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Title: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Lee on February 03, 2007, 12:01:26 From the FGW website :
13:13 Falmouth Docks to Truro due 13:37 This train will be cancelled. This is due to Traincrew shortages due to sickness. Replacement road transport has been arranged. 12:44 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 13:07 This train will be cancelled. This is due to Traincrew shortages due to sickness. Replacement road transport has been arranged. Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on September 01, 2007, 19:39:29 Falmouth branch caped this afternoon, unit in Penzance so probably no crew again!
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Tractorman on September 02, 2007, 13:09:19 Falmouth was cancelled from 16:00, no guard, rather hilarious story behind it, but the basic jist of it is 'Swindon'.
Falmouth unit forms a Truro to Penzance passenger service at end of play so the 18:03 Paddington to Penzance was held at Truro and made additional stops at Camborne/St.Erth to cover the missing ex Falmouth working... Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on September 21, 2007, 10:29:20 Heard today from a good source that the loop at Penryn on the Falmouth branch will now not be installed this October but in another 12 months, more red tape! will it ever happen? meanwhile, the branch will be closed for two weeks to lay continuous welded rail which is probably costing more than the installation of the passing loop!
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: devon_metro on September 21, 2007, 16:35:58 Nothing surprises me with Network Rail.
They close the Paignton - Newton Abbot line for half term twice annually and replace about 200m of track whilst we are given the prospect of travelling on buses for about an hour to Newton Abbot instead of the usual 18minutes! Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Jim on September 22, 2007, 06:21:34 Nothing surprises me with Network Rail. They close the Paignton - Newton Abbot line for half term twice annually and replace about 200m of track whilst we are given the prospect of travelling on buses for about an hour to Newton Abbot instead of the usual 18minutes! When do you suggest they close it, summer? Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: devon_metro on September 22, 2007, 15:12:34 No, I suggest they do more work meaning they don't need to close it for a few years.
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on September 23, 2007, 20:11:09 No, I suggest they do more work meaning they don't need to close it for a few years. I agree, they closed the St Ives branch for two weeks in 2005 and all they did all the time was work from 10 til 4 cutting down trees and replacing the odd sleeper! and i'm not exaggerating, that's literally all they did!Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Scooby on September 24, 2007, 21:16:42 The two weekly closures of the SW branch lines that happen every autumn and every spring are a total scandal. Fair play a couple of closures lately on the NQY/FAL have seen some lengths of new welded rail track introduced. But other two week closures on SIV/LOO/GSL have seen a couple overhanging trees removed and the odd length of rail replaced. No wonder the locals dont rely on their branch lines when they are closed 4 weeks a year for practically no reason. Why cant trees on say the Looe branch be trimmed on Sundays when theres no service in the winter anyway, if I were FGW I'd seriously question Networks Rails 'essential maintenance' program.....
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on September 24, 2007, 21:30:50 The two weekly closures of the SW branch lines that happen every autumn and every spring are a total scandal. Fair play a couple of closures lately on the NQY/FAL have seen some lengths of new welded rail track introduced. But other two week closures on SIV/LOO/GSL have seen a couple overhanging trees removed and the odd length of rail replaced. No wonder the locals dont rely on their branch lines when they are closed 4 weeks a year for practically no reason. Why cant trees on say the Looe branch be trimmed on Sundays when theres no service in the winter anyway, if I were FGW I'd seriously question Networks Rails 'essential maintenance' program..... The branches are now only closed for two weeks a year.Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on October 02, 2007, 14:03:23 today services on the Falmouth branch were suspended due to network rail! Track circuit failure YESTERDAY which still wasn't fixed today! the two commuter trains did run this morning with a pilot man but the service was "suspended" from 0945 and was still suspended at 1300. Good old Network rail, couldn't run a p**s up in a brewery, maybe their management is shared with FGW????????????
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Conner on October 03, 2007, 07:54:13 Falmouth Branch Line services again this morning. I asume it is a lack of trains again as trains are short formed all over.
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: martyjon on October 03, 2007, 09:35:31 The Falmouth branch might open today but the train doesn't want to come out and play.
Line incident Line problem between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Train services between Truro and Falmouth Docks are being disrupted due to a train fault. Short notice cancellations and delays of up to 60 minutes can be expected. Replacement road transport is in operation between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Service incidents 11:50 Falmouth Docks to Truro due 12:14 This train has been cancelled. This is due to a train fault. Replacement road transport is in operation between Falmouth Docks and Truro. 10:47 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 11:10 This train has been cancelled. This is due to a train fault. Replacement road transport is in operation between Truro and Falmouth Docks. 10:11 Falmouth Docks to Truro due 10:35 This train has been cancelled. This is due to a train fault. Replacement road transport is in operation between Falmouth Docks and Truro. 09:45 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 10:08 This train has been cancelled. This is due to a train fault. Replacement road transport is in operation between Truro and Falmouth Docks. 09:04 Falmouth Docks to Truro due 09:28 This train has been cancelled. This is due to a train fault. Replacement road transport is in operation between Falmouth Docks and Truro. The dear old departed Reverend Awdry couldn't think up so many tales of woes for his Thomas the Tank Engine stories. Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: oooooo on October 03, 2007, 10:54:03 Presumably due to the failure of 150233 on the previous days last Newquay trip....
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Conner on October 03, 2007, 15:57:20 Presumably due to the failure of 150233 on the previous days last Newquay trip.... Ye h i expect so as the first Newquay trains were operating as 1 car sprinters instead of 2 car sprinters.Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Timmer on October 03, 2007, 18:23:01 FGW probably have a think tank to come up with differing ways of saying 'The train is broke' 'the staff are sick or cant be done with working for us anymore' 'Network rail cant look after two parallel strips of steal or coloured lights that our trains run on'
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Conner on October 03, 2007, 20:35:12 FGW probably have a think tank to come up with differing ways of saying 'The train is broke' 'the staff are sick or cant be done with working for us anymore' 'Network rail cant look after two parallel strips of steal or coloured lights that our trains run on' Its true. They seem to come up with a new one every couple of months. The latest is resourcing difficultys. It covers no trains, no driver, no guard, no track(probaly)Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on October 04, 2007, 13:33:46 Well, there was a train on the Falmouth today I noticed! and it ran! of interest, today was the first time this week that the 0657 Fal-Tru ran and strangely enough hardly anyone used it! The unit that caused the problems yesterday failed on tuesday night and was left at Par for fitters attention the next morning, the fitter turned up the next morning and said it was cream crackered! isn't that the reason why it was failed on tuesday night? doh!
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on November 04, 2007, 20:09:03 Took a trip on the Fal branch on Saturday after the first weeks blockade and was pleasantly suprised with how much work has been done! replaced about 2 miles of track with welded rail/steel sleepers, and loads of cutting back, not just trimming but actually cutting down trees and killing the stumps! was like a new railway!
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Coombe Stn on November 05, 2007, 12:05:33 It will be better than the Main Line the way its going ;D
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on November 12, 2007, 16:18:26 After the second week it appears that even more work has been done! another mile or so of re laying with CWR and MAJOR cutting back all the way along the branch, so much cutting back that I didn't even realise that there was a row of houses above Perranwell station.
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Coombe Stn on November 15, 2007, 21:33:45 Have had a couple of trips along there this week, the rides getting better and as said a hell of a lot of cutting back you get to see places youve not seen for years ;)
On the minus side its a shame all the old track panels are lying round everywhere and instead of cutting back between Penwithers Jct and Perranwell its just been flailed instead wich always looks so untidy >:( Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Lee on December 06, 2007, 14:24:21 Neighbours are being "driven to tears" by noisy railway works behind their homes (link below.)
http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144125&command=displayContent&sourceNode=232450&contentPK=19169994&folderPk=108202&pNodeId=251466 The families want the rail service replaced with coaches so the work can be done during the day - or around the clock - as was recently the case at Falmouth. Quote from resident : "There are only a handful of trains and no-one can understand why they don't just put buses on." Network Rail spokesman Ben Herbert said it would not have been "feasible or acceptable" to close the line for more than the two weeks when the work in Falmouth was done. He added: "If residents do have any concerns or questions they can contact Network Rail." "We expect the project to be completed and our people off site next week." A Carrick council spokeswoman said they had not yet decided whether to issue a noise abatement notice. Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: peterswest on December 06, 2007, 16:03:20 Ahhh , sad local residents ! Tis such a shame they woke up one morning and found a railway next to their houses :) lets shut the A39 for a week with a diversion vis Redruth eh , they won't mind that either , will they
Pete Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: jester on December 06, 2007, 16:30:38 The said "handful of trains"convey an enormous amount of passengers, who would be slightly annoyed to find that they were being bussed to work/college/the main line instead. they are happy on the whole when there is planned engineering as it takes so much longer to make their otherwise 15-25 minute journey, but to enforce more road transport on them......... Is this work not to IMPROVE the already pressurised service?? Its obviously one these moaners do not use.
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on December 06, 2007, 17:25:44 It's probably the same people that moan when the trains are replaced by busses! Penryn is full of moanin old gits like that, the railway was there before them!!
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Andy on December 07, 2007, 19:07:39 This isn't connected to the installation of the passing loop, is it?
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Conner on December 07, 2007, 19:44:00 This isn't connected to the installation of the passing loop, is it? May be the groundwork but I don't think its actually being installed yet.Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on December 07, 2007, 21:48:36 This isn't connected to the installation of the passing loop, is it? No, they're just removing a load of rail and sleepers that were replaced during the recent blockade.Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Conner on December 07, 2007, 22:08:42 This isn't connected to the installation of the passing loop, is it? No, they're just removing a load of rail and sleepers that were replaced during the recent blockade.Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Coombe Stn on December 08, 2007, 13:46:20 All redundant track panels are taken away to Westbury to be broken up there or moved on to other disposal points.
They are not that easy to remove from where they are on the branch so it would cost the Helston group a lot of money to obtain it. Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on December 08, 2007, 15:11:10 The Helston group had the last lot earlier this year but weren't in a financial position to get any more, plus they've got enough for the meantime!
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on December 14, 2007, 15:50:35 The Falmouth branch was supposed to be closed all day tomorrow for engineering works but has now been cancelled, NR are replacing the set of points for the branch at Penweathers junction, the new turnout is all set out in the cess ready to go in but obviously the main line will have to be closed at the same time!
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: oooooo on December 19, 2007, 22:23:19 Well the NQY is open after two weeks closure and am completely puzzled to what has been done, looks like errrrrrrrrrrrrr nothing!! Criminal.
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: devon_metro on December 20, 2007, 09:36:50 Sounds like the average Network Rail farce then, Much tea and coffee to be had!
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: oooooo on January 06, 2008, 23:18:35 Well the NQY is open after two weeks closure and am completely puzzled to what has been done, looks like errrrrrrrrrrrrr nothing!! Criminal. Someone says the NQY is shut again soon?? Why they did NOTHING last time, about time Network Rail were put into place..... Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: devon_metro on January 07, 2008, 17:54:20 Why don't they just put a blockade until HSTs need it, then of course FGW management will kick up a fuss if there good old Newquay service can't get there!!
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: signalandtelegraph on January 18, 2008, 09:21:37 The new points were commisssioned at approx 0345 on Mon 14th January. It was a very wet possession weekend! ;D
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Lee on April 20, 2008, 19:38:37 From the FGW website :
19:42 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 20:05 This train has been cancelled.This is due to a member of train crew being unavailable. Road transport will operate between Truro and Falmouth Docks. 20:08 Falmouth Docks to Truro due 20:32 This train has been cancelled.This is due to a member of train crew being unavailable. Road transport will operate between Falmouth Docks and Truro. 20:50 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 21:13 This train has been cancelled.This is due to a member of train crew being unavailable. Road transport will operate between Truro and Falmouth Docks. 21:20 Falmouth Docks to Truro due 21:44 This train has been cancelled.This is due to a member of train crew being unavailable. Road transport will operate between Falmouth Docks and Truro. 22:00 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 22:23 This train has been cancelled.This is due to a member of train crew being unavailable. Road transport will operate between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: jester on April 23, 2008, 23:26:36 Shortages that are bound to occur again due to conductors being trained that are going to be train managers and their repalcements have yet to be trained to be conductors!! No forward thinking as ususal, other conductors have booked annual leave and of course it was a sunday turn, which you dont have to be 'available' for.
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Lee on June 10, 2008, 18:49:14 From the FGW website :
18:24 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 18:47 This train will run short formed with 1 carriages.This is due to a passenger having been taken ill earlier. 19:12 Falmouth Docks to Truro due 19:36 This train will run short formed with 1 carriages.This is due to a passenger having been taken ill earlier. 20:00 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 20:23 This train will run short formed with 1 carriages.This is due to a passenger having been taken ill earlier. Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: FarWestJohn on June 11, 2008, 09:58:42 The Falmouth branch seems to have had two 153s for the last week so a good thing in this case as one unit could be detached to keep the service going..
I suppose this will be the way forward when the Penryn passing loop is commissioned later in the year. Single 153s on the half hourly service then joining up for the hourly service and return to base at PNZ. Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Westernchallenger on June 11, 2008, 10:48:23 I believe that a pair of 153s are now diagrammed on the Falmouth branch - certainly on weekdays
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Lee on June 11, 2008, 16:35:40 The Falmouth branch seems to have had two 153s for the last week so a good thing in this case as one unit could be detached to keep the service going.. I suppose this will be the way forward when the Penryn passing loop is commissioned later in the year. Single 153s on the half hourly service then joining up for the hourly service and return to base at PNZ. The current plan for the enhanced Falmouth service can be found in the link below. http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=2940.msg22433#msg22433 I believe that a pair of 153s are now diagrammed on the Falmouth branch - certainly on weekdays FGW Class 153 diagrams can be found in the link below. http://www.southwesternlines.co.uk/downloads/fgwdiagmay08/SX_PM153s.pdf Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on June 12, 2008, 19:05:36 Fal is booked 2 153's now, the reason for the revision was someone decided to vomit over half of the unit and therefore had to be taken out of service for heavy cleaning!
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Lee on June 24, 2008, 18:56:42 From the FGW website :
18:24 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 18:47 This train will run short formed with 1 carriages. Additional road transport will operate between Truro and Falmouth Docks. 19:12 Falmouth Docks to Truro due 19:36 This train will run short formed with 1 carriages. Additional road transport will operate between Falmouth Docks and Truro. Title: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on July 04, 2008, 19:52:04 Rail services on a cramped Cornish branch line are set to double thanks to a ^7.8 million cash injection. The line between Truro and Falmouth will be upgraded with most of the money coming from the EU, Cornwall County Council and Network Rail, which oversees Britain's rail infrastructure.
The scheme will create passing points on the popular commuter and tourist line, which will mean that more than one train can shuttle back and forth at any time. The Truro to Falmouth route, which is promoted as The Maritime Line by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, has witnessed an increase in passenger numbers of nearly 70 per cent in ten years. In 1997, an estimated 156,000 journeys were made on the line, while a decade later, the number had mushroomed to 261,000 journeys. The scheme won backing worth just under ^5 million from the EU's Convergence Programme, plus ^2.5 million from Cornwall County Council and ^600,000 from Network Rail. Train operator First Great Western also gave its support. Detailed design work is expected to begin in October with a new timetable commencing next May. The project will provide a passing loop near Penryn Station and mean a once-an-hour service will double. It is also planned that passengers using Truro's new park-and-ride, which opens in August, will be able to buy through tickets. See http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/homepagenews/Branch-line-boost-Cornwall/article-206346-detail/article.html See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/7489554.stm Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: signalandtelegraph on July 05, 2008, 06:57:16 The scheme will create passing points on the popular commuter and tourist line, which will mean that more than one train can shuttle back and forth at any time. Just the one I was aware of at Penrhyn! Signalling equipment due to be commissioned first weekend in April Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: IndustryInsider on July 05, 2008, 13:22:11 Good stuff - where are they gonna get the stock from though?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Btline on July 05, 2008, 15:43:06 Perhaps they will use LM's 153 (soon to be replaced by a bus) from the Stourbridge branch line?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Karl on July 05, 2008, 20:53:18 Evening
April is the contractors 'target' to finalise, but not 100% it may slightly over run that. When the loop is ready and in action, it will be booked two c153 single cars, one coming one way and one the other, this will be refurb stock as per we have now. I can see this going down like a lead baloon with the locals and I have to agree. Hope this helps! Regards Karl. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: John R on July 05, 2008, 21:51:08 When the loop is ready and in action, it will be
booked two c153 single cars, one coming one way and one the other, this will be refurb stock as per we have now. I can see this going down like a lead baloon with the locals and I have to agree. I'm not sure I understand this view. The service will have the same capacity per hour but instead of 1 2 coach train ph (or less), it'll be more spread with 2 1 coach tph. At the moment there's an arrival into Truro at 0819 which I suspect is heavily loaded with commuters. If there are also arrivals at 0750 and 0850 then the commuter load will be spread over 3 services, hence more capacity. I know which is the more attractive service for passengers, and it appears a very pragmatic way of doubling frequency without any additional costs in leasing rolling stock. By spreading passenger loads, it should avoid any problems with 1 peak hour train taking all the load, whereas in future the load will be spread over several trains. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Lee on July 06, 2008, 10:25:29 Background quote :
My thanks to Andrew Pennington for the following info on the aspired enhanced frequency and pattern : Quote from: Andrew Pennington, FGW Head of Train Planning The core "standard hour" elements are: 1/2 hourly service branch resourced by 2 x 153 vice 1 x 150 trains cross with loop provided at Penryn alternate trains do not call Perranwell due to pathing to make 1/2 hourly core branch service work Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Karl on July 06, 2008, 14:45:46 Afternoon Lee and all
I've seen this statement posted before and I put it forward to 'someone' who deals alot with the partnerships TOC's e.t.c and he said that all trains will stop at Perranwell. Its only booked a 2min stop, so I don't think it will throw the timetable out, although most people I see at meetings usually use the term a 45min timetable! If FGW try to alternate the Perranwell stop, I got a very good idea that "Perranworthal Town Council" plus Perranwell and surrounding village's will have something very strong to say about that; like errr no! And they do attend partnership meetings frequently! Regards Karl. trains cross with loop provided at Penryn alternate trains do not call Perranwell due to pathing to make 1/2 hourly core branch service work. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Btline on July 06, 2008, 17:36:21 Their are still problems.
