MML Electrification: progress updates

[43066]

doubt it. The signs are on either side of the fast lines just to the north of the junction (Bridge no55 I think) and therefore not applicable for trains coming from Manton.
To clarify, the signs are "Pan Down" for Southbound trains, and "Pan Up" for northbound trains.

Thanks. A bit worrying I haven’t noticed them, really! I’ll tell my trainee to keep a much better eye out in future.

 

[Flying Phil]

Re the test train, will it be operating to a regular timetable - if so, can we access that as I would like to try again at getting a picture.

 

[InTheEastMids]

Seemed like a reasonable guess given the timings, but there you go.
Should I tell you my lottery numbers so you know what to avoid?!

I'd prefer share tips please especially since the last two companies I've worked for experienced a precipitous decline in value that started around the time I joined them!

Back on topic, the test train seems to be simulating a single 810. Does anybody know if it will be embiggened to simulate 2x810 (or dare I say it 3x360)

Re the test train, will it be operating to a regular timetable

No idea on this but it might be quite easy to find on RTT if it keeps the 1QXX code

 

[hwl]

I'd prefer share tips please especially since the last two companies I've worked for experienced a precipitous decline in value that started around the time I joined them!

Back on topic, the test train seems to be simulating a single 810. Does anybody know if it will be embiggened to simulate 2x810 (or dare I say it 3x360)


No idea on this but it might be quite easy to find on RTT if it keeps the 1QXX code

The main purpose of this test train is mechanical rather than electrical testing i.e the wire is locate as planned and responds to the pantograph loadings at different as designed. You only need a modest current draw to monitor quality of contact.

 

[InTheEastMids]

The main purpose of this test train is mechanical rather than electrical testing i.e the wire is locate as planned and responds to the pantograph loadings at different as designed. You only need a modest current draw to monitor quality of contact.

Thanks, I wondered if they'd want to test the mechanical aspects of 2 or 3 pantograph at high speed as I recall this was a really big thing for GWR scheme.

 

[PJM]

There is a shot of the test train on WNXX today by D Bellamy at Kettering North Junction.

 

[midland1]

What is shown on RTT on Monday the 5Q43 Old Dalby to Leicester shown as max speed 125, then it becomes 5Q44 Leic. to Lincoln pathed as class 158 etc.max speed 100. It returns in the afternoon to Leic. then on to Old Dalby. It runs on Tuesday as well.

 

[Wyrleybart]

Would I be right in thinking there are plans for the southbound 810s to "pan up" at Wigston - in other words toughen the catenary in that particular area, and maybe it is to be balise controlled ?

Assume northbound trains simply drop their pans as they approach.
TIA

 

[59CosG95]

I doubt it. The signs are on either side of the fast lines just to the north of the junction (Bridge no55 I think) and therefore not applicable for trains coming from Manton.
To clarify, the signs are "Pan Down" for Southbound trains, and "Pan Up" for northbound trains.

Can confirm it's bridge SPC3/55 (Pytchley Rd).
The "Pan Down" markers near Wigston are just east of Taylor's Lodge O/B (bridge SPC3/3), while the "Pan Up" ones are between the feeders from Wigston MPATS (Mid Point Autotransformer Site) and the associated Neutral Section.

 

[midland1]

What is shown on RTT on Monday the 5Q43 Old Dalby to Leicester shown as max speed 125, then it becomes 5Q44 Leic. to Lincoln pathed as class 158 etc.max speed 100. It returns in the afternoon to Leic. then on to Old Dalby. It runs on Tuesday as well.

Looks like they are cancelled, hoping a class 810 was going to have a run out.

 

[Merle Haggard]

The 'pan down' signs at Kettering North on the Up (and converse on the Down) infer that the Kettering Bedford wiring is unsuitable for the 800s on electric; does that mean that the, quite recent, work on that section was only specified for 110 mph?
Why can't they operate on electric with a speed restriction, as seems to be proposed South of Bedford?
Probably stupid questions, I know, and I'm not trying to 'knock' the work recently done.

 

[InTheEastMids]

Neil O'Brien, MP for Harborough, Oadby & Wigston has recently posted on his Facebook page:

*Spion Kop bridge*
I used a Parliamentary Question this week to ask the new Secretary of State for Transport what she is doing to keep the vital bridge on Blaby Road open. The reply is a bit non-committal - she said:
"My Officials have been in discussion with Network Rail regarding the necessary works for Spion Kop bridge at Blaby Road.
The work is necessary to renew aging assets and enable the electrification of the railway. Network Rail are working with the local authority and are considering options for the works and are mindful of minimising the disruptive impacts of the works whilst also delivering the works efficiently."
They are clearly still considering options - I'm seeking a meeting to discuss this with the minister at the earliest opportunity and will keep you updated...

Neil O’Brien

Neil O’Brien. 10,218 likes · 6,783 talking about this. Neil O'Brien, Conservative MP for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston. Promoted by Neil O'Brien of St. Mary's House, 1-5 St. Mary's Road, Market...

www.facebook.com

Spion Kop bridge carries the B582 over the railway at Wigston South Junction and is presumably slightly North of the current electrification.

