Train GraphicClick on the map to explore geographics
 
I need help
FAQ
Emergency
About .
Travel & transport from BBC stories as at 20:35 28 Mar 2024
* Bus plunges off South Africa bridge, killing 45
- Easter getaways hit by travel disruption
- Where Baltimore bridge investigation goes now
- How do I renew my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?
- Passengers pleaded with knifeman during attack
- Family anger at sentence on fatal crash driver, 19
- Easter travel warning as millions set to hit roads
Read about the forum [here].
Register [here] - it's free.
What do I gain from registering? [here]
 02/06/24 - Summer Timetable starts
17/08/24 - Bus to Imber
27/09/25 - 200 years of passenger trains

On this day
28th Mar (1917)
Bideford, Westward Ho! and Appledore closed (link)

Train RunningCancelled
18:30 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour
18:36 London Paddington to Plymouth
19:23 Reading to Gatwick Airport
19:33 London Paddington to Worcester Shrub Hill
19:35 Exeter St Davids to London Paddington
19:59 Gatwick Airport to Reading
20:13 Swindon to Westbury
20:20 Reading to Shalford
20:49 Newbury to Bedwyn
20:54 Reading to Gatwick Airport
20:56 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington
21:16 Bedwyn to Newbury
21:30 Shalford to Reading
21:53 Newbury to Bedwyn
22:25 Bedwyn to Newbury
22:30 Gatwick Airport to Reading
22:47 Newbury to Bedwyn
Short Run
16:03 London Paddington to Penzance
17:03 London Paddington to Penzance
17:30 London Paddington to Taunton
17:36 London Paddington to Plymouth
18:03 London Paddington to Penzance
19:04 Paignton to London Paddington
19:13 Salisbury to Bristol Temple Meads
19:29 Gatwick Airport to Reading
20:03 London Paddington to Plymouth
20:11 Salisbury to Bristol Temple Meads
20:42 Bedwyn to London Paddington
21:04 London Paddington to Plymouth
Delayed
16:15 Penzance to London Paddington
Additional 17:17 Exeter St Davids to Penzance
Additional 17:26 Castle Cary to Penzance
19:04 London Paddington to Plymouth
An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown 19:40 Redhill to Reading
23:04 Reading to Bedwyn
23:45 London Paddington to Penzance
PollsOpen and recent polls
Closed 2024-03-25 Easter Escape - to where?
Abbreviation pageAcronymns and abbreviations
Stn ComparatorStation Comparator
Rail newsNews Now - live rail news feed
Site Style 1 2 3 4
Next departures • Bristol Temple MeadsBath SpaChippenhamSwindonDidcot ParkwayReadingLondon PaddingtonMelksham
Exeter St DavidsTauntonWestburyTrowbridgeBristol ParkwayCardiff CentralOxfordCheltenham SpaBirmingham New Street
March 28, 2024, 20:53:54 *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Forgotten your username or password? - get a reminder
Most recently liked subjects
[118] West Wiltshire Bus Changes April 2024
[116] would you like your own LIVE train station departure board?
[89] Infrastructure problems in Thames Valley causing disruption el...
[46] Return of the BRUTE?
[38] If not HS2 to Manchester, how will traffic be carried?
[28] Reversing Beeching - bring heritage and freight lines into the...
 
News: the Great Western Coffee Shop ... keeping you up to date with travel around the South West
 
   Home   Help Search Calendar Login Register  
Pages: 1 ... 33 34 [35] 36 37 ... 78
  Print  
Author Topic: Great Western Main Line electrification - ongoing discussion  (Read 283426 times)
Tim
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 2738


View Profile
« Reply #510 on: November 08, 2018, 15:16:16 »


for those of you that doubted that Network Rail would install something in a tunnel that could rust..... the minister has confirmed it-
I saw this on the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) and thought you should see it:

Severn Tunnel electrification kit deteriorating, minister admits - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-44690614

Here's the article for those that are interested -

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/severn-tunnel-shut-three-weeks-14785503

