blueberry11
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I didn't think Wikipedia would have its own page. It's even been updated with the exact date.
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MML Electrification: progress updates
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Bit odd this bit coming from a Network Rail bod.BBC are reporting it
Midland Mainline: Electrification of railway dubbed 'a big milestone'
The work in Leicestershire will one day mean trains can be powered by electricity instead of diesel.www.bbc.co.uk
Its not really the lighter weight that makes them quieter! And the trains using this section will presumably be heavier than an equivalent diesel as they carry diesel and electric bits and pieces.
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For Syston - Trent which sides of those junctions are the limits - ie will the junctions and Syston station be included?
Will it be be minimal scope (electrify as is), or might there be improvements such as extra platforms for Syston and Loughborough, and the start of a fourth track toward Leicester?
Nottingham59
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I believe the limit to Syston North junction, only.
InTheEastMids
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A letter to Rushcliffe as part of a planning application is a bit more specific and says "Syston North Junction to Sheet Stores Junction and Trent Sidings".
Thanks. Makes sense to leave Syston for the decisions on the Leicester area.
Are Trent Sidings the ones on the north side of the Nottingham line between the high and low level Toton lines? If so I assume that the Sheet Stores/Trent East/Trent South junction is included…..
Seems to be, The ancient Quail map I had to hand shows "Trent Yard" and "Trent Siding" there.
Not sure if it’s been mentioned upthread, but there are now Class 810 pan up and pan down signs in the up and down direction respectively, just north of Mill Hill, adjacent to London Gateway services on the M1.
These are currently bagged up and are located adjacent to London Gateway Services. They will be a temporary measure until the wiring is upgraded to >100mph standard, and 810s on the fasts will need to slow to 100mph before the pan is raised.
These are currently bagged up and are located adjacent to London Gateway Services. They will be a temporary measure until the wiring is upgraded to >100mph standard, and 810s on the fasts will need to slow to 100mph before the pan is raised.
59CosG95
Established Member
Many thanks for the update.
Are there similar signs near Bedford, and possibly also Luton?
Can't remember , pretty sure there are some at Wigston though.
GRALISTAIR
Established Member
I know. I wrote the article! Obviously there have been other editors who have added to it.I didn't think Wikipedia would have its own page. It's even been updated with the exact date.
Midland Main Line upgrade - Wikipedia
InTheEastMids
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Be careful, maybe they got that by reading this thread!
WymoWanderer
Member
That's been there ever since they electricified the line back in 2019-2020.
Occasionally the site is used as a depot for road/rail machinery but nowadays it's just a vacant compound with some steelwork.
The Mk3s are now vinyled up with various logos of the parties involved, the start date of testing is getting closer.
Flying Phil
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Well written Gralistair!
I was particular taken by comment that it had proceeded at "...snails pace" given the history of stop - start -pause - stop - start - plus a major contractor (Carillion) going bust plus Covid..... I am amazed at the progress SPL and others have achieved...which is why I regret they have largely been not enabled to continue it seems.
londonmidland
Established Member
Has there been any official announcement regarding the potential remodelling of Wigston North Jn to Syston?
I think it's a smart move to leave a gap in this area, for the continuation of the electrification further north, should there be any major changes to the track layout.
Currently, it looks like its up to capacity. Where the lines to/from Nuneaton join is often a pinch point, as this is where conflicts take place. 1C47 was waiting for around 7 minutes behind 4M81, as it was standing in the loop prior to being let out in front of 1C47, before diverging at Wigston North Jn.
I think it's a smart move to leave a gap in this area, for the continuation of the electrification further north, should there be any major changes to the track layout.
Currently, it looks like its up to capacity. Where the lines to/from Nuneaton join is often a pinch point, as this is where conflicts take place. 1C47 was waiting for around 7 minutes behind 4M81, as it was standing in the loop prior to being let out in front of 1C47, before diverging at Wigston North Jn.
zwk500
Veteran Member
AIUI there has been no formal confirmation of a single option, let alone funding.
The last thing I'm aware of is this paper by NR: https://sacuksprodnrdigital0001.blob.core.windows.net/regional-long-term-planning/Eastern/Leicester Area Strategic Advice 2021.pdf, which should be regarded as pretty much the profession equivalent of the 'Speculative Ideas' section of this forum.
blueberry11
Member
Today (Sunday 28 July 2024) is the day the MML from Kettering to Wigston should have it's wires turned on. Now it's time to see the 810s (and other bi-mode trains) use them for testing shortly but its still far away for public use.
Jamesrob637
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Geographically the MML's wires now extend north of Birmingham
Robertj21a
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Is the current plan to still use battery power through the tunnel into Leicester station ?
59CosG95
Established Member
Based on a scan of cab-ride footage, most/all of the weights north of Luton have been done, but there are still a few to go between Luton Airport & Cricklewood.
I don't believe any work to upgrade registrations (i.e. cantilevers) for higher pantograph uplifts and re-grading bridge approaches has commenced - if that work even is part of the programme at this point. Even then, the adjustments would only be in areas where the non-EMU linespeed exceeds 100mph.
I don't think that's ever been firmer than a suggestion. The most recent rumours are that full electrification will be possible. There is as yet no authorisation to start physical work on electifying anywhere north of Wigston South. Anyway, the class 810s that are being built for the MML are diesel or overhead line only, as far as I know.
GRALISTAIR
Established Member
Outstanding news.
59CosG95
Established Member
That should also mean that it's already drawing power for railway use!
That’s true, but given a trial is planned to instal a battery in a TransPennine 800 series unit, it’s not completely in the realms of fantasy that a Labour Govt that is reportedly about to axe several road and rail projects to save money might pare down the MML scheme to just the easy bits to save money. And then use batteries to declare that the line is fully electrified.
How would adding batteries to trains that already have diesel engines be cheaper thsn not adding them?
You would be comparing the cost of installing them with the saving by not doing all the difficult bits of the MML electrification, presumably all the large stations.
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