Holyhead/Llandudno/Bangor Avanti West Coast

[voyagerdude220]

That’s correct, there’s two sections with differential EPS between Euston and Milton Keynes, one through Berkhamsted (115 (221)/125 (390)) and one through Linslade Tunnel just after Leighton Buzzard (again 115 (221)/125 (390))

Thanks! I forgot about Berkhamstead, which is strange because it's somewhere I've always noticed the tilt being quite noticeable (in my opinion).

 

[Bald Rick]

Of course we could have installed the off the shelf TVM signalling system as well for 140 mph operation.

I wouldn’t fancy seeing 750m long freight trains operating on TVM430 on the WCML

 

[paul1609]

I wouldn’t fancy seeing 750m long freight trains operating on TVM430 on the WCML

Euro tunnel seem to manage OK.

 

[Bald Rick]

Euro tunnel seem to manage OK.

of course they do. It’s 1 up 1 down. The WCML is rather different.

 

[paul1609]

of course they do. It’s 1 up 1 down. The WCML is rather different.

oh, the British railways are different so we need bespoke (much more expensive) equipment argument, I wondered how long it would take.

 

[Boodiggy]

I predict this won't happen. Why? There's been lots of nudge-nudge, I know it is, talk on here over the last couple of years. But not a single publicly available confirmation of the work. Why not?

It is happening. The removal of 221s means loss of EPS differential speeds and introduction of MU speeds. Top speed is still 125mph. As to why it isn’t ‘out there’ I have no idea..

 

[The Planner]

oh, the British railways are different so we need bespoke (much more expensive) equipment argument, I wondered how long it would take.

Its not bespoke though. ETCS is a standard system.

 

[Bald Rick]

oh, the British railways are different so we need bespoke (much more expensive) equipment argument, I wondered how long it would take.

it’s not the fact that it is the British railway that is different. It’s that the WCML is a 4 track main line with frequent junctions, branches, sidings, etc many at low speed, whereas the Channel Tunnel (and all other lines with TVM430) are simple 1 up 1 down with occaisional junctions.

How many ’classique’ main lines in France have TVM430? If it was suited to mixed traffic complex railways the French would surely have deployed it there, non?

 

[gazzaa2]

Well "quiet" / "very quiet" are subjective terms but I have certainly had to stand on Chester-Euston trains from Chester.

I wouldn't say it was ever 'quiet' during times of the week when trains are normally busy, even though there might be some spare seats which made it a good train to get. They were dependent on events in terms of whether you'd get a seat or not. I.e. half term or end of term was particularly full at weekends, a football match in London or something, or if there was a problem with another service. It was very hit and miss basically.