H O W Passing loops

[robert2000]

Does anyone know how many loops still need fixing on the heart of wales line, i am sure it was just knighton, unless they are all fixed, i am not sure.

 

[Proud Salopian]

The loops at Llandeilo, Llandovery and Knighton all need restoring - and I believe all five loops on the line are to have their points replaced.

Is it still to happen this year? Does anyone have any news on the matter?

 

[The Planner]

According to the sectional appendix, Llandovery is still out aswell as Knighton. Llandeilo is shown as in use.

 

[robert2000]

when it comes to railways in wales, nobody seems to know what is going on.

i hope a 5th heart of wales service is brought in soon.

 

[Greenback]

Where do you get the fifth train from? The only place I can recalls eeing such a suggestion is the Heart of Wales Line Travellers Association strategy for the future development of the line.

While i would welcome such a development myself, I can't see it happening without signifcant funding, which isn't very likely is it?!

 

[robert2000]

arriva trains wales are loaded, well if you look at the high fares they charge people. the train company cant be short of a few bob.

i cant believe the cambrian coast project has priority over wrexham-chester re doubling and the heart of wales line upgrade.

i mentioned a 5th train because that is what campaigners are pressing for.

 

[Greenback]

If ATW are loaded then their profits go to Arriva shareholders, such is the benfeit of privatisation! Not that I think they are mind you...!

We all have our own ideas about where what little money there is should be spent. In my area (Carmarthenshire) people want to see an hourly fast service to Cardiff avoiding Swansea, plus an hourly service to Cardiff via Swansea, the reinstatement of double track from Cockett to Llandeilo Jct and increases in the length of peak time trains.

In the South Wales valleys they want faster services, more frequent trains to Maesteg and via the Vale of Glamorgan, new stations in Gwent, and local trains to serve them.

I'd love to see all these improvements take place, as they would be very beneficial for the areas concerned. As would redoubling Wrexham to Chester, a 4th HoW train and improvements to the Cambrian Coast. Unfortuantely, it ain't all going to happen in the next few years!

 

[robert2000]

there is already a 4th h o w train, unless u mean add 2 extra sunday services.

 

[Greenback]

Sorry, typing error (it's dark!) I meant to type 5th! Time to put the light on I think!

 

[robert2000]

hehe, i knew u had mistyped. im just after some banter. lol

 

[Greenback]

No problem! I put the light on but the bulb has blown! I'm still in the dark!!!

 

[robert2000]

don't ask ATW for money to buy a new bulb.

 

[The Planner]

i cant believe the cambrian coast project has priority over wrexham-chester re doubling and the heart of wales line upgrade.

It takes a massive priority because it is the test bed for ERTMS. If it works there then it will be rolled out to other areas, such as the GWML when it gets electrified.

 

[robert2000]

when does the extended welshpool loop open, i want to plan a day to machynlleth this year so keep me informed, pm me.

 

[The Planner]

It wont be used for any timetabled services until December at the very earliest, possibly May 10. If they decide to run on it before hand then they will probably do it without telling us !!

 

[robert2000]

NR has since announced that work to replace the points at all five loops will begin in January 2010 (after first installing the system in Tenby on 7 December 2009) and should be complete by the autumn of 2010.

that is what is written on wikipedia, whether it is true or not, i do not know.

 

[Celtic Crusader]

when it comes to railways in wales, nobody seems to know what is going on.

i hope a 5th heart of wales service is brought in soon.

Tell me about it.

The Anglesey Central Railway is a prime example of this indecisive mess we're in.

 

[robert2000]

Lets have a new petition, to stop ATW from winning the next franchise.

 

[Greenback]

ATW are not responsible for improvements (or lack of them) to the rail network in Wales. They did not fund the increased service and passing loop on the Merthyr line, nor did they decide to trial ERTMS on the Cambrian line. ATW did not introduce the loco hauled service between Cardiff and Holyhead either! It makes no money and is heavily subsidised!

Still, we can all carry on hating Arriva and blame them for everything, it's quite fun really! What do facts matter?!!!

 

[robert2000]

if atw had better trains then i would use them more.

good job i live in chester, i got other toc to choose from.