People will still use the key peak trains, so overcrowding will get worse. Virgin XC found this out when they did Operation Princess - spreading did not occur. A more frequent service will result in additional passengers being drawn in (more convenient, reliable etc.), so loadings will increase. Will a single carriage cope? Where is the 150 going? And where did the 2*153s come from? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on July 06, 2008, 17:48:45 Their are still problems. People will still use the key peak trains, so overcrowding will get worse. Virgin XC found this out when they did Operation Princess - spreading did not occur. A more frequent service will result in additional passengers being drawn in (more convenient, reliable etc.), so loadings will increase. Will a single carriage cope? Where is the 150 going? And where did the 2*153s come from? It totally depends at what time the trains arrive and depart from truro. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Karl on July 06, 2008, 18:50:40 Afternoon
As already said it will be two FGW c153's which there are enough to choose from! As regards to overcrowding, I agrued that point at a previous meeting (especially the 08:00 and 17:00 departures which will have the most), but was told it will be c153's. Remember a coment something to do with funding? As for 150's they will be deployed alse where on the FGW network. As for more, I think you will have to ask FGW! Are all the Welsh ones going back? Regards Karl. Their are still problems. People will still use the key peak trains, so overcrowding will get worse. Virgin XC found this out when they did Operation Princess - spreading did not occur. A more frequent service will result in additional passengers being drawn in (more convenient, reliable etc.), so loadings will increase. Will a single carriage cope? Where is the 150 going? And where did the 2*153s come from? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Karl on July 07, 2008, 00:04:58 Evening
One extra bit of info I forgot to add earlier is 'I think' after 7:00pm, it will revert to one train and a normal style timetable, whether they will couple up the other c153 to make a two car formation I don't know. Not sure if the first train of the day will be only one or two? On my travels bumped into a friend at Dawlish, he comented on Spotlight Friday. Funny he said on the day of filming they used an "Arriva Trains" c150/2 and they filmed a not very attractive Falmouth Town - The Dell station! Regards Karl. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Lee on July 07, 2008, 11:33:57 Afternoon Lee and all I've seen this statement posted before and I put it forward to 'someone' who deals alot with the partnerships TOC's e.t.c and he said that all trains will stop at Perranwell. Its only booked a 2min stop, so I don't think it will throw the timetable out, although most people I see at meetings usually use the term a 45min timetable! If FGW try to alternate the Perranwell stop, I got a very good idea that "Perranworthal Town Council" plus Perranwell and surrounding village's will have something very strong to say about that; like errr no! And they do attend partnership meetings frequently! Regards Karl. trains cross with loop provided at Penryn alternate trains do not call Perranwell due to pathing to make 1/2 hourly core branch service work. Update from Andrew Pennington : Quote from: Andrew Pennington, FGW Head of Train Planning No change on previous advice with alternate calls The previous advice was : Quote from: Andrew Pennington, FGW Head of Train Planning The core "standard hour" elements are: 1/2 hourly service branch resourced by 2 x 153 vice 1 x 150 trains cross with loop provided at Penryn alternate trains do not call Perranwell due to pathing to make 1/2 hourly core branch service work Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Karl on July 07, 2008, 12:43:27 Morning
Have had a word with another source of mine and yep Lee is alternate. My other source (who I will have a word with his shell when I see him next as he should know details), has good muddled up somewhere! I did ask him about Perranwell in detail. Also first train of the day is likely to be one c153 then from 7am - 7pm will be the two c153's, then it will revert back to a normal service. There might be the possibility of later service as well. Regards Karl. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: swlines on July 07, 2008, 17:43:39 Their are still problems. People will still use the key peak trains, so overcrowding will get worse. Virgin XC found this out when they did Operation Princess - spreading did not occur. SWT on the other hand with their massive timetable rebuild put the spreading of passengers over services key into the timetable - which did extremely well. It depends how well you advertise it and also, on ticketing! Add benefits for travelling later and earlier (Early Bird come to mind, TPE offer this) then there will be more of an uptake of shoulder peak services. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on July 18, 2008, 18:21:40 Well lets put some things straight, the current service is actually 2 hourly near enough during the day and uses 2x153's coupled, there are currently 12 trains per day, the new timetable has I believe 27 trains per day, the 0755 from Fal usually loads around 100 passengers on arrival at Truro, if there were another service 30 mins later then it would spread the load. As it is now, after the 0755 trip you can usually just about manage when there is a 153 on the branch, with double the trains then there will be more empty seats to fill.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Btline on July 18, 2008, 19:05:54 Well lets put some things straight, the current service is actually 2 hourly near enough during the day and uses 2x153's coupled, there are currently 12 trains per day, the new timetable has I believe 27 trains per day, the 0755 from Fal usually loads around 100 passengers on arrival at Truro, if there were another service 30 mins later then it would spread the load. As it is now, after the 0755 trip you can usually just about manage when there is a 153 on the branch, with double the trains then there will be more empty seats to fill. "Load spreading" may not happen - it didn't with Virgin. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: swlines on July 18, 2008, 19:46:07 Well lets put some things straight, the current service is actually 2 hourly near enough during the day and uses 2x153's coupled, there are currently 12 trains per day, the new timetable has I believe 27 trains per day, the 0755 from Fal usually loads around 100 passengers on arrival at Truro, if there were another service 30 mins later then it would spread the load. As it is now, after the 0755 trip you can usually just about manage when there is a 153 on the branch, with double the trains then there will be more empty seats to fill. "Load spreading" may not happen - it didn't with Virgin. It's happened more towards Bristol and Birmingham on Virgin - than down south... Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Karl on July 18, 2008, 20:11:37 Evening
The idea of the half an hour service on the Falmouth to Truro branchline, is to provide a better more frequent service/s. With Tremough Campus (which is still expanding and was given Planning Permission again this week for more), the idea was to link this with city of Truro and Falmouth with its port. With more people expected to arrive at Tremough, plus the development of Falmouth Docks into a marina and terminal for roll-on roll-off, the hope is to attract more people onto the train and off Cornwalls roads a lot of which cannot cope with more. With this the gaps which oooooo and others has said will arouse, they would be hopefully be filled with more people eventually. There are already links in place with Tremough, it was discussed at a partnership meeting that the information pack all students recieve should contain information about the branchline with leaflets on student railcards e.t.c to entise them in. This information pack is in different languages, although it is possible for a student to buy a wreck in a pub for ^350, I think there has been an improvement in students using the train. There usually is a rep from the campus at our partnership meeting as well. Regards Karl. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: John R on July 18, 2008, 21:45:43 Well lets put some things straight, the current service is actually 2 hourly near enough during the day and uses 2x153's coupled, there are currently 12 trains per day, the new timetable has I believe 27 trains per day, the 0755 from Fal usually loads around 100 passengers on arrival at Truro, if there were another service 30 mins later then it would spread the load. As it is now, after the 0755 trip you can usually just about manage when there is a 153 on the branch, with double the trains then there will be more empty seats to fill. This concurs with my comment on 5/7. Given there will be 75ish seats on each train, this is going to be a massive improvement, even in the peak. So I hope it is regarded as the major step forward that it is, which with no increase in rolling stock is a very imaginative way of providing an increased service with minimal increase in running costs. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on July 18, 2008, 23:38:03 Well lets put some things straight, the current service is actually 2 hourly near enough during the day and uses 2x153's coupled, there are currently 12 trains per day, the new timetable has I believe 27 trains per day, the 0755 from Fal usually loads around 100 passengers on arrival at Truro, if there were another service 30 mins later then it would spread the load. As it is now, after the 0755 trip you can usually just about manage when there is a 153 on the branch, with double the trains then there will be more empty seats to fill. "Load spreading" may not happen - it didn't with Virgin. Have you ever even travelled on the Fal to make a justified comment? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Karl on July 19, 2008, 13:47:35 Afternoon
Well the hope is that there will be a lot more people travelling. The problem with the timetable at the moment is there are too many big gaps and timings that are not always ideally suited for some. Once the timetable is in place I would expect to see double the amount we already have, with hiking fuel prices and a return bus fare (falmouth to Truro), being around ^4.50, it is hoped that a half an hour or 45min timetable will entise a lot more people. As regards to motive power it will be a 2x single c153's, but once the service is up and running, if funding a vailabilty are there it could be 2x c150's, but only if its vaible. There 'maybe' a chance of an additional train after the last arrive at Truro (which currently is MON - FRI 21:54pm, SAT 22:08pm) which will be 22:xxm off Truro (probably 22:30pm for Falmouth). I would guess that Sundays (22:00pm) will stay the same don't know why FGW have done this on the present timetable; it should be either FRI or SAT? Regards Karl. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Btline on July 19, 2008, 16:17:49 Well lets put some things straight, the current service is actually 2 hourly near enough during the day and uses 2x153's coupled, there are currently 12 trains per day, the new timetable has I believe 27 trains per day, the 0755 from Fal usually loads around 100 passengers on arrival at Truro, if there were another service 30 mins later then it would spread the load. As it is now, after the 0755 trip you can usually just about manage when there is a 153 on the branch, with double the trains then there will be more empty seats to fill. "Load spreading" may not happen - it didn't with Virgin. Have you ever even travelled on the Fal to make a justified comment? No, I got the ferry service when I was in the area. But I said might. ;) Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Lee on September 24, 2008, 07:01:26 From the FGW website :
06:27 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 06:50 This train has been cancelled.This is due to a delay on a previous journey. 06:55 Falmouth Docks to Truro due 07:19 This train has been cancelled.This is due to a delay on a previous journey. This is the first round trip of the day, so does anyone know why there was a delay on a previous journey? Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: devon_metro on September 24, 2008, 16:35:39 Late from depot...
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: vacman on September 24, 2008, 20:55:26 For some unknown reason the unit's were at Longrock last night rather than in the station and I'm led to believe that there was no driver to bring in the set.
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Chris from Nailsea on September 24, 2008, 22:23:29 Thanks, vacman ;)
You don't mean someone forgot there was a train to run, do you?? Chris ;D Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: jester on September 25, 2008, 00:35:11 They go to the depot for cleaning and fuel but last night there was an engineering possesion between Pz and the depot. Should have finished in time for them to come back but.......
Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Chris from Nailsea on September 25, 2008, 00:40:58 Ah, yes ... "but ..." !
Well, these things happen: thanks for your helpful local comment, jester! ;D Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: Lee on September 25, 2008, 07:32:45 Today (25/09/2008) from the FGW website :
05:23 Penzance to Truro due 05:58 This train has been cancelled.This is due to a train late from the depot. 06:27 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 06:50 This train has been cancelled.This is due to a train late from the depot earlier. Replacement road transport is in operation from Truro to Falmouth Docks. 06:55 Falmouth Docks to Truro due 07:19 This train has been cancelled.This is due to a train late from the depot earlier. Replacement road transport is in operation from Falmouth Docks to Truro. Title: Re: Falmouth Branch line Post by: FarWestJohn on September 25, 2008, 10:00:31 Well I am on it again tomorrow and I shall be mighty annoyed if it does not run yet again.
I am certainly not impressed with First's planning/ lack of planning. Once yes but not two days running. Especially when you want to connect at Truro with the 0727 to Plymouth which is a very very slow HST. Most likely easier to abandon FGW, get the bus to Truro and the 0806 XC instead. Title: Falmouth Line Closed Due To Engineering Work (13-17 & 20-24/10/2008) Post by: Lee on October 05, 2008, 00:19:39 From Monday 13 until approximately 1600 on Friday 17 October 2008 and from Monday 20 until approximately 1600 on Friday 24 October 2008 buses will be replacing trains between Truro and Falmouth Docks (links below.)
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=2935 http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=2947 Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on October 10, 2008, 22:52:35 The points for the loop are in the yard at Penryn now ready to be laid! never thought i'd see the day!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 10, 2008, 23:09:51 Great news, vacman - any idea when they will be laid?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on October 10, 2008, 23:26:50 Great news, vacman - any idea when they will be laid? Monday 13 until Friday 17 October. Truro to Falmouth Docks From Monday 13 until approximately 1600 on Friday 17 October 2008 buses will be replacing trains between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Lee on October 10, 2008, 23:30:40 From Monday 13 until approximately 1600 on Friday 17 October 2008 buses will be replacing trains between Truro and Falmouth Docks. And also from Monday 20 until approximately 1600 on Friday 24 October 2008 (link below.) http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=3561.msg27681#msg27681 Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 10, 2008, 23:43:58 Yes, sorry: I'd missed the other topics in the calendar, relating to the associated work actually being done! :-[ ::)
Good news, and a great service enhancement for Cornwall, anyway! ;D Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on October 11, 2008, 00:17:56 When I first heard of the passing loop my (untrained) thought was that it would be at Perranwell where there seems more room for it and it's sort of in the middle.
Or...is Penryn technically the best place for it ? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on October 11, 2008, 09:57:26 Isn't the improve service only coming in next May when technically it should be fine by December?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on October 11, 2008, 22:42:08 Isn't the improve service only coming in next May when technically it should be fine by December? I believe the signalling won't be installed for a while.Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Coombe Stn on October 13, 2008, 12:33:11 Not to forget the other relaying jobs on the line to allow for the increase in line speed in order for the half hourly service to work ;)
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Lee on October 16, 2008, 00:04:24 Isn't the improve service only coming in next May when technically it should be fine by December? I believe the signalling won't be installed for a while.The signalling is being modernised during the current works (links below.) http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/7671107.stm http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=3955&NewsAreaID=2 According to Network Rail, after the line re-opens, signalling work between Truro and Penryn will continue over the next six months with no disruption to passengers. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: signalandtelegraph on October 16, 2008, 11:26:00 Isn't the improve service only coming in next May when technically it should be fine by December? I believe the signalling won't be installed for a while.Preparatory works for the signalling installation are currently taking place, final commissioning is over the weekend of 4/5/6 April 2009 Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on October 17, 2008, 01:03:13 Saw Demelza & Rebbeca up at Par today - are they down at Falmouth polishing the ballast ?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Lee on October 17, 2008, 07:53:48 Further article link.
http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/story.php?id=5256 Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on January 23, 2009, 22:12:46 Isn't the improve service only coming in next May when technically it should be fine by December? I believe the signalling won't be installed for a while.Lots of signalling conduit at Truro today heading towards Falmouth, also looks like something is happening between Hayle and Gwinear road....a section of bank has been cut out for 'something'. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on January 24, 2009, 12:37:00 Update for Penryn,
The Southern extension of the Platform (Falmouth end) has been completed box wise. It needs 'filling' and the Passenger Deck added. Significant quantities of old ballast have been removed from the 'yard'. The most obscure thing is that the signalling and southerly points trunking has been located on the former up platform rather than the trackbed. Will check at Perranwell next week if the trunking has been cabled and lidded there. It does seem strange that they have gone to the expense of clearing this platform yet it won't be used for service. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: marky7890 on January 24, 2009, 19:09:29 Here is a plan i found about 2 weeks ago of the diagram from Truro signal box, showing the loop at Penryn:
http://craig-munday.fotopic.net/p55709127.html, or here for a larger version: http://images3.fotopic.net/?iid=yws14q&outx=2048&quality=70 Mark Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on January 24, 2009, 21:46:43 Here is a plan i found about 2 weeks ago of the diagram from Truro signal box, showing the loop at Penryn: http://craig-munday.fotopic.net/p55709127.html, or here for a larger version: http://images3.fotopic.net/?iid=yws14q&outx=2048&quality=70 Mark Wow !!..what a collection of pictures. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on January 25, 2009, 01:21:36 I'm confused with the diagram.
