Transpennine Route Upgrade and Electrification updates

[Halish Railway]

I'm guessing that the risk of leaving un-energised wires is mitigated by the security measures in place by nature of the track being used as sidings.

 

[59CosG95]

Surprised no one has really updated this part of the TRU.

I have been reliably informed by a friend from York that there are now full OHLE hangers in place on the masts between Micklefield and Church Fenton(Provided... only on the down line). This also includes the drums, which hold the wires at the start of overlap sections (in his own words). I'm pretty sure this was already mentioned but he was quite excited to report to me (and a few friends) that "it's not series 1 or 2 but a design very similar to that in use on the ECML".

Can confirm this is indeed the case. As with Colton Jn - Church Fenton, Siemens' SICAT SA range of cantilevers is being used, and has indeed been installed over the Down line, from a point beyond of all the crossings SW of Rose Lane (but before where the line crosses the A162 at Barkers Ash), up to the construction compound near Huddlestone Grange.

While Series 1-style masts may pop up, I'd say it's very unlikely to find Series 2-style registrations between Church Fenton & Leeds. (West of Leeds is a different story!)

 

[GraphitProjekt]

Where else has SICAT been used, didn't think there were any electrification projects in Eastern region recently (except maybe the test track at Newton Aycliffe). Also what does the SA stand for?

 

[Halish Railway]

Where else has SICAT been used, didn't think there were any electrification projects in Eastern region recently (except maybe the test track at Newton Aycliffe). Also what does the SA stand for?

It’s used for the bay platform at Stevenage and some replacement cantilevers on the Hertford Loop line. There is also an older variant (I believe) of the SICAT design used between Glasgow and Paisley and on the Larkhall branch.

I’m not sure what SA stands for in this context but it is used to distinguish different variants of the SICAT design. I believe SX is the variant used on new schemes in Denmark for example.

 

[59CosG95]

It’s used for the bay platform at Stevenage and some replacement cantilevers on the Hertford Loop line. There is also an older variant (I believe) of the SICAT design used between Glasgow and Paisley and on the Larkhall branch.

I’m not sure what SA stands for in this context but it is used to distinguish different variants of the SICAT design. I believe SX is the variant used on new schemes in Denmark for example.

Correct on all counts. There are a handful of SICAT SA cantilevers used at Carstairs as well, mixed in with Series 1 & Series 2 equipment.

 

[John R]

For the uninitiated amongst us, is that maybe a lighter weight design that moves us away from the heavy steelwork versions that look (at least to me) rather ugly?

 

[59CosG95]

For the uninitiated amongst us, is that maybe a lighter weight design that moves us away from the heavy steelwork versions that look (at least to me) rather ugly?

Yes - SICAT cantilevers use aluminium as opposed to steel. Picture them as a lighter version of the ECML Mk3b cantilevers.

 

[Halish Railway]

For the uninitiated amongst us, is that maybe a lighter weight design that moves us away from the heavy steelwork versions that look (at least to me) rather ugly?

I believe it was chosen due to its similarity with the existing variants of the MK3 cantilever used on Network Rail’s East Coast and North East region. There are some benefits of the design such as increased distances between cantilevers, however, it does seem that these regions don’t expect to achieve maintenance economies of scale associated with a different design as there unfortunately might not be much electrification around there after TRU.

 

[Alexd]

What are these for and going to be a while before anything electric uses it.

Also, the sidings are for a light maintenance facility for Northern

 

[John R]

Yes - SICAT cantilevers use aluminium as opposed to steel. Picture them as a lighter version of the ECML Mk3b cantilevers.

Thanks. That's good to hear!

 

[Jamesrob637]

Those sidings look great. Wonder how long it'll take for them to appear on Google Maps.

 

[Tim_UK]

In Huddersfield, then new Bradford Road bridge span, northern side. Is that for 1 track or 2 tracks? It looks almost wide enough for 2.

 

[Pinus contorta]

Yes, the "main line" was LNWR to Stockport and beyond, including through trains from Euston. The LNWR Manchester-Leeds trains had to use L&Y metals between Stalybridge and Manchester Exchange.

By the 1970s the Stockport-Stalybridge shuttle was the only surviving remnant (running about hourly I think). I can just about remember sitting behind the driver and wondering at the amount of ironmongery above and below when passing through Guide Bridge.

Recall sitting behind the driver and going over the orbital motorway construction and thinking at the time the single bridge was going to be inadequate if ever there was an upturn in traffic. But we are where we are. At least they didn't use it as an excuse to close the line completely.

 

[billh]

I haven't seen an answer up thread, but what will be the purpose of the new crossover at the Uppermill end of Saddleworth Viaduct? Seen it today looks very expensive and nearly complete.