The Anonymous Widower

Carlisle To Glasgow By The Scenic Route

One of the reasons for my trip to Carlisle station, that I wrote about in Carlisle Station Gets A Makeover, was to explore the Glasgow South Western Line, which was the only line in the Borderlands, that I hadn’t explored.

These pictures tell the story.

My first reaction to the line is that, the well-maintained stations need more services.

I’ll put my thoughts in the following section.

More Services

Abellio Scotrail have ordered new electric Class 385 trains from Hitachi, which comprise eighty train sets, that total 192 carriages.

These can’t run on the Glasgow South Western Line, but will replace several modern diesel multiple units for service all over Scotland.

I suspect that if the Borders Railway gets four car trains, then there would be some lengthening and increase of frequency on this route.

Incidentally, the conductor on the train I took, said that more services will certainly come.

An Improved Diversion Route

What is more likely to drive improvements is the need for a diversion or alternative route for the West Coast Main Line between Glasgow and Carlisle.

Reasons could include.

• The West Coast Main Line is very busy.
• Diversions because of blockades or bad weather.
• There is a need for more Anglo-Scottish freight services.
• Freight services will be increasingly hauled by electric or bi-mode locomotives.

Unlike many diversion routes, the Glasgow South Western Line is an 80 mph line with sections of double-track and 100 mph maximum speed

Electrification

Electrification of the diversion route, would probably be essential, as most traffic on the West Coast Main Line uses electric traction.

The conductor I spoke to, was surprised that British Rail hadn’t electrified the line in the 1970s, at the same time of the major West Coast Electrification.

As schemes go, it wouldn’t be the most expensive of schemes., as the line appeared to go through fairly easy countryside, with not many bridges and tunnels.

But the biggest advantage is that at both ends of the line, there are electrified lines, that can be used to provide power for the line at both ends.

Look at this Google Map of Gretna Green station‘s position with relation to the West Coast Main Line..

At the Northern end of the line, there is masses of electrification in and around Glasgow.

Electrification of the route must have other advantages.

• Services could be provided by Class 385 trains.
• Kilmarnock gets an electric train service.

But surely,  the biggest, is that modern electric trains would speed up the service considerably.

 

 

 

 

 

June 21, 2016 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Carlisle, Glasgow, Trains