Oracle
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Post by Oracle on Jan 25, 2010 8:36:24 GMT
I am impressed with those enterprising and deep-pocketed people that devote their lives to having travelled into bay platforms, over cross-overs, or rare track. I thought it might be appropriate to list some Underground tracks that have been covered in the past or are are rarely-used that members have been over.
The Northern Line 1959 Stock Tour took the line to Park Junction (and doors were opened as well!), and covered both Kings Cross and Euston Loops and Kennington Loop.
The Auto-Tube Rambler went into the sand drag at Barons Court Siding, and went over the District / Central #-over the Picc / Vic #-over at Finsbury Park. and also Northumberland Park Depot. Also a couple of loops on the Central after Leytonstone that may not be there now.
I was also on a tour that went Ruislip Siding / Depot / Central. Both Watford and Uxbridge Sidings and Croxley Tip siding have been covered.
I suppose we should add Northfields Local EB, as being rarely-used, Hounslow Central, ...and more?
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Post by londonstuff on Jan 25, 2010 11:22:37 GMT
I've done the Kennington Loop and Charing Cross in the last couple of years on the 1938s, as well as the Rickmansworth triangle. I also got to Aldwych, which was quite cool too. Next on the list is to try and get a glimpse of the old Holborn platform. (although I know this isn't strictly rare track) I didn't realise there was a spare platform at Liverpool Street until Version 3.1 posted a photo on Flickr. |
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mrfs42
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Post by mrfs42 on Jan 25, 2010 11:54:28 GMT
That platform at Liverpool Street was arguably using the most advanced route-setting technology of any british railway for the loco exchanges. So much so it is used as the textbook example in the IRSE books.
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Oracle
In memoriam
RIP 2012
Writing is such sweet sorrow: like heck it is!
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Post by Oracle on Jan 25, 2010 12:35:28 GMT
I recall when that platform was in use, as I used to have to go to Farringdon circa 1973-4.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2010 12:44:55 GMT
That platform at Liverpool Street was arguably using the most advanced route-setting technology of any british railway for the loco exchanges. So much so it is used as the textbook example in the IRSE books. Same box, wrong IMR! The IRSE example is actually platfom 5 at Moorgate in the 1956 layout but the numbering has been changed to simplify the example. |
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mrfs42
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Post by mrfs42 on Jan 25, 2010 13:01:22 GMT
*slaps forehead* Of course it is - that's what comes of trying to do too many things all at the same time.
However, both parts of the installation had the facility for pre-selection of the remote route setting all done by one action.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2010 13:39:01 GMT
I recall that some Metropolitan trains used to terminate at Liverpool Street in that bay at the back of the westbound platform. The last time I saw it in use must have been in the mid-1980s when I just came down onto the westbound platform during the day, and to my surprse there was Sarah Siddons sat all on her own, unattended (but hopefully not unloved) in the bay. Some time afterwards it was not just taken out of use but all boarded off for some reason.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2010 13:56:05 GMT
Some of the mega-rare track I've managed to get includes the trailing crossover between the Up and Down Uxbridge lines north of Harrow, the Canary Wharf scissors crossover, the Highbury trailing crossover, the Gunnersbury trailing crossover (really proud of this one), the Moorgate trailing crossover on the Northern Line, and the center loop at North Acton (in both directions).
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2010 14:03:10 GMT
The bay platform at Liverpool Street was decommissioned with effect from 1 February 1981.
The last trains to use the bay were:
A Stock train 20 on 23/1/81 - 5042 (north) + 5130 (south) on he 18.30 to Amersham. Note the then versatility of the A Stock with two 'D' motors coupled together in the middle (5043+5131).
C Stock train 202 stabled there at 20.12 Saturday 24/1/81 and formed train 211 depart 07.42 Sunday 25/1/81, units 5542+5522+5530.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2010 14:25:05 GMT
One unexpected bonus from the TfL investment programme has been the increased use of crossovers for turning services in connection with engineering work. This has led to both passenger and non passenger use of seldom used connections apart from the odd rusty rail move and some that come to mind being:
Bakerloo: Lambeth North, Paddington, Willesden Junction
Central: Leytonstone, Liverpool Street
District: West Kensington, Wimbledon Park, Embankment, Whitechapel, Bromley by Bow, East Ham, Upney, Dagenham East
Hammersmith & City: Baker Street, Kings Cross, Moorgate, Liverpool Street
Jubilee: Waterloo, West Hampstead, Neasden
Metropolitan: Swiss Cottage, Northwood, Ruislip Siding
Northern: East Finchley, Euston, Stockwell
Piccadilly: South Harrow, Ealing Common, Barons Court Siding, Wood Green
Victoria: Highbury, Warren Street
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Post by ducatisti on Jan 25, 2010 14:57:41 GMT
East Finchley's quite common, I've managed to use all four platforms.
