The Electrification train

[randyrippley]

just found this website- http://www.departmentals.com/photos/tags/ohl

a lot of photos of OHLE coaches, some mk1, many much older

 

[43096]

Found this on Flickr which illustrates the sort of thing I remember.
I may still be barking up the wrong tree, but I don't see these as converted Mk1s, unless an expert knows different?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/roger...QKu-ri5MPn-nhiGj1-shdiND-cZZKDd-eS79CV-pyCUiw

I think there were some ex-LMS coaches(?) converted as well, probably before the Mark 1s.

 

[Ash Bridge]

I think there were some ex-LMS coaches(?) converted as well, probably before the Mark 1s.

I think so too as I remember photographing one of these rakes behind a class 24 not far from Madeley on the WCML back around 1973-74 ish, I'll see if I can locate the slide and scan it.

 

[ilkestonian]

I think there were some ex-LMS coaches(?) converted as well, probably before the Mark 1s.

Agreed. Following the link upthread to departmental OHL stock at least one of those is quoted as being ex LMS. And another on that site seems to me very reminiscent of the Gresley buffet cars which survived well into the 1970s so could perhaps be ex LNER.

 

[Ash Bridge]

Here is the above mentioned shot, the location is Stableford between Crewe and Norton Bridge, the year is 1974. I had a second shot of this which captured the rest of the train but unfortunately seem to have discarded somewhere, even so that first vehicle behind the 24 is definitely not a mk1 and the white lettering seems to read Overhead Maintenance Train Crewe DED.

 

[ilkestonian]

Here is the above mentioned shot, the location is Stableford between Crewe and Norton Bridge, the year is 1974. I had a second shot of this which captured the rest of the train but unfortunately seem to have discarded somewhere, even so that first vehicle behind the 24 is definitely not a mk1 and the white lettering seems to read Overhead Maintenance Train Crewe DED.

That's just what I remember seeing in Salop Sidings, Stafford in the same era; I was going to mention that I recall what seemed like some sort of protective wire over the windows and your shot shows something similar.

 

[Ash Bridge]

That's just what I remember seeing in Salop Sidings, Stafford in the same era; I was going to mention that I recall what seemed like some sort of protective wire over the windows and your shot shows something similar.

I'm positive that I kept the other slide showing the complete rake so I'll have a good look tomorrow but my memory is telling me that the whole formation was formed of similar vintage stock and not mk1s, just wondering if these could be even earlier than LMS and possibly late LNWR vehicles?

 

[edwin_m]

Found this on Flickr which illustrates the sort of thing I remember.
I may still be barking up the wrong tree, but I don't see these as converted Mk1s, unless an expert knows different?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/roger...QKu-ri5MPn-nhiGj1-shdiND-cZZKDd-eS79CV-pyCUiw

The third one away in that rake looks very much like this one off the Departmentals link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/roger...QKu-ri5MPn-nhiGj1-shdiND-cZZKDd-eS79CV-pyCUiw

Stated to be built Wolverton 1930 and by the similarity of the body profile I'd guess the others in Ilkestonian's post are of similar LMS origins. Judging by the way the window spacing changes half way down it was originally a composite coach.

 

[DarloRich]

it is worth noting the method of delivery of OHLE installation and repair works has changed to one using OTP and MEWPS

 

[swt_passenger]

it is worth noting the method of delivery of OHLE installation and repair works has changed to one using OTP and MEWPS

...and of course the ill-fated GW high output plant system which has seemingly been overtaken by events. I'm quite surprised by the follow up point in the original post, because I'd have thought it difficult to miss all the trials and tribulations of the GW and other electrification projects. The methods used by this and other projects have been regularly dissected in these forums over many years...

 

[DarloRich]

...and of course the ill-fated GW high output plant system which has seemingly been overtaken by events. I'm quite surprised by the follow up point in the original post, because I'd have thought it difficult to miss all the trials and tribulations of the GW and other electrification projects. The methods used by this and other projects have been regularly dissected in these forums over many years...

The GW train isnt completely ill-fated. While the piling systems may not have worked as advertised the wiring section is, I believe, working well.

 

[ilkestonian]

it is worth noting the method of delivery of OHLE installation and repair works has changed to one using OTP and MEWPS

IMHO some of these TLAs and acronyms are a PITA

 

[snowball]

I've already posted this link in the Blackpool-Manchester electification thread:

https://twitter.com/TheGNRP/status/963013306448580609

 

[DarloRich]

IMHO some of these TLAs and acronyms are a PITA

good point! Although some of those were FLA's

OHLE - Over Head Line Equipment
OTP - On Track Plant
MEWP - Mobile Elevated Working Platform

 

[Ploughman]

I think one of the last uses of the traditional Electrification train was wiring up between Leeds and Neville Hill.
I believe It was during one of these sessions that a member of the wiring crew on the train roof was killed when a connector in the wire failed.
After that use of the old Permaquip scissor lifts became the norm until newer access platforms developed.

 

[dubscottie]

I have a letter somewhere regarding the signing of the ECML electrification completion documents and there is mention of a worker falling from the roof of a wiring train and breaking his back on the King Edward bridge in Newcastle (one of the last sections to be wired).

It states that alternative equipment was to be used for future work.