Am I correct to assume that trains to Falmouth will pull into the northern end of the platform whilst trains to Truro will stop on the new southern extension? Once loading has completed the Truro bound service will pass the Falmouth one on the new 'outside' loop, then the Falmouth service will depart. Or is it the other way around with Falmouth bound services taking the loop to pull into the southern end, after the Truro bound service has pulled into the northern end of the platform, which would seem to go against normal UK running? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on January 25, 2009, 02:16:09 I'm confused with the diagram. Am I correct to assume that trains to Falmouth will pull into the northern end of the platform whilst trains to Truro will stop on the new southern extension? Once loading has completed the Truro bound service will pass the Falmouth one on the new 'outside' loop, then the Falmouth service will depart. Or is it the other way around with Falmouth bound services taking the loop to pull into the southern end, after the Truro bound service has pulled into the northern end of the platform, which would seem to go against normal UK running? I'm just a passenger...if they ever decide to run two cars both ways some reversing might be needed unless a footbridge is constructed. With single cars it's difficult to see (from the diagram) how things will be managed. I don't like the idea of skipping Perranwell stops either for the sake of a regular timetable - I often walk the Bissoe valley and get home via Perranwell. Also single car running all year (again ) for the sake of a regular timetable - fridays when all the students are going home for the weekend, summer when Falmouth is a popular destination. St Ives branch is 4 car in summer and rammed - I wonder if Falmouth's new deal will actually work ? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: bemmy on January 25, 2009, 10:47:30 From the diagram, clearly the loop is for down trains. So the Up train will arrive first and stop at the northern end of the platform, and can leave as soon as the down train reaches the loop. This does look odd as effectively trains will pass on the right, but it makes sense for up trains to arrive first because Penryn is nearer Falmouth than Truro, so there is more slack at that end of the line. Should the down train arrive first, it will have to wait in the loop till the up train has arrived.
I think it's worth missing Perranwell on alternate trips, to enable a half hourly service. An hourly service for Perranwell will still be an increase on the current frequency and will make it better served than many larger towns and villages. But you are right chrisoakes that a single car train will be a nightmare at busy times. Maybe First's commanders up in Swindon can't get their heads round the idea that there is actually a commuter line in Cornwall, taking people to work and college rather than just to the seaside. At the very least I hope the Penryn loop is long enough for two two-car trains. Then when First are surprised by the overcrowding they can approach Cornwall County Council and ask for a subsidy to run longer trains. ;D Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on January 25, 2009, 13:45:06 Thanks for the clarification. The loop is 400 metres long incidentally extending well to the North of the Station. because of the line running it's not possible to see the end of the loop from the platform as it disappears to the right as the track bends to cross the road leading directly from Penryn to Treliever roundabout around the University complex. I can see it possible to have two two car trains simultaneously on the extended platform, three could possibly, I'll check soon. As for eliminating Perranwell, shame, maybe a request stop service could be implemented on the non-stopping service without too much disturbance to the schedule.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on January 26, 2009, 17:40:13 Bothe ends of the platform are being altered to accomodate 4 car trains, as for Perranwell unfortunately it is so little used that I really don't think skipping every other trip will be a problem, an hourly service will be an improvement on the current service! It will be a pain with a single car but i'm led to believe that the bid for the loop and services depended on it being budgeted on a shoestring, at least the loop is built now and we can campaign for longer trains in the future.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: willc on January 27, 2009, 00:18:36 Quote This does look odd as effectively trains will pass on the right But it's nothing new, as quite a few Scottish stations have had 'wrong' line working through their loops ever since the RETB signalling schemes were installed in the 1980s, though there doesn't seem to be any hard and fast rule about this. The West Highland Line has some of these mixed in with stations where trains pass on the left. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: eightf48544 on January 27, 2009, 15:53:34 Very interesting signalling this is the exact opposite the way the DB single platform loops work.
In the DB system the Down loop would be the Up loop and signal 42 would be at the other end of the loop and reversed to protect the single line from points 41 and be designated 4X. Thus a down train would draw up to signal 30 with points 27 set for the loop and the up train would draw into the platform controlled by signal 9. The Up train then departs to enter the loop and rejoin the single line if signal 4X is off. Hence two trains facing each other in the platform. Of course we can't do that because DB has the Indusi train stop which will stop a train spadding whereas we only have TPWS. Hence the arrangement shown. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: winterbourne on January 27, 2009, 20:08:52 Hi there, I'm glad my photos of the diagram helped. I'll be signalling it from April - & cant wait ;). I'm not sure of all the implications yet, but two trains will not be moving towards eachother for sure. I think a Falmouth bound train into the loop (which is actually the "main" route) will have to come to a stand before the Truro bound service can be signalled in. There is no over lap visible.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: TerminalJunkie on January 29, 2009, 22:53:33 Quote from: willc [...]quite a few Scottish stations have had 'wrong' line working through their loops ever since the RETB signalling schemes were installed in the 1980s, though there doesn't seem to be any hard and fast rule about this. ISTR reading somewhere that it was to ensure even wear of either the tracks or the wheels. I may be misremembering though, and it could have been wrong anyway. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 05, 2009, 15:23:07 Small update ....
The infilling of the southern platform extension is now in progress. In addition the reconstruction of the Northern end of the existing platform that had been left to go into disrepair over the past decades has commenced. Considerable tails of cabling are to be seen now on the trackbed. No signs of the new signalling yet. Work is also being continued on the old North bound platform to tidy it up. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: winterbourne on February 05, 2009, 22:42:30 Some signals are going up this weekend. The new signalling diagram should go up in the box too. Photos to follow...
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 06, 2009, 20:18:12 Look forward to seeing that, incidentally the ducting at Perranwell is still open, and I assume empty.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 07, 2009, 01:41:49 Some pictures from the Cornwall County Council site ....
Before (http://premium1.uploadit.org/ChrisCornwall3/Inttools/penryn1.jpg) Track in place (http://premium1.uploadit.org/ChrisCornwall3/Inttools/penryn2.jpg) Close up (http://premium1.uploadit.org/ChrisCornwall3/Inttools/penryn3.jpg) Annotated Version (http://premium1.uploadit.org/ChrisCornwall3/Inttools/penryn2a.jpg) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: eightf48544 on February 07, 2009, 12:50:21 Very good photos. Let's hope it's the telephoto lens tha exegerates the curve off the loop point. I haven't got curves that sharop on my model railways.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on February 07, 2009, 18:26:03 Agreed: excellent photos of the Penryn loop that we've all been waiting for here - thanks, RailCornwall!
(And I also agree that the effect of the lens is to give the appearance of something of a hairpin bend there!) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 12, 2009, 15:26:12 Have been on a fact finding trip from Penryn to Truro and back today, at Penryn the foundations for the signals are now going in, work proceeds on the Northern Platform restoration too. I suspect that when that is brought up to the state of the southern extension, it's essentially a rebuild looking closely, that both ends will be filled and surfaced at the same time.
Meanwhile I note that there is now a second cable duct on the east of the track between Truro and almost into Perranwell, There's now a duct EITHER side of the track between these two stations. This duct now has cable laid in it as does the other duct (Northern side of track at Perranwell) all way from Truro to Penryn. There's a cable jointing box installed on the Northern side of the track just east of Perranwell. I also observed what appeared to be Signal support structures in the 'yard area' to the immediate west of Perranwell Station. I presume these'll be moved to Penryn later. There are Sunday AM possessions of the line for the first three sundays of this month to do work. (Three services e/w bustituted) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Andy on February 13, 2009, 11:25:49 Thanks so much for the photos and the update, RailCornwall - proper job! There's something doubly moving going on - the signs of new life reflecting the health of the branchline and simultaneously the abandoned platform harking back to former times. With recent news about the planned expansion of the CUC at Penryn, the future for this particular Cornish branch looks bright. Too bad that a regular source of freight traffic from the docks can't be found.
By the by, I imagine that the 2tph service is going to make it rather more difficult to find paths for charters/railtours, etc, on the branch. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: autotank on February 13, 2009, 11:42:06 What a great project which I hope will be repeated elsewhere. These are the kind of works that are relatively cheap (in railway terms) but really will move people off the roads and onto the trains. Thumbs up all round!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: slippy on February 14, 2009, 11:08:15 Trains are xx:20 and xx:50 off Truro for the bulk of the day. Last service is now later from Truro around 22:00.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 14, 2009, 12:46:51 Does anyone know if there any complete draft timetables published yet? Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to install a ticket machine at Penryn too, maybe of the simple variety as featured on the St Ives branch.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on February 15, 2009, 02:32:15 Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to install a ticket machine at Penryn too, maybe of the simple variety as featured on the St Ives branch. Not a good idea, doesn't do railcards, only issues expensive 'ranger' tickets. Most folk on holiday really need a 'group save' ticket. I get from St Ives to Falmouth for ^3.20 return (railcarded)...if I bought Maritime & St Ives rangers plus a return from St Erth to Truro it'd cost about ^14. I've never had a problem buying a ticket on the Falmouth branch but the Dell to Penmere is a problem for Conductors...having only one car might ease the problem. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 15, 2009, 10:50:51 In the interests of revenue protection FGW need to do something, on my fact finding trip last week, I travelled from Penryn to Truro without a ticket, and saved the 10p by buying a single for the retiurn journey.
Incidentally there's another problem which will need attention at Truro Station if the Treluswell Park and Ride service aspiration ever proceeds, customers aren't going to like walking the entire length of platform two and back to the bus service stop, the old gated exit which was bricked up some time ago will need to be re-opened. The buffet will be a nightmare used as a shortcut. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: grandsire on February 15, 2009, 12:02:56 Its my impression that most rail commuters to Truro walk down to the town from the rail station rather than waitingfor/payingfor a bus, so walking along platform 2 is not a big problem. Still it would be niceto see the old "mailbag" entrance opened up again.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 15, 2009, 12:26:39 Remember that the plan is to integrate the whole thing, so a special Rail/Bus fare will be needed, a restricted P&R only PlusBus to add only ^1 to the rail fare will have to be introduced. It's also worthwhile mentioning that by 2013 the P&R corridor will run from Langarth via Truro College, Treliske Hospital, Aldi/County Hall, Museum, Boscawen Street, Tregolls Road to the Cattle Market returning via the same route with the exception of the loop to the Piazza and Victoria Square. Bus Demand will as a result be much higher.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: G.Uard on February 15, 2009, 18:15:22 In the interests of revenue protection FGW need to do something, on my fact finding trip last week, I travelled from Penryn to Truro without a ticket, and saved the 10p by buying a single for the retiurn journey. Incidentally there's another problem which will need attention at Truro Station if the Treluswell Park and Ride service aspiration ever proceeds, customers aren't going to like walking the entire length of platform two and back to the bus service stop, the old gated exit which was bricked up some time ago will need to be re-opened. The buffet will be a nightmare used as a shortcut. FGW really need that 10p...how could you? ;D Seriously... You should have bought a ticket at Truro, following your outward journey if possible. It is incumbent on passengers to purchase the ticket under their own steam and not wait to be approached by a Conductor/TM/RPI. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: John R on February 15, 2009, 20:24:20 In the interests of revenue protection FGW need to do something, on my fact finding trip last week, I travelled from Penryn to Truro without a ticket, and saved the 10p by buying a single for the retiurn journey. Incidentally there's another problem which will need attention at Truro Station if the Treluswell Park and Ride service aspiration ever proceeds, customers aren't going to like walking the entire length of platform two and back to the bus service stop, the old gated exit which was bricked up some time ago will need to be re-opened. The buffet will be a nightmare used as a shortcut. FGW really need that 10p...how could you? ;D Seriously... You should have bought a ticket at Truro, following your outward journey if possible. It is incumbent on passengers to purchase the ticket under their own steam and not wait to be approached by a Conductor/TM/RPI. I did that on arrival at Weston follwing a journey from Nailsea when the TM was nowhere to be seen. Asked to buy a return from Nailsea to Weston and the booking office clerk said he would sell me a single back to Nailsea!! Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on February 15, 2009, 20:40:20 Similar thing happened to me once - I tried to buy a return ticket from Nailsea, from the ticket office at BTM, but I was looked at as if I had two heads, and was sold a single to Nailsea! ::)
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: slippy on February 16, 2009, 02:18:45 Annoying because if you buy a return it counts as two journies while a single is just one, so passenger number statistics are far lower than the actual amount of people travelling, especially on Falmouth where many people travel one way for free, if not both ways!!
Service for bulk of day will be xx:20 and xx:50 off Truro and the same off Falmouth, the xx:20s from both ends will call Perranwell, the xx:50s will not. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Coombe Stn on February 19, 2009, 14:48:19 Have been down to Falmouth yesterday and noted some of the following to add previous postings regarding Penryn loop.
Various lineside boxes, phones and other equipment at various locations cabling in the troughs all the way along 2 signal post lying at Perranwell waiting to go to Penryn 2 signal posts at Falmouth waiting to go to Penryn 3 signal posts in the compound at Penryn Penryn platform sports new edging where the vegetation clearance took place Truro end Work contiuning on the Falmouth end extention of Penryn lots of orange clad people working at various locations in Penryn area Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 19, 2009, 16:10:18 Did my weekly fact finding trip to Penryn this afternoon as well, little more to add other than following conversation with a chatty 'orange coat' that the entrance rampway is to be remodelled incorporating full DDA approved disabled access from the road and carpark to the platform.
The signal foundations are now in place on the platforms too. There seems to be a major effort to complete all the civils quickly now ready to install the electrics. One thing that appears to be missing at present is any sign of civils for lighting on the new Southern and restored Northern wings of the platform, it would be imo surprising to light the exisiting area, which owing to the points will not be used to service trains and leave the passenger train access points of the platform in the dark. Will do another trip towards the end of next week. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: smokey on February 20, 2009, 14:23:55 In the new south end extension of the Penryn platform are some Square foundations that look like extra strengthening, they are in fact where the Sockets will be concerted in place for the Lamp posts.
Understand there will be 18 lamp post on the platform and Car Park, now what's that about global warming! NB in this case the socket is strong plastic tube, the lamp post is put inside and then packed with sand and just a inch or two of concrete or tarmac finishes the job. Makes post replacement child's play. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on February 20, 2009, 21:46:49 In the interests of revenue protection FGW need to do something, on my fact finding trip last week, I travelled from Penryn to Truro without a ticket, and saved the 10p by buying a single for the retiurn journey. Truro is to have ticket gates installed this year (although it was meant to happen last May!!!) so there will only be the one entrance/exit and it will also solve the ticket problems! Truro being gated is LONG overdue!!Incidentally there's another problem which will need attention at Truro Station if the Treluswell Park and Ride service aspiration ever proceeds, customers aren't going to like walking the entire length of platform two and back to the bus service stop, the old gated exit which was bricked up some time ago will need to be re-opened. The buffet will be a nightmare used as a shortcut. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 20, 2009, 22:04:43 So how are they going to cope with the car park open access then, it'll annoy people if they can't get onto Platform 3 from their cars and have to use the footbridges.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on February 20, 2009, 23:00:27 So how are they going to cope with the car park open access then, it'll annoy people if they can't get onto Platform 3 from their cars and have to use the footbridges. Hmmm...walk from the far end of the car park, over the track (get there early), around to the front entrance, through the gate, over the footbridge. Also what about the shop ?. See some construction going on at the Signal box - for the Falmouth branch ? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 20, 2009, 23:25:12 So they'll have to fence the entire length of 'Platform 4' right up to the end slope of the eastern end forcing passengers from the west with luggage up over the bridge to get out of the main entrance, conversely arrivals on Platform 2 aren't going to be able to exit to their vehicles quickly either. I can't see how they can fit gates into the arrangement at the ticket office either. The station simply isn't designed for gates, unless they take back and refit the original now Car Rental office entrance. It's going to cause chaos the additional passengers coming off a late afternoon Paddington mingling with commuters buying tickets from the TO.
