From Liverpool To Huddersfield
These pictures document a trip I took between Liverpool and Huddersfield.
Some thoughts on the trip.
The Class 319 Interior
The first batch of Northern’s Class 319 trains are very much pack-it-in specials for running commuter services around the Blackpool, Liverpool, Manchester Airport triangle.
They are good for a thirty-year-old train, but they could be better.
In Porterbrook’s Class 319 Flex brochure, they show a proposed interior based on a Class 319/4 with the following.
- A mix of 2×2 and 2×3 seating.
- 12 First Class seats
- 255 Standard Class seats
- A full-accessible toilet.
- Two luggage racks per car.
It would certainly be a much better passenger experience.
Works At Edge Hill
Buckingham Group obviously have a big project on to the East of Edge Hill station.
This Google Map shows the lines through and to the East of Edge Hill.
Note how to the South of the Retail Park and/or warehouses, work seems to be going on. Are extra tracks being created?
There is also a white scar at Wavertree Technology Park station, so if this was two fast lines, then fast services between Liverpool and Manchester and Wigan could storm in and out.
The Atherton Line
The Atherton Line is part of the Manchester-Southport Line and runs between Wigan Wallgate and Salford Crescent stations.
Wikipedia says this about Improvements to the Atherton Line.
There is ongoing feasibility into the conversion of parts of this line (Wigan–Atherton–Manchester) to operate as a Manchester Metrolink service with a higher frequency metro service for the Greater Manchester Boroughs of Wigan and Salford into the city centre. In November 2013, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved a recommended strategy for reconfiguring existing commuter services into tram-train operation, identifying the Atherton line as providing an opportunity for extending potential tram-train services from the south-east (Marple, Glossop) across the city centre and outwards to the north west.[2] Southport and Kirkby services on this line would be diverted to operate via Bolton. Additionally, Network Rail has identified electrification of Wigan to Southport, together with the Ormskirk–Preston line and the Burscough Curves as a possible source of new services.
I also think that the route from Salford Crescent to Southport via Atherton and Wigan could be ideal for electrifying in stages using Class 319 Flex trains to bridge any gaps.
The tools seem to be there, now is the time to think about how the work will be done.
Salford Crescent
Salford Crescent station could look very different in the future, as modern station design might be seen to favour two island platforms, one face of each dealing with Manchester Victoria station and the other Manchester Piccadilly station.
- Passengers going in to Manchester, needing trains to the other terminus, would just wait on the platform and catch the next train.
- Passengers coming from Manchester, who needed a different distination would change at Salford Crescent to their desired train.
- Comprehensive information would be provided.
The platforms would be built with lots of space, waiting rooms and coffee kiosks and would be well-staffed.
Manchester Victoria Station
Manchester Victoria station is starting look dirty again.
It must be all those elderly diesel trains.
Huddersfield Line
The Huddersfield Line took me to Stalybridge station and then later on to Huddersfield station.
There was no sign of any electrification work.
Stalybridge Station
As a coeliac, I found Stalybridge station one of the most gluten-free-unfriendly stations I have ever found.
In future, if I’m going that way, I’ll make sure that I stock up in Manchester or Leeds first.
TransPennine Express
The train was crowded and getting on at Stalybridge for the short trip to Huddersfield was delayed, as the conductor couldn’t get near to the doors to open them. Whereas the driver could have had a clear view.
It’s about time the NUR stopped this Driver Only Operation farce, which nearly all passengers think is sillier than the Teletubbies.
I hope the idiot, who landed TransPennine routes with the inadequate number of Class 185 trains, now has a job where he can do no harm, like in charge of the railways on the Scilly Isles.
Huddersfield
I don’t know Huddersfield and the only thing I’ve ever bought in the town is a ticket to the football.
You arrive in the Grade I Listed Huddersfield station and walk out into the magnificent St. George’s Square, which should be a welcoming gateway to the town.
Compare it to Kings Cross Square, where there is generally something going on and on a Friday is bustling with food stalls.
I walked to the shops and did find Marks and Spencer in a prominent place, but why wasn’t the route for pedestrians only, as it was crammed with traffic and parked cars.
Huddersfield needs to think how they organise their town centre, as except for the square ut’s about as weloming to visitors as Turkey is to the Dutch.
This Google Map shows the area.
I feel that Huddersfield needs what most European towns of this size would have and that is a tram, that goes through the centre.
You would walk out of the station and in the square would be a tram stop. Trams would go South along a pedestrianised John William Street and New Street. Obviously the route would be designed to go through the town to the main hospital, the University and if possible the the Council Offices, the Courts and the football/rugby stadium.
Incidentally, if you search for Huddersfield Hospital, you don’t find the NHS hospital, but a private one. All major hospitals should have a name like Ipswich, Reading or Crawley Hospital. It should also be galleria for sports venues to constantly change their names.
Huddersfield might wonder, why it doesn’t get the visitors, it thinks it should. It’s because it isn’t visitor friendly.
If I was a businessman wanting to set up a depot, warehouse or whatever in a large town in the North of England, Huddersfield would put me off because of its non-existent and chaotic transport system, built around everybody having a car with a sat-nav.
Lunch In Buxton
These pictures show my time in Buxton.
The lunch in the Hydro Cafe was excellent.
Onward From Buxton
There are lines that branch off to the left as you reach Buxton. This the closed Ashbourne Line, which still carries stone and other quarried products from Hindley.
I wouldn’t be surprised that some of this route and others in the area, were reopened to passenger traffic.
Carluccio’s Goes Posh
Not my words, but that of the waiter.
It was a good quick breakfast.
