Severn tunnel drainage

[linuxlad7]

Did my failing eyes deceive me or did Noel Dolphin report (on twitter) that they've usfully improved the drainage in the tunnel and are ready to roll???
(as usual with his threads, (I cant find it now! but I think its starts 'Ssssshhh))

 

[DidcotDickie]

The Severn Tunnel is already live. See the GW Electrification thread: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/great-western-electrification-progress.83452/post-4547110

Reported elsewhere that Network Rail need a possession to remove the balises at either end before class 80x can traverse the tunnel on electric (presumably the balises instruct the 80x to lower pantographs and switch to diesel at the tunnel entrance).

 

[D365]

Reported elsewhere that Network Rail need a possession to remove the balises at either end before class 80x can traverse the tunnel on electric (presumably the balises instruct the 80x to lower pantographs and switch to diesel at the tunnel entrance).

No way for drivers to override those?

 

[linuxlad7]

The Severn Tunnel is already live. See the GW Electrification thread: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/great-western-electrification-progress.83452/post-4547110

Reported elsewhere that Network Rail need a possession to remove the balises at either end before class 80x can traverse the tunnel on electric (presumably the balises instruct the 80x to lower pantographs and switch to diesel at the tunnel entrance).

thats the one - ta. must get down to Pilning

 

[DidcotDickie]

No way for drivers to override those?

I doubt if they can in regular service. Also a report from a GWR driver/manager elsewhere implies that an 80x has already traversed the tunnel on electric (presumably on test) so it appears that there is a way round it in special circumstances.

 

[linuxlad7]

I doubt if they can in regular service. Also a report from a GWR driver/manager elsewhere implies that an 80x has already traversed the tunnel on electric (presumably on test) so it appears that there is a way round it in special circumstances.

What locos are in line to work this route though the tunnel, for freight especially

 

[221129]

What locos are in line to work this route though the tunnel, for freight especially

The same as the ones that work it now.

 

[linuxlad7]

The same as the ones that work it now.

so no electric freight under the river???

 

[221129]

so no electric freight under the river???

Very unlikely.

 

[swt_passenger]

so no electric freight under the river???

Only likely when entire routes, including the freight yards at both ends of each route, are electrified.

 

[norbitonflyer]

Only likely when entire routes, including the freight yards at both ends of each route, are electrified.

Why so, when Class 88s have been designed for just such work.

 

[edwin_m]

Why so, when Class 88s have been designed for just such work.

Class 88 is fine if it's (pretty literally) the last mile that isn't electrified. The range and maximum speed on diesel are very low, so it's probably not adequate if electrification is missing for five or ten miles.

 

[D365]

Class 88 is fine if it's (pretty literally) the last mile that isn't electrified. The range and maximum speed on diesel are very low, so it's probably not adequate if electrification is missing for five or ten miles.

Class 93s might have been suitable if an order had actually been placed, but that's getting off topic (and very speculative).

 

[swt_passenger]

Why so, when Class 88s have been designed for just such work.

AIUI Class 88s cannot haul trains at normal line speed or over significant distances. It’s why they’re usually referred to as “last mile” diesels.

 

[linuxlad7]

Class 93s might have been suitable if an order had actually been placed, but that's getting off topic (and very speculative).

meanwhile how do I get Welsh steel up to Brum, or even up to Burnaston

 

[John R]

meanwhile how do I get welsh steel up to Brum, or even up to Burnaston

There are two routes up to the Midlands via Hereford and Lydney that don't require use of the tunnel, even before considering the point that the majority of whichever route is taken is currently not electrified.

 

[edwin_m]

meanwhile how do I get Welsh steel up to Brum, or even up to Burnaston

Burnaston has the minor problem of no rail terminal, although one has been talked about. Does any steel for Toyota go by rail to a terminal nearby?

 

[linuxlad7]

Burnaston has the minor problem of no rail terminal, although one has been talked about. Does any steel for Toyota go by rail to a terminal nearby?
Willington has/had a station... failing that the A38 goes by the door, or (mixed-mode), -the Trent and Mersey. Or (as we've discussed many times) repower the Lickey