This'll cause enormous resentment amongst passengers who can now arrive and access Platform 3 for 'up' services directly. I suspect there'll be hell up over this and I'm inclined to sympathise. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: signalandtelegraph on February 21, 2009, 08:27:18 See some construction going on at the Signal box - for the Falmouth branch ? Yes, new relay room to arrive soon, and then after the Falmouth job is commissioned the barrier machines and roadlights are to be renewed. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on February 21, 2009, 22:23:41 So they'll have to fence the entire length of 'Platform 4' right up to the end slope of the eastern end forcing passengers from the west with luggage up over the bridge to get out of the main entrance, conversely arrivals on Platform 2 aren't going to be able to exit to their vehicles quickly either. I can't see how they can fit gates into the arrangement at the ticket office either. The station simply isn't designed for gates, unless they take back and refit the original now Car Rental office entrance. It's going to cause chaos the additional passengers coming off a late afternoon Paddington mingling with commuters buying tickets from the TO. unfortunately the persistant non-payers in the area are to blame, the ones who despite repeated warnings never buy before they board at out lying stations so it will now be forced upon them, I don't remember putting in my post exactly where the gates are going to go nor did I say there will be no disabled access arrangements for platform 3, as for people who have to walk around from the car park, they'll just have to get used to it i'm afraid, I think FGW have every right to protect their revenue to/from this major station and I'm sure all of the season ticket holders will be glad to see it as they are fed up with societies crap from Camborne, Redruth and St Austell travelling for free whilst they pay! as for the buffet and Hertz, it no doubt will be the same as the Lemon tree at Exeter where only one side will be open.This'll cause enormous resentment amongst passengers who can now arrive and access Platform 3 for 'up' services directly. I suspect there'll be hell up over this and I'm inclined to sympathise. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on February 21, 2009, 23:21:21 I'm sure all of the season ticket holders will be glad to see it as they are fed up with societies crap from Camborne, Redruth and St Austell travelling for free whilst they pay! [/quote] Pity either Redruth or Camborne can't be barriered -would only need one of them. Some conductors really do go the extra mile - at St Ives I've seen some dash to the exit slope and collect/check tickets from passengers who couldn't be seen on the trip. Also they are generally very good at suggesting 'group save' etc. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 21, 2009, 23:27:50 Oh well, I suppose it'll force me to go to Newquay and fly up to town if the access to Platform Three is going to be made a hurdle and a half. Simple access made travelling from Truro a pleasure. If they were to equip a footbridge with lifts it wouldn't be that difficult but when carrying a decent sized case and hand baggage its horrible. I hope they'll improve the pavement around the BTP office as part of this exercise as carrying bags on the existing is hazardous.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Btline on February 22, 2009, 00:01:58 Oh well, I suppose it'll force me to go to Newquay and fly up to town if the access to Platform Three is going to be made a hurdle and a half. Simple access made travelling from Truro a pleasure. If they were to equip a footbridge with lifts it wouldn't be that difficult but when carrying a decent sized case and hand baggage its horrible. I hope they'll improve the pavement around the BTP office as part of this exercise as carrying bags on the existing is hazardous. How can a few more yards walk make you ditch the train for the plane? ??? :o This gating is good news. The more stations, the better. It will also improve security. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 22, 2009, 00:40:42 Simply because of my back condition (I attend Treliske weekly) which I don't make a fuss of makes things difficult, these kind of decisions really annoy those of us who have a physical impairment rather than a visible disability. A class of traveller that is badly neglected. Parking the car at the car park and walking directly onto platform three is brilliant, I always acquire parking and travel tickets in advance.
At least when flying the luggage is removed from you and you can make your way at Gatwick to the Platform without climbing stairs, and exit Victoria onto a taxi or bus easily too. Tube access at Victoria is being improved too. If FGW were to gate platform three separately at Truro that would help but I can't see that happening. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on February 22, 2009, 18:07:07 Simply because of my back condition (I attend Treliske weekly) which I don't make a fuss of makes things difficult, these kind of decisions really annoy those of us who have a physical impairment rather than a visible disability. A class of traveller that is badly neglected. Parking the car at the car park and walking directly onto platform three is brilliant, I always acquire parking and travel tickets in advance. I'm sure FGW could easilly afford to lose your custom with the thousands per day that will be taken on the barriers, all the free loaders that you are currently paying for. They're hardly going to have two sets of gates, that would mean double the staff and it's being done on a shoestring!At least when flying the luggage is removed from you and you can make your way at Gatwick to the Platform without climbing stairs, and exit Victoria onto a taxi or bus easily too. Tube access at Victoria is being improved too. If FGW were to gate platform three separately at Truro that would help but I can't see that happening. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Btline on February 22, 2009, 18:29:15 I would have thought the extra short walk would be far better on your back compared to all the hassle and stress of the airports!
Driving further to the airport, parking, getting to the terminal (long walk? bus?), checking in, security, departures, the flight (hardly the most comfortable method of transport, esp on your back!), getting through Gatwick, collecting luggage from the carrousel, scrambling onto the Gatwick Express.... Luggage is only removed from you after you've checked in and is given back to you when you arrive (often after a long wait, unless you are in Germany or Birmingham) - you will still have to load it in & out the Gatwick Express, just as if you had travelled with FGW - except by flying you have had to lug it around 2 airports. With the train, you can stow your luggage once you board and sit. I am sure taxis and buses are available outside Paddington. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 22, 2009, 18:42:05 It's the footbridge issue, that will bug me at Truro. It'll mean getting bags up and down what aren't particularly good structures. There's an alternative though which I've thought of which I'll consider, given time I could go down to Camborne or even PZ and get a level route to the Northbound services.
Newquay Airport have baggage trolleys from Carpark to Check in, as does LGW from arrivals to Gatwick Station, don't get me started on not allowing airport trolleys onto station platforms though. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: thetrout on February 22, 2009, 21:44:36 What about implementing a similar arrangement as at Bath Spa.
Have the main entrance access through Ticket Gates and have a staff member or 2 on Platform 3 with a portable ticket machine...? Thats what they do at Bath Spa and I think the arrangement worths rather well, especially if you get your timing wrong and you attempt to negociate the stairs just as the London Padd - Bristol Arrives ::) Off the record I don't like ticket gates to be honest. If you want to break your journey (Like at Bristol Temple Meads to go to The Knights Templar for lunch) the ticket machines can be real pain in the bum. Often the results are that you hold everybody up thats stood behind you. The simple option... ... ... Swear at the ticket machine and go to the human... :P (Yes the swearing part was a joke ::) ) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: John R on February 22, 2009, 23:34:23 It's easy. Don't bother with the machine, when you know that it will be rejected, but go straight to the barrier staff, who will gladly let you through, and then back again.
The fact is that barriers prevent a lot of people from travelling from free, with very little inconvenience to the vast majority of the honest travelling public. I can't see the problem myself, and that's having years of negotiating the barriers at BTM twice a day. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Phil on February 23, 2009, 08:38:10 It's easy. Don't bother with the machine, when you know that it will be rejected, but go straight to the barrier staff, who will gladly let you through, and then back again. Gladly? I did exactly this at Exeter the other day, feeling certain my ticket (Chippenham to Barnstaple) would be rejected by the barrier, but wanting a cup of tea (the only way to access the Lemming Tree is via the barriers). The gentleman at the barrier tutted loudly, looked at the ticket, walked across to the barriers, held up a queue of people (a Cross Country train had just pulled in and was unloading), fed my ticket into the barrier, seemed surprised when it didn't work, walked back to his default luggage barrier and waved me through there. It made me feel like a leper. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on February 23, 2009, 16:02:39 It's easy. Don't bother with the machine, when you know that it will be rejected, but go straight to the barrier staff, who will gladly let you through, and then back again. Gladly? I did exactly this at Exeter the other day, feeling certain my ticket (Chippenham to Barnstaple) would be rejected by the barrier, but wanting a cup of tea (the only way to access the Lemming Tree is via the barriers). The gentleman at the barrier tutted loudly, looked at the ticket, walked across to the barriers, held up a queue of people (a Cross Country train had just pulled in and was unloading), fed my ticket into the barrier, seemed surprised when it didn't work, walked back to his default luggage barrier and waved me through there. It made me feel like a leper. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on February 23, 2009, 16:04:17 Also, like I said in my earlier post, there will obviously be an alternative to the footbridge at Truro, how do you think wheelchairs will manage??????
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Phil on February 23, 2009, 20:44:47 Let me guess, the member of staff had glasses and a deep devon accent? Think I know who your on about lol Funnily enough you're spot on! :D Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: thetrout on February 23, 2009, 22:56:19 It's easy. Don't bother with the machine, when you know that it will be rejected, but go straight to the barrier staff, who will gladly let you through, and then back again. The fact is that barriers prevent a lot of people from travelling from free, with very little inconvenience to the vast majority of the honest travelling public. I can't see the problem myself, and that's having years of negotiating the barriers at BTM twice a day. Thats what I do now, just go straight to the Barrier Staff, in all honesty, once they recognise you, they don't even bother to look at you ticket. Same applies in the First Class Lounge at Temple Meads. I generally don't have a problem with ticket barriers if they behave themselves. What I don't like are the barriers in London. If you want to get from Paddington to London Bridge to connect onto a service, say to Greenwich. There are about 4 different ticket gates to go through...! an absolute pain in the backside Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RichardB on February 23, 2009, 23:34:23 It's easy. Don't bother with the machine, when you know that it will be rejected, but go straight to the barrier staff, who will gladly let you through, and then back again. The fact is that barriers prevent a lot of people from travelling from free, with very little inconvenience to the vast majority of the honest travelling public. I can't see the problem myself, and that's having years of negotiating the barriers at BTM twice a day. Thats what I do now, just go straight to the Barrier Staff, in all honesty, once they recognise you, they don't even bother to look at you ticket. Same applies in the First Class Lounge at Temple Meads. I generally don't have a problem with ticket barriers if they behave themselves. What I don't like are the barriers in London. If you want to get from Paddington to London Bridge to connect onto a service, say to Greenwich. There are about 4 different ticket gates to go through...! an absolute pain in the backside Just a little aside, instead of London Bridge for South Eastern services, you might find changing at Southwark/Waterloo East much easier. Just one set of gates at that end, usually (outside the peaks) much quieter than LB too. Done a lot of Paddington - Dartford trips! Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on February 24, 2009, 17:44:05 have you heard any more news on the Truro gates Richard?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on February 24, 2009, 22:20:58 It made me feel like a leper. I don't think you need be embarrassed in that way, Phil - but the rather pompous attitude of that member staff at the barriers who, having inspected your valid ticket, nevertheless still found it necessary to try to feed it through a barrier machine, only to have it rejected, is rather disappointing. Come on, FGW - you can do better than that! ::) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on February 28, 2009, 00:01:36 Back to the improvement,
Had a close look at Perranwell today, there's a brand new chrome steel electrics cabinet on the platform now, twice the size of the existing green one. This is located immediately to the north of the shelter. Some information I gave earlier is in fact in error, there is NO cable duct over Carnon Viaduct on the North Western Side, the ducting has been buried under the track around 250m east of the station to switch sides. I'll try a diagram soon. The timetable is now within window on the National Rail Site and it's interesting that ALL the weekday morning trains until the clockface operation starts are request stop only at Perranwell, so there's one concern of mine resolved. When the clockface starts the alternation kicks in until the end of clockface then all trains have a scheduled stop at the station until the last service of the day. Only around nine trains a day actually won't stop at the station. The two signal support structures, observed earlier, are no longer in the station yard, they must have been removed to Penryn now. I'll do another check at Penryn early next week. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Coombe Stn on March 02, 2009, 10:22:14 Signals now in situ, all Drivers that work over the line have been issued with the new operating instructions, and its all set to go live at 05.00 on the 5th of April.
There are also some minor aterations to some of the line speeds on the Branch. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: signalandtelegraph on March 03, 2009, 11:57:58 Signals now in situ, all Drivers that work over the line have been issued with the new operating instructions, and its all set to go live at 05.00 on the 5th of April. There are also some minor aterations to some of the line speeds on the Branch. 6th of April 0445 is actual commissioning date Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on March 03, 2009, 13:15:38 Update... Southern platform extension now being filled.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on March 21, 2009, 15:56:45 Passed by briefly earlier this week, seems to be all hands on deck now to complete. Temporary entrance now in use while the new accessable entrance is completed. The old 'yard' is now wholly mangled up and probably will be used for a car park in future. It definately will need some surfacing of some sort on it after the 'ploughing'. Still no permanent surface on the platform extensions yet.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on March 29, 2009, 16:38:08 Passed by again a couple of hours ago, here's an update, with the possession in full swing the southern platform extension is now fully surfaced and fitted with the lampposts. The centre portion seems to be being tarted up to match the appearance of the extensions too. The Northern platform reinstation is also well underway. All the signalling ducting is still open at the station, but closed up in the area of the visible signal Falmouth side of the road bridge over the track to the south of the station. Work seemed to be being performed on the three signals on or immediately close to the platform. I didn't approach for a closer look as passenger access was closed off. I'd estimate around 25 orange coats were busy there today.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on March 29, 2009, 22:27:54 Sorry to be dim here, you talk about North and South platforms but surely it all happens on the original platform...there's no bridge. Sorry doesn't seem to be a confused smilie!!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on March 29, 2009, 22:46:04 The post Beeching single platform is the Southern end of the original down platform.
To accommodate two trains at the same platform NR have 1. completed an extension of the single platform in a Southerly direction and 2. reinstated the derelict Northern end of the post Beeching structure I'll repost my picture which explains the change .... (http://premium1.uploadit.org/ChrisCornwall3/Inttools/penryn2a.jpg) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 29, 2009, 22:52:15 ... you talk about North and South platforms but surely it all happens on the original platform...there's no bridge. That's an understandable confusion, caliwag, but I think these are references to the northern and southern ends of the existing platform, rather than separate platforms! Sorry doesn't seem to be a confused smilie!! Oh, but there is - I have to use it, all the time! ::) ::) ::) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: thetrout on March 29, 2009, 23:02:34 Oh, but there is - I have to use it, all the time! ::) ::) ::) ??? Is the smilie I think you may have been looking for Mr Chris ;) ;D Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on March 29, 2009, 23:16:07 Thank you...sorry my smilie went pear shaped! We got so used to calling GNER "pear-shaped railway co" up here in York...I know PSRC?!, but I wish we had them back now. I know it's got nothing to do with with your railway...just value what you have...sounds Confusian, not meant to.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on March 30, 2009, 16:11:17 All apparantly complete at Perranwell, all the new ducting is now closed.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on April 02, 2009, 15:15:29 Penryn work continues at a pace. Considerable numbers of workers there today. The 'on platform' signals have the access ladders secured behind screens now. I saw a plan on display which did concern me, it appears that the exisiting shelter is to be 'replaced with a bike rack'. I sincerely hope that an alternative shelter is to be installed somewhere on the platform,
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Andy on April 06, 2009, 18:39:09 Signals now in situ, all Drivers that work over the line have been issued with the new operating instructions, and its all set to go live at 05.00 on the 5th of April. There are also some minor aterations to some of the line speeds on the Branch. 6th of April 0445 is actual commissioning date Any news on how day one went? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on April 06, 2009, 18:41:03 First Train cancelled "train fault"
However, cannot spot any problems later on. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on April 08, 2009, 14:33:55 Two distinct platforms now exist with access at the points area to the track fenced off to the public, two new shelters are being constructed. One interesting point was the wording on the platform direction notices which refered to announcements and screens. It would be great if announcements and screens were to be provided but I somewhat doubt that they will appear. The contruction work on the carpark and access arrangements still seems to be taking time. I wonder whether the site will be cleared of construction work by the start of the enhanced service. There seems to be some sort of engineering building at the Northern end of 'the yard' too.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: FarWestJohn on April 09, 2009, 13:02:56 All good news on the Falmouth branch apart from connections.
I know Perranwell is only a small place and it is to be made a request stop but the train times are not good for onward connections. From May the first off peak train is not now until 0940 towards Truro whereas the previous 0914 was brilliant for Plymouth and Penzance. 0940 will not get into Penzance until 1127 [1hr 47m] and Plymouth 1137. It is almost the wrong half hourly train that will stop at Perranwell for good connections. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: FarWestJohn on April 09, 2009, 13:30:28 I forgot to add that I have no complaints about our service compared with Melksham. For a small place we do brilliantly.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on April 09, 2009, 13:39:30 I really had hoped that the full timetables would be published on the FGW site by now, preview editions have been made available a couple of months before the changes were due.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: FarWestJohn on April 09, 2009, 13:47:07 I must admit all I did was dump the weekly timetable from National Rail Enquiries site for a week fro 18th May 2009.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Andy on April 09, 2009, 14:33:27 Apparently, Perranwell is also going to suffer from big cuts in bus services, with the 'rationalisation' of timetables following the acquisition of the Trunian by First.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: eightf48544 on April 09, 2009, 15:18:16 Two distinct platforms now exist with access at the points area to the track fenced off to the public, two new shelters are being constructed. Do the services in each direction always stop at the same end of the platform? The signalling appears to allow two way running through both platforms. All good news on the Falmouth branch apart from connections. I know Perranwell is only a small place and it is to be made a request stop but the train times are not good for onward connections. From May the first off peak train is not now until 0940 towards Truro whereas the previous 0914 was brilliant for Plymouth and Penzance. 0940 will not get into Penzance until 1127 [1hr 47m] and Plymouth 1137. It is almost the wrong half hourly train that will stop at Perranwell for good connections. If Perranwell is to be made a request why can't the full service stop there by request? If there's no one to get on or off, the train need not stop. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on April 09, 2009, 16:29:28 Two distinct platforms now exist with access at the points area to the track fenced off to the public, two new shelters are being constructed. Do the services in each direction always stop at the same end of the platform? The signalling appears to allow two way running through both platforms. The signage infers consistant use of the platform. Southerly 'Plat 1' end to Falmouth, Trains having used the loop to pass trains to Truro waiting at the northerly 'Plat 2' end. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on April 10, 2009, 19:01:47 local press coverage this week ...
