Train GraphicClick on the map to explore geographics
 
I need help
FAQ
Emergency
About .
Travel & transport from BBC stories as at 16:35 27 Apr 2024
- Boy finds rare Lego toy on beach after two-year search
Read about the forum [here].
Register [here] - it's free.
What do I gain from registering? [here]
 22/05/24 - WWRUG / TransWilts update
02/06/24 - Summer Timetable starts
17/08/24 - Bus to Imber
27/09/25 - 200 years of passenger trains

No 'On This Day' events reported for 27th Apr

Train RunningCancelled
15:09 Gloucester to Weymouth
18:45 Bristol Temple Meads to Salisbury
20:13 Salisbury to Bristol Temple Meads
Additional 20:57 Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central
21:01 Severn Beach to Bristol Temple Meads
21:28 Westbury to Salisbury
Short Run
27/04/24 15:38 Bristol Temple Meads to Worcester Foregate Street
16:02 Westbury to Gloucester
16:45 Bristol Temple Meads to Salisbury
17:43 Bristol Temple Meads to Salisbury
18:10 Gloucester to Westbury
18:12 Salisbury to Cheltenham Spa
19:10 Weston-Super-Mare to Severn Beach
19:13 Salisbury to Worcester Shrub Hill
22:13 Salisbury to Bristol Temple Meads
Delayed
15:15 Plymouth to London Paddington
16:27 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour
16:30 Swindon to Cheltenham Spa
17:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central
17:27 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour
18:27 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour
PollsThere are no open or recent polls
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
April 27, 2024, 16:54:22 *
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
[91] Labour to nationalise railways within five years of coming to ...
[47] access for all at Devon stations report
[30] Who we are - the people behind firstgreatwestern.info
[11] Bonaparte's at Bristol Temple Meads
[2] Lack of rolling stock due to attacks on shipping in the Red Se...
[1] Cornish delays
 
News: A forum for passengers ... with input from rail professionals welcomed too
 
   Home   Help Search Calendar Login Register  
Pages: 1 [2] 3
  Print  
Author Topic: Trains idling at termini  (Read 2225 times)
broadgage
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 5410



View Profile
« Reply #15 on: February 09, 2024, 18:44:34 »

Electrification would avoid these concerns  Smiley
Logged

A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
IndustryInsider
Data Manager
Hero Member
******
Posts: 10120


View Profile
« Reply #16 on: February 09, 2024, 18:51:20 »

Electrification would avoid these concerns  Smiley

Very true.

Though it will just enrage the ‘masts are a blot on the landscape’ brigade instead!  Roll Eyes
Logged

To view my GWML (Great Western Main Line) Electrification cab video 'before and after' video comparison, as well as other videos of the new layout at Reading and 'before and after' comparisons of the Cotswold Line Redoubling scheme, see: http://www.dailymotion.com/user/IndustryInsider/
Trowres
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 756


View Profile
« Reply #17 on: February 09, 2024, 21:50:09 »

If there's any worry that the DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) engines would not start after a 30 minute break, or that the lights would go out, or that the air would leak away... then it makes me wonder whether it's the design or the maintenance of the trains that  leaves a bit to be desired.

Logged
IndustryInsider
Data Manager
Hero Member
******
Posts: 10120


View Profile
« Reply #18 on: February 09, 2024, 22:46:10 »

The air will leak away after that amount of time, not completely, but enough to mean the brakes will apply, which is just a factor of the design, not the maintenance - though the rate will vary from unit to unit as you may have little leaks here and there.  Same with the batteries leading to loss of lighting.

It’ll only take a few minutes to build air again, and by speeding up the compressor (‘revving’ the engine) you speed that process up by about five fold.
Logged

To view my GWML (Great Western Main Line) Electrification cab video 'before and after' video comparison, as well as other videos of the new layout at Reading and 'before and after' comparisons of the Cotswold Line Redoubling scheme, see: http://www.dailymotion.com/user/IndustryInsider/
broadgage
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 5410



View Profile
« Reply #19 on: February 10, 2024, 08:47:08 »

How about installing a short length of 750 volt DC (Direct Current) conductor rail, to supply electricity for lighting, air compressors, heating and other needs.
Would also be useful for charging any battery trains that might be introduced in future.
It should be possible to appease the health and safety industry by only energising this  conductor rail when a train is over it. Also install it centrally between the running rails to render it hard to reach/touch.
Logged

A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40836



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #20 on: February 10, 2024, 09:38:50 »

The "blindingly obvious" solutions is electrical so that the power to keep the train warm during layovers is not generated by a Diesel engine running while it sits there.     A number of choices

1. An electric train, with overhead power all the way from Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach

2. A train that arrives, ticks over and leaves Severn Beach on batteries

3. A train that connects in to a land supply of electricity at Severn Beach

Option 1 - there are lots of tried and tested trains that could be used.   But infrastructure is needed.  Options 2 and 3 are more leading edge stuff as regards the rolling stock.   Option 3 also needs infrastructure work at "The Beach".

