Project Wareham

Uh-Oh could they hire the 4tc that is mainline certified and used that?

 

Would need a main line push pull loco or 2 main line locos top n tailed

 

What about hiring in the Hasting unit. No issues there with main line running.

 

A 73 and the 4TC?

 

Doesn't offer a contingency if the 73 fails for any reason. At least with the multi-engined DMU combo, engine failures, or complete power car failures can easily be overcome as per the earlier post. The SR can't afford to have a train sit down on the main line.

 

Sounds like stabling a main line ticketed 33 at Wareham yard, would be a sensible precaution.

 

Would it be easier just to hire a certified 37?

 

Who is going to pay for the hire of?:-
LU's TC
A mainline 73
A mainline 33
A mainline 37
The Hastings Unit

Who is going to pay for?:-
TPWS, OTMR & GSMR for the TC

 

Unwritten rule no.5: 'Those that suggest it do it.' For 'do it' substitute 'pay.'

 

Swanage have a mainline certified class 33 just waiting for the wheelsets to come back from being repaired the second time.

JP

 

Confirmation that it's now Q1 2017

"Detailed technical examination has concluded that new non-standard axles and wheel bearings – known as wheel-sets – need to be manufactured by specialist contractors in the United States, South Africa and England. We estimate the completed trains will be tested and delivered to the Swanage Railway during the Autumn of 2016."

http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/new...-heritage-diesel-trains-for-main-line-running

Still good news on the infrastructure upgrade

David R

Edit - to correct link - thanks Adam for pointing that out

 

Oh no I was looking forward to going on that!! What are the speed limits along the line from Norden to Wareham? I assume the SR bit is 25 could they use the extra time to increase the speed ( I know I'm probably being unrealistic)

 

You are correct that Worgret to Norden is 25. The new pointwork at Worgret is designed for 30 and the Furzebrook pointwork for 35 with track alignments Worgret to Furzebrook being designed for 50. However, increasing the linespeed from Worgret to Norden from 25 to 50 only reduces the Wareham to Swanage time from 36 to 32 minutes so I would not imagine this would be a priority although it remains a long term aspiration subject to it not affecting opperation as a heritage railway of the Norden to Swanage section.

Much more likely (if any money is available) will be a focus on futher trackwork upgrades or if Furzebrook sidings become available (discussions continue) on creating a suitable servicing area. Priorities before the trial service can increase in days are suitable servicing space, more suitable rolling stock and further infrastructure upgrades to increase the resiliance of the Norden to Swanage section. Don't forget that in August alone each year, the Railway carries 50,000+ passengers on this section and this is crucial to it's financial stability.

David R

 

Worgret to Norden is planned to be 25; it is currently 20, with a lengthy TSR at a lower speed than that due to the ongoing infrastructure works.

The 30mph length at Worgret (the pointwork and the short stretch around the curve) is on NR infrastructure, and so could only be traversed by rolling stock and crews certified to operate over such infrastructure anyway.

 

Nick

Thanks for clarifying that - you guys are doing a superb job, I'm looking forward to travelling from Swanage to Wareham by train - even though I have to wait until 2017

David R

 

Same here. I don't normally get the slightest bit excited about travelling in any sort of multiple unit, but a run from Swanage to Wareham will definitely be an exception and well worth the wait.

 

We mustn't overlook what has actually been a fantastic achievement which reflects great credit to all involved.

In 15 months a massive amount of work has been completed including replacing 1200 sleepers, completely relaying half a mile of track, bridges repaired, three miles (so six miles including both sides) of undergrowth and drainage cleared and fences repaired. Furzebrook loop dug out, drainage fixed, track relaid and new pointwork installed. Not forgetting the new level crossing at Norden and associated signalling or the new road rail interchange requiring 2,235 cubic metres of earth to be excavated and moved to assist in the upgrade of embankment 4. All this has all been done whilst maintaining the existing line between Norden and Swanage.

And that's before all the paperwork for Level Crossing Orders, Planning permission and upgraded safety systems etc!

A massive well done to all involved.

David R

 

Interesting (if slightly sentimental) article from the FT from a couple of years ago

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a3d54ee8-819e-11e2-904c-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3wUIQ9aAu

David R

 

Has the loop been put back is does it no longer exist?

 

The London end pointwork has not yet been reinstated, but there is a plan to do so in due course. Operationally, a loop at Furzebrook is of great value.