Rail passengers get in the loop for frequent Falmouth trains DREAMS of doubling the number of trains between Truro and Falmouth will be realised next month when a long-awaited passing loop goes into operation on the Maritime Line. Contractors are still working at Penryn Station to ensure the ^10 million improvement scheme remains on target to be completed in time for it to go live on May 18. About 400 metres of additional track has been installed and the station platform extended to cope with the new loop system. more ... www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/westbriton (http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/westbriton/Rail-passengers-loop-frequent-Falmouth-trains/article-886529-detail/article.html) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on April 10, 2009, 19:20:33 It really does make the mind bogle, how on earth did that cost ^10 million ???
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Timmer on April 10, 2009, 19:41:50 It really does make the mind bogle, how on earth did that cost ^10 million ??? There in lies the answer as to why getting lines reopened/re-doubled is such a struggle. It now costs an absolute fortune to undo the damage down by Beeching and BR.Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on April 10, 2009, 19:43:48 7 million mooted a few months ago...fat fees?
Really should be audited for future mini-improvements...there are many in the offing over the country. Pleased it's happened, but I suspect the funding has been "pushed" as part of the serious expansion of the University (taking in Dartington)...which is really why a railway should rise to the occasion. Hope the stock matches the expectations! Last time I was on the 153 (Feb perhaps) the staff were excellent...one on doors and one on tickets...good stuff, and full of local info! marvellous. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RichardB on April 10, 2009, 20:38:31 local press coverage this week ... Rail passengers get in the loop for frequent Falmouth trains DREAMS of doubling the number of trains between Truro and Falmouth will be realised next month when a long-awaited passing loop goes into operation on the Maritime Line. Contractors are still working at Penryn Station to ensure the ^10 million improvement scheme remains on target to be completed in time for it to go live on May 18. About 400 metres of additional track has been installed and the station platform extended to cope with the new loop system. more ... www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/westbriton (http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/westbriton/Rail-passengers-loop-frequent-Falmouth-trains/article-886529-detail/article.html) I got the reporter a bit confused on the phone. Just for the record, it is the train from Falmouth which will arrive at Penryn first on the half hourly pattern. I think the cost is still ^7.8m. As well as the new campus at Tremough, other developments planned in Penryn and Falmouth and the fact that there is nothing significant that can be done to improve the A39 are the main reasons the scheme has happened. Richard Burningham, Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 10, 2009, 20:51:23 Thanks for that clarification, RichardB! ;)
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: eightf48544 on April 11, 2009, 12:59:44 It really does make the mind bogle, how on earth did that cost ^10 million ??? There in lies the answer as to why getting lines reopened/re-doubled is such a struggle. It now costs an absolute fortune to undo the damage down by Beeching and BR.7 million mooted a few months ago...fat fees? Really should be audited for future mini-improvements...there are many in the offing over the country. Agree it would be a good scheme to audit fully to see where all the money actually went. In general it's Roger Ford's "Boiling Frogs" syndrome. Railtrack got rid of all the BR Civil/Signal Engineers who knew to a penny how much new track and signals in cost infavour of consultants and contractors. Networkrail are trying to get to grips with the problem by doing more work in house but until that lost knowledge is regained "Boiling Frogs" prevail. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: FarWestJohn on April 12, 2009, 19:57:02 I attach a picture today of Truro looking west. There is a new semaphore, T26, and TPWS grids for presumably a west signalled route out of platform 3.
Unless I am wrong then this will mean all platforms now have a signalled route to the west. If a train from Penzance is going to Falmouth there should be no further need for everyone to gert off. I assume this is so a Falmouth train can come in and leave from any platform. Interesting to note the galvanised steel cage around it compared with all the other semaphores. No wonder it costs so much to do nothing. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: signalandtelegraph on April 13, 2009, 08:07:57 Interesting to note the galvanised steel cage around it compared with all the other semaphores. No wonder it costs so much to do nothing. elf & safety! Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RichardB on April 14, 2009, 17:36:39 I went to Penryn on Saturday and took a number of photos of the station improvements.
All the photos are here http://dcrp.fotopic.net/ It was quite a murky morning but you'll get a good idea of how things are looking there now. It's all pretty impressive. Richard Burningham Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on April 14, 2009, 17:45:44 Very good however the fact that half the platform is un-necessarily fenced off seems a bit short sighted. What if an HST was to go to Falmouth for example? Ah well, i'm sure they saved lots of money by not tarmacking that section!!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on April 14, 2009, 20:30:37 I went to Penryn on Saturday and took a number of photos of the station improvements. All the photos are here http://dcrp.fotopic.net/ It was quite a murky morning but you'll get a good idea of how things are looking there now. It's all pretty impressive. Richard Burningham Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership Excellent record of the work Richard. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RichardB on April 15, 2009, 00:06:41 Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on April 15, 2009, 11:42:00 Very good however the fact that half the platform is un-necessarily fenced off seems a bit short sighted. What if an HST was to go to Falmouth for example? Ah well, i'm sure they saved lots of money by not tarmacking that section!! It's actually very forward thinking to fence that part off as the kids would soon learn to drop lumps of ballast into the points if they had access to that part!Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on April 19, 2009, 18:55:44 Went for lunch in Falmouth today and took the train.....
One issue has stuck with me though, The signalling and points ducting actually runs almost to Penmere, well south of the first up signal which is at Trescobeas. Is this a future proofing in the case of demand arrives for infrastructure work around Falmouth Docks or is there something I've missed out on. There are incidentally no notices at Perranwell yet, advising that it's to be a request only stop in four weeks time. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: signalandtelegraph on April 20, 2009, 14:29:23 Cable trough route (ducting) runs to the farthest axle counter detection point, roughly at 310 MP which is approximately 400 yards beyond the signal you mention (T9R).
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Coombe Stn on April 20, 2009, 14:39:07 There was a few weeks ago a new length of green cable running near enough to Falmouth Town station, it was just laid on the ballast ???
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: FarWestJohn on April 23, 2009, 14:19:03 Very good news about the Falmouth branch half hourly service. But it seems very strange from a transport integration point of view when the 88 bus from Falmouth to Truro is going from half hourly to quarter hourly in the May timetable.
If the bus was a feeder for the train that seems sensible but no. At the same time of the bus frequency increase it is being speeded up by cutting out all the intermediate villages. One large village, Ponsanooth, is going from a half hourly service to two hourly. Both are run by First but it almost looks like competition between the bus and train rather than sensible public transport. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on April 23, 2009, 21:58:51 Unfortunately First bus and FGW don't work together and the only similarity is the parent company! one thing of note is that the bus is considerably more expensive than the train, Penryn - Truro return by bus is around ^5, off-peak day return on the train is ^2.70.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: eightf48544 on April 23, 2009, 22:15:40 Both are run by First but it almost looks like competition between the bus and train rather than sensible public transport. Of course that's the way DaFT wants it. You can't have integrated public tranport systems like they do in Europe it wouldn't be British old boy. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on April 23, 2009, 22:45:40 And of course, if bus travel was affordable for the masses then the government would lose out on shed loads of cash to fill in that big hole they dug!!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on April 23, 2009, 22:56:01 Still no 'this will be a request only stop from 17th May 2009' notices at Perranwell today. I'm still not sure that several people wont be left onboard as the train passes the station. Rolling stock doesn't have push buzzers and communicating with the guard within the seven mins from Truro will on the busier services be difficult.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: willc on April 24, 2009, 00:08:26 Well, there's request stops and request stops....
For many years, until pretty recently, the Cotswold Line halts were always shown as request stops on timetables, although on weekdays the train always stopped anyway and the conductors never bothered to do a check on departure from Oxford as to whether anyone actually wanted to get off - nor did anyone go and ask for the train to stop. Nowadays they are shown as normal stops. I suspect you will find that the crews will use some common sense, eg stopping the late afternoon trains home from Truro as a matter of course. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on April 24, 2009, 16:12:12 Still no 'this will be a request only stop from 17th May 2009' notices at Perranwell today. I'm still not sure that several people wont be left onboard as the train passes the station. Rolling stock doesn't have push buzzers and communicating with the guard within the seven mins from Truro will on the busier services be difficult. If the guard cannot get through the whole train then it will stop. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: richard bickford on April 24, 2009, 18:01:08 And then there are exceptions. I caught the 2308 from Saltash to Plymouth on Monday night to connect with the sleeper. We duly stopped and St Budeaux, and slowed for the request stops of Dockyard and Keyham. Then to my amazement we just slowed for Devonport without stopping. We were parked up in Plymouth at exactly the time we were supposed to depart Devonport!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on April 28, 2009, 22:06:32 Project completion press release from Network Rail Media Centre (http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4312&NewsAreaID=2&SearchCategoryID=7).
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Andy on April 29, 2009, 09:59:16 Project completion press release from Network Rail Media Centre (http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4312&NewsAreaID=2&SearchCategoryID=7). If this project is successful in bringing in the punters, it may - hopefully - encourage the powers that be to take measures to increase patronage on the other Devon & Cornwall branches. Shame on Mavis Choong for choosing to use "manhours" instead of "hours of work", though. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on May 09, 2009, 20:26:47 Just a thought if one of these units fails, or another Cornish Branch unit does is there a new hierachy of replacement. Recent policy has seen one of the two cars detached to help out elsewhere. I would assume that the 'All Stations - Perranwell' Unit would remain in use on the Falmouth branch and the Express Truro <> Penryn unit would be the cancelled service and it transferred to assist elsewhere.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on May 09, 2009, 20:33:49 Just a thought if one of these units fails, or another Cornish Branch unit does is there a new hierachy of replacement. Recent policy has seen one of the two cars detached to help out elsewhere. I would assume that the 'All Stations - Perranwell' Unit would remain in use on the Falmouth branch and the Express Truro <> Penryn unit would be the cancelled service and it transferred to assist elsewhere. They won't cancel Falmouth trains for elswere, it has only been in emergencies that they have taken one of the 153's from the Falmouth branch lately. there is no set rule but history has taught us that Falmouth and Gunnislake are the two top priorities in Kernow and St Ives in Summer, Newquay and Looe seem to take a back seat.Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on May 10, 2009, 17:45:58 A reminder of the exhibitions next week ...
from noon to 1900 at the following locations - ^ 11 ^ 13 May 2009, Truro station at Platform 3 ^ 14 May, Penryn Town Hall ^ 15 ^ 16 May, Falmouth Arts Centre, Church Street Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Coombe Stn on May 13, 2009, 12:35:56 Just a thought if one of these units fails, or another Cornish Branch unit does is there a new hierachy of replacement. Recent policy has seen one of the two cars detached to help out elsewhere. I would assume that the 'All Stations - Perranwell' Unit would remain in use on the Falmouth branch and the Express Truro <> Penryn unit would be the cancelled service and it transferred to assist elsewhere. They won't cancel Falmouth trains for elswere, it has only been in emergencies that they have taken one of the 153's from the Falmouth branch lately. there is no set rule but history has taught us that Falmouth and Gunnislake are the two top priorities in Kernow and St Ives in Summer, Newquay and Looe seem to take a back seat.I once left Penzance with a train only for it to be terminated at St Erth and the train then used on the St Ives leaving us stranded at St Erth for over an hour waiting fo the following train. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on May 13, 2009, 21:51:41 Just a thought if one of these units fails, or another Cornish Branch unit does is there a new hierachy of replacement. Recent policy has seen one of the two cars detached to help out elsewhere. I would assume that the 'All Stations - Perranwell' Unit would remain in use on the Falmouth branch and the Express Truro <> Penryn unit would be the cancelled service and it transferred to assist elsewhere. They won't cancel Falmouth trains for elswere, it has only been in emergencies that they have taken one of the 153's from the Falmouth branch lately. there is no set rule but history has taught us that Falmouth and Gunnislake are the two top priorities in Kernow and St Ives in Summer, Newquay and Looe seem to take a back seat.I once left Penzance with a train only for it to be terminated at St Erth and the train then used on the St Ives leaving us stranded at St Erth for over an hour waiting fo the following train. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: FarWestJohn on May 15, 2009, 12:05:07 I was talking with a conductor the other day about the Perranwell request stop. She said that as the train is only a single 153 they should be able to get through everyone after departure from Truro but if they don't the train would stop at Perranwell anyway to make sure anyone could get off.
I still find it strange that First have already increased frequency [15 mins day time only] and speeded up the 88 Falmouth to Truro bus and this week they have started to put on high capacity double deckers [60 seats + 29 standing]. Almost as if they are trying to compete with the train. I also note most of these buses are very empty!!! I visited the new Penryn passing loop working model demo at Truro and thought it was a very good effort. Well done. Next the Falmouth branch needs a park and ride at Treluswell's busy junction near Ponsanooth which could serve both Falmouth and Truro. In fact as from next week Treluswell will have going past: 1. A half hourly train between Truro and Falmouth. 2. A 15 minute bus between Truro and Falmouth. 3. A half hourly bus between Redruth and Falmouth 4. A two hourly bus between Truro and Helston. This is better frequency than a lot of large City park and rides. There has got to be a great opportunity here especially as the road is not capable of any real improvement. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: eightf48544 on May 15, 2009, 12:40:23 Excellent ideas FarWestJohn but you have to remember DaFT.
As far as DaFT is concerned buses compete with trains. Integrated transport is for those cissies on the Continent who don't believe in full blooded market forces in transport. Park and Ride is only tolerated where it would be actually impossible to get the number of cars into the centre. Now if you suggested a guided busway they'd start work tommorrow. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Andy on May 15, 2009, 14:44:03 I was talking with a conductor the other day about the Perranwell request stop. She said that as the train is only a single 153 they should be able to get through everyone after departure from Truro but if they don't the train would stop at Perranwell anyway to make sure anyone could get off. I still find it strange that First have already increased frequency [15 mins day time only] and speeded up the 88 Falmouth to Truro bus and this week they have started to put on high capacity double deckers [60 seats + 29 standing]. Almost as if they are trying to compete with the train. I also note most of these buses are very empty!!! I visited the new Penryn passing loop working model demo at Truro and thought it was a very good effort. Well done. Next the Falmouth branch needs a park and ride at Treluswell's busy junction near Ponsanooth which could serve both Falmouth and Truro. In fact as from next week Treluswell will have going past: 1. A half hourly train between Truro and Falmouth. 2. A 15 minute bus between Truro and Falmouth. 3. A half hourly bus between Redruth and Falmouth 4. A two hourly bus between Truro and Helston. This is better frequency than a lot of large City park and rides. There has got to be a great opportunity here especially as the road is not capable of any real improvement. Hear hear! However, I'm sure someone is going to say that adding a stop at Ponsanooth/Treluswell would not be possible in view of the tight timings on the half hourly service! Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: TerminalJunkie on May 15, 2009, 15:19:43 I still find it strange that First have already increased frequency [15 mins day time only] and speeded up the 88 Falmouth to Truro bus That's because the bus side doesn't talk to the train side. Stagecoach get on better with FGW than FD&C do... Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Tim on May 15, 2009, 16:03:57 I still find it strange that First have already increased frequency [15 mins day time only] and speeded up the 88 Falmouth to Truro bus That's because the bus side doesn't talk to the train side. Stagecoach get on better with FGW than FD&C do... Of course if they did talk too much to each other about routes on which they compete that would be illegal "anti-competive behaviour" Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: cereal_basher on May 15, 2009, 18:18:22 The 15 minute bus service doesn't actually serve Posanooth and Perranwell now, it goes straight down the A39 between Tremough Campus and Carnon Downs, Perranwell, instead of having a half hourly bus to Truro now has about hourly.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on May 15, 2009, 22:03:50 Brief reminder anyone in Falmouth tomorrow, the Penryn model will be exhibited in the Arts Centre (The Poly) in Church Street in the afternoon.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on May 15, 2009, 23:24:36 The 15 minute bus service doesn't actually serve Posanooth and Perranwell now, it goes straight down the A39 between Tremough Campus and Carnon Downs, Perranwell, instead of having a half hourly bus to Truro now has about hourly. From what i've been told Perranwell only gets three busses per day from monday? Competition on this line isn't really a bad thing as it will encourage people out of their cars! the new "fast" timings for the bus from monday still takes 43 minutes although the train journey time in the Truro direction is increased by 4 mins from monday! The train is far cheaper though!Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: cereal_basher on May 16, 2009, 06:30:56 The 15 minute bus service doesn't actually serve Posanooth and Perranwell now, it goes straight down the A39 between Tremough Campus and Carnon Downs, Perranwell, instead of having a half hourly bus to Truro now has about hourly. From what i've been told Perranwell only gets three busses per day from monday? Competition on this line isn't really a bad thing as it will encourage people out of their cars! the new "fast" timings for the bus from monday still takes 43 minutes although the train journey time in the Truro direction is increased by 4 mins from monday! The train is far cheaper though!Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on May 17, 2009, 20:15:18 Well tomorrow is the big day. I have purchased a rover ticket so will be going up and down the line several times and will report back in the evening.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on May 17, 2009, 21:31:26 Indeed: have a great day, RailCornwall! ;)
Coverage from The Falmouth Packet, at http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/4372883.Penryn_rail_loop_opens_tomorrow/ Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: marky7890 on May 17, 2009, 22:57:03 Has anyone got any recent photos of the station?
