Train GraphicClick on the map to explore geographics
 
I need help
FAQ
Emergency
About .
Travel & transport from BBC stories as at 10:55 28 Mar 2024
- Man suffers life-threatening injuries after train stabbing
- How do I renew my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?
* 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 (1988)
Woman found murdered on Orpington to London train (*)

Train RunningCancelled
09:12 London Paddington to Cardiff Central
09:29 Weston-Super-Mare to London Paddington
09:30 London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads
10:15 London Paddington to Cardiff Central
10:30 London Paddington to Weston-Super-Mare
10:41 Cardiff Central to London Paddington
11:00 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington
11:05 Swindon to Westbury
11:16 London Paddington to Cardiff Central
11:23 Weston-Super-Mare to London Paddington
11:30 London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads
11:50 Cardiff Central to London Paddington
12:15 London Paddington to Cardiff Central
12:17 Westbury to Swindon
12:30 London Paddington to Weston-Super-Mare
13:15 Swindon to Westbury
14:19 Westbury to Swindon
15:14 Swindon to Westbury
Short Run
06:00 London Paddington to Penzance
06:05 Penzance to London Paddington
07:28 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour
07:33 Weymouth to Gloucester
09:45 Bristol Temple Meads to Salisbury
09:50 Cardiff Central to London Paddington
10:35 London Paddington to Exeter St Davids
10:55 Paignton to London Paddington
11:12 Salisbury to Bristol Temple Meads
11:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central
12:03 London Paddington to Penzance
Delayed
06:37 Plymouth to London Paddington
07:10 Penzance to London Paddington
07:48 London Paddington to Swansea
08:03 London Paddington to Penzance
08:23 Southampton Central to Bristol Temple Meads
08:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central
08:35 Plymouth to London Paddington
08:48 London Paddington to Swansea
09:04 London Paddington to Plymouth
09:30 Weymouth to Gloucester
09:37 London Paddington to Paignton
09:51 Warminster to Gloucester
10:04 London Paddington to Penzance
10:23 London Paddington to Oxford
11:03 London Paddington to Plymouth
13:03 London Paddington to Plymouth
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, 11:01:33 *
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
[182] West Wiltshire Bus Changes April 2024
[103] would you like your own LIVE train station departure board?
[70] Return of the BRUTE?
[56] Infrastructure problems in Thames Valley causing disruption el...
[44] Reversing Beeching - bring heritage and freight lines into the...
[24] CrossCountry upgrade will see 25% more rail seats
 
News: A forum for passengers ... with input from rail professionals welcomed too
 
   Home   Help Search Calendar Login Register  
Pages: 1 ... 39 40 [41] 42 43
  Print  
Author Topic: Chiltern Evergreen 3 project - ongoing discussion  (Read 350677 times)
Oxman
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 423


View Profile
« Reply #600 on: December 09, 2016, 13:17:09 »

It seems there are quite a few light sleepers in Oxford:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-38259667

Logged
TonyK
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 6435


The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!


View Profile
« Reply #601 on: December 09, 2016, 13:29:42 »

Better to be a hard sleeper.
Logged

Now, please!
didcotdean
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 1424


View Profile
« Reply #602 on: December 09, 2016, 17:06:22 »

Another local article on this:

http://www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/news/14954327.City_council_bosses_assure_North_Oxford_residents_they_are_standing_up_to_Network_Rail_as_the_firm_gets_set_to_breach_planning/
Logged
ellendune
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4452


View Profile
« Reply #603 on: December 09, 2016, 17:20:54 »

From the
Quote
"The disastrous electrification project of the Great Western lines shows how difficult and costly it is to operate on live train tracks – this mitigation must therefore be delivered before the service starts."

They would have to be very quick doesn't the service start next week?

Logged
didcotdean
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 1424


View Profile
« Reply #604 on: December 09, 2016, 17:30:50 »

Hence the desire of some to stop the opening.

