdf

 

[zn1]

the island stock is perfectly safe...you never rode on the new line or the Bedford Bletchley at speed in the old days...the track whilst being within tolerances provided a lively ride for all...used to be great...

 

[SpacePhoenix]

It would depend on the design but there shouldn't be much in it if a 3.48m 503 could fit, but even if slab track and/or rigid overhead electrification was required this would still be much cheaper than a surface alignment.

Chris

Would a movia based (probably S stock) design fit?

 

[Domh245]

Seeing as an S stock is about 80cm higher than a class 483 - it might be a bit of a tight fit. 2009 stock however - that might be better heightwise - but again it is wider than class 483 stock. Not to mention cost!

Also, when did a 503 make it's way onto the island? Before the 483s were the 485/486s - which were ex-LU standard stock

 

[cav1975]

Would D78 stock from the District Line fit?

 

[starrymarkb]

Would D78 stock from the District Line fit?

D Stock is the same size as Mainline stock

 

[bronzeonion]

A trip to the island today for the first time in three years revealed vastly improved stations with new passenger information screens and waiting rooms and cafés reopened

However the trains I am less impressed about. Doors kept half opening so I had to kick them open to let pushchairs out... The train was so bumpy I felt quite unsafe... And the interior felt down at heel

I realise this is supposedly a heritage line but as the islands only normal railway it deserves much better!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
As an aside does south west trains recruit internally for guards and drivers on the island?

Unsafe? Get a grip you clearly havnt travelled on the tube!

 

[Chris125]

Also, when did a 503 make it's way onto the island? Before the 483s were the 485/486s - which were ex-LU standard stock

They didn't, but a proposal was made when the Standard Stock was going through a period of poor reliability and a gauging run (using a wooden profile) was successfully carried out, though the idea was to single and lower the track through the tunnel to maximise clearances - on that basis some designs of Sub Surface might fit, but the modifications to platform heights for example will always favour older generation tube stock if possible.

Chris