Oadby & Wigston Borough Council indicate in the linked meeting minutes below, that NR's plan is/was to completely rebuild the bridge with a 5 month closure commencing in June 2025, and a temporary footbridge. https://moderngov.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?MId=2596

Network Rail have also been granted Melton Road overbridge at Barrow Upon Soar between October 21st and November 8th (Source: one.network). Google Street View suggests the parapets on this bridge are too low for an electrified railway, so this might be the work planned.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Aug 2024 ==


Edit: Text below added 12/08

The electrification test train was out and about yesterday. I saw some bits of it from the vestibule of an extremely unpleasant crush-loaded 222 near Kettering yesterday morning, and it looks like it's out and about again all morning - see Real Time Trains link below.

Realtime Trains | 1Q91 0518 Leicester L.I.P. to Leicester L.I.P. | 12/08/2024

Real-time train running information for 1Q91 0518 departure from Leicester L.I.P. to Leicester L.I.P. on 12/08/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[PJM]

Pictures of the test train on WNXX today with 91117 pan up. Pictures dated 11 Aug 24.

 

[43066]

Passing through Kettering today in both directions, I noticed a "Lower Pantograph" sign, mounted on the bridge at Kettering South Jct in the Up direction. There is a corresponding "Raise Pantograph" sign in the Down direction. I'm not sure of the reasons for these as I was under the impression that the 810s were to run on ac from Wigston to Bedford until OLE125 work is completed. This looks like Wigston to Kettering ac running. Hardly seems worth it!

I doubt it. The signs are on either side of the fast lines just to the north of the junction (Bridge no55 I think) and therefore not applicable for trains coming from Manton.
To clarify, the signs are "Pan Down" for Southbound trains, and "Pan Up" for northbound trains.

It occurred to me today that these are just for the OHLE test train. They aren’t signed to apply to the 810s, unlike the ones near Mill Hill, and the test train will be on the fasts in both directions at that point as they lead into and out of the new electrification. Should have been obvious really!

No doubt they will be removed once testing of the wires is complete, and prior to the 810s commencing operation.

 

[Kneedown]

It occurred to me today that these are just for the OHLE test train. They aren’t signed to apply to the 810s, unlike the ones near Mill Hill, and the test train will be on the fasts in both directions at that point as they lead into and out of the new electrification. Should have been obvious really!

No doubt they will be removed once testing of the wires is complete, and prior to the 810s commencing operation.

It's a possibility I suppose. I wonder if the pans on the 91 are controlled from the leading HST cab then? I'm not sure if anyone inside the train would be able to see them, unless the leading Driver communicates to the on board staff?

 

[GRALISTAIR]

It's a possibility I suppose. I wonder if the pans on the 91 are controlled from the leading HST cab then? I'm not sure if anyone inside the train would be able to see them, unless the leading Driver communicates to the on board staff?

Surely, they have monitoring cameras fitted?

 

[Kneedown]

Surely, they have monitoring cameras fitted?

I honestly don't know. We have nothing to do with the test trains. I haven't noticed any additional, front facing, monitoring equipment when I've passed it.

 

[Wyrleybart]

It's a possibility I suppose. I wonder if the pans on the 91 are controlled from the leading HST cab then? I'm not sure if anyone inside the train would be able to see them, unless the leading Driver communicates to the on board staff?

My guess would be that there is a least one person in the class 91 to raise and lower the pan - most probably by instructions over radio or mobile

 

[43066]

It's a possibility I suppose. I wonder if the pans on the 91 are controlled from the leading HST cab then? I'm not sure if anyone inside the train would be able to see them, unless the leading Driver communicates to the on board staff?

Easy enough to rig up a switch in the HST cabs?

 

[Kneedown]

Easy enough to rig up a switch in the HST cabs?

It would be. I secondmanned the first class 90 tests with a 45/47 providing traction power on the Old Dalby line, and a wire was run from a camera in the 90 cab, to a monitor in the 45/47 cab, held in place with sticky stuff along the outside of the coaches. I just think "why Ketterimg?" when there's no plan that I know of, for power changeover there.
A well fitted "lower pantograph" sign, with bolts drilled into the bridge structure, seems an extravagance for testing purposes.

 

[43066]

It would be. I secondmanned the first class 90 tests with a 45/47 providing traction power on the Old Dalby line, and a wire was run from a camera in the 90 cab, to a monitor in the 45/47 cab, held in place with sticky stuff along the outside of the coaches.

Interesting experience to have had! I wonder if they’ve done similar here.

I just think "why Ketterimg?" when there's no plan that I know of, for power changeover there.

I think because the train is just testing the mechanical integrity of the new wiring which starts from Kettering on the fasts. It isn’t testing the “power” aspects, just that the pan runs under the wires in the correct way.

They presumably don’t want it running panned up under the existing wiring just in case of any mishaps!

 

[Kneedown]

Interesting experience to have had! I wonder if they’ve done similar.

