Slow Lines Vs Fast Lines = Overtaking

[Jord]

I was just wondering on a 4 road mainline, being as there is not much passenger workings through the night, are freight trains permitted to use both Slow & Fast Lines so say like Stafford - Rugby, is it possible for the 65mph freight to run on the slow lines with the 75mph freight running on the Fast lines so the faster freight can "overtake" the slower freight therefore more being able to run in a shorter amount of time? Also being as it's a night, the freight trains are not clogging up the railways being as there are no passenger trains there except for the Sleepers.

 

[1D53]

If the drivers sign both lines then yes they can use both. However that is dependant on both lines being open, often one line can be closed for inspection or engineering.

 

[O L Leigh]

When you sign a route, you sign all the lines that make up that route. Therefore, you could drive on either.

Incidentally, why would you want freight trains overtaking each other? They have such generous timings anyway that they frequently run significantly ahead of their booked slots. Indeed, if a signaller decides that a freight is going to be held for it's booked slot rather than running it early, it could potentially be sitting in a loop for almost an hour waiting time.

one TN

 

[Metroland]

Yep class 4 freights are regularly given preference over class 6 and 7 freights.

 

[class 313]

Often see Freight on the Fast Lines during the day on the MML as well as the night.

 

[33056]

Doesn't have to be night to let the freights on the fast lines :-P

Although comparatively rare these days, we often used to try and get freights (mostly class 4) a run on the fast lines if they were late. Obviously they had to have a suitable margin so as not to delay anything else, which is the reason it doesn't happen often these days; too many bendy pendys ad:

Obviously, if there are problems or engineers blocks on the slow lines, then eveything has to take its chance and go on the fast lines.

 

[TheSlash]

It's quite interesting to see Freightliners on the mainline at night, they normally fully loaded and alot longer than during the day.

 

[Metroland]

Freight can run faster point-to-point speeds than the passenger trains on typically the cross country network being non-stop. Most freight trains should certainly be given preference over stopping passenger trains.

 

[Jord]

Thanks for all the replies.

I was just imagining that the signalman on a 4 line section could send off the slower freight onto the slow lines first then send the faster freight on the fast lines behind it (if no engineering works and no passenger work) so the faster freight can catch up with the slow freight and overtake it effectivly moving more freight at the same time instead of looping the slower freights.

Well that's what i would like to see anyway, freight trains overtaking, look like there racing

 

[33056]

My favourite move used to be putting an all stations train out fast line and getting a 'liner train past it on the slow lines. Didn't work the other way round beacuse of the slow speed of the old junctions on the WCML, wouldn't work at all now - too few junctions and too many trains.

 

[Jord]

If i was a driver, and was overtaking (or Undertaking ) i would like it as it's something different really.

If i was driving a 75mph Freight and was overtaking or undertaking a 65mph Freight at night, because the trains are so lengthy, it would take a while to eventually pass and a couple of mile Good opportunity to video if i was the driver of the faster Freight i say then acknowledge the other driver

But this is me just daydreaming.

 

[Donny Dave]

If i was a driver <snip> Good opportunity to video if i was the driver of the faster Freight.

Also potentially a good opportunity to get the sack .....

 

[Jord]

Also potentially a good opportunity to get the sack .....

A driver can get the sack for videoing your driving?

 

[Coxster]

Most freight trains should certainly be given preference over stopping passenger trains.

There was one train I used to get regularly (think it was 11:31 off Farnborough) that was near enough always late due to following a freight train around Michelever, and not getting the chance to catch it up until it was on the fast lines. Problem was it needed to go onto the slow at Farnborough to stop and didn't catch the freight up until Farnborough itself so it never actually did ever overtake the freight train, but instead was always about five minutes late Don't get that train anymore but I assume it still happens.

 

[Kneedown]

Freight can run faster point-to-point speeds than the passenger trains on typically the cross country network being non-stop. Most freight trains should certainly be given preference over stopping passenger trains.

Not quite true. A Derby-Brum passenger calling at Willington, Burton, Tamworth, Wilnecote will still catch up with the majority of freight that uses the route.
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A driver can get the sack for videoing your driving?

Yes, if he's videoing when he should be concentrating!

 

[westcoaster]

use of any electrical equipment in the cab is against the rules (mobile, mp3 player, videoing)

 

[Jord]

Yes, if he's videoing when he should be concentrating!

Well i've seen videos on youtube done by drivers while there driving

 

[Jord]

use of any electrical equipment in the cab is against the rules (mobile, mp3 player, videoing)

And i've seen drivers with earphones in, on Mobile Phones and sometimes not even in there seat