Mark Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on May 18, 2009, 18:07:03 Apparently all went well this morning, single 153's handled it fine, no overcrowding, no delays...
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on May 18, 2009, 18:48:58 Excellent news, vacman! ;)
Update from The Falmouth Packet, at http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/4377297.Penryn_station_launches_improved_branch_line_service/ :) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on May 18, 2009, 20:44:04 Excellent day all around ....
The 0920 ex Truro had 5 pax. Major drop off of the day imo as far as First were concerned has to be the use of a Western Greyhound bus (albeit one of the swish Merc's from Truro's Park and Ride) to ferry the VIPs and others from Penryn to Tremough Campus for lunch. ... used my rover extensively in the morning was comfortable throughout and met with the big cheeses too. Had the ear of Charles Howeson on board the Truro > Penryn and return service too. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: John R on May 18, 2009, 21:45:08 Well lets put some things straight, the current service is actually 2 hourly near enough during the day and uses 2x153's coupled, there are currently 12 trains per day, the new timetable has I believe 27 trains per day, the 0755 from Fal usually loads around 100 passengers on arrival at Truro, if there were another service 30 mins later then it would spread the load. As it is now, after the 0755 trip you can usually just about manage when there is a 153 on the branch, with double the trains then there will be more empty seats to fill. "Load spreading" may not happen - it didn't with Virgin. Obviously not, as Vacman's predictions appear to be correct. Have you ever even travelled on the Fal to make a justified comment? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on May 19, 2009, 15:30:57 The "load spreading" worked well indeed! one unit failed this morning though so only hourly service for a couple of hours, another unit (a 150!) was sent up about 1000.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Andy on May 19, 2009, 16:18:35 With 5 units employed daily on branch lines between Liskeard and St Erth, Cornwall could do with a "ThunderDMU" stabled at Truro.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on May 19, 2009, 16:38:03 With 5 units employed daily on branch lines between Liskeard and St Erth, Cornwall could do with a "ThunderDMU" stabled at Truro. There is a spare kept at Plymouth for most of the day but Turo or Par would probably be better, Par would be ideal as it could be used for last minute strengthening of the Newquay, quite often we get caught out on the Newquay when a down HST drops it's load at Par! Today part of the St Ives 4 car set was pinched for the Fal, luckily St Ives is now booked 4 car until 6 September! last year and years previous it was only 4 car in high summer!Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Andy on May 20, 2009, 17:34:37 From what you say, Par sounds like the better site. Even if it stays at Plymouth overnight, it could run down & back as a stopper.
St Ives can probably manage without a 4-car set for a few weeks at the moment but it won't be so easy when high season hits. Any news on how today's service on the Falmouth branch has been going in terms of load spreading? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Rogang on May 20, 2009, 19:42:57 Things a lot better today although we lost one late-morning (2F75/2T75) round trip due to driver displacement from an earlier failed HST at Plymouth
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on May 22, 2009, 22:30:59 The "load spreading" worked well indeed! one unit failed this morning though so only hourly service for a couple of hours, another unit (a 150!) was sent up about 1000. ... a rather unfortunate occurrence, picked up by the Falmouth Packet (http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/fpfalmouth/4390593.Penryn_train_service_has_early__teething_problems_/) ::) : Quote Penryn train service has early "teething problems" Trains on the new Falmouth to Truro branch line service were stopped in their tracks within hours of launching the new service. The 9.04 train to Truro failed to turn up on Tuesday without an announcement and passengers had to arrange alternative travel. Penryn mayor Mary May was at the official opening of the rail loop at Penryn train station on Monday which enabled a service that runs every 30 minutes. In her mayor making ceremony on Thursday, she said: ^There was an early blip with the service, it must be having a few teething problems. My brother had to end up catching a bus to Truro.^ Prospective MP Terrye Teverson contacted First Great Western after she heard the train had been cancelled. Mrs Teverson said: ^I am particularly concerned that passengers were left standing with no announcement and no means of knowing when or if a train would eventually turn up.^ Julian Crowe, from First Great Western said that one of the train^s engines had broken down and there was no information system in place at Penryn Station but one should be in place by next march. He said that he would check that a phone number was in place for passengers to check on trains. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on May 23, 2009, 15:13:34 I have a small shopping list, which normally I'd drive to ASDA in Penryn (which I hate as a store) for, I am now going to try and use the new services to go to Tesco Metro at the Events Sq in Falmouth. Intention is to get the 1526 from Perranwell, and return there by the 1620 ex Falmouth Docks. Will report back on how it goes.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on May 23, 2009, 15:55:07 Bet usage will be high this weekend!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on May 23, 2009, 16:47:15 Both services about a 1/3rd full no problems at all.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on May 23, 2009, 22:19:27 The "load spreading" worked well indeed! one unit failed this morning though so only hourly service for a couple of hours, another unit (a 150!) was sent up about 1000. ... a rather unfortunate occurrence, picked up by the Falmouth Packet (http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/fpfalmouth/4390593.Penryn_train_service_has_early__teething_problems_/) ::) : Quote Penryn train service has early "teething problems" Trains on the new Falmouth to Truro branch line service were stopped in their tracks within hours of launching the new service. The 9.04 train to Truro failed to turn up on Tuesday without an announcement and passengers had to arrange alternative travel. Penryn mayor Mary May was at the official opening of the rail loop at Penryn train station on Monday which enabled a service that runs every 30 minutes. In her mayor making ceremony on Thursday, she said: ^There was an early blip with the service, it must be having a few teething problems. My brother had to end up catching a bus to Truro.^ Prospective MP Terrye Teverson contacted First Great Western after she heard the train had been cancelled. Mrs Teverson said: ^I am particularly concerned that passengers were left standing with no announcement and no means of knowing when or if a train would eventually turn up.^ Julian Crowe, from First Great Western said that one of the train^s engines had broken down and there was no information system in place at Penryn Station but one should be in place by next march. He said that he would check that a phone number was in place for passengers to check on trains. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on May 26, 2009, 16:48:35 From the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/8066893.stm):
Quote Free shuttle bus service extended A free shuttle bus service brought in to ease heavy congestion in Falmouth is to extend its route over the summer. The new service includes stops which are closer to the town's car parks, railway station and University College Falmouth's Wood Lane Campus. It is funded by Falmouth and District Hoteliers Association, the Town Council and Falmouth Tourism Partnership. Organisers say the new route allows people to reach areas of Falmouth they may not have otherwise visited. The free shuttle runs between 0900 BST and 1640 BST Monday to Saturday. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on May 26, 2009, 18:57:49 Gave that a try this afternoon, very effective service which would, if run at 30 minute intervals and linked in with the Rail arrivals / departures be great. Shame the route can't be shortened to make it every 15 mins though.
I suspect it'll die a death though, would be difficult to justify on the number of passengers carried today. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on June 06, 2009, 12:20:26 ... and so all the construction equipment, portakabins and debris has been removed and the old Car Auctions site cleared. Penryn Station is now complete.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on August 05, 2009, 16:22:25 Travelled on the line today which was notable for the conductor NOT having a ticket machine on one service ex Truro. I was more interested however by the considerable activity around the new semaphore signal installed as part of the upgrade westbound on platform 3 at Truro Station.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on August 05, 2009, 23:17:08 The Red Arrows are doing a display at 6.15pm off Falmouth Waterfront on Wed 12th August. This is beginning to get publicity and will be heavily plugged by Radio Cornwall, they are OBing during the display. Streets are being closed from midday and a couple of key car parks are shut for the day too.
I can see considerable pressure on the Branch all day if the weather is favourable. Hopefully FGW is aware and is prepared for any overspill and ready to act if required. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Phil on August 06, 2009, 08:12:10 I have to say, an outside broadcast of an air display by a radio station sounds about as exciting and pointless to me as watching snooker on a black and white TV.
With the picture turned off. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: eightf48544 on August 06, 2009, 10:06:03 I have to say, an outside broadcast of an air display by a radio station sounds about as exciting and pointless to me as watching snooker on a black and white TV. With the picture turned off. I don't know the radio broadcast of the Hindenburg explosion is pretty vivid and didn't The radio broadcast of H. G. Wells War of the World cause major panic it was so realisitc. Probably more so than any television play where most people would see the Martians were models. But I agree it's a challenge for the reporter, Raymond Baxter would have done it well. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on August 12, 2009, 21:24:35 First the obvious, the down trains late afternoon were packed to standing.
Return saw both half-hourly day service units linked AND a reserve road coach on standby at Falmouth Docks. I returned on the 2029 which was well loaded but had spare seats, some attempt at revenue collection was made after Penryn too. As for the show.... superb despite the low cloud base. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: The Tall Controller on August 12, 2009, 22:16:28 I finished work just in time to watch the show! Great display, more please!! Both trains run by single coaches but with the current shortage, it hardly surprises me!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 12, 2009, 23:00:15 A report from the Falmouth Packet, with a couple of pictures, is at http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/fpfalmouth/4542852.Red_Arrows_arrive_in_Falmouth_on_time/
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: FarWestJohn on August 13, 2009, 09:46:05 I travelled to Falmouth on the 1650 from Truro and it was packed. I came back on the 1900 from Falmouth Docks and as it was so full it did not stop at Falmouth Town.
Train staff were very understanding and helpful but no one could buy a ticket and unless you got on at Truro everyone travelled free, which was nearly every passenger. No wonder the station usage statistics are an under estimate. The station car park at Perranwell was full with parking in the side roads. Good to see the two units coupled for the last services of the day. It was busy but really all went well. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on August 16, 2009, 19:47:13 Used the line for the first time on a Sunday today since the loop opened, It certainly confused passengers at Penryn to see a Falmouth bound train travel down through the normal Truro bound platform to stop at the Falmouth platform. I presume that the Penryn points are locked out all day on Sunday and the loop is effectively not signalled as passing isn't required currently.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on August 16, 2009, 20:58:37 Used the line for the first time on a Sunday today since the loop opened, It certainly confused passengers at Penryn to see a Falmouth bound train travel down through the normal Truro bound platform to stop at the Falmouth platform. I presume that the Penryn points are locked out all day on Sunday and the loop is effectively not signalled as passing isn't required currently. It's the same on the evening weekday/saturday trains when it goes hourly, points aren't locked out, just no point using them!Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: JayMac on August 16, 2009, 21:10:29 Used the line for the first time on a Sunday today since the loop opened, It certainly confused passengers at Penryn to see a Falmouth bound train travel down through the normal Truro bound platform to stop at the Falmouth platform. I presume that the Penryn points are locked out all day on Sunday and the loop is effectively not signalled as passing isn't required currently. It's the same on the evening weekday/saturday trains when it goes hourly, points aren't locked out, just no point using them!Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on August 16, 2009, 23:45:29 I'm wondering whether the daytime order should follow during the evenings and sundays as well. In the interests of safety, as during the day passengers waiting on the Truro bound platform do not expect to see a train coming in from the Truro direction onto that Platform. The amount of warning of incoming services is minimal due to the geography of the station. Perhaps ALL down trains should use the loop even if there's no up train waiting to proceed at Penryn.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: jester on August 16, 2009, 23:56:57 People are not generally waiting to go to Truro at the time the train is Falmouth bound. There is at least another 20-25 minutes before it returns to go Truro bound!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on August 16, 2009, 23:59:08 There were four waiting today who all seemed startled by the down train.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: winterbourne on September 22, 2009, 14:58:53 It was agreed to leave the points when not required in case any vandalism occurs. It also helps if there are any overnight problems and Pilotstaff required, the points are ready for the first train down.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 08, 2010, 17:41:08 From FGW live updates (http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/LiveUpdateList.aspx):
Quote Line problem between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Train services are being disrupted due to a broken down train between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Short notice alterations, cancellations and delays of up to 30 minutes can be expected. Replacement road transport is in operation between Truro and Falmouth Docks, in both directions. First Great Western tickets are being accepted on First Devon and Cornwall bus number 88 between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Last Updated: 08/03/2010 15:45 Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: grandsire on March 08, 2010, 18:00:44 A bad afternoon in Cornwall - with the 16.44 Penzance-Exeter canceled as well ( next train an hour later). How broken down are these trains? ( i.e. could "on the spot expertise" overcome the problems?)
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on March 08, 2010, 18:14:29 nice to see a bit of co-operation between First buses and FGW though
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: old original on March 08, 2010, 19:20:21 A bad weekend continues...
As I believe it.. last Friday the Falmouth unit failed once, a fire then stopped services then a points failure later Saturday, trains failed twice, one in the morning and again early afternoon (different units) Today, again two separate failures, one a.m. then again this afternoon The 13.54 Ply-Pnz was terminated at Truro to run to Falmouth hence 16.44 Pnz - exeter was cancelled Not fun for all concerned Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: old original on March 08, 2010, 19:23:55 A bad afternoon in Cornwall - with the 16.44 Penzance-Exeter canceled as well ( next train an hour later). How broken down are these trains? ( i.e. could "on the spot expertise" overcome the problems?) Apparently the local mobile engineer was riding on one of the failures at the end of last week (see above post) I think the units are just a great pile of poo really!! Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on March 08, 2010, 19:27:55 Well they were built by British Leyland!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: old original on March 08, 2010, 19:39:07 Well they were built by British Leyland! The bodywork can't have been, they not that rusty Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: 6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01 on March 08, 2010, 20:13:39 well if its the 153's were talking about then its technically Hunslet-Barclay not leyland :-)
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on March 08, 2010, 20:59:47 So i wonder what the failure was. Down there, or is it up from York?, last week and the 153s were fine but I did see a "spare" unit parked at the West end of Truro, it would seem all day. So could that not act as a thunderbird? and then be the substitute?
Or...am I being very naive here? ::) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on March 08, 2010, 21:04:10 Can't confirm but I saw that unit from the P&R bus. I think that it might have been faulty, I seem to remember difficulties on the line last week that might have coincided.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on March 08, 2010, 22:10:17 So i wonder what the failure was. Down there, or is it up from York?, last week and the 153s were fine but I did see a "spare" unit parked at the West end of Truro, it would seem all day. So could that not act as a thunderbird? and then be the substitute? Or...am I being very naive here? ::) That's the Truro spare unit Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on March 08, 2010, 22:18:32 Excellent, so therefore can it not be sent out to pull the failure out of the way. ???
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: jester on March 08, 2010, 22:41:38 In theory yes, you would need to resource a driver though...........
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: old original on March 09, 2010, 06:05:06 It was a spare, but only lasted two trips before it failed & went to plymouth empty
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on March 10, 2010, 20:06:52 there was a dud 150 in the platform on monday, not just 153's lettin us down!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on March 10, 2010, 22:44:01 Better bite the bullet and wheel in a couple of top and tailed sets...perhaps two pairs of 33s or 37s :o
Let me know...it's only 8 hours from York Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on March 13, 2010, 10:43:06 Falmouth-Truro has gone pear shaped again I see...what is it with these 153s, are they that shot? No wonder Northern run around on the Harrogate line with no less than 3 coupled together...either super power or belt, braces and string! >:(
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on March 13, 2010, 12:35:38 Falmouth-Truro has gone pear shaped again I see...what is it with these 153s, are they that shot? No wonder Northern run around on the Harrogate line with no less than 3 coupled together...either super power or belt, braces and string! >:( No problems at all! Only thing is that one diagram in 1 vice 2 Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on March 13, 2010, 12:53:48 Surely that is a problem if they're only running an hourly service instead of every 30 minutes :-\
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on March 13, 2010, 13:31:53 Surely that is a problem if they're only running an hourly service instead of every 30 minutes :-\ They aren't/Haven't done all day? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on March 13, 2010, 13:52:04 Strange...the "current running" table atop this forum shows every second cancelled, or am I am reading it wrong? ???
