Dollands Moor incident 4Sep18

[HSTEd]

It would have to have been a pretty significant bridge in order to provide clearance to the OLE, with long approach ramps to scale the height. Given the yard is sandwiched between the local and HS1 lines, I doubt there would have been the space for such a structure.

Well given that the yard was built at the same time as HS1, it being sandwiched would be little problem because it is likely that HS1 would have been built in a slightly different place!

If the only thing that happens in this yard is a train inspection and the swapping of tail lamps, and occasionally swapping locomotives, why on earth is it this big?

 

[GB]

The yard isn't that big and it caters for an uptake in freight traffic. You would be the first to complain if the yard was built tiny then needed £millions spending on it 15-20 years later to accommodate more and larger trains.

 

[800002]

Well given that the yard was built at the same time as HS1, it being sandwiched would be little problem because it is likely that HS1 would have been built in a slightly different place!

If the only thing that happens in this yard is a train inspection and the swapping of tail lamps, and occasionally swapping locomotives, why on earth is it this big?

I believe it is as big as it needs to be (for current operations). Catering to inbound and outbound freight traffic as well as contingency holding capacity for when things gets 'congested'.
It is only seven sidings (plus loco stabling capacity). I don't think it would take too long to fill beyond 50 - 60 percent (yes, I have plucked figures out of thin air) in time of disruption.

A Wednesday shows Six workings in/out of the yard (to the west) in a 2hr 50 minute period. Just imagine what would happen if one of them didn't cooperate with the timetable, if there wasn't 'spare' capacity.

 

[ArchieWoodbine]

it is likely that HS1 would have been built in a slightly different place!

You say that as if adjusting the route of a high speed line through the Folkestone hills & environs was dictated by the needs of the freight yard, not the other way around.

 

[Dr Hoo]

The yard was designed in the late 1980s. Although HS1 was envisaged it came quite a few years later (along with a freight link line). The Channel Tunnel was envisaged as carrying up to 30 or so freights per day, each way. Any or all of these might have to deal with locomotive changes, knocking out defective wagons, crew swaps and other eventualities besides simple examination.

I know that it has never been used to it’s full potential but it is quite tiny really in relation to it’s planned capability.