Does anyone know if it's true?
Smiley


I did post earlier that the construction team were informed of the harsh conditions and they did see example of existing equipment; from a brief chat I have had with someone involved in the project they have been montoring the install and there are areas of concern.   Also the lessons are being learnt to determin the levels of inspection, maintainance and what the renewals polocy should be (ie 10, 20, 30 years etc)



It is an extremely harsh environment 

Made worse I expect by running diesel trains in the tunnel which chuck out acidic gases

That will have limited effects, it more the damp atmospher in the tunnel

Logged
YouKnowNothing
Full Member
***
Posts: 72


View Profile Email
« Reply #511 on: November 08, 2018, 23:26:05 »


for those of you that doubted that Network Rail would install something in a tunnel that could rust..... the minister has confirmed it-
I saw this on the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) and thought you should see it:

Severn Tunnel electrification kit deteriorating, minister admits - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-44690614

Here's the article for those that are interested -

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/severn-tunnel-shut-three-weeks-14785503

Does anyone know if it's true?
Smiley


I did post earlier that the construction team were informed of the harsh conditions and they did see example of existing equipment; from a brief chat I have had with someone involved in the project they have been montoring the install and there are areas of concern.   Also the lessons are being learnt to determin the levels of inspection, maintainance and what the renewals polocy should be (ie 10, 20, 30 years etc)



It is an extremely harsh environment 

Made worse I expect by running diesel trains in the tunnel which chuck out acidic gases

That will have limited effects, it more the damp atmospher in the tunnel



Has it rusted again? Another tunnel closure over Xmas to fix the issue?
Logged
onthecushions
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 977


View Profile
« Reply #512 on: November 12, 2018, 21:01:27 »

It's reported that the 13.29 Swansea - Paddington ran pan-up from Swindon - Causeway.

Dark horses.

OTC

"authorised for use as from 0830 11/11/18"
« Last Edit: November 13, 2018, 10:37:48 by onthecushions » Logged
Adrian
Transport Scholar
Sr. Member
******
Posts: 171


View Profile
« Reply #513 on: November 14, 2018, 20:33:00 »

At last, a couple of wires have appeared on the Welsh side of the Severn Tunnel - along the Llanwern Straight, to be precise, though they're ones that go along the masts, not the catenary itself (I guess the lower one is some sort of earth connection, and the one on the top for power transmission?)  There is also a bit of knitting across the tracks at the substation at Severn Tunnel Junction railway station (STJ (Severn Tunnel Junction railway station)).

Still no masts at Severn Tunnel Junction railway station (STJ) station itself, and at least a dozen still to go up between there and the tunnel.  Meanwhile at Newport there are men digging holes with spades for some of the remaining bases.  The steelwork there seems to have been going up in a somewhat random fashion, and it looks like one mast is due to go in half-way through the fence by the taxi rank!

Near Llanwern Steelworks there are some piled bases being used in pairs with what looks like a steel casting joining the piles and the mast attached in the middle.  I imagine this is because of the marshy ground, but what interests me most about these is whether they put in the piles an exact distance apart, or whether the castings are each custom-made.  But then, nothing on this project looks as if it's been done on the cheap.

Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronym
« Last Edit: May 21, 2021, 16:51:07 by VickiS » Logged
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40690



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #514 on: November 14, 2018, 20:54:17 »

At last, a couple of wires have appeared on the Welsh side of the Severn Tunnel ...

Electric traction has of course been in use ((here)) in Wales since 1958 and until 2001 that had overhead wires, though they have now been replaced with a more modern alternative.
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
SandTEngineer
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 3485


View Profile
« Reply #515 on: November 14, 2018, 21:01:02 »

At last, a couple of wires have appeared on the Welsh side of the Severn Tunnel ...

