Here's a picture of the newly liveried 319 365 to draw customer attension to the Thameslink Programme website. Hopefully it will get their attension and not make them switch off!
Currently the unit is tending to be one of the Wimbledon/Sutton loop to St Albans or Luton services.
For a look at FCC/DfT Thameslink Programme site go to www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk
Its come to light that there is problems with the delivery of the 337/5's. Basically the economical downturn has affected Bombardier suppliers meaning that they can't supply all 23 units by March. Bombardier has announced today that it "aimed to supply" 15 units ready for the March 2009 deadline for the Moorgate TL branch and Blackfriars bay platform closures. First Capital Connect is in talks with the DfT to work out how to keep to the Thameslink Programme (TLP) timetable without this extra stock. This could impact the entire TLP futher delaying the start of major works. The original deadline for KO0 (Key Output Zero) was this month but had to be put back already. Hopefully FCC and DfT can work out some contingency plans to allow the TLP to start on time and finally deliver some much need relief for the long suffering passangers.
Its been confirmed that the Woolwich Arsenal extension of the DLR is to open on the 10th January. It also seems this will be followed up on the 12th by the offical opening. More details when I get them.
Just to note that this is another completed DLR extension thats finished ahead of time and on budget! Success for the DLR once again!
This image is the latest from TfL and announcing the arrival of the new trains. These are due to be introduced during early 2009 with the whole network using the new 378s by the end of summer. This will be the latest sign yet to commuters yet that TfL is pouring money into improving services. also along with the new train ads the date of the 2nd January 2009 for the new Overground platforms to come into use at Stratford. These are to the north of the current station along the lines to Tottenham Hale. The current platforms will be boarded off for work to convert them into DLR platforms for re-opening in July 2010 as the new Stratford International extension.
The first visible part of the Thameslink programme has begun with the start of demolishing of 179 Queen Street (it was an LU office building). This will allow for the new glass fronted station to be constructed. This also means that from March 2nd 2009 the Underground station closes to allow for rebuilding. When the station opens late 2011 both the platforms on the District/Circle lines will be refurished. The 3 terimating platforms currently on the east side of the station will also close on the 22nd March with currently terimating trains will continue through the Thameslink core to Kentish Town. The Thameslink station will be closed for 4 weeks next summer but the rest of the time will remain open.
For an image of the station when its finished click here
Here is the new viaduct that will take trains from Custom House direction over the Stratford International extension tracks as its really starting to take shape. The whole thing should be finished with a year for track laying and signalling to go in.
"Crossrail will be transformational for transport in London creating the first comprehensive east-west connections that we have had in a generation in terms of new links."
I think the last line is forgetting the Central Line tho. Overall this is good news as it means that more funding is coming to the Crossrail pot as the project moves forward. What is critical right now is actual funding as from 2010 the first construction works are expected to start with enabling works (ie moving pipes in streets) already begun this mega project is moving forward slowly. The good news is that the building of Crossrail 1 is expected to create 30,000 jobs during the construction period, something we ae in dire need of doing.
On sunday 2nd Feburary 2008 the DLR begain testing of two 3 car trains running between King George V and Woolwich Arsenal to test headway and jounery times. The test was done with 2 three car P stock (old trains) and ran for most of the day. This video is of a train departing King George V and heading into the tunnel for Woolwich Arsenal. To watch the video click on the image.
On sunday 2nd Feburary 2008 the DLR begain testing of two 3 car trains running between King George V and Woolwich Arsenal to test headway and jounery times. The test was done with 2 three car P stock (old trains) and ran for most of the day. This video is of a train arriving from Woolwich Arsenal before it goes to the crossover beyond the station and reverses. To watch the video click on the image.
The TfL have released a map (in the current edition of Modern Railways Nov 08) of a possible DLR extension from Bank to Victoria possibly calling at City Thameslink, Charing Cross and Victoria. This is a change from last year DLR thinking as they had ideas of Kings Cross/Euston as the natural extension from Bank (well it does face that direction). The purple line in this picture is Crossrail.
Wlle this is different tho Im not sure they realise the loco, 59TS and bus are all withdrawn?
Nice to see the 59/62TS in a brand new development!
With only a few months to go the DLR/TfL held a press event at Woolwich Arsenal today. This consisted of a tour of the station and then a walk into the tunnels. Ive managed to upload the images Ive taken from my visit at the following address.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/sets/72157608455386357/
The new £180m 2.km from King George V to Woolwich Arsenal station is the DLR's second Thames crossing. It will be the first DLR station with a control room as well as a gateline. When it opens on the 2nd of February 2009 it will be the DLR 40th station and the end to the 5th extension.
