Infrastructure problems in Thames Valley causing disruption elsewhere - ongoing, since Oct 2014

[whole diary]

[stuving]

I wonder if there's a group within NR^» (Network Rail - home page) saying "I told you - we should have replaced all that old headspan as soon as we could".

[broadgage]

I wonder if there's a group within NR^» (Network Rail - home page) saying "I told you - we should have replaced all that old headspan as soon as we could".

I agree, and this would be a good time to announce replacement of at least the worst bits. Time to act quickly, partly to outmaneuver the NIMBYs.

This also reinforces my previously stated view that ALL new and refurbished electric trains should have either a small diesel engine or a battery sufficient to move the train, at a much reduced speed, when the wires come down. Or to power on board services if the train can not be moved.

One of the few merits of the failed IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) project is the inclusion of a single diesel engine in the nominally electric trains.

[GBM]

It seems a fairly frequent occurrence for the OHLE to fail, more so around Paddington.
Not aware of it being so much of an issue for other London termini.

From recent comments above, Paddington has older OHLE compared to other stations.
Whilst it would seem prudent to replace asap, that cost would have to be authorised by the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about), and probably they are happy for Network Rail/GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) to take the blame and not authorise additional expenditure.

[IndustryInsider]

I agree, and this would be a good time to announce replacement of at least the worst bits. Time to act quickly, partly to outmaneuver the NIMBYs.

It seems a fairly frequent occurrence for the OHLE to fail, more so around Paddington.
Not aware of it being so much of an issue for other London termini.

From recent comments above, Paddington has older OHLE compared to other stations.
Whilst it would seem prudent to replace asap, that cost would have to be authorised by the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about), and probably they are happy for Network Rail/GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) to take the blame and not authorise additional expenditure.

Yes, out as far as just beyond Hayes the electrification was done 'on the cheap' in the late 90s for the Heathrow Electrification and was virtually all headspan.

Several of the 'least worst bits' have been replaced over the years, usually around junctions where there is most risk.  You can see this here with the area concerned at between 9-10 minutes in:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMADOeBumAU I agree that all other areas should be replaced as soon as possible.  It is little use having very reliable OHLE, as we do, from 11 miles out of Paddington, if the first 11 miles are still susceptible to widespread damage in the event of failure.

Lines have now been re-energised between Reading and Stockley Bridge (between West Drayton and Hayes) so AIUI^▸ (as I understand it) an electric service can now operate as far as Slough/West Drayton from the Reading direction.

[Surrey 455]

Obviously passengers wanting to get to Heathrow from Paddington are going to be frustrated.

National Rail say

Passengers travelling to / from Heathrow should use the Piccadilly Line.

Oh dear. TfL^» (Transport for London - about) are saying

Piccadilly Line: Severe delays between Acton Town and Heathrow Airport / Uxbridge and between Arnos Grove and Cockfosters due to an earlier signal failure at Arsenal. Tickets are being accepted on London Buses and Great Northern. MINOR DELAYS on the rest of the line.

[bobm]

Night Riviera sleeper cancelled in both directions.

[GBM]

Night Riviera sleeper cancelled in both directions.

Don't understand that.
Entirely diesel hauled.

[bobm]

Could well be due to staffing issues caused by the disruption. 

[Electric train]

Could well be due to staffing issues caused by the disruption. 

Or there is a need for a long duration possession tonight to repair the OLE^▸ (Overhead Line Equipment, more often "OHLE"), as it sounds like headspan construction are that was damaged an all lines block may be needed

[Surrey 455]

And just seen the "On This Day" story at the top of this page where 25 years ago today, the line was blocked for a horrifyingly different reason.

[TaplowGreen]

Could well be due to staffing issues caused by the disruption. 

Or there is a need for a long duration possession tonight to repair the OLE^▸ (Overhead Line Equipment, more often "OHLE"), as it sounds like headspan construction are that was damaged an all lines block may be needed

Suspect GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) will be picking up some pretty hefty hotel bills tonight.

[ChrisB]

Suspect that GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) will pass these costs on to Network Rail.

[TaplowGreen]

Suspect that GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) will pass these costs on to Network Rail.

AKA^▸ (also known as) the taxpayer, but that's a p***ing match for GWR & NR^» (Network Rail - home page) to have later......main thing is that all customers are taken care of tonight.

Now suggesting that disruption will continue until "at least" 0900 tomorrow.

[a-driver]

Night Riviera sleeper cancelled in both directions.

Don't understand that.
Entirely diesel hauled.

This mornings sleeper arrival into Paddington is still in the Paddington area! 

[ChrisB]

Which presumably means that it hasn't yet been cleaned from last night?