Rail grinder HS1

[cyclebytrain]

I was travelling on a 395 today that has had its additional dampers fitted and was being monitored by a Hitachi employee -I had a brief chat with him (I was very disappointed that the 395s don't have accelerometers that can be downloaded remotely and that they have to send someone out to stick a box of them onto the train). Apparently one of the problems is that HS1 needs rail grinding and that hasn't been done because Network Rail don't have a rail grinder that can be used on HS1.

Thinking about this later it seemed ridiculous, so I wonder if I misunderstood him... So, does anyone know: can Network Rail grind HS1 and have they (or anyone else for that matter) done it?

 

[asylumxl]

I don't know the answer, but I'd imagine it might be something to do with lack of in-cab signaling?

 

[Hydro]

There was one stabled at Singlewell depot (may still be there), so you've probably been told a load of crap.

Conventional stock does get used on CTRL, the Track Recording Coach gets sandwiched between a pair of 66's for it's night runs, and the NMT has just been cleared for working it with an additional marker light fitted above the cab. As for signalling, grinding definitely will be done in possessions and thus wouldn't be a problem. The test work, I'm not entirely sure about the arrangements as NMT doesn't (afaik) have TVM kit, and the 66's may be the French ones. Probably possession work, I think the test work is limited to 60mph which indicates limited working arrangements.

 

[starrymarkb]

The French 66s won't have TVM either. 92s would probably be a good idea. They already have TVM fitted

 

[Hydro]

All the bids and timings indicate DBS 66's, so in that case it'll be under limited working arragements in engineering periods.