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Network Rail say Bristol first to get new train wagons

Rail passengers should have to catch fewer replacement buses when work is being done to the track in future thanks to new technology.

Network Rail has bought 26 tilting wagons, which allow new track to be installed in less than 24 hours instead of the current 54.

At the moment, the company carries out the work over the weekend and bank holidays, which can often mean having to run replacements buses as trains cannot use the track.

The ^11.4 million wagons mean the work can not only be carried out more quickly but at night, minimising the disruption and reducing the need for buses.

Network Rail has said the Cardiff to Paddington and Birmingham and Plymouth routes should not have the bus services at all.

The Bristol area is set to be one of the first to benefit from the new wagons when they are rolled out on December 12.

Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said: "Today's punctual, reliable and safe railway has seen passengers flocking back.

"Their expectations for a decent service at weekends and at bank holidays have grown and we must respond. Keeping passengers on trains and off buses is our aim.

"We're working towards that and today's commitment sets us firmly on that path."

Network Rail has worked with Association of Train Operating Companies and Passenger Focus.

Passenger Focus chief executive, Anthony Smith, said: "We are pleased that Network Rail and the train operators have signed up to our pledge, making a clear commitment to keep passengers on trains wherever possible rather than use buses, and to ensure certain towns and cities are connected by train at almost all times. We have been asked by the government to monitor this."

NR have been working toward these trains for a few years, the aim is to get some basic switch and crossing renewals done in 8 hour possession's.  The Rule Book is also being looked at to speed up the taking and giving up of Possession's (T3's) and electrical isolations.

Whilst this looks good on paper, the reality of an S&C renewal in 8 hours will mean that they are laid in and clipped up with a speed restriction over them with follow up work over several subsequent possessions.  Most jobs need the full 8 hours just to deal with the signalling alterations and testing as they are not always 'like for like'. ;)

The S&C renewal at Heywood Road is going to utilise these wagons I'm led to believe.

Yes there may be a period with TSR's but a reduced speed for a week I am sure is preferred by the passengers than weekend blocks and buses

It all comes prefabricated on the wagons very little clipping to do on site, S&T are investigating plug and socket connections to speed things up.  Yes there may be a period with TSR's but a reduced speed for a week I am sure is preferred by the passengers than weekend blocks and buses