Scottish Electrification updates & discussion

[Stopper]

Seen a 385 on platform 11 at Edinburgh around 5pm today . Passing Haymarket seen at least one HST though 2 powercars .

There were 2 HST power cars joined at Haymarket depot yesterday that I noticed. In different places morning and evening

 

[InOban]

Ultimately only the ORR can authorise their use in public service.

 

[Domh245]

I'd heard transformers. And I would be surprised if Hitachi weren't already being fined for late delivery - if it is the relevant contracts. Understandably, they aren't going to be making a song and dance about it though.

 

[route101]

There were 2 HST power cars joined at Haymarket depot yesterday that I noticed. In different places morning and evening

I seen one sticking out the depot and another with mk3s

 

[Chris125]

At this rate, is the order for Class 195 DMUs really necessary on top of 769 bimode conversions? If we aren't careful, there is going to be a glut of DMUs.

Northern has approx 100 Pacers to withdraw in the next couple of years while introducing unproven 769s and 195s, I doubt they are worrying too much about a glut of DMUs!

 

[deltic08]

Northern has approx 100 Pacers to withdraw in the next couple of years while introducing unproven 769s and 195s, I doubt they are worrying too much about a glut of DMUs!

It was a tongue in cheek comment. DMUs have been in short supply for so long it will be nice to have a correct length train for the passengers on offer and something more than a two axle wagon with seats in.

 

[marks87]

(Posting in this thread because it seems relevant to Scottish electrification)

ScotRail have been posting photos on their Twitter feed from the landslip at Winchburgh.

(Photo shows work being done to repair the landslip damage)

Is it just coincidence that the debris has fallen from where a OHLE mast has been erected?

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Is it just coincidence that the debris has fallen from where a OHLE mast has been erected?

I highly doubt it is coincidence - I strongly suspect and would bet good money on the fact that the mast/foundation/prep etc has disturbed the ground enough to at least be A factor in the landslip. IMHO.

 

[hwl]

I highly doubt it is coincidence - I strongly suspect and would bet good money on the fact that the mast/foundation/prep etc has disturbed the ground enough to at least be A factor in the landslip. IMHO.

That looks like the land slip is 13 sleepers away from the mast so not that close...

 

[InOban]

What picture are you looking at? On the ones I've seen, the slipped area is very centred directly below the OHLE structure.

I wonder if the repair is temporary or permanent, is they will have to return to rebuild the retaining wall.

 

[JohnR]

What picture are you looking at? On the ones I've seen, the slipped area is very centred directly below the OHLE structure.

I wonder if the repair is temporary or permanent, is they will have to return to rebuild the retaining wall.

Indeed in the picture above, you can see the two workers in orange at the site of the slip half way up the bank, just below the mast.

 

[jopsuk]

not only will they need to repair this location, but they'll presumably now have to assess all the other foundations

 

[GRALISTAIR]

not only will they need to repair this location, but they'll presumably now have to assess all the other foundations

That is my suspicion yes

 

[YorkshireBear]

Definitely from pictures ive seen the ole pile is in lne with the middle of the failure.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

I highly doubt it is coincidence - I strongly suspect and would bet good money on the fact that the mast/foundation/prep etc has disturbed the ground enough to at least be A factor in the landslip. IMHO.

Definitely from pictures ive seen the ole pile is in lne with the middle of the failure.

I repeat what I said above -not necessarily the cause but --- A factor ---- IMHO.

 

[kilonewton]

It would be interesting to see the original risk register, if such a failure was identified & what was done to mitigate the risk.

 

[deltic08]

It would be interesting to see the original risk register, if such a failure was identified & what was done to mitigate the risk.

Making it a portal structure instead of single masts was mitigating risk and taking pressure off the retaining wall.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Making it a portal structure instead of single masts was mitigating risk and taking pressure off the retaining wall.

Of course -a portal would "brace" the structure and give some compressive balancing forces. Makes sense

 

[158756]

The rumour going round - and I stress it is only a rumour - is that there won't be any 385s ready to enter passenger service until July.

