St Enoch Station approach line present day use.

[GaryBrown156]

Hi. I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some information about the present day usage of old St Enoch station approach line please?.
The other night I was having a few drinks with a friend who lives in Saltmarket and as they are currently doing maintenance on the bridge a short distance from his flat, he asked me for some information about the line and what it was used for as he has never seen any trains travelling over the bridge. I told him that it was the old approach line to the former St Enoch station which used to stand on the site of the present day shopping centre, but once i explained that, I realised that my knowledge of the present day usage of the line wasn't great. I am aware that the line is still active but isn't wired, so can only be used by diesel trains but that's about the extent of my knowledge.
The only traction I've seen crossing the bridge in recent times was two Class 156 DMU's, so I assume the line is used for empty WHL stock movements between Queen Street High Level and Corkerhill or Shields Depot via Bellgrove, Duke Street and Springburn Station but that is just a guess on my part.
If anyone can help provide some more detailed info about paths, the traction which travels on the line, and how frequently the line is used I'd be extremely grateful.

Thanks
Gary

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Not too many, I dare say...

Presume this ECS working is pathed over St. Enoch's viaduct...

Realtime Trains | 5V22 2213 Eastfield H.S. to Shields T.M.D. (E) | 27/09/2022

Real-time train running information for 5V22 2213 departure from Eastfield H.S. to Shields T.M.D. (E) on 27/09/2022. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Any others?

 

[Watershed]

The "City Union" line, as it's known, has no booked passenger or freight services. It's mainly used for ScotRail ECSs between the north and south sides of Glasgow, essentially to transfer units between depots as required for maintenance/cycling. It also has a handful of measurement/test trains.

 

[Carntyne]

It's used daily for ScotRail ECS movement, as others have said above.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

It's used daily for ScotRail ECS movement, as others have said above.

Indeed, but just how many on a typical working day?

 

[Carntyne]

There are (around) 10 paths for trains between Eastfield / Glasgow Queen Street and Shields Road / Corkerhill Depots. Looks like 4 of those actually ran yesterday.

Realtime Trains | Departures from Bellgrove all day on 26/09/2022

Train information at Bellgrove all day on 26/09/2022. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Dr Hoo]

With further electrification - most obviously of the Barrhead and East Kilbride lines - the need to move diesel stock around Glasgow will continue to decrease.

Electrified 'Cross-Glasgow' routes are available via Rutherglen/Argyle Line; Whifflet; and (further out) Gartcosh, so not a pressing need to spend scarce cash on wiring the City Union even without the prospect of bi-mode/battery fitted units in future.

 

[InOban]

Surely the diesel stock you mention doesn't have to move north because diesel maintenance is south of the river. The line is used to allow WHL and Maryhill stock to come south.

 

[MadMac]

My interpretation from a bit of Googling is that 156s in need of servicing go to Corkerhill (they would be the only DMU class they handle) while the 'new' (2004) Eastfield handles 158/170.

 

[Christmas]

153s are also based at Corkerhill as well as the above 158s.

In addition the HSTs and MK3 stock also use the City Union to access Shields.

 

[InOban]

I thought the 170s and HSTs were maintained at Haymarket. 170s could be stabled overnight at Eastfield, and the HSTs at Cadder.

 

[Christmas]

I thought the 170s and HSTs were maintained at Haymarket. 170s could be stabled overnight at Eastfield, and the HSTs at Cadder.

I should have explained, they access the wheel lathe at Shields via the City Union, as do the 170s now that you mention it.

 

[Peter0124]

While we are on the topic of 153s 156s etc, is two days ago the first time a 153 has ever ventured to Charing Cross? (On a diverted WHL service).

They are known to pass Bellgrove to run to Corkerhill but never places like Charing Cross or High Street, in public service!

 

[InOban]

Didn't they use Low Level during the High Level blockade?

 

[GordonT]

Didn't they use Low Level during the High Level blockade?

The 156/158/170 units did but the blockade predated the 153s.

 

[ruaival]

The original station is sadly missed.

 

[Falcon1200]

The original station is sadly missed.

As a magnificent structure and fascinating railway centre certainly, but Central has coped with the traffic on the south side for over 50 years now!