A lot of late night trains still run to East Finchley from High Barnet. I still maintain there is a thriving night-club scene in East Finchley, known only to denizens of High Barnet.
I've done
- Kennington Loop (railtour with the 38 stock)
- Euston Loop
- St Mary's Curve (railtour with the 38 stock)
- Charing Cross Jubilee post-closure (railtour with the 38 stock)
- East Finchley (starting and terminating)
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Oracle
In memoriam
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Post by Oracle on Jan 25, 2010 15:02:58 GMT
On tours I know that I have been into Upminster, New Cross, and Northfields Depots. I bitterly regret now that when Richomd was being re-signalled around 1981 I did not use the Gunnersbury reversing service that ran the whole weekend.
I never got to do Totteridge & Whetstone, North Ealing (removed early 1970s) and East Putney GFs, the long-gone Victoria crossover, Northfields WB>EB Fast crossover.... an endless list! Of course there is probably a fat chance of ever doing the Bakerloo-Jubilee at Baker Street now, though of course it was all part of the Bakerloo at one stage (happy memories of train shortages and long waits). Oh, and of course Piccadilly Circus (scissors crossover) in both directions, which will only presumably be possible again SB>NB in the future?
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Post by londonstuff on Jan 25, 2010 17:46:21 GMT
On tours I know that I have been into Upminster, New Cross, and Northfields Depots. I bitterly regret now that when Richomd was being re-signalled around 1981 I did not use the Gunnersbury reversing service that ran the whole weekend. I bet you get the chance to do Gunnersbury again when S Stock starts to be introduced on the District. Of course there is probably a fat chance of ever doing the Bakerloo-Jubilee at Baker Street now, though of course it was all part of the Bakerloo at one stage (happy memories of train shortages and long waits). Wasn't there a whiff of doing a heritage tour using the crossover at Baker Street last year? I'd heard some vague whispers, but it may just have been a rumour  |
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metman
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Post by metman on Jan 25, 2010 18:38:38 GMT
Wow, I knew about the bay road but didn't expect it to be in such good condition too! It would be great if it could reopen, even for occasional starters. It would take the heat off Aldgate. If there were 4 departures per evening peak it would be something.
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Post by andypurk on Jan 25, 2010 19:09:56 GMT
I think the most 'unusual' track I ever managed in a day was on 28th September 1997. A tour on the Victoria line ('The Darker Side of Railtouring') This did the following (in order): Seven Sisters - Road 63 and back and crossovers Highbury and Islington Crossover Warren Street Crossover King's Cross Siding Victoria Sidings Road 22 Victoria Trailing Crossover Brixton Road 22 Walthamstow Central Road 21 and several more bits at Northumberland Park depot, including five terminal tracks (19, 21, 27, 57, 60) Stock was units 3016 and 3086. I've also done several other rare bits  It's a shame that tours like the above are unlikely to happen again. |
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Ben
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Post by Ben on Jan 25, 2010 21:18:43 GMT
Its a pity that, because surely TfL are missing out on good publicity and a bit of income. Does it really cost more to organise a run of a special than the income of say £15 a head for people that ride it? Even with just regular stock unusual moves would still be an attractive proposition for enthusiasts.
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North End
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Post by North End on Jan 25, 2010 22:18:59 GMT
Its a pity that, because surely TfL are missing out on good publicity and a bit of income. Does it really cost more to organise a run of a special than the income of say £15 a head for people that ride it? Even with just regular stock unusual moves would still be an attractive proposition for enthusiasts. Running a special train is no major deal - it's really just a case of providing a train and a Train Operator. Extra trains can and do run for a variety of reasons - stock moves, stock balance moves, testing, training et cetera. It's all the paperwork of carrying passengers, especially if into sidings & depots, and most importantly the risk of causing delay to the service. |
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Oracle
In memoriam
RIP 2012
Writing is such sweet sorrow: like heck it is!
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Post by Oracle on Jan 25, 2010 22:32:52 GMT
I regret that I had no idea about the tour that included Lillie Bridge. When they were run by the Commercial Department at Broadway, it seemed that each tour sold out rapidly, and you really had to have been on a previous tour for your name to be down so that you were notified and could have advance knowledge.
Not strictly relevant here but I was honoured to be invited on board Sarah at South Ealing back in 1979 I think it was when she was on brake block testing on the EB Fast. I had a memorable trip to Acton Town.
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Ben
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Post by Ben on Jan 25, 2010 23:02:15 GMT
Was the last time the Vic-Pic connection used for a pax move the Auto Tube Rambler?
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Oracle
In memoriam
RIP 2012
Writing is such sweet sorrow: like heck it is!
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Post by Oracle on Jan 26, 2010 7:23:20 GMT
I wondered if it was as well.
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Post by railtechnician on Jan 26, 2010 10:01:47 GMT
You know as much fun as it can be bashing all those sections on a train it is even better on foot! I did many of them over the years.
