TheGreatBritishRailScene

SouthEastern have updated the software for CIS screens at their stations.  More information here.  Meanwhile, South Western Railway will introduce the ATOS system for their announcements as of October 28th.  Default announcements, using Roger (also heard on Great Western Railway) and Anne (used around most of the UK).  In other news: GWR Night Riviera Lounge Cars fully refurbished . 3 ScotRail 314s off-lease, as the new fleet is introduced.  Class 320 on test with LNWR.  HST for ScotRail. 

Welcome to this long-awaited summary of rail news, covering February and March 2018.  The main news from March was of course owing to the Beast From The East. Let's not mention the weather, though. I'll just direct you to some fantastic shots... WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND. AND snow ploughs.... CLICK RIGHT HERE.   Oh, here is another photo you may like, it features 37s in East Anglia.  If you're a fan of 66s instead though, this'll tickle your fancy... DAB THIS BUTTON. Leading  on from our special post about CIS displays at stations , it has recently been announced that Greater Anglia will also upgrade information screens at stations. NOTE - THESE ARE NOT PROVIDED BY INFOTECH. Simone Bailey, Greater Anglia’s Asset Management Director, said: “We have been focusing our efforts on improving information provision for our customers – especially during disruption - and these new screens demonstrate our commitment to providing up-to-date information, in ...

In Summary: ScotRail have begun tests of the  Class 385  stock on the Edinburgh to  Glasgow corridor.   Next, the first 14 Class 345s ( which replace 315s ) for TFL Rail have been built and passed trials. Of these, 3 are in service and 2 are used for Driver  Training (007-011).  Meanwhile, Govia Thameslink has reached a major milestone in its transformation of the railway by replacing the last of the 29-year-old Class 319 train fleet with modern Class 700 trains. GTR added: "On Sunday 27 August, units 319217 and 319435 were coupled together as an eight carriage service to make the final southbound journey. The train left Bedford on time at 15.06 with a salute from the drivers and a blast on the horn as the train left the station with a small commemorative headboard fitted to the front. Greeted by a crowd of enthusiasts at Brighton, the same train then left the seaside resort full and standing at 18.14 as passengers, enthusiasts...

Saturday 22nd July saw the return of the DRS Charity Open Day, which took place between 10am and 4pm at Kingmoor Depot in Carlisle.  The 2016 event saw 4,000 guests, and it's fair to say that this year's was just as popular - also prominent due to the fact that, once again all proceeds are distributed to charities and local causes. Not only did the occasion see the presence of the class 37s and 68s, there was also the unveiling of the class 88. This is the first public event the class 88 type has attended.  Rather than just summarising the event, some links to photos from the event follow next..... - 68026 , in plain blue livery as it'll be transferring to TPE. - Avro Vulcan, XH558, class 37424 . - Class 68s, in Chiltern, Scotrail and standard DRS colours stand side-by-side. Well done to DRS for organising this, it looks like it was another great event. Hope everyone who attended had a good time, and fingers crossed you managed to avoid the sudden showers? ...

This Is The 2017 Summary, To State The Voices Used In Announcements At Stations And On Trains Around The UK: 

Harry Back From Vacation! No Week Review Today Though, As Peter Skuce Has Sent In Some Great Images Of His.  First, Chiltern Rail. This is the interior of a Class 168 clubman, used on their services in Western England. Chiltern operate many types of this unit... 5 from 1999 (168001-005), 8 from the year 2000 (168107-113), 6 from 2004 (214/218/219 are 3-car, and 215-217 are 4-car) and also 2-car 168/3s numbered 168321-329.

SEE YESTERDAY'S POST FOR PART 1 OF THE WCML MODERNISATION, TAKING YOU UP TO THE EIGHTEES! In 1982 Milton Keynes Central station opened and was to become a major interchange station between suburban and intercity express services. Also in 1984, Watford Junction was completely rebuilt with the demolition of the Victorian buildings and replaced by modern buildings. KingsLangley station was rebuilt during the mid 1980s due to theruction of the M25 motorway During the mid 1980s British Rail constructed fifteen Class 90 AC Electric Locomotives to replace ageing and unreliable Classes 81 and 85 AC Electric Locomotives. The Class 90 was supposed to be a development of the Class 87, however the Class 90 were not as reliable as the Class 87 as the electrical components were poorly placed within the body shell of the Class 90 from an engineer’s point of view.

WEST COAST MAINLINE MODERNISATION: During the early 1960s, British Railways commenced a major electrification and modernisation of the West Coast Main Line between London Euston - Crewe and Liverpool/Manchester. Electrification was completed by 1965, with regular service from Easter 1966. The route was the first in the country to be energised at the now standard 25,000 Volts alternating current and featured the chunky heavy duty, sturdy steel gantries holding both the catenary wire and contact wire itself (it is this latter wire that the train’s pantograph receives electricity from). At the same time the signalling was modernised from semaphore to colour light signals. The through trains to Glasgow Central, such as 'The Royal Scot', were hauled by Class 40 Diesel Electric locomotives.

Kirkstall Forge station, on the Northern Rail network in Leeds, opened on Sunday 19th June - providing one train per hour in each direction. The orignal station was not too far from the current site, but this one is host to numerous aspects: 129 spaces in the carpark; Fully accessible platforms; A footbridge and ramps; Secure cycle parking; and Waiting shelters.

Edd Hughes.   Southern: As announced in 2015, ScotRail lost 9 of their 170/4 units as they prep for new additions  - though  5 of these have returned to ScotRail following  sub-lease.  The units which are staying were cascaded to Southern due to plans to use the stock on the Uckfield branch - converted into 171s so they're compatible with the existing units of their fleet. Anyone wishing to identify these ex-170/4 units, just look at the headlight arrangement compared to sister 171 units.

In Anglia, Demonstrator 321448 passing through Ipswich on a test run after having new traction motors fitted. 25/5/16. This is at Ipswich, on the way to Norwich to be able to return to Colchester on another test later that day.

Northern Rail Demonstrator 144012. It's been a while  since we last reported this unit, but this project shows how the dated Pacer units can be transformed into something which is simply spectacular.... Even though at a fairly significant price tag! This post will express the highlights and features of this unit which makes a 1984 (Hunslet Barclay) built unit look like it's from the 2020 era!

For the second of three posts today, I'll (Jonathan Maxim) be showcasing photos from my recent visit to Doncaster.  Firstly, a Class 321 (Ex-London Midland) which is awaiting conversion and overhaul before transfer to Abellio Scot Rail in February.  These units will then be able to comply and operate with the current fleet. For further updates, see some of our older posts in the archive.