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on March 13, 2010, 14:14:06 Multiple orange lines (short formed train) are 'appearing' to be red ones (cancelled)
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on March 13, 2010, 14:42:32 Ah, thanks...but can you get shorter than a 153?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: grahame on March 13, 2010, 15:15:28 Ah, thanks...but can you get shorter than a 153? http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/01/37/68/1376879_290579d4.jpg Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on March 13, 2010, 15:39:57 ROFL...OK and thanks ;D
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on March 13, 2010, 16:55:28 Ah, thanks...but can you get shorter than a 153? Every other service is a 150series, so I presume that's been replaced by a 153 today. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: 6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01 on March 13, 2010, 19:03:20 For a 1 coach train the capacity of a 153 isn't that bad!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 25, 2010, 15:15:49 From the Falmouth Packet (http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/li/public_transport.in.Falmouth/):
Quote Disruption on First Great Western between Falmouth Docks and Truro due to road vehicle hitting a bridge at Falmouth Town. Tickets being accepted on First Bus route 88 services. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on May 20, 2010, 14:41:22 sorry bringing up an old post, the red arrows are making a return this summer during falmouth week, so can expect a similar need for fgw to be prepared!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on July 07, 2010, 22:38:03 I attach a picture today of Truro looking west. There is a new semaphore, T26, and TPWS grids for presumably a west signalled route out of platform 3. Unless I am wrong then this will mean all platforms now have a signalled route to the west. If a train from Penzance is going to Falmouth there should be no further need for everyone to gert off. I assume this is so a Falmouth train can come in and leave from any platform. Interesting to note the galvanised steel cage around it compared with all the other semaphores. No wonder it costs so much to do nothing. Yesterday's 1620 Truro > Falmouth was cancelled, due to late running of the down mainline service which the branchline's crew were on. The following service at 1651 was re-routed to depart from Platform 3 at Truro, leaving the 1620 in the bay ready to leave on the 1727 service. This was the first service I've been on that used the west bound signal erected in connection with the Falmouth line improvement. apologiese for bringing up an old topic, but thought it wasn;tt worth a new one. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: inspector_blakey on July 07, 2010, 23:13:15 No problem, thanks for taking the trouble to dig up the appropriate thread and post there!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Coombe Stn on July 08, 2010, 10:21:05 There were four waiting today who all seemed startled by the down train. Mind you its not as though the train is Hurtling by, its only 25mph and you can hear the rails ''singing'' before the train rounds the bend. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: JayMac on August 05, 2010, 15:32:55 From the West Briton (http://):
Quote Delight as rail firm signals change of heart over Falmouth repairs Guest house owners in Falmouth are celebrating a victory after Network Rail backed down and postponed works planned along the branch line. The improvement work, which will involve replacing sleepers overnight, was due to start tomorrow but has now been put off. The timing of the work, planned to start the day before Falmouth Week gets under way, had been condemned. Although Network Rail said there would have been no disruption to rail services, it would have meant the heavy and noisy work would have been carried out between 10pm and 8am. The news of the postponement has been welcomed by several guest house owners in Melvill Road who feared the work would disrupt their businesses at the busiest time of year. The original schedule for the work, from tomorrow until August 27, was branded "idiotic," and the change of heart is being celebrated. Gillian Jansen, who runs Ivanhoe with Donna Sears, said: "It's brilliant. It's the best news I have had in a long time. The fact they have listened is brilliant, I really did not think they would. I understand the work has to be done, I am not questioning that, we all want it as safe as possible and would expect it to be kept up to date. It was just the timing. Once August is over and the evenings close in and people close their windows, I don't have a problem." Trish Bennett, who runs Penpol guest house with her mother Sadie Franklin, added: "I am so glad, it will make life a lot easier. It just proves people power works and you don't have to be American to complain. That is the thing, we don't do that (complain) because we're English but it proves it's worth it." Network Rail failed to respond to daily inquiries from the West Briton for a week before saying it would not comment before the publication deadline. But at the last minute, spokeswoman Mavis Choong said: "We have looked at it again and the work that was going to start this week will not be going ahead. We will be looking for another window of opportunity to carry out the work, which could be quite difficult as we have booked the materials and resources." Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on August 11, 2010, 19:43:05 Maritime Line looked to be a shambles earlier on, what with bustitutions...any news?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on August 11, 2010, 20:55:13 Looks like only 1 unit on the branch.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on August 11, 2010, 21:10:55 Been on it this afternoon and tonight, apparant train failure and subsequent signalling issues earlier. Red Arrows day too. Trtains not running to timetable tonight, working single units more or less to daytime 30 minute frequency. Very frustrated conductor too.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: slippy on August 12, 2010, 00:02:09 Unable to split the two sets this morning at Truro. Got back to normal by the afternoon only to fall apart in the evening due to sever overcrowding with the Red Arrows display in Falmouth.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on August 12, 2010, 13:36:34 did they not plan ahead for the red arrows, everyone in Falmouth knew there were going to be up to 10000 extra people in falmouth for the display, the roads were mental so train was only option, also at that time of the evening surely they could of changed stock around so more carriages were available for the line?
i drove into Falmouth last night, and for anyone who knows falmouth it took me 90 mins to drive from the docks viewing area on castle drive, to the roundabout by mcdonalds and sainsburys, a distance of less than 3 miles! Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: inspector_blakey on August 12, 2010, 15:01:06 did they not plan ahead for the red arrows Almost certainly, but I'm guessing that on a weekday there's only so much spare stock available to strengthen services like that. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on August 12, 2010, 15:57:19 .... and they had contractors painting the hand rail at Falmouth Town during all this kerfuffle too. If I was running the operation I'd have ensured that the units were coupled and run continuously until 2330 ex Falmouth last night and additionally on Friday for the Fireworks.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on August 12, 2010, 19:46:10 Contractors painting the handrail? unbelievable. What planet are these guys on? No chance of stock strengthening if they cannot even sort out basic maintenance works...Jeez.
You would have thought it would be a fantastic exercise in PR, for all concerned, to have arranged (there was plenty of notice) a 67 and rake of four, or whatever...just for the event. Everyone would have gone home thinking "well at least the trains worked"...just like the old days when BR swung into action...viz the popes visit in '82..I cannot imagine what the railways would do now. Suspect the Maritime line, and other branches, are a complete irritant (a scunner we call it in Scotland!) Bah...don't all reply at once! >:( Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: old original on August 12, 2010, 19:58:42 Contact FGW in Swindon to tell them somethings going on in Cornwall and I suspect the response is.."where's that?"
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: inspector_blakey on August 12, 2010, 22:56:02 Contractors painting the handrail? Agreed, that does sound pretty daft. You would have thought it would be a fantastic exercise in PR, for all concerned, to have arranged (there was plenty of notice) a 67 and rake of four I suspect that may be a non-starter due to infrastructure issues. First off I'm 90% sure there's no run-round facility at Falmouth, so you're talking top-and-tailed 67s for a start. I'm not sure either whether the track on the Falmouth line is up to 67s, which have a viciously high axle-loading and consequent low route availability. Don't know what platform lengths are like along the Maritime Line but there may be further problems there. And that's before you've even considered the cost of the operation you're proposing which, sadly, given the way the rail industry is currently structured, is probably prohibitive. Combine that with the very low fares charges on many of the Cornish branches and the result may well be that there is no business case for that kind of operation, despite the increased number of customers on the day. viz the popes visit in '82..I cannot imagine what the railways would do now. You'll find out next month! Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on August 12, 2010, 23:53:53 Yeah...fair point re run-rounds though I thought they F Docks had that facility. In terms of loading they have had steam and diesel turns down the branch recently, so I must be up to muster for locos.
My grouse is that FGW didn't seem to acknowledge that the Falmouth event was an issue...there's nowhere to park in Falmouth so surely the railways should swing into action!!! FFS Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on August 13, 2010, 00:02:53 Agreed, they could havE used one of the many spare units that linger around Cornwall every day........
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on August 13, 2010, 02:50:09 Agreed, they could havE used one of the many spare units that linger around Cornwall every day........ Don't think there are many - St Ives is 2 x 150 for the summer and has had a 153 tacked on the back. In winter I see odd units at laid up at Plymouth, Par, Truro - not now though. In answer to others Falmouth is 30 Mph for non DMU and doesn't have run around. Tonight even more problems with signalling. Something like 7 million was spent on upgrading Falmouth to dual working and it's just not reliable. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on August 13, 2010, 02:56:32 i always thought there is run round at Falmouth Docks in the sidings on the docks side of the platform, looking at google maps sidings are visible although google maps images are so old they dont show the passing loop at penryn, but show the old motor auctions, which have been gone 3 years at least so sidings could be long gone, although looks majorly overgrown so would almost be a non starter for usage, surely the 153 operating the route could of swapped diagrams for the day with a 150 somewhere? not sure what the comparable capacitys are, on the basis that the event was in the evening as well, would there not be units stabled somewhere not in use at that time of day. the event was around 7pm
with regards to platform length, from memory a 150 takes up no more than half of any of the platforms, barring possibly perranwell, as all platforms are long on route, although i think the passing loop at penryn may be restrictive to length does st ives really need that much capacity more than Falmouth did on this one off event? would at ives coped with losing 1 of its 150s for the evening? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on August 13, 2010, 11:00:37 Quail indicates a run round on the freight branch just at the platform throat, if you can call a single line platform a throat!
It was there last month...a bit weedy, but there. Did the recent loco hauled excursions use that for loco release or were they top and tailed? ??? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: FarWestJohn on August 13, 2010, 12:08:23 The 153 units seem to becoming very unreliable. Not only was there a failure on Wednesday but also yesterday afternoon, Thursday. A unit failed at Penryn and was rescued and hauled back to Truro. A unit then formed a very late 1651 towards Falmouth.The 1624 to Penzance was also about 25 minutes late which did not help.
On Wednesday morning Radio Cornwall was asking everyone going to Falmouth week to use public transport where possible train, bus or park and ride Then in the same report saying the train had been replaced by a bus service. Anyone know the main reason for these failures? All the sidings track work at Falmouth docks has been cleared of undergrowth and many sleepers are marked for replacement. The rail heads also have markings saying 'grind' in many places. There must be some future use planned for this work to be required? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on August 13, 2010, 19:39:19 Agreed, they could havE used one of the many spare units that linger around Cornwall every day........ Don't think there are many - St Ives is 2 x 150 for the summer and has had a 153 tacked on the back. In winter I see odd units at laid up at Plymouth, Par, Truro - not now though. In answer to others Falmouth is 30 Mph for non DMU and doesn't have run around. Tonight even more problems with signalling. Something like 7 million was spent on upgrading Falmouth to dual working and it's just not reliable. You missed the irony in my post :) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Timmer on August 13, 2010, 20:10:14 You missed the irony in my post :) I didn't and knew exactly where you were coming from...there are no spare units hanging around here or anywhere else in the country.Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on August 15, 2010, 10:14:37 Chirs is quite right about there being a 30MPH speed limit on the branch for non-DMU trains, last year they coupled both units together for this event during the evening, bloody useless!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on August 15, 2010, 19:21:52 err. Is this a negative response to what's going on?
It does appear rather useless, given that the radio sations were suggesting to people to travel by public transport!! I cannot see how, on here, we can be apologetic about lack of funds/stock/resources and at the same time as miss out on scope to put FGW forward as a resourceful outfit...what would it have cost to put a 67+ a few coaches on for an event that has been known about for months?...shambles. many peeps will be leaving Falmouth mummbling "how pathetic was that". Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on August 15, 2010, 19:35:11 what would it have cost to put a 67+ a few coaches on for an event that has been known about for months?... Far too much for it to be worthwhile. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on August 16, 2010, 20:24:57 Ok...what is involved financially? In terms of the "didn't the railways do well?" factor, how much is that worth? I overheard a conversation today, in the pub, about a journey on XC...literally " but they must have known about the extra people, why didn't they add another 4 car?"...now that was from two ladies travelling to some flower show.
Maybe the TOCs should run a poster campaign saying "look we cannot cope, thanks to DAFT, with any extra traffic due to sporting, entertainment and tourist events, so we will be very happy if you seek out alternative arrangements." Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: grahame on August 16, 2010, 20:52:09 Ok...what is involved financially? .... Goodness - that is very hard to find out. But substantial. For last year's loco hauled Saturday service to Weymouth, I surmised a figure of around 15 to 20,000 pounds a week; this year it should be considerably less by using the stock that's in the Bristol area anyway for the FGW's Monday to Friday services. And the chance of any extra income to meet the expense (even if you add a healthy "goodwill" element) is pretty slim - you would need every seat taken at premium rates, I suspect, with no abstraction from the regular service. Noting elsewhere the availability of 159s based in Salisbury for some service enhancement work; I suspect the financial model is different there - potentially along the lines of "we may as well run the units when they're not otherwise in use". But the overcrowded train situation - where occasional travellers feel that what's provided by (or via) the train operating company is totally inadequate for levels of traffic the t.o.c. should have predicted - does the train operating company (as the face of the rail industry that the occasional customer sees) no good at all. About 10 days ago, I was travelling with a normally very mild mannered bunch (your "flower show ladies") and I was shocked at their strong and negative reaction to First Great Western; that's their view that may mellow with time, but won't fade away completely for months or even years. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on August 16, 2010, 21:20:58 Graeme...thank you for an excellent and understanding response. Would be good to know the costs, but yes I can imagine it does not make financial sense. I know there is nothing "standing around". I do just wonder how we can make the occasional travelling public aware how hard everyone is working within a very difficult, and resource strapped industry.
Cheers Caliwag Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on August 17, 2010, 10:18:40 err. Is this a negative response to what's going on? if you read some of the other posts you will see why, 30 MPH SPEED RESTRICTION FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN DMU's! yeah, 67 and coaches would be brilliant running the service every 1 and a half hours! the line speed is 50 all the way for units (bar the very short section of 35 through Perranwell platform and 25 over the points at Penryn)It does appear rather useless, given that the radio sations were suggesting to people to travel by public transport!! I cannot see how, on here, we can be apologetic about lack of funds/stock/resources and at the same time as miss out on scope to put FGW forward as a resourceful outfit...what would it have cost to put a 67+ a few coaches on for an event that has been known about for months?...shambles. many peeps will be leaving Falmouth mummbling "how pathetic was that". Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on August 17, 2010, 12:00:16 why a lower speed for non dmus?
surely as the event was in the evening there were some 150s somewhere locally running not full and could of coped with a 153 on that diagram to increase capacity for the event? Falmouth was busy all week with a massive sailing regatta as well, so even swapping the 153's with 150's for the week could of been logical, above saying there are no spare units, dont need spare units if you swap a longer train for a shorter train, i've been travelling frequently over the last couple of weeks, and i've yet to be on a 153 thats been more than half full, admittedly i dont know how busy it gets after i got off Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: inspector_blakey on August 17, 2010, 15:51:27 why a lower speed for non dmus? Because of the forces that locomotives apply to the track. A class 67 weighs 88 tons, spread over 4 axles for an axle loading of 22 tons which is relatively very high. For the sake of comparison an HST power car weighs around 70 tons, for an axle loading of 17.5 tons, and a 150 vehicle around 36 tons for an axle loading of 9 tons. Should be obvious given that why loco-hauled trains are subject to lower maximum speeds than DMUs in some places - an axle with 22 tons on it hammering along at 50 mph will place vastly more stress on the track than one with 9 tons. So in places where the track is laid to a lighter specification than on a high-speed mainline (i.e. branchlines) loco haulage is subject to a lower speed. A good example of this is class 67 haulage of the Caledonian sleeper portion that runs to the West Highlands, which has to slow almost to a crawl in places. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on August 17, 2010, 20:43:19 why a lower speed for non dmus? its not that simple though, yes, in the evening the St Ives 4 car 150 could cope with 3 cars but you cant swap them without cancelling trains, i.e. it takes 30 minutes St Erth Truro and vice versa.surely as the event was in the evening there were some 150s somewhere locally running not full and could of coped with a 153 on that diagram to increase capacity for the event? Falmouth was busy all week with a massive sailing regatta as well, so even swapping the 153's with 150's for the week could of been logical, above saying there are no spare units, dont need spare units if you swap a longer train for a shorter train, i've been travelling frequently over the last couple of weeks, and i've yet to be on a 153 thats been more than half full, admittedly i dont know how busy it gets after i got off Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on August 23, 2010, 12:06:59 Any further news or rumours regarding the Falmouth docks freight branch...off to Falmouth for a few days, will report back if any activity!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: caliwag on August 24, 2010, 10:19:17 Delightfully informative and amusing overview of the Maritime line (whist googling for freight branch news ::))
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/nigel.nicholson/gn/page%2099.html Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 27, 2010, 14:41:39 From FGW live updates:
Quote Line problem between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Train services are being disrupted due to a passenger being taken ill between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Short notice cancellations can be expected. The XX:20 Truro to Falmouth Docks and the XX:50 Falmouth Docks services have been cancelled. Customers are advised to use the First Devon & Cornwall Service 88 between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Last Updated: 27/08/2010 14:08 (My highlighting. CfN.) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 27, 2010, 16:47:12 From FGW live updates:
Quote Line problem between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Train services are now running normally between Truro and Falmouth Docks. Last Updated: 27/08/2010 16:40 Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: slippy on August 27, 2010, 20:40:40 restarted from 16:20 pinching half the 14:49 PNZ to PAR service. 153318 dumped in Truro Yard requiring a heavy clean.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: The Tall Controller on August 27, 2010, 20:44:42 restarted from 16:20 pinching half the 14:49 PNZ to PAR service. 153318 dumped in Truro Yard requiring a heavy clean. dont they all do? ;) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Phil on August 27, 2010, 20:45:01 Quote 153318 dumped in Truro Yard requiring a heavy clean Was it a Vomiter? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: slippy on August 27, 2010, 20:51:17 lol, bodily fluids require train to be taken out of service for obvious safety reasons. Unfortunately with a 153 you can't lock the affected coach out of use!!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: fatcontroller on August 28, 2010, 03:42:01 Sadly this didn't have a happy ending for the ill passenger either.
