Conwy Valley Line Reopening Date? Update: line now open

[Y Ddraig Coch]

Why have they started allocating 2 x 153s again when only a 150 will ‘fit’ at Dolgarrog?

You couldn’t make it up!

All the 153s I have seen in North Wales in recent months have been pairs.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Why have they started allocating 2 x 153s again when only a 150 will ‘fit’ at Dolgarrog?

You couldn’t make it up!

Also begs the question as to why when they rebuilt Dolgarrog they didn't either (a) build it really short and have it operated local door only, thus saving money, or (b) spend a little and make it 48m long so it could take a 2-car 197 (and therefore a pair of 153s) as it will get at some point if it doesn't end up floating down the Conwy again before they get chance.

Or is it perhaps the case that with 197s they will be operating the doors from a passenger door, and as these are at thirds they can just leave 4m hanging off the back and put the S board 4m off the end, but all passenger doors will be accommodated?

 

[PHILIPE]

Why have they started allocating 2 x 153s again when only a 150 will ‘fit’ at Dolgarrog?

You couldn’t make it up!

Perhaps there were not enough 150s available.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Dec 2020 ==

Also begs the question as to why when they rebuilt Dolgarrog they didn't either (a) build it really short and have it operated local door only, thus saving money, or (b) spend a little and make it 48m long so it could take a 2-car 197 (and therefore a pair of 153s) as it will get at some point if it doesn't end up floating down the Conwy again before they get chance.

Or is it perhaps the case that with 197s they will be operating the doors from a passenger door, and as these are at thirds they can just leave 4m hanging off the back and put the S board 4m off the end, but all passenger doors will be accommodated?

When the station was designed it was pre-COVID so when COVID is hopefully all over things can revert to normal and restrictions can be removed. These are exceptional circumstances and nothing wrong with NORMAL TIME operation. Remember there are other stations in North Wales at which trains are not calling due to short platforms and COVID

 

[krus_aragon]

Also begs the question as to why when they rebuilt Dolgarrog they didn't either (a) build it really short and have it operated local door only, thus saving money, or (b) spend a little and make it 48m long so it could take a 2-car 197 (and therefore a pair of 153s) as it will get at some point if it doesn't end up floating down the Conwy again before they get chance.

Or is it perhaps the case that with 197s they will be operating the doors from a passenger door, and as these are at thirds they can just leave 4m hanging off the back and put the S board 4m off the end, but all passenger doors will be accommodated?

I think it's because Network Rail were just repairing the flood damage.

I've been told that the money for the various flood repairs in recent years comes from a maintenance/repair budget. The reason they've only repaired and fitted new culverts and drainage to the track that's been washed out, and not taking the same action as a pre-emptive measure elsewhere on the line, is that it would be considered an "improvement" rather than maintenance, and would require a bid from a diferent pot of money.

I would not be surprised to learn that platform extensions would need to come from the same pot of money, and that Dolgarrog's new platform is exactly the same length as the old one.

 

[williamn]

I see that trains are currently still replaced by buses - is this still due to Covid? There doesn't seem to be any mention of it on the TFW site.

 

[PHILIPE]

I see that trains are currently still replaced by buses - is this still due to Covid? There doesn't seem to be any mention of it on the TFW site.

It is due to COVID and can be found on the TFW Website here:-

www.tfwrail.wales/travel-safer/essential-travel-timetable

 

[williamn]

Very well hidden, I failed to find it and I'm in relative terms a railway nut!
(thanks though)

 

[PHILIPE]

On resumption of services today following a COVID reduced Timetable, the line is closed between North Llanrwst and Blaenau Ffestiniog due to flooding. Hopefully should be OK tomorrow.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Mar 2021 ==

Re-opening for last service today.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I've been told that the money for the various flood repairs in recent years comes from a maintenance/repair budget. The reason they've only repaired and fitted new culverts and drainage to the track that's been washed out, and not taking the same action as a pre-emptive measure elsewhere on the line, is that it would be considered an "improvement" rather than maintenance, and would require a bid from a different pot of money.

Thanks for clarifying that particular matter.

 

[Western Lord]

This line should be renamed The Sinatra Line......

 

[pdeaves]

This line should be renamed The Sinatra Line......

Because it needs some 'Frank' and honest decisions about its future?

 

[krus_aragon]

This line should be renamed The Sinatra Line......

They Can't Take That (branch line) Away From Me?

River Stay 'Way From My Door?

Here's That Rainy Day?

My (Permanent) Way?

Close(d) to You?

Come Rain or Come Shine?

alternatively, B*Witched might be in with a shout for "Blame it on the Weatherman" ...

 

[Bletchleyite]

Because it needs some 'Frank' and honest decisions about its future?

It certainly does need a look at funding with regard to doing preventative work, assuming it is to stay open. "That's a different budget" is almost like the old "best spend the budget by 31st March or we don't get it until next year" - neither of them have a place in a properly run organisation.