Heart of Wales Loops

[MidnightFlyer]

The 5 passing loops that existed on the HoW until recently:

• When were they taken out of use;
• What platform was taken out of use with this?

Thank you

 

[Greenback]

Do you mean the loops that were temporarily out of use and are now being reinstated?

 

[robert2000]

Theres only knighton that doesnt work, platform 2 is out of use i think, the northbound platform.

llanwrtyd and llandrindod work on the old system.

llandovery and llandeilo are completed and working again after being out of use.

I think im right, correct me if im wrong.

 

[Greenback]

Two loops were still functioning before the renewals this year, and there's one elft to be replaced now I think that it;s Knighton, yes.

Llandovery was done a few weeks back.

 

[robert2000]

also they were taken out of use as there was no spare parts to keep llandrindod and llanwrtyd working, whicj they need to because trains pass at those 2 places only i think.

 

[Greenback]

That's right, the timetable can be worked without the other loops, but they are obviously useful when there are delays and tours/special trains. There has also been diverted freights in the past as well.

I assume you know all mabout HOWLTA and their website Robert?

 

[robert2000]

i go on the HOW website a lot, they are 1 of 3 projects im keen on in wales.

the others being hourly to aber and redoubling chester - wrexham

 

[The Planner]

As far as Im aware it was always the down platform that was kept in use.

 

[Proud Salopian]

Theres only knighton that doesnt work, platform 2 is out of use i think, the northbound platform.

Yup, the northbound (Shrewsbury-bound) platform is out of use. Not sure if it is numbered as 2.

Do we know when Knighton loop will be back up and running?

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Theres only knighton that doesnt work, platform 2 is out of use i think, the northbound platform.

llanwrtyd and llandrindod work on the old system.

llandovery and llandeilo are completed and working again after being out of use.

I think im right, correct me if im wrong.

Thats great but are their any dates of closure/reopening that you know of thanks

 

[robert2000]

the Knighton loop is the last 1 to be done, will be october now i think.

 

[merlodlliw]

i go on the HOW website a lot, they are 1 of 3 projects im keen on in wales.

the others being hourly to aber and redoubling chester - wrexham

As far as the question of Chester/Wrexham redoubling is concerned, it was debated in a WAG Govt Q & A session last Tuesday by a local AM. see below
.............................................................................................
I raised this in the Chamber last Tuesday and am now pursuing further with Network Rail and UK Government.

My office has been asked to copy you on everything - including the
exchange in the Senedd.

Regards
Mark Isherwood A.M.

 

[Pacerpilot]

The loops were indeed taken O.O.U. to keep the loops and Llandod and Llanwrtyd in operation. The components for the original Hydro Points had become obsolete so a completely new system utilising electric point motors, operated by withdrawl of the section token had to be installed. The Same system has also been in use at Tenby on the P&T branch since March, and is proving to be very reliable, with only minor teething problems after commissioning.

The same system will also be installed at Ystrad Rhondda at a later date.

 

[The Planner]

As far as the question of Chester/Wrexham redoubling is concerned, it was debated in a WAG Govt Q & A session last Tuesday by a local AM. see below
.............................................................................................
I raised this in the Chamber last Tuesday and am now pursuing further with Network Rail and UK Government.

My office has been asked to copy you on everything - including the
exchange in the Senedd.

Regards
Mark Isherwood A.M.

Still happening, NR are still progressing it as are the WAG....

 

[merlodlliw]

Still happening, NR are still progressing it as are the WAG....

Thanks Planner, BTW is the underpass on the English side capable of twin track?
this is the A483 Wrexham Bypass express-way, I appreciate the over bridge at Gresford is single track for ever.

As the WAG elections are due next year,questions need to be asked by politicians,to ensure work commences
before next spring to make sure a new Rail Minister does not put it on hold.

M

 

[The Planner]

It looks tight when you go through it, but the engineers say that apparently there is room for double track. Whether thats with some restrictions on if two trains can actually pass at the same time under it is a different question.

 

[merlodlliw]

It looks tight when you go through it, but the engineers say that apparently there is room for double track. Whether thats with some restrictions on if two trains can actually pass at the same time under it is a different question.

Tight is the word, I dont think two 175s or 158s could pass, except at snails pace, anyhow thanks for the info. Perhaps it is wider than seems, but looking at it from the road above, tight is the word.

M

 

[4SRKT]

At what point in history did the 'Central Wales Line' become the 'Heart of Wales Line'?

 

[Pacerpilot]

Its still the Central Wales to staff who work it. Only the "Heart of Wales Huggers" that seem to call it so.

 

[merlodlliw]

At what point in history did the 'Central Wales Line' become the 'Heart of Wales Line'?

A few years ago, the change was funded by the Welsh Office, I am sure it was done to stop confusion with Central trains who ran to Aber & Pwl after going private from BR.

http://www.heart-of-wales.co.uk/index.htm

 

[Proud Salopian]

I think "Heart of Wales" is a better name. "Central Wales" could easily be the Shrewsbury-Dovey Junction route.

 

[krus_aragon]

At what point in history did the 'Central Wales Line' become the 'Heart of Wales Line'?

It's not very far in Welsh to go from Llinell Canol Cymru to Llinell Calon Cymru... perhaps the name change happened there and the English was dragged along...

 

[merlodlliw]

It's not very far in Welsh to go from Llinell Canol Cymru to Llinell Calon Cymru... perhaps the name change happened there and the English was dragged along...

Thats an interesting thought Krus, however I am still of the idea that Central Trains arrival in Wales was the reason for change, to stop confusion(laugh)
it was always interesting to see West Midlands PTE named sprinter stock at Porthmadoc.and previous to that Network South East carriages when BR ran the Euston/Pwlhelli Saturday specials.