Can think of better places to be when departing this world. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on August 28, 2010, 11:55:17 They thought he was dead when they found him!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 28, 2010, 13:37:29 Thanks for the update on this rather sad story, staff members. :(
The only information I could find yesterday was the story in the Falmouth Packet (http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/8359025.Falmouth_and_Truro_trains_delayed_after_man_taken_ill/): Quote Falmouth and Truro trains delayed after man taken ill Trains between Truro and Falmouth are delayed this afternoon after a man fell ill whilst travelling. The man was travelling towards Truro from Falmouth this afternoon and he is now being treated at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: ^There has been an incident, a person has been taken ill on a train and the train that person was on has been taken out of service.^ The spokesman added that at this time police are unaware of the man^s age or circumstances of his illness. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: vacman on August 28, 2010, 21:12:26 from what I heard, the paramedic on the scene was pretty sure the passenger wouldn't be with us for long....
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Coombe Stn on August 29, 2010, 19:46:19 Class 67s are not passed for the Falmouth Branch due to the reasons mentioned above (axle loadings) in fact you will find that they are not cleared for most Cornish Branches.
Edit.. Freight wise I am told there is some work on the horizon hence the clearance and sleeper replacment in the sidings and run round loop. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: JayMac on October 20, 2010, 16:28:04 From FGW live update:
Quote Train services are being disrupted due to a broken down train between Truro and Falmouth Docks.Engineers are working as fast as possible to restore services to normal. Short notice cancellations and delays of up to 30 minutes can be expected. Services have been suspended. Customers are advised to travel on First Devon and Cornwall bus service number 88 between Falmouth Docks and Truro in both directions. Additional road transport is currently being sourced. National Rail Enquiries additionally state that the broken down train is at Penryn. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: standclearplease on October 20, 2010, 16:46:10 Is it a 153 or 150?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: JayMac on October 20, 2010, 17:01:16 Further update from NRE:
Quote A broken down train is causing disruption at Penryn. Because of this, the following alterations will apply until further notice: * An hourly train service will run between Truro and Falmouth Docks. * Buses will run between Truro and Falmouth Docks to supplement train services. Is it a 153 or 150? No idea, someone 'on the ground' may provide that anser in due course. However, the fact that a limited service is now running would suggest that the failed unit has been moved (or was already on) onto the loop at Penryn, or taken out of passenger service and moved to another location on the mainline. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RichardB on October 20, 2010, 17:23:48 All services on the Falmouth line are booked to be Cl153s, so it is almost certainly one of them.
Sorry to hear of today's problems. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: standclearplease on October 20, 2010, 19:02:46 Ah right. Wasn't sure if the 150s had moved in yet.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on October 20, 2010, 20:20:25 All services on the Falmouth line are booked to be Cl153s, so it is almost certainly one of them. Sorry to hear of today's problems. Saturdays a 150 is rostered afaik. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: fatcontroller on October 20, 2010, 21:43:11 The 150 moved in on Monday. Branch now worked by 1x153 and 1x150.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: StuartStIves on October 20, 2010, 23:50:14 153 was detached from front of 1724 from Truro to Penzance (Ex-Plymouth) to form 1727 Truro-Falmouth. 1724 to Penzance had to wait until Falmouth had cleared Penwithers Junc as both trains left from Plat 2, delaying Penzance service by about 10 minutes
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 21, 2010, 13:32:51 Problems today, as well - from FGW live updates:
Quote 13:20 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 13:44 This train has been cancelled. This is due to earlier signalling problems. Last Updated: 21/10/2010 13:17 13:50 Falmouth Docks to Truro due 14:18 This train has been cancelled. This is due to earlier signalling problems. Last Updated: 21/10/2010 13:18 13:50 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 14:14 This train has been revised. It will call additionally at: Perranwell. This is due to earlier signalling problems. Last Updated: 21/10/2010 13:24 Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on October 22, 2010, 16:59:55 153 was detached from front of 1724 from Truro to Penzance (Ex-Plymouth) to form 1727 Truro-Falmouth. 1724 to Penzance had to wait until Falmouth had cleared Penwithers Junc as both trains left from Plat 2, delaying Penzance service by about 10 minutes my partner was on the 1724, and can confirm the service was approx 12 mins late when i picked her up from Redruth. she said it was chaotic when people were moving from the front 153 to the rear 153! Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on November 23, 2010, 12:48:16 Falmouth rail route to close for maintenance
Buses will replace trains on the Maritime Line between Truro, Penryn and Falmouth for two weeks starting on Monday November 29 to allow the work to be undertaken by Network Rail. Nearly two miles of the 12 mile branch line will be relayed, sleepers and timbers will be replaced at various locations along the line and vegetation will be cut back. more^. WWW.FALMOUTHPACKET.CO.UK/NEWS (http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/fpfalmouth/8682387.Falmouth_rail_route_to_close_for_maintenance) 23-Nov-2010 @ 12:47 Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: JayMac on November 23, 2010, 13:13:22 Would that the the sections of jointed rail that are being replaced with CWR perhaps?
On my trip down the branch in October I was pleasantly surprised by the 'clickety-clack' on sections of the route. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Andy on November 23, 2010, 19:33:49 With Falmouth-Truro closed for two weeks and Par-Newquay out till mid-December, the branch lines will be pretty quiet. Are the units being serviced at the same time or allocated elsewhere?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on November 23, 2010, 20:16:51 there replacing 3 miles of track, 2 of which at the perran valley, and another mile around penmere station
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on November 25, 2010, 11:50:23 Interesting to note that the bustitution anomaly occurs again, with Perranwell being served by every replacement bus including the period where train service is restricted to hourly in the train timetable. I'm not complaining just making the observation. It makes the timetable easy to replicate.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on November 25, 2010, 12:00:30 but the bus journey takes over an hour against the 2 min train journey!
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: JayMac on November 25, 2010, 12:12:33 2 mins? Wow!! Those 153s really motor along that branch. ;) ;D
I think you meant 24-28 mins, perhaps? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on November 25, 2010, 12:20:45 2 mins? Wow!! Those 153s really motor along that branch. ;) ;D I think you meant 24-28 mins, perhaps? the 5 key on my laptop needs pressing with lots of pressure, oops, didnt notice it hadnt worked, if the bus went straight up the main road rather than every bus calling at Perranwell, journey time would be about 20 mins quicker Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on November 25, 2010, 18:07:55 To anyone who knows.....
Will this new track increase the overall effective line speed of the branch? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on November 29, 2010, 13:05:16 Bearing in mind the weather conditions west of St. Austell - Newquay this morning, it's not surprising that the replacement bus service has been withdrawn at present.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on November 29, 2010, 14:50:39 the main falmouth to truro road has been closed all morning, only alternative route is back lanes, so fully understandable why
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on November 29, 2010, 14:56:59 sorry for double post, just come across this which says a bus was stuck in Perranwell for 3 1/2 hours this morning!! on the basis that it doesnt have a regular bus service now, i was wondering if that could of been the rail replacement bus
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-11860754 Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: RailCornwall on December 10, 2010, 23:07:42 Incredible line of floodlights heading south from Perranwell Station tonight, for what seemed like almost a mile. Any ideas if the poor weather has held up this scheduled work?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: old original on December 11, 2010, 16:00:55 The works finished on time but due to some signalling problem there has only been an hourly service today(Sat)
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on December 11, 2010, 19:55:22 The works finished on time but due to some signalling problem there has only been an hourly service today(Sat) Arrived at Truro this morning to see the service cancelled but Bus was already in the yard - took photo of spikey railings on platform 3. Return journey not so good - I was in Swanvale and could hear the hourly service coming and going on time but when I went to the Dell to catch the 15:50 it didn't turn up, info point not working. Service eventually arrived 30 mins late - by then many passengers had left - only one person I spoke to was aware of the signalling problem. The folk who left had been waiting for the previous service which had been cancelled all day. Got to Penmere which has a new style info point - it was displaying an 'I'm broken message'. Couldn't someone have got a felt pen, paper and tape and stuck up some signs...... Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: fatcontroller on December 11, 2010, 20:18:17 Chris,
Signalling made the 2-car unit think it had a fault so needed swapping with the surplus unit at Truro. As Branch was about 10 late already by this point, it left 20 late after the swap. So instead of running late all day, unfortunately 2 on the bounce were cancelled. It had to happen at some point today, sadly it was your train! Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on April 01, 2011, 10:23:57 From http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/fpfalmouth/8948177.Bus_smashes_into_Falmouth_bridge/
Quote A bus has crashed into a railway bridge next to Falmouth Town train station this morning. The vehicle has become lodged under the railway bridge in Avenue Road. It has sustained severe damage to the upper deck, and appears to be wedged. The road has been closed, and the railway line is shut between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks while the bridge is checked for structural damage. Luckily, there were no passengers on board at the time of the accident Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: JayMac on April 01, 2011, 10:51:43 Perhaps it's time bus manufacturers put the driving position on the top deck! :P ;D
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on April 01, 2011, 10:58:53 Perhaps it's time bus manufacturers put the driving position on the top deck! :P ;D excellent idea, i live only a stones throw from here, and its quite an obvious low bridge, definitely no way a bus will go under, completely off route, as not local routes pass this way Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: devon_metro on April 01, 2011, 12:12:04 I like how the bus driver took the centre line thinking he had a chance of getting underneath such a blatently low bridge ???
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: bobm on April 01, 2011, 13:05:19 At least they kept in the family - a First Bus disrupting a First train service.
So much for transforming travel!! :) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Ollie on April 01, 2011, 13:11:38 At least they kept in the family - a First Bus disrupting a First train service. And they have transformed travel..So much for transforming travel!! :) from a double deck to a single deck :P Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on April 01, 2011, 14:21:09 At least they kept in the family - a First Bus disrupting a First train service. And they have transformed travel..So much for transforming travel!! :) from a double deck to a single deck :P or open top bus, Being april fools day, imagine the drivers calling the bosses (or whoever) Driver "hi boss, I've just turned my bus into an opentop" Boss "hahaha, april fool" Driver "no" Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Ollie on April 01, 2011, 14:22:29 Would love the recording of the call if that's how it went :P
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 01, 2011, 14:51:40 A report, and another picture, from the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-12937254):
Quote Bus crashes into Falmouth railway bridge (http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/51962000/jpg/_51962093_51962092.jpg) A double-decker bus has been badly damaged after hitting a railway bridge in Cornwall. Part of the front of the top deck of the First Bus vehicle was crushed when it hit the bridge in Arwenack Street in Falmouth earlier. Only the driver was on board the bus at the time and no-one was hurt in the incident, police said. The road was closed while engineers from Network Rail examined the bridge. It has since been reopened. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: eightf48544 on April 01, 2011, 15:42:15 Does anyone know if Networkrail claim damages from the vehicle owner?
If they do you'd have one part of First Group paying compensation to another part via Network rail. Something to keep the bean counters happy. Also is the driver prosecuted? Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 01, 2011, 17:29:56 At the risk of discomfiting the errant bus driver even further - from Small world News Service (http://swns.com/double-decker-strikes-rail-bridge-011509.html):
Quote Double decker strikes rail bridge A bungling double decker bus driver attempted to manoeuvre a low concrete rail bridge ^ and almost tore the roof after becoming WEDGED. (http://swns.com/images/stories/busbridge/busbridge1.jpg) The driver struck the rail bridge at around 7am this morning before desperately attempting to continue through the narrow gap next to Falmouth train station, Cornwall. The roof was almost torn from the bus, which was not carrying any passengers at the time of the incident. Accident and emergency crews attended the scene to remove the vehicle, before engineers assessed the bridge for structural damage. Passerby Justine Gunn, 40, of Falmouth, snapped the aftermath as the ^sheepish^ driver got out of the cabin to survey the damage. (http://swns.com/images/stories/busbridge/busbridge2.jpg) Mum-of-two Justine said: ^I was walking by and just thought ^oops^. ^The driver was stood outside looking particularly sheepish about the whole affair, which is fairly understandable as the bridge^s height is clearly marked. ^The only thing I can think of is that ordinarily it^s a single decker coach which comes down the route so maybe the driver completely forgot what he was in. ^Thankfully no-one was on the bus as it was a real mess ^ there^s no way anyone could have survived it. ^ve never seen a double decker down here in the 17 years I^ve lived here. And that^s probably why.^ The road was closed for around an hour and the rail track was also shut as engineers surveyed the bridge to check for structural damage. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on April 23, 2011, 20:25:25 today i was talking to a first cornwall/ devon driver and he said that the bus involved is being converted to proper open top as they were short one open top coming up to the season for operations around barnstaple.
he also said the female driver was dismissed from emploiyment Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: JayMac on April 23, 2011, 20:43:22 Hmm... are we absolutely certain as to the sex of the driver?
'driver' would've sufficed. Male or female is irrelevant. ::) One of the eyewitness reports referred to the driver as 'he'. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on April 23, 2011, 23:13:43 Hmm... are we absolutely certain as to the sex of the driver? 'driver' would've sufficed. Male or female is irrelevant. ::) One of the eyewitness reports referred to the driver as 'he'. the friend i was talking to referred to her by christian name, in conversation, and it would be rather strange for a male to be called the name in question. the friend works for First D&C at the Falmouth depot, so he would definitely be in the know. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 23, 2011, 23:23:59 Quote Passerby Justine Gunn, 40, of Falmouth, snapped the aftermath as the ^sheepish^ driver got out of the cabin to survey the damage. Mum-of-two Justine said: ^I was walking by and just thought ^oops^. The driver was stood outside looking particularly sheepish about the whole affair, which is fairly understandable as the bridge^s height is clearly marked. The only thing I can think of is that ordinarily it^s a single decker coach which comes down the route so maybe the driver completely forgot what he was in.^ Perhaps it just goes to show that eye-witness evidence should never be relied upon? Chris ::) Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Ollie on April 23, 2011, 23:37:29 Or that this "he" that was seen wasn't the driver?
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 23, 2011, 23:44:17 Perhaps we should 'declare an interest' here: Ollie and I have both walked under that particular bridge, on our Falmouth Line bash - and I for one wouldn't choose to drive a bus (even a single decker!) under it ... :o
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: chrisoates on April 24, 2011, 01:01:42 Perhaps we should 'declare an interest' here: Ollie and I have both walked under that particular bridge, on our Falmouth Line bash - and I for one wouldn't choose to drive a bus (even a single decker!) under it ... :o Yep - whenever rail replacement is used on the Falmouth branch the route to Falmouth Town station is via that bridge. Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: smokey on April 25, 2011, 12:34:41 At least they kept in the family - a First Bus disrupting a First train service. And they have transformed travel..So much for transforming travel!! :) from a double deck to a single deck :P Yes First tranform travel into a NIGHTMARE. Title: Maritime line Park and ride Post by: FarWestJohn on January 27, 2012, 18:23:03 In this weeks West Briton newspaper it says a park and ride is to be considered for a site south of Truro. There is already one to the west and one proposed to the east.
Cornwall Council has revealed that it will be looking at the feasibility of a bus based service with possible locations thought to include Carnon Downs or Playing Place along the A39 Truro to Falmouth road. The scheme would replace proposals, now abandoned, for a railway halt at Treluswell. This is most likely good news for Perranwell as there were suggestions it would lose its service if the Treluswell park and ride had been built as there would be very little time left to turn round at Truro. Treluswell would have been a brilliant place for a park and ride that would have served Falmouth and Truro. Most likely will all change again next week - cynical me. Title: Re: Maritime line Park and ride Post by: RailCornwall on January 27, 2012, 23:59:24 Shame really, but with Truro Station now 'Fort Knox' it no longer fits the profile of an interchange suitable for P&R services. Machine readable tickets would be required to get through the barriers which would add a level of complexity to the proposition. In addition ensuring buses meet the trains to provide prompt connections to the City Centre and Treliske would be difficult.
P&R on rail only works with open access. Anyway living close to Carnon Downs, the only realistic parking site on the A39 is the fields adjacent to the Carnon Inn and the bus lane between CD and Playing Place. Much opposition will be inevitable if they are taken for use. Title: Re: Maritime line Park and ride Post by: Bristolboy on January 28, 2012, 13:25:25 Would there not be an issue with trains at bursting point. When I wassup last on this line a few months back all the passengers struggled to get on and from speaking to other users it would appear that many times not everyone can get on. I know there are plans to add extra carriages, but in my opinion this spare capacity will quickly be used up even without a park and ride.
Title: Re: Falmouth branch line - engineering work, closures, incidents (merged topics) Post by: LiskeardRich on March 24, 2012, 20:37:00 just found a picture of the bridge strike bus, on a flikr link sent to me by a friend, looks like the bus will have a new life. here is the link http://www.flickr.com/photos/29197902@N06/6017934386/in/photostream/
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