Deicing trains running and rail strikes?

[infobleep]

If this is the wrong forum please move it.

When it is cold deicing trains run overnight or sometimes even during the day.

Obviously, with the signallers on strike, such trains cannot run overnight. So are any morning services encountering problems due to the tracks not being deiced?

Some lines are getting no service at all. So tomorrow morning (Thursday 15/12), when some of them will get a service, are the trains likely to encounter problems?

 

[Stuart-h]

im running the deiceing train out of wigan. Normally have 2 running but only running 1 due to the strikes.

 

[Phil Atack]

LSL (Locomotive Services Ltd) operating what appear to be catenary (overhead wires) de-icers 14/15 Dec:
VVR 0Z69 Crewe - Carlisle 07.30 90001 + 86101
VVR 0Z70 Carlisle - Crewe 07.00 90002 + 87002 (worked north 13/12 as 0Z90)

VVR (Variation - very recent?) is to VSTP (Very short term planning) as VAR (Variation) is to WTT (Working timetable). Code used to indicate a last minute schedule created on the day by Control, but altered Very Very Recently. In the case of 0Z69, this was only added to the timetable schedule 75 minutes before the service departed.

 

[Omnishambles]

I wondered the same thing myself, considering living on the Southern deep in 3rd rail-land. Haven’t a clue on box manning 18-0600 but can’t imagine any full de-icing runs are happening ?

 

[Horizon22]

If this is the wrong forum please move it.

When it is cold deicing trains run overnight or sometimes even during the day.

Obviously, with the signallers on strike, such trains cannot run overnight. So are any morning services encountering problems due to the tracks not being deiced?

Some lines are getting no service at all. So tomorrow morning (Thursday 15/12), when some of them will get a service, are the trains likely to encounter problems?

Quite possibly. Normally you send out a route proving train first thing. In many cases the first trains are passenger services on a strike day after the signallers book on at 0700. So you'd have to get a route proving train out immediately or cancel / delay - the already late - first train of the day. Not an easy predicament!

 

[infobleep]

Thanks for the replies. I am travelling later so will be interesting to see how things go. I won't be on the first passenger train out though.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Dec 2022 ==

Well, this answers my question:
For Govia Thameslink Railway

Description

Due to severe weather services across the Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern network expected this morning services may be cancelled, delayed or revised.

Customer Advice:

Today, Thursday 15 December, some early morning trains across Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern routes have changed, and will start around 08:00am. Journey planners are up to date and we recommend you double check your travel plans to see if this affects your early morning commute.

You may reach your destination at least 30 minutes later than planned as you'll have to wait for the next available service.

Why is this happening?

Following the two-day strike on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 December, Network Rail will run special trains across the network, known as 'route proving trains'. This is to ensure the infrastructure is safe and reliable for passenger services. This is a standard requirement for when a line of route has been unused for over 48hrs.

In addition to this, during freezing temperatures, staff often find a build up of ice and snow on the third rail which provides electricity to our trains. Running route proving trains will ensure railway lines are clear of any ice build up that may affect your journey.

Welcome to the Official source for UK trains | National Rail

You've found the gateway to Britain's national rail network. The portal to rail travel, including train times information, fares enquiries; promotions; and ticket info.

m.nationalrail.co.uk

For South Western Railway

Description

Icy rail conditions across the South West coast are causing disruption to some routes on the South Western Railway network.

Disruption is expected to continue until 12:00.

Customer advice

Severe weather over the last few days has caused several issues to occur on the network. Icy and snowing conditions can affect points, signalling equipment, and the conductor rail. Trains may be cancelled, delayed or altered as issues occur.

My connecting train from Epsom is also cancelled due to a points failure. While I don't know the cause it could be the weather

My first train depatted on time though and given the station announcements apologised for the normal service not running due to the adverse weather conditions, I am lucky it departed on time. It is using the New Line Guildford so it had no service until this morning.

 

[Matt_pool]

Most of the Merseyrail network ground to a halt just before 8.30am this morning due to "Freezing Conditions" according to the Merseyrail website, and things still aren't back to normal.

I arrived at Aigburth station at 8.27 for the 8.29 just as they were announcing that services were suspended. Luckily there's a bus stop up the road, but I waited 10+ minutes for a bus, along with everyone else who had gone to catch the 8.29, and I got to work half an hour late for the second time this week.

 

[Strat-tastic]

Who scrapes all the windows?

 

[cce]

Took me 2 hours from Bristol parkway to Swindon this morning due to icy wires in chipping sodbury tunnel. I was on the 8:56 so I'd assume I wasn't the first.

 

[Horizon22]

Thanks for the replies. I am travelling later so will be interesting to see how things go. I won't be on the first passenger train out though.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Dec 2022 ==

Well, this answers my question:
For Govia Thameslink Railway

Welcome to the Official source for UK trains | National Rail

You've found the gateway to Britain's national rail network. The portal to rail travel, including train times information, fares enquiries; promotions; and ticket info.

m.nationalrail.co.uk

For South Western Railway



My connecting train from Epsom is also cancelled due to a points failure. While I don't know the cause it could be the weather

My first train depatted on time though and given the station announcements apologised for the normal service not running due to the adverse weather conditions, I am lucky it departed on time. It is using the New Line Guildford so it had no service until this morning.

There were a scores of points failures across the SE today this morning. Doesn’t help when even if points are defrosted they freeze again as the weather has been consistently below or at 0C. Coupled with the reduced service in the last week it’s a bit of a perfect storm.