Train working on the Rhymney branch

[davetheguard]

I notice in both table 130 of the GBPT and on NRE that Sunday arrival and departure times at the Rhymney terminus are exactly the same i.e. at xx09 mins past every other hour.

Clearly this is impossible, unless two sets are present (and the signalling & track layout allow it) and the arriving unit then sits there for two hours before its next working, which would be very inefficient.

Much more likely is it's the same set that works in, crew change ends, and then works out again - can someone confirm that this is in fact the case, please?

While on the subject of this branch, I thought that the re-doubling of the line at Tir-phil was to allow an increase in frequencies on weekdays to half-hourly, but this does not seem to have taken place with the recent timetable change.

Is this another set shortage issue; or are Arriva & the WAG still in negotiation on this matter. And if so, when is it hoped to bring in the enhanced service?

 

[Baxenden Bank]

I notice in both table 130 of the GBPT and on NRE that Sunday arrival and departure times at the Rhymney terminus are exactly the same i.e. at xx09 mins past every other hour.

Clearly this is impossible, unless two sets are present (and the signalling & track layout allow it) and the arriving unit then sits there for two hours before its next working, which would be very inefficient.

Much more likely is it's the same set that works in, crew change ends, and then works out again - can someone confirm that this is in fact the case, please?QUOTE]

It will be due to 'recovery time' or similar built into the timetable so that more trains officially arrive 'on time'. Real time arrival will be a couple of minutes before the published time. Look up the working timetables for more detail - available at Network Rail and other on-line sites.

In some cases, trains arrive after they have departed back (there used to be one at Penarth or Barry Island first thing in the morning so obviously the same unit, can't remember which).

 

[PHILIPE]

This anomaly is due to the difference between Working and Public Times. The xx09 departures are actually booked in the WTT to arrive at XX05. Have a look at the Wrexham to Bidston Timetable where there is just the minimum 3 minute turnround at each end in the WTT. where you see trains arriving at the terminus 2 minutes after the return working departs !!! It is a mixture of Recovery Time to allow for such things as TSRs and also Performance padding (Some call it a Punctuality figure fiddle).
Re Tirphil and other improvements on the whole of the Cardiff Valley Network which have already been completed and others improvements currently in progress, nothing will happen until the whole project has been completed. There are no resources at present to increase the service and this will probably not happen until cascades of EMUs start.

 

[davetheguard]

Thanks for the replies.

I may have a trip over the line tomorrow.

It is as I thought really, but I though it a good idea to check with someone who knows the line better than me; not wanting to risk being stuck at Rhymney for two hours....

 

[The Planner]

It is a mixture of Recovery Time to allow for such things as TSRs and also Performance padding (Some call it a Punctuality figure fiddle).

No, engineering and other allowances will be part of the WTT schedule, not the public differential that the TOC decides to whack on for its own purposes.

 

[davetheguard]

Well, I did the trip over the line today as planned, and in reality arrived at the terminus slightly early; thus giving time for the crew to change ends. Quite a lot of infrastructure left at Rhymney: looks like a run-round loop, and also several sidings with units berthed in them.

Quite an interesting route, with a lot of investment recently gone in: new loop at Tir-phil; a new station opened with the new timetable at Energlyn; and completely resignalled throughout, controlled from Cardiff. The track seemed to be all long-welded rail on mainly concrete (and some steel) sleepers, so a smooth ride.

The train was operated by 2 x Class 150 and was pretty busy by the time we got to Cardiff Queen Street where most got off; the Guard was busy up and down the train selling tickets.

Some of the stations were looking very down at heal though and could do with a thorough smartening up; oddly, the northbound platform at Tir-phil (i.e. not the newly-constructed additional one) seemed to have a stream running along part of it, with the water running off the platform edge in a small waterfall. It's clearly been like that for a while, as sandbags and temporary barriers were in place to keep it in check.

All in all an interesting trip to see all the new investment, through typical Valleys' scenery: rows of terraced cottages, rounded hillsides, and lots of running water! Quite good views, particularly at the north end of the line as the trees have now lost their leaves, and views of Caerphilly Castle in the distance further south.

And of course electrification is on the cards too; all the line needs now is an enthusiastic Station Manager, with an eye for detail, and the budget to make worthwhile improvements in station presentation.

 

[PHILIPE]

An upgrade of Ystrad Mynach station is due to start in the New Year.