Electric traction has of course been in use ((here)) in Wales since 1958 and until 2001 that had overhead wires, though they have now been replaced with a more modern alternative.
Forgive me Grahame, but I thought the Tramway was cable operated.  The overhead wires were for telegraph communication to the moving cars only?
Logged
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40690



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #516 on: November 14, 2018, 21:17:29 »

Forgive me Grahame, but I thought the Tramway was cable operated.  The overhead wires were for telegraph communication to the moving cars only?

Correct - but the cable has been pulled by electric motors since 1958 - thus "electric traction".  And I didn't say anything about the overheads being to power the things.
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
SandTEngineer
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 3485


View Profile
« Reply #517 on: November 14, 2018, 21:37:43 »

Forgive me Grahame, but I thought the Tramway was cable operated.  The overhead wires were for telegraph communication to the moving cars only?

Correct - but the cable has been pulled by electric motors since 1958 - thus "electric traction".  And I didn't say anything about the overheads being to power the things.
Ah, but one could argue then that actually its powered by Gas/Wind/Coal/Tide/Pumped Storage etc...... Grin
Logged
stuving
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 7156


View Profile
« Reply #518 on: November 14, 2018, 23:55:16 »

...
Near Llanwern Steelworks there are some piled bases being used in pairs with what looks like a steel casting joining the piles and the mast attached in the middle.  I imagine this is because of the marshy ground, but what interests me most about these is whether they put in the piles an exact distance apart, or whether the castings are each custom-made.  But then, nothing on this project looks as if it's been done on the cheap.

Do you mean one like the stanchion at the left? Sorry it's such a busy picture; Reading's like that.

My theory on those (never having seen anything authoritative) is that it's to resist a side-force at the top without a stay. If you look closely at the top of that stanchion, there are two wires (catenary and contact) attached to clamps and going off to the right. They pull the top parallel to the track with about three tons of force combined. In most cases, such single uprights or pairs supporting portals are supported by stays - as is the portal in the picture.

In this case, there's stuff in the way where the piled base for a stay would have to go. The alternative would be a guy on the nearer side (i.e. opposite the wires) but there's stuff in the way there too. Hence the two bases, and perhaps a bigger steel section, so it can withstand the overturning moment.

Logged
Adrian
Transport Scholar
Sr. Member
******
Posts: 171


View Profile
« Reply #519 on: November 15, 2018, 19:24:53 »

...
Near Llanwern Steelworks there are some piled bases being used in pairs with what looks like a steel casting joining the piles and the mast attached in the middle.  I imagine this is because of the marshy ground, but what interests me most about these is whether they put in the piles an exact distance apart, or whether the castings are each custom-made.  But then, nothing on this project looks as if it's been done on the cheap.

Do you mean one like the stanchion at the left? Sorry it's such a busy picture; Reading's like that.

My theory on those (never having seen anything authoritative) is that it's to resist a side-force at the top without a stay. If you look closely at the top of that stanchion, there are two wires (catenary and contact) attached to clamps and going off to the right. They pull the top parallel to the track with about three tons of force combined. In most cases, such single uprights or pairs supporting portals are supported by stays - as is the portal in the picture.

In this case, there's stuff in the way where the piled base for a stay would have to go. The alternative would be a guy on the nearer side (i.e. opposite the wires) but there's stuff in the way there too. Hence the two bases, and perhaps a bigger steel section, so it can withstand the overturning moment.

Yes - just like that, but oriented at right-angles to the track.  There are similar ones just for the stays, and those, of course, are parallel with the track - in other words there are some masts making use of 4 piles!
Logged
Electric train
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4356


The future is 25000 Volts AC 750V DC has its place


View Profile
« Reply #520 on: November 15, 2018, 20:18:58 »

...
Near Llanwern Steelworks there are some piled bases being used in pairs with what looks like a steel casting joining the piles and the mast attached in the middle.  I imagine this is because of the marshy ground, but what interests me most about these is whether they put in the piles an exact distance apart, or whether the castings are each custom-made.  But then, nothing on this project looks as if it's been done on the cheap.

Do you mean one like the stanchion at the left? Sorry it's such a busy picture; Reading's like that.

