FGW HST Diversions - December 2010

[will1337]

Wow, I really hope that this does happen in regards to the HSTs on the GSWML, I can still dream of one on the Hounslow loop though.

 

[SWT Driver]

I think you'll find that they've been round it in the past, after the mishaps.

 

[will1337]

Do you know when this has happened? I've only been paying attention to the railways for the past few years.

 

[paul1609]

I was told that most of the SSL trailers ended up with AXC, next to none with FGW. Possibly duff gen though, usually too busy enjoying my journey on a HST to take too much notice of the sticky letters on the ends of the trailers (which aren't entirely to be trusted, again according to what I've heard).

As for The Mule, apart from Yeovil Junction to Exeter (which last happened according to memory in November 2008, don't recall it since), when was the last time a HST did a run up through Salisbury and Andover to Wimbledon and Clapham? Indeed, the last time HSTs were used into Waterloo was 2004 from what I remember.
:

Some FGW sets must be SSL at least 2 of them have been to Portsmouth via Salisbury in the last year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw14kkBNLQQ&feature=related

 

[Techniquest]

Seem to recall they were specially marshalled at short notice for that.

 

[NSEFAN]

Is there any indication as to how long these diversions will run for? Is it just a weekend, or is it more substanital like the NLL blockade?

 

[2030720310]

Do SWT still run to Exeter or is it the Paignton service they've just cut?

 

[The Planner]

Is there any indication as to how long these diversions will run for? Is it just a weekend, or is it more substanital like the NLL blockade?

Reading is blocked over Xmas, so its a week at least Id have thought.

 

[royaloak]

Do SWT still run to Exeter or is it the Paignton service they've just cut?

Now hourly from Waterloo to Exeter, it is only the Paignton and Plymouth bits that were dropped.

 

[43034 The Black Horse]

Seem to recall they were specially marshalled at short notice for that.

Not that I have any solid gen, but recently I've been viewing Mk3s as they depart from stations (FGW HST Mk3s) and all so far have had SSL marked up on the sides. Have yet to see LSL on any them. So maybe some modifications have been done?

 

[devon_metro]

There are very few LSL vehicles in the FGW fleet as previously mentioned.

 

[SWT Driver]

I'll see if I can find out of a FGW driver that I know.

 

[louis97]

Reading is blocked over Xmas, so its a week at least Id have thought.

Last i heard, was that service will end on Fri 24, then no booked trains to run Sat 25 and Sun 26, and then No service through reading on mon 27 and possibly tues 28, and then two lines only available for straight through running from Tues/Weds until the about 3rd/4th Jan. (No terminators/starters/reversals
Services).

But ofcourse, this is not all definate, tbh i dont think they have finished planning the summer timetable yet, let alone the winter!

 

[SWT Driver]

Just got the answer off a FGW driver and apparently there are still quite a lot of Non-SSL bogied HSTs running around.

He can't remember the full ins & outs of it, but it seems that the only real way to tell is to look on the ends of the coaches!

 

[royaloak]

Or at the bogies, although its not easy to tell them apart now, the SSL are a wire rope and the LSL was a metal stirrup (similar to a B4 bogie), but has now been changed to a wire rope as well but the attachment on the bogie is slightly different, cant see why they are not treated the same now.

 

[The Planner]

But ofcourse, this is not all definate, tbh i dont think they have finished planning the summer timetable yet, let alone the winter!

May 10 was offered to the TOC/FOCs on the 11th Dec. Just sorting out the repsonses to it now.

 

[SWT Driver]

Well when it comes to working over the 3rd system they'll have to ensure that they are all SSL bogied sets.

 

[turbo mick]

Ive been told the whole of reading psb will be closed for 2 weeks so you can imagine the problems for the public while the signalling is transfered to Thames valley signalling centre

165/166 fleet outstabled at old oak,oxford,redhill during the blockade

 

[devon_metro]

Ive been told the whole of reading psb will be closed for 2 weeks so you can imagine the problems for the public while the signalling is transfered to Thames valley signalling centre

165/166 fleet outstabled at old oak,oxford,redhill during the blockade

With Reading PSB shut, does this mean that the line from Newbury - Bedwyn will be closed considering it falls under their control?

 

[Mike Redding]

I'd guess so, unless another PSB can take it over temporarily (I have no idea if this is even possible though). I'd imagine there's going to be a lot of rail replacement transport along the Bedwyn Line while this is happening.

What are they actually doing during this blockade?

 

[The Planner]

Moving all the interlocking controls for Reading box into the new Thames Valley signalling centre, only once that is done can Reading close and be knocked down.

 

[turbo mick]

With Reading PSB shut, does this mean that the line from Newbury - Bedwyn will be closed considering it falls under their control?

Lavington to kintbury is going to be the first stage thats going to be in the coming months before the xmas blockade the signalmen at reading psb are being trained on the new signalling system now its like a IECC set up

When the new part lavington -kintbury is commisioned there will be one signaller in the new box and the other signaller from kinbury to aldermaston in the old box at reading controlling, the crossing keepers will be going as well kintbury and colthrop at some stage all into the new centre a workstation for all the crossings on the route its going to be a headache

 

[SWT Driver]

So how big an area will this new Thames Valley signalling centre cover then, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[TheWalrus]

I'd guess so, unless another PSB can take it over temporarily (I have no idea if this is even possible though). I'd imagine there's going to be a lot of rail replacement transport along the Bedwyn Line while this is happening.

What are they actually doing during this blockade?

Oh that sucks... What are all the other operators doing during the blockade?

 

[turbo mick]

So how big an area will this new Thames Valley signalling centre cover then, if you don't mind me asking?

Reading psb controls 95 miles of track www.readingpsb.org if you would like more info.then eventually other signal boxes will move in

Wait till the whole of the reading area is remodeled that is total shutdown

more info here http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/4664.aspx probably the largest project on the western

cheers

 

[Aictos]

With regards to the High Speed Services:

A hourly service will exist between the West of England and Waterloo via Salisbury when Reading is closed.

A hourly service to both South Wales and Bristol Temple Meads from Paddington via Banbury when Reading is closed.

There's really too much to take in but the short version is the West Country services are going into Waterloo as a hourly service - must make sure I book Christmas off then to get these diversions in

 

[TheExmoorBeast]

So will I, So will I!

 

[Techniquest]

Hold on, WoE HSTs are indeed going to Waterloo? Assumed to be a reverse at Westbury then? Main question then, what dates?

*Techniquest enters flap mode*

EDIT: Some of my questions were answered already

 

[The Planner]

Reverse at Westbury then via Salisbury, Basingstoke and Surbiton. Im sure there is one day (27th ??) where they are going via Chertsey, Staines and Hounslow. I'll double check that on Tuesday.

 

[TGVDUDE]

I'll be doing these into Waterloo and then probably home via Banbury