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towerman
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Post by towerman on Jan 26, 2010 19:12:05 GMT
Re Liverpool St reversers,The peak Amersham/Chesham service reversed there & if I recall correctly the Watfords reversed at Moorgate and Uxbridges at Aldgate.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2010 20:22:17 GMT
You know as much fun as it can be bashing all those sections on a train it is even better on foot! I did many of them over the years. Toe Mileage? |
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Post by superteacher on Jan 26, 2010 20:38:13 GMT
Have done a fair few unusual moves (though only ones signalled for passengers). Has anyone been over the Queensway crossover (only possible in passenger service when heading west into the eastbound platform).
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Post by railtechnician on Jan 30, 2010 17:14:59 GMT
You know as much fun as it can be bashing all those sections on a train it is even better on foot! I did many of them over the years. Toe Mileage? Yep, I walked the entire Piccadilly line several times over, the East London, the Victoria from Euston to Walthamstow including Seven Sisters to Northumberland Park depot, the Bakerloo from Embankment to Elephant & Castle sidings and Lambeth North to London Road, the Jubilee from Stanmore to Charing Cross, the Northern from Camden Town to Golders Green, the Central line loop, Mile End to Leyton and various other parts, Rickmansworth to Watford, Finchley Road to Wembley Park, Kings Cross to Aldgate on the Met/H&C and parts of the District too on various installation projects over many years. I worked at almost every station on the system, bar the JLE, and explored the non-public areas including disused tunnels, disused substations, disused stations, emergency detrainment points etc too. I was also fortunate enough to work in many of the substations, many of the cabins, most of the control rooms and offices including several projects at 55, Broadway in a very rewarding career in signal and comms installation, maintenance and training. In almost three decades I saw a great deal but there was also plenty that I never had the chance to see! |
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Post by railtechnician on Jan 30, 2010 17:20:49 GMT
Have done a fair few unusual moves (though only ones signalled for passengers). Has anyone been over the Queensway crossover (only possible in passenger service when heading west into the eastbound platform). I walked the old one before it was ripped out and walked the crossover tunnel after the tunnel support works before the new crossover was laid, the former as part of the Central line resignalling of the late 1970s and the latter IIRC for cable diversion works to do with the Central Line Project in the early 1990s. |
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Post by andypurk on Jan 30, 2010 20:56:41 GMT
Have done a fair few unusual moves (though only ones signalled for passengers). Has anyone been over the Queensway crossover (only possible in passenger service when heading west into the eastbound platform). I have managed that one, I think on 1st December 1996 (my records show the same 1992 stock train in and out). This was the same day as the 'Silver Ribbon' railtour which took a 1983 stock train over the Jubilee line, much of the Met line, as well as around the Heathrow loop. |
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Post by railtechnician on Jan 30, 2010 23:13:16 GMT
Ah the Heathrow loop, a nice walk that can't be walked in a weeknight single shift, at least not when working. Part of my regular maintenance patch for several years it would normally be done in three 'bites'. These were enter at T4 and walk to Hatton Cross, enter at T4 and walk to T123 but only work to WY100, the last bite being to enter at T123 working west past WY9 to WY100 and then back from WY1 to WY2B. This was of course before T5 was built when WY9 was an approach signal to platform 1. During the walk we maintained the signalling locations, trainstops, tunnel lighting and tunnel telephones, it was a two man job and involved carrying heavy toolbag, trainstop gauge, trainstop oil, spare lamps bags and cleaning materials. certainly not for the fainthearted, the whole loop being about 5.3km and very tight for engineering hours. When staff were available sometimes two or all three 'bites' were done in the same shift which did allow a little more time for remote and local frame testing at T123 as some staff would reach the IMR more quickly than normal while others were still walking in from WY100. If nothing else it was good exercise !
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2010 0:52:48 GMT
Don't you have one of those small trolleys you can push on the track (like a wheelbarrow)?
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Post by railtechnician on Feb 1, 2010 0:46:24 GMT
Don't you have one of those small trolleys you can push on the track (like a wheelbarrow)? We had two basic types of trolley available, the single rail trolley and the four wheeled single or two part type. However, trolleys had to be taken to site by van, taken down escalators etc, required an additional licence to be held and incurred additional booking out procedure too, in other words more hassle all round and loss of time in 'on tracking' and 'off tracking' the trolley. To change a trainstop in the loop we would probably have used a trolley, having a trolley does not always make the job easier as pushing a trolley slows one down. Of course if the P-Way were about with a trolley and going our way we might cadge a lift for our burden part of the way but it was an extremely rare event and I always liked to have my tools on my shoulder even though I carried everything I might possibly need in my toobag and some would struggle just to lift it off the ground. Those who have never had to do it have probably never considered the practicalities of many of the routine jobs undertaken night after night across the system. What appears at face value to be simple often hides the great complexity behind it that makes it appear so! |
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It's a shame that tours like the above are unlikely to happen again.