My theory on those (never having seen anything authoritative) is that it's to resist a side-force at the top without a stay. If you look closely at the top of that stanchion, there are two wires (catenary and contact) attached to clamps and going off to the right. They pull the top parallel to the track with about three tons of force combined. In most cases, such single uprights or pairs supporting portals are supported by stays - as is the portal in the picture.

In this case, there's stuff in the way where the piled base for a stay would have to go. The alternative would be a guy on the nearer side (i.e. opposite the wires) but there's stuff in the way there too. Hence the two bases, and perhaps a bigger steel section, so it can withstand the overturning moment.




The lower of the conductors will be the earth wire, the upper one is likely to be the ATF (Auto Transformer feed).  It is essential that during construction of the overhead line it is possible to bond the catenary and ATF to earth; even though the OLE (Overhead Line Equipment, more often "OHLE") and ATF will not have been made live they can be come charged due to static and induction.   


You will see as the wires are run out and placed on insulators either the conductors are directly clamped to a mast or are the work progresses removable earth bonds are fitted
Logged

Starship just experienced what we call a rapid unscheduled disassembly, or a RUD, during ascent,”
Western Pathfinder
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 1528



View Profile
« Reply #521 on: November 18, 2018, 10:14:34 »

Just found this on YouTube may be of interest?.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5nLwKRtfOKs&feature=youtu.be
Logged
SandTEngineer
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 3485


View Profile
« Reply #522 on: November 18, 2018, 15:23:56 »

Just found this on YouTube may be of interest?.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5nLwKRtfOKs&feature=youtu.be
Thanks for posting that. Interesting.  In my days on the WCML (West Coast Main Line) in the Late 1960/Early 1970s, the MK1 OLE (Overhead Line Equipment, more often "OHLE") wasn't that slack and I certainly don't remember that much uplift.  I speak from a position of authority on that as I used to be hanging in a signal cage between tracks and having pantographs passing me at about 2.5m away at 100mph Grin
Logged
eXPassenger
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 547


View Profile
« Reply #523 on: November 18, 2018, 15:50:40 »

I speak from a position of authority on that as I used to be hanging in a signal cage between tracks and having pantographs passing me at about 2.5m away at 100mph

I do not think that H&S (Health and Safety) would allow that today.
Logged
SandTEngineer
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 3485


View Profile
« Reply #524 on: November 18, 2018, 15:58:57 »

I speak from a position of authority on that as I used to be hanging in a signal cage between tracks and having pantographs passing me at about 2.5m away at 100mph

I do not think that H&S (Health and Safety) would allow that today.
The cages were screened and earthed.  It wasn't possible to push even your fingures through the caging mesh so I don't see the problem.  And were quite a few electrical flashes as pantographs passed by as well (especially in frosty/icy weather).  I used to enjoy it.
Logged
Do you have something you would like to add to this thread, or would you like to raise a new question at the Coffee Shop? Please [register] (it is free) if you have not done so before, or login (at the top of this page) if you already have an account - we would love to read what you have to say!

You can find out more about how this forum works [here] - that will link you to a copy of the forum agreement that you can read before you join, and tell you very much more about how we operate. We are an independent forum, provided and run by customers of Great Western Railway, for customers of Great Western Railway and we welcome railway professionals as members too, in either a personal or official capacity. Views expressed in posts are not necessarily the views of the operators of the forum.

As well as posting messages onto existing threads, and starting new subjects, members can communicate with each other through personal messages if they wish. And once members have made a certain number of posts, they will automatically be admitted to the "frequent posters club", where subjects not-for-public-domain are discussed; anything from the occasional rant to meetups we may be having ...

 
Pages: 1 ... 33 34 [35] 36 37 ... 78
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.2 | SMF © 2006-2007, Simple Machines LLC Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!
This forum is provided by customers of Great Western Railway (formerly First Great Western), and the views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that the content provided by one of our posters contravenes our posting rules (email link to report). Forum hosted by Well House Consultants

Jump to top of pageJump to Forum Home Page