There are also other choices

4. Put up some sort of sound baffling

5. Tell the complainant that he's being unreasonable

6. Change the timetable to reduce layovers (e.g. run  through to / from SVB with every train not just alternate ones)
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
froome
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 913


View Profile Email
« Reply #21 on: February 10, 2024, 10:03:16 »

While electrifying the whole route would be my preferred option, number 3 is an interesting concept here. I don't think there is any station building here now, but there is obviously an electricity supply, and you could add a few solar panels onto the platform somewhere as a back-up.
Logged
Red Squirrel
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 5219


There are some who call me... Tim


View Profile
« Reply #22 on: February 10, 2024, 12:09:27 »

The "blindingly obvious" solutions is electrical so that the power to keep the train warm during layovers is not generated by a Diesel engine running while it sits there.     A number of choices

1. An electric train, with overhead power all the way from Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach

2. A train that arrives, ticks over and leaves Severn Beach on batteries

3. A train that connects in to a land supply of electricity at Severn Beach

Option 1 - there are lots of tried and tested trains that could be used.   But infrastructure is needed.  Options 2 and 3 are more leading edge stuff as regards the rolling stock.   Option 3 also needs infrastructure work at "The Beach".

There are also other choices

4. Put up some sort of sound baffling

5. Tell the complainant that he's being unreasonable

6. Change the timetable to reduce layovers (e.g. run  through to / from SVB with every train not just alternate ones)

To address points 4 and 5:

4. Sound baffles won’t do much to reduce the filthy stink of ageing diesel engines;
5. He’s not being unreasonable.
Logged

Things take longer to happen than you think they will, and then they happen faster than you thought they could.
ellendune
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4452


View Profile
« Reply #23 on: February 10, 2024, 12:47:57 »


It's been a long time since I was there, but I don't think Severn Beach is a dead-end is it?  I need to refresh my knowledge.  I'll look at some track plans

The curve/chord linking Severn Beach Station to the main line at Pilning was ripped up and built over, in part at least, a fair few years ago.

Yes the line north of Severn Beach was closed in the 1960's and a significant number of houses and the M49 have been built over the first 800 metres of the trackbed. 
Logged
TonyK
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 6438


The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!


View Profile
« Reply #24 on: February 10, 2024, 13:20:35 »

If there's any worry that the DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) engines would not start after a 30 minute break, or that the lights would go out, or that the air would leak away... then it makes me wonder whether it's the design or the maintenance of the trains that  leaves a bit to be desired.



As the late disgraced former DJ and Fixit guy Jimmy Savile once said in a series of TV adverts: "It's the age of the train".
Logged

Now, please!
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40836



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #25 on: February 10, 2024, 13:21:36 »

To address points 4 and 5:
5. He’s not being unreasonable.

The fact that he's not being unreasonable does not stop certain parties telling him that he is.  But then I don't suppose he's dealing with APCOA (Car parking company used at GWR (Great Western Railway) - controlled stations in the area) or the Post Office in this ...

On point 6, if all trains were extended to Severn Beach, with a quick (Looe-sized) turn around at The Beach and a few minutes added for pathing / recovery at Avonmouth, am I right in suggesting that no extra train would be required?
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
a-driver
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 973


View Profile
« Reply #26 on: February 10, 2024, 18:14:24 »

While electrifying the whole route would be my preferred option, number 3 is an interesting concept here. I don't think there is any station building here now, but there is obviously an electricity supply, and you could add a few solar panels onto the platform somewhere as a back-up.

You’d be surprised. We get complaints with electric trains that the compressors are making too much noise. You can never win, it’s never ending. Sadly, the likes of Mike will only be happy when the trains stop running.
Logged
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40836



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #27 on: February 12, 2024, 07:31:46 »

Quiet morning at The Beach

Quote
Alterations to services between Bristol Temple Meads and Severn Beach via Clifton Down

Due to flooding between Sea Mills and Shirehampton the line is closed. Disruption is expected until 12:00 12/02.

Train services between Bristol Temple Meads and Severn Beach via Clifton Down and Avonmouth will be terminated at and started back from Clifton Down.
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
Mark A
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 1346


View Profile
« Reply #28 on: February 12, 2024, 08:47:44 »

Is this tide-related, anyone? Not that there's anything untoward about the top of today's (gulp, but normal for the Severn Estuary) 14 metre tide...

Mark

https://ntslf.org/data/realtime?port=Portbury
Logged
Red Squirrel
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 5219


There are some who call me... Tim


View Profile
« Reply #29 on: February 12, 2024, 09:25:39 »

That seems likely: http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=27227.0

That state of Sea Mills Viaduct seems pretty suboptimal….
Logged

Things take longer to happen than you think they will, and then they happen faster than you thought they could.
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 [2] 3
  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