It seems to be a case of mistaking a promise to look into it for a promise to do it. Somewhat the same as the electrification hardware through the AONB (Areas Of Natural Beauty) between Reading and Didcot.
Logged
paul7575
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 5316


View Profile
« Reply #605 on: December 09, 2016, 17:36:30 »

There apears to be a height difference between platforms 2&3, with a ramp construction at the north end with a step currently closer to the overbridge. Wasn't expecting that...
Pretty much like Banbury's new P4, I think.   I expect the newly rebuilt P2 here is to current height spec, and the step is required because the existing platform 3 is not to spec.   A simple flat (but not level) infill between the two platform edges would mean anything wheeled would be in danger of running over the whole platform width and falling onto the P3 tracks.

Will there be a fence along separating the 2 platforms as well?

Paul
Logged
TonyK
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 6435


The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!


View Profile
« Reply #606 on: December 09, 2016, 18:36:43 »

Before demanding "silent" rail, the residents should consider that all track is silent until a vehicle runs over it. Presumably we are talking CWR (Continuously Welded Rail) here? It is quieter, at least it seems to be, but I reckon NR» (Network Rail - home page) is probably right to say the money was better spent on trackside noise barriers. Mind you, I think it was a daft thing to have in a planning application, given that it is probably unenforceable.
Logged

Now, please!
ellendune
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4452


View Profile
« Reply #607 on: December 09, 2016, 18:46:55 »

Presumably we are talking CWR (Continuously Welded Rail) here?

I thought CWR would be a given for any track for reasonably high speed traffic.  It also has a reduced maintenance cost.  So I was assuming it was something else.
Logged
stuving
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 7154


View Profile
« Reply #608 on: December 09, 2016, 19:15:02 »

Presumably we are talking CWR (Continuously Welded Rail) here?

I thought CWR would be a given for any track for reasonably high speed traffic.  It also has a reduced maintenance cost.  So I was assuming it was something else.

See this from British Steel (aka Tata):
Quote
SilentTrack

Our innovative SilentTrack® noise reduction rail system significantly reduces noise generated by railway traffic.

By using advanced acoustic modelling techniques, SilentTrack can be optimised to deliver maximum effectiveness on any track configuration, using a variety of installation methods.

Rail noise reduction system

SilentTrack® by British Steel is a ‘silent rail’ system that reduces noise generated by rails as train wheels pass over them. Independent measurements have shown that our patented SilentTrack system will give overall reductions in train pass-by noise of between 3dB(A) and 6dB(A). The system tackles noise at source and can be fitted to established infrastructures with minimal change to railway practice.

SilentTrack has been extensively installed onto tracks both in Europe and worldwide. More than 175km of track now benefit from the system. SilentTrack is recognised by many railway networks as an important method of complying with noise legislation and environmental planning regulations.

Benefits

Our SilentTrack system has significant technical benefits over other solutions employed to reduce railway noise. These benefits include:

    The ability to be 'tuned' to absorb vibrations specific to a particular track form
    A multi-frequency response over the important acoustic range for rail noise
    Noise reductions of 3-6dB(A), depending on track form and rolling stock
    No maintenance requirement and no effect on other elements of the rail infrastructure
    The same life as the rail itself
    No interference with other track maintenance activities e.g. tamping
    Visually unobtrusive – eliminating or reducing the need for acoustic barriers

How it works

SilentTrack® employs patented 'tuned dampers' which have been developed in conjunction with Southampton University's Institute of Sound and Vibration Research. The dampers are attached to either side of the rail - absorbing vibrations efficiently and preventing noise from being generated by the rail. Tuned dampers can be fitted to a variety of standard rail sections.

SilentTrack is a significantly more attractive option than noise containment measures such as barriers that are visually intrusive and very expensive.

Installation options

Our SilentTrack tuned rail dampers can be installed using a choice of methods:

    'On track' onto rail that is already in service
    In-factory conditions onto rail for use in renewal or new-build programmes

We have worked in partnership with selected installation contractors to develop techniques for installation onto existing track that:

    Minimise possession times
    Ensure the integrity of the installed product

The clipping system developed for SilentTrack ensures a speedy installation process (it can be fitted onto up to 400m of track per hour) and a high integrity of fixation.
Logged
TonyK
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 6435


The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!


View Profile
« Reply #609 on: December 10, 2016, 19:24:39 »

Once again, I find that my education is now complete!