If this comes to pass and Scotrail need the DMUs planned to leave before July is it Scotrail or Northern who end up short of stock?

 

[IanXC]

If this comes to pass and Scotrail need the DMUs planned to leave before July is it Scotrail or Northern who end up short of stock?

Seeing as agreements have been signed I suspect its ScotRail that end up short.

 

[Highlandspring]

ScotRail will go short, the trains go off lease regardless. They're losing four 170s next month I believe...

 

[najaB]

ScotRail will go short, the trains go off lease regardless. They're losing four 170s next month I believe...

It'll be interesting to see how they spin this one...

 

[scotraildriver]

There will be much less work for Haymarket. What is happening to this depot.

Haymarket is currently having its sheds extended to accomodate HST's and a new crane too. Plenty of investment going on here.

 

[scotraildriver]

ScotRail will go short, the trains go off lease regardless. They're losing four 170s next month I believe...

Middle of March but yes, will happen regardless.

 

[najaB]

It'll be interesting to see how they spin this one...

Actually, if anyone from Abellio / Scotrail is reading this thread the best thing you can do is not try to spin it at all. Just be honest: "We made our fleet plans expecting the new electric trains be running by <date>, and gave ourselves <weeks> grace period. Things didn't go to plan and it turns out we're going to be short a few trains for <weeks>. We'll do our best to get provide as many services as possible and we'll let you know how we're doing. We're really sorry about any inconvenience."

 

[Highlandspring]

Middle of March but yes, will happen regardless.

Indeed - thought we were already in Febuary!

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Actually, if anyone from Abellio / Scotrail is reading this thread the best thing you can do is not try to spin it at all. Just be honest: "We made our fleet plans expecting the new electric trains be running by <date>, and gave ourselves <weeks> grace period. Things didn't go to plan and it turns out we're going to be short a few trains for <weeks>. We'll do our best to get provide as many services as possible and we'll let you know how we're doing. We're really sorry about any inconvenience."

Ab-so-lute-ly . Churchill’s greatest strength. Don’t sugar coat or spin, tell the truth. I would do exactly as you suggest.

 

[Southsider]

I'd heard transformers. And I would be surprised if Hitachi weren't already being fined for late delivery - if it is the relevant contracts. Understandably, they aren't going to be making a song and dance about it though.

Would they still be delivering them if major faults have been identified? On the 385 discussion thread it's clear Hitachi are continuing to send them north and test runs are taking place. On the other hand, Scotrail are unwilling to commit to an in-service date.

 

[InOban]

That's what I was thinking. I believe it's up to ORR when they are approved for passenger service.

 

[Altnabreac]

So I had a wee trip along the Shotts line this morning and all is looking good for progress on the electrification.

Lots of masts up and bases look to be mainly in place where there aren't masts.

In terms of structures the accommodation bridge at Hartwoodhill looked to be finished now, though there hasn't been any news of that on Twitter. The remaining problem structures look to be:
Hartwood Station Footbridge - needs removed. East bound platform doesn't look to have any other access except via Footbridge so not clear if plan here is a new footbridge or building an entirely new access route.
Breich Station Footbridge - Needs removed. Again unclear whether plan is a new bridge or alternative access route to eastbound platform.
Addiewell Station Footbridge - Needs removed. New Footbridge almost complete.
West Calder Station Footbridge - Needs removed. New Footbridge almost complete.
285/126 Parkhead - New road bridge has been built but old bridge is still there and may need removed?

Stations wise there are rebuilds awaited at Livingston South & Breich; platform extensions at Carfin, Shotts & West Calder and improvements to CCTV, CIS platforms etc at Addiewell, Fauldhouse, Hartwood and Cleland.

Still not clear whether Breich station will be moved closer to the village or rebuilt on approximately the same site as present.

Work seems to be continuing on the ground despite the Carillion situation but difficult to know whether there will be future problems arising from Carillion administration.