Windsor Branch line - services, rolling stock and signalling - ongoing discussion

[whole diary]

[IndustryInsider]

I think that's the case with Wokingham, where the last train on Fri/Sat from Reading doesn't stop, but Windsor has a late train on Saturday (23:56) when it's likely to be at its roudiest, and the link doesn't really attract many groups of youngsters that are out of control.

[grahame]

I think that's the case with Wokingham, where the last train on Fri/Sat from Reading doesn't stop, but Windsor has a late train on Saturday (23:56) when it's likely to be at its roudiest, and the link doesn't really attract many groups of youngsters that are out of control.

And also Cosham (??) where late evening GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) trains don't call.

[autotank]

Thanks for the explanation of purpose of the siding - I somehow thought it might be used for turning back services to Slough on the main lines. It does seem like quite a lot of effort to go to for something that will get used so infrequently - electric trains are even more reliable than diesel and they don't break down that often! Will the Henley and Marlow branches be getting these cripple sidings, or is it because the Windsor branch is on the down side of the main line and hence trickier to gain access to during the day because of all the IEP^▸ (Intercity Express Program / Project.)'s that will be wizzing by.

[rower40]

1)   The removal of the loop just outside Slough, which is understandable as it never got used. I was perplexed to see it replaced with a 4 car turnback siding though. I can^t see a use for this and with electrification coming there (hopefully) won^t be many 4 car trains running, so it will become even more useless. Am I missing something obvious?

If a set-swap is needed, and the branch unit has to come out of service, then the siding can be used to store the failed train, without blocking the Down Main.

Alternatively - that siding might just be a convenient place to hide a tamper or other yellow plant before or after use.  On the Down (south) side of the Great Western, that's the only siding between Southall and Swindon, except for the old DMU^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit) depot in the triangle at Reading.

[martyjon]

When was the Windsor Branch electrified and I don't mean the Staines to Windsor Riverside either in case someone 'smart alec' posts the date that branch was.


From Journeycheck

09:50 Slough to Windsor & Eton Central due 09:56

09:50 Slough to Windsor & Eton Central due 09:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to damage to the overhead electric wires.


Really !!!! AND the 09:59 return service for same reason.

[TaplowGreen]

When was the Windsor Branch electrified and I don't mean the Staines to Windsor Riverside either in case someone 'smart alec' posts the date that branch was.


From Journeycheck

09:50 Slough to Windsor & Eton Central due 09:56

09:50 Slough to Windsor & Eton Central due 09:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to damage to the overhead electric wires.


Really !!!! AND the 09:59 return service for same reason.

Could be using the Windsor train for the Hayes-Paddington service?

[TaplowGreen]

Due to urgent repairs to the track between Slough and Windsor & Eton Central all lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until 17:40 26/01.

[bobm]

Safety first - fears the track had spread just outside Windsor & Eton Central station. 

Technicians then stuck in (road) traffic trying to get to the scene.

When they arrived track found to be slightly out but within safe limits and line re-opened.

As the fire service would say "false alarm with good intent".

[Worcester_Passenger]

22:10 Slough to Windsor & Eton Central due 22:16 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

22:19 Windsor & Eton Central to Slough due 22:25 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

22:30 Slough to Windsor & Eton Central due 22:36 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

22:39 Windsor & Eton Central to Slough due 22:45 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

22:50 Slough to Windsor & Eton Central due 22:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

22:59 Windsor & Eton Central to Slough due 23:05 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

Has the taxi been invented?

[TaplowGreen]

22:10 Slough to Windsor & Eton Central due 22:16 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

22:19 Windsor & Eton Central to Slough due 22:25 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

22:30 Slough to Windsor & Eton Central due 22:36 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

22:39 Windsor & Eton Central to Slough due 22:45 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

22:50 Slough to Windsor & Eton Central due 22:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

22:59 Windsor & Eton Central to Slough due 23:05 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:05/02/2018 21:51

Has the taxi been invented?

That would require the use of initiative.

[JayMac]

A taxi is no use if your driver and/or guard are stuck on a train.

[Worcester_Passenger]

A taxi is no use if your driver and/or guard are stuck on a train.

OK - take your point. But switching it off for an hour still feels a bit excessive.

[TaplowGreen]

A taxi is no use if your driver and/or guard are stuck on a train.

OK - take your point. But switching it off for an hour still feels a bit excessive.

Agreed......and I've seen examples before where train staff have relied on trains to get to their location even in times of disruption, with the inevitable consequences.

[CyclingSid]

In Windsor yesterday, good place for the scaffolding and boarding business.

GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) was running a three car set. Apparently for next Saturday they are going to move the Stop board back at Slough to build a bridge from the taxi rank across the track to the Windsor platform through the gate that is already in the fence. Temporary building already already in position on station forecourt. They are apparently going to be running four car trains next Saturday, which means they will have to remove the barrier across the Slough end of the Windsor platform and presumably need extra staff for train dispatch, as the driver will be beyond the CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision). Be interesting to see if the manage to maintain the timetable with the numbers involved.

[stuving]

In Windsor yesterday, good place for the scaffolding and boarding business.
... Be interesting to see if the manage to maintain the timetable with the numbers involved.

Why would they even try to keep to a timetable? It's going to be shuttle dashing back and forth as fast as its little wheels (and the passengers legs) can carry them, whatever they set out to do.

The official usable platform lengths are 122 and 117 m. With enough help and supervision (which presumably there will be) wouldn't 5x23 trains just fit? OK, it is very tight, so even if it's possible it might not be quicker.

And how many of those organising this are bickering over "whose idea was it to scrap the loop anyway?"?.