It was certainly interesting propelling at 90mph from the rear cab, squinting at the monitor for a good fromtal view!

 

[Freightmaster]

Re the test train, will it be operating to a regular timetable - if so, can we access that as I would like to try again at getting a picture.

It ran last Sunday and Monday and is booked to do the same next week too:

Realtime Trains | Departures from Market Harborough between 0600 and 2359 on 18/08/2024

Train information at Market Harborough between 0600 and 2359 on 18/08/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | Departures from Market Harborough between 0600 and 2359 on 19/08/2024

Train information at Market Harborough between 0600 and 2359 on 19/08/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

MARK

 

[snowball]

Press release

Vital railway upgrades take place this month on Midland Main Line

Passengers are being advised to plan their weekend journeys in advance during ongoing multi-million-pound work to electrify the Midland Main Line this September.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Passengers are being advised to plan their weekend journeys in advance during ongoing multi-million-pound work to electrify the Midland Main Line this September.

Teams will be working on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September and on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September to:

Upgrade existing overhead lines which power trains and track south of Bedford.
Install new switches and crosses south of Bedford, the specialist equipment used by trains to cross from one track to another.

The essential work will mean future passengers can expect smoother, faster, and quieter journeys as they travel between the East Midlands and London.

When complete, the South of Bedford upgrade will allow East Midlands Railway (EMR) to run its new fleet of electric trains up to 125mph in the future.

Separate to the Midland Main Line work, teams will be upgrading track in preparation for the Agar Grove bridge project and carrying out drainage work between Radlett and Agar Grove.

While this work is carried out, EMR* and Thameslink* will be operating a revised train service, with buses replacing all trains between Luton and Bedford, to keep passengers on the move.

Passengers are being encouraged to check their journey before they travel by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk or through EMR’s and Thameslink’s social media channels and website.

 

[John Webb]

Press release

Vital railway upgrades take place this month on Midland Main Line

Passengers are being advised to plan their weekend journeys in advance during ongoing multi-million-pound work to electrify the Midland Main Line this September.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

A number of carpark spaces outside the preserved St Albans South box have been occupied this week by a welfare/office unit and 4 road/rail platform machines and more spaces fenced off for a couple of days (now back in use). I assume this is in connection with the 28/29th September work. (Although we wish they'd waited until after this weekend when we've got our extended opening Heritage Open Days on Saturday and Sunday!)

 

[Merle Haggard]

Now I'm sure that there's sound reasons for something I've noticed. From a train, it's difficult to see exactly where the O.H.L.E. ends in the Wigston area, but on the Down loop (the long one from what's shown on maps as 'Kilby Bridge Jct') it stops half-way along. Just seems a bit arbitrary and I wondered why. More thinking of bi-mode freight, where the changeover presumably has to be done while at a stand, so one might expect it to terminate at a signal.
Presumably the Up and Down through lines terminate at the same point. Some distance before Wigston Sth Jct.

 

[swt_passenger]

Now I'm sure that there's sound reasons for something I've noticed. From a train, it's difficult to see exactly where the O.H.L.E. ends in the Wigston area, but on the Down loop (the long one from what's shown on maps as 'Kilby Bridge Jct') it stops half-way along. Just seems a bit arbitrary and I wondered why. More thinking of bi-mode freight, where the changeover presumably has to be done while at a stand, so one might expect it to terminate at a signal.
Presumably the Up and Down through lines terminate at the same point. Some distance before Wigston Sth Jct.

It‘s possible that it’s just the length of a normal standard length wiring run. So that when it does get extended they don’t have an unnecessarily short length and have to come back and change the position of tensioners etc. I think there was a case mentioned somewhere on the GWML where an overrun length at a junction seemed to have an unexpected length, was it Didcot?

 

[Merle Haggard]

It‘s possible that it’s just the length of a normal standard length wiring run. So that when it does get extended they don’t have an unnecessarily short length and have to come back and change the position of tensioners etc. I think there was a case mentioned somewhere on the GWML where an overrun length at a junction seemed to have an unexpected length, was it Didcot?

Thanks, makes sense.

 

[Nottingham59]

It‘s possible that it’s just the length of a normal standard length wiring run. So that when it does get extended they don’t have an unnecessarily short length and have to come back and change the position of tensioners etc. I think there was a case mentioned somewhere on the GWML where an overrun length at a junction seemed to have an unexpected length, was it Didcot?

If there's enough to turn round an 810, then I agree it wouldn't be worth adding another wire run.

Are there separate masts for the Kilby siding, or have they hung the wires off the back of the mainline masts, like some freight loops I've seen? If so, then the wires might extend only to the point about half way along where the Kilby siding peels away from the mainline.

 

[londonmidland]

Are there separate masts for the Kilby siding, or have they hung the wires off the back of the mainline masts

If I remember correctly, it’s a mix. The mainline masts are supported by twin-track cantilevers and portals, spanning all three lines, with the loop having a mix of the same mainline portals and single track cantilevers.