Oh and currently hand over to operation is running early with full testing expected to start in December.
"Dear Mackenzie,
Thank you for your email regarding the opening times of the East London Line extension.
I can confirm the line from Shoreditch High Street to Dalston Junction is due to open in June 2010. The line from Dalston Junction to Highbury & Islington is scheduled to be open from February 2011.
I have attached an image of a map which confirms what I have just advised.
I hope this information proves useful. If you should have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Kind Regards
External Communications Executive"
Well this is good news then and just means someone in the maps department screwed up royally or they are hiding it (doubt full).
Thank you for your enquiry dated 27th July 2008 to the Crossrail Helpdesk.
In regards to your enquiry concerning West Ham please find a response below.
Purpose of the West Ham Reversing Sidings
The Crossrail ticket hall is to be built above the District Line and Hammersmith & City Line (H/C) platforms. The construction of an interchange to serve Crossrail, the District and H/C lines as well as the East London line will require the District and H/C track layout to be simplified to just two through tracks. This is to create sufficient space to widen platforms to accommodate new entrance and interchange stairs and escalators. Before this can be achieved, alternative train reversing facilities for the District and H/C line need to be constructed, London Underground have identified that this can be achieved within existing railway land on the District and H/C lines between West ham and Plaistow Stations, this will allow trains to reverse in both directions.
This really means that Whitechapel station in a few years isn't going to look anything like what we are used to now. The fact is Whitechapel will end up a closed in station on four levels (booking hall, District/Hammersmith & City Line, East London Railway (Overground) and finally Crossrail). I'm also guessing the tracks will change on the eastern side to enable easier access to the southbound Overground platforms with longer platformed access over the tracks. One thing tho is that using a siding to reverse will create a longer turn around with LU's tipping out procudres. This means the train has to be checked as empty at West Ham before it can go into the siding, driver change ends and come back into the west bound platform. Currently at Whitechapel the train pulls into the platform and the driver changes ends. Simple, especially if there is service problems. Well my view anyway.
Here it is the latest DLR car. The new B.2007 stock is due to be in service to all be in service by 2009. Hopefully soon will have them main line testing and I'll be able to bring some more photos to your attension. The new cars aren't compatable with the current stock so we won't see into running with the current stock but they will be forming three car trains once the trackwork is completed. The main focus of this is three car trains between Lewisham and Bank. They will also assist in the new Woolwich extension which opens next spring. This batch is of 55 cars with more due for the openning of the Stratford International link, thats due to open some time in 2010. Meanwhile enjoy this pic.
With BAA looking forward to openning T5 next month, I thought it time to look at the £400m Airtrack scheme. The Airtrack scheme is a heavy rail link from Heathrow T5 on the western side. The idea would be to link T5 to Staines then onwards to Waterloo in the east or Reading & Guildford in the west. They have already built two platforms at T5 for the exclusive use by Airtrack. £5m of funding has been raised for the Transport & Works Act. Most of the scheme uses existing railways up to Staines, where remodelling of the station will be needed for the service. Once north of Staines the Airtrack will branch off to run along with the M25. It then goes underground and turns east to meet the T5 station. Currently the aim is that services will start in 2013. BAA have a good history as T5 came in under budget and was finished before the deadline, so maybe we'll get to see this service soon (unlike Crossrail and Hackney & Chelsea lines which have taken decades). There is also long term plans for Airtrack from TfL as they are looking at extending Crossrail Line 1 from Heathrow along Airtrack. What is curious is that Reading is one of the terminal points for Airtrack and it still possible for Crossrail. It could provide Crossrail with a secondly route from Reading into Central London via Heathrow providing a useful link as well as free space up for Waterloo. Note as well that Tfl and BAA are in talks as Heathrow Connect service is likely to be eaten up by Crossrail, keeping Heathrow Express as a seprate product with premium fares to match this. Clapham Junction is also a possible link for Hackney & Chelsea line (aka Crossrail 2) so it could be routed to servce Heathrow from Clapham then onwards to North East London. With a link to the Lea Valley lines Crossrail 2 could run from Heathrow to Stansted via Central London, filling the role of national links instead of using planes for local travel. I won't mention Crossrail 3 (rumoured to be Waterloo to Euston). Fanasty maybe, with with the development of Crossrail, Thameslink and now Airtrack, you never quite know where we are going but this is one way to provide additional travel opitions on new lines. Bit like what the Underground did in the early 20th century. The 21st is to take regional lines to nice big tunnels with the ability to cope with future growth.
Posts
All Comments