The good news for the light sleepers of Oxford is that the quote says the dampers can be fitted to existing track at 400m per hour, which suggests retrofitting would be quite straightforward. If the verdict goes against NR» (Network Rail - home page), they could do a stretch over the period of a couple of overnight possessions (using pneumatic drills, heavy piling equipment, and the occasional stick of dynamite) to prove or disprove the benefit.
Logged

Now, please!
BBM
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 633


View Profile
« Reply #610 on: December 11, 2016, 14:33:55 »

I made a quick return trip this morning from Reading to Oxford Parkway. Loadings on the new service seemed quite healthy especially on trains arriving at Oxford, the 4-car Class 168 I returned on from OXP was about 60% full. Here's a photo on arrival in Platform 1:
Logged
paul7575
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 5316


View Profile
« Reply #611 on: December 11, 2016, 16:59:35 »

Once again, I find that my education is now complete!

The good news for the light sleepers of Oxford is that the quote says the dampers can be fitted to existing track at 400m per hour, which suggests retrofitting would be quite straightforward. If the verdict goes against NR» (Network Rail - home page), they could do a stretch over the period of a couple of overnight possessions (using pneumatic drills, heavy piling equipment, and the occasional stick of dynamite) to prove or disprove the benefit.

If they fit the things to the track, and they work well, I suggest NR then take down all the sound reducing fencing to use somewhere else on the railway, as it will obviously be redundant...  Grin

Paul
Logged
IndustryInsider
Data Manager
Hero Member
******
Posts: 10095


View Profile
« Reply #612 on: December 11, 2016, 17:14:06 »

Glad you enjoyed the trip, BBM.  Everything seemed to work reasonably well.  A couple of 15 minute delays mid-morning, not helped by the fact that trains from London are generally due in just a couple of minutes before train back are due to depart.  So that's a less-than-ideal 25+ minute turnaround at Oxford for each train and the short single track section affecting departures if an arrival is a few minutes late.  Not easy to path everything well though due to the constraints of the line from Bicester into Marylebone.  Roll on the completion of Phase 1, so this won't be a problem!

I took advantage of the good weather to head out to take some photos and videos of trains over the new route.  Hoping to take my first trip on a train next weekend if time permits.

Here are the pick of the pictures:

An Oxford bound train seen shortly after departing Oxford Parkway:





An Oxford bound train just about to head through Wolvercote Tunnel, with the left-hand track out of use (until Phase 1 is complete) from the crossover you can see to back behind the camera as far as Oxford North Junction - a distance of about 1.5 miles:




An Oxford bound train, formed with just the two coaches, emerges from Wolvercote Tunnel:





Heading off of the Down Bletchley line and onto the Up Oxford Relief Line at Oxford North Junction:




Here's the partially remodelled Oxford North Junction.  The Phase 1 work will involve joining up the two sections of track on the right side of the image to form the Up Bletchley line - for that to happen the signalling equipment located in that brick building needs to be removed!:




Here's a train waiting to enter the platform at Oxford at the new OX135 signal (which used to be a ground position signal located nearer the station).  This is the Bi-Di Oxford Up Relief line.  The train's destination board says 'Oxford - Merry Christmas' on it!  When the Phase 1 works are complete there will be an additional line diverging just after the signal meaning trains will be able to enter Platforms 1 or 2 without blocking trains entering or exiting Platform 3:




Finally here's the rather spartan and narrow new Platform 1 at Oxford (as viewed yesterday).  At least it opened in time though, which I was seriously doubting a few weeks ago, and work will continue to provide a canopy, more information boards and (hopefully) some seats, over the coming months:

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/
paul7575
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 5316


View Profile
« Reply #613 on: December 11, 2016, 17:34:54 »

Oxford Parkway to Oxford - 6+ mins of youtube coverage:   https://youtu.be/KMLIu7ApgZg

Paul
Logged
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40690



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #614 on: December 11, 2016, 17:52:48 »

I took advantage of the good weather to head out to take some photos and videos of trains over the new route. 

They are very interesting - thank you for posting them
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
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 ... 39 40 [41] 42 43
  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