The tea-pot certainly solves the dreaded tea-bag problem.
The Gare du Nord Now Has A Good Testaurant
Apparently, it’s called the L’Etoile Du Nord.
Las Palmas Wakes Up
I rose early and took these pictures along the the promenade by Las Canteras Beach.
I always get up early and it was good to walk along the promenade.
Note the three restaurants where I had a good gluten–free meal.
- Kitchen Lovers
- Balalaika
- Restaurante Molinet
I also had a good tuna salad at Max Bread, so if you’re coeliac or gluten-free, you shouldn’t starve, unless you’re exceedimgly fussy.
Other points to note.
- The Hotel Reina Isabel looked to be a good place to stay because of its location.
- The beach was very clean.
- The promenade was a good place to walk, with no pavement problems.
- There were plenty of places serving good coffee and ices.
I would certainly return, but try the Hotel Reina Isabel next time.
Gluten-Free Eating In Las Palmas
Spain is not a difficult place to be gluten-free.
The Hotel
In the hotel, I only are breakfast, which usually consisted of fruit juice, eggs, ham, cheese and coffee.
There was no gluten-free bread, as you can get in most three or four stars hotels these days.
But that I can do without.
Snacks
I did take about ten EatNakd bars and M&S Honeycomb Crisps, but Ialso found some Spanish bars, that were labelled Gluten-Free in large letters.
They would have done at a pinch.
I also had a couple of good salads.
Balalaika
I ate in this restaurant on Monday night.
The restaurant had the best allergy-friendly menu, I’ve ever found. Not from a point of the food, but from the way the information was presented.
For gluten-free food, I just avoided any item with a large red dot, with a gluten sign in the middle.
Kitchen Lovers
I ate here on the Tuesday night.
Kitchen Lovers
I’d been pointed to the restaurant by Lonely Planet’s guide to the Canary Islands (p 74)
It’s all, they say it is.
I didn’t book, but then November wasn’t busy in Las Palmas.
It was one of the best restaurants, I’ve eaten at in Spain. You have to remember that C and myself tried quite a few.
I paid 33 euros for two courses and a glass of wine.
I could spend that in say Carluccios in Leeds!
Restaurante Molinet
I ate here on Wednesday night after seeing the gluten-free sign on the facia.
It is a restaurant to watch, as it had mixed reviews, so it could go either way.
But at least it serves gluten-free San Miguel lager.
I wish them lots of success.
Tailpiece
If you have to be gluten-free like me, you won’t starve in Las Palmas.
A Meal With Little Washing Up
Supper tonight was a Marks and Spencer Gastropub Chicken Hash.
Note.
- I bought the meal in Waterloo station.
- It was cooked in the oven.
- I poured the meal onto the plate.
- When you live alone, you can use bread to wipe the plate.
The only washing up was the plate and the irons. I suppose I could have licked it clean!
Marks And Spencer Have Changed My Life
Coming back today, I went to Marks and Spencer in Waterloo station, which although it is not a full stop, must be one of their bigger Simply Food shops in stations.
These pictures sum up the visit.
Some of the products have only been available in the last year or so.
- Chicken Pakoras
- Crisps With Exotic Flavours
- Gluten-Free Gastropub meals.
- Humous
- Kent IPA
- Pasta Salad
- Scotch Eggs
- Snacks Wth Taste
When I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, you were lucky to find anything quick to cook in any shop, except eggs and fish.
What would I like to see now?
- Most ready-meals made gluten-free and labelled as such on the top.
- Ravioli, that is gluten-free.
- Sausages and burgers gluten-free, as in Marks and Sainsburys.
- More gluten-free real beers.
I think it is true to say, that it’s going my way.
An Updated Manningtree Station
I stopped off at Manningtree station on the way to the football last night to have a look at the new step-free subway and perhaps buy a drink in the buffet.
Having a drink en route to Ipswich, is probably a good idea at the moment, as Ipswich station is being updated and there is nowhere between the station and Portman Road to buy one.
These were the pictures I took.
Note.
- There is a loop on the Northern side of the station, which has been modified to create a short through Platform 4.
- The subway is fully operational, although signs say there is still work to do.
- The subway is ideally placed for a passenger to get off a Norwich-bound train, walk to the subway and cross underneath the lines to either the station exit or a train on the Harwich branch waiting in Platform 1.
As to the buffet, it wasn’t worth a visit, as the cider, which is so important for coeliacs, was rubbish.
The New Manningtree Depot
This article in Rail News says this about the new Stadler Flirts ordered by Greater Anglia.
The trains will be maintained at the existing depots, including Crown Point at Norwich, and also at a new depot at Manningtree which is to be built on a former industrial site alongside the main line.
This Google Map shows the area.
Manningtree Depot Site
The Great Eastern Main Line crosses the map, with Manningtree station clearly marked.
Going East, there is a fully-electrified triangular junction, where the Harwich Branch or Mayflower Line joins the main line, followed by two crossings of the River Stour.
Then to the North and South of the main line, there is a large derelict industrial site, which I suspect will be the location of the depot, as it is the only place that fits the Rail News description.
I suppose the biggest question about this depot, as will it be North or South of the main line. But there is masses of space and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the site used for other commercial purposes as well.
Other questions might include.
- Will housing be developed in the area? Probably not, as it could be liable to flooding.
- Will the depot be developed with limited overhead wires for safety and ascetic reasons?
- Will a station be built to serve the area?
- If one is, will it have extensive car parking in the space available?
- How will environmentalists react to development of the deelict industrial site?
I do suspect locally, that the new employment opportunities will be welcomed.
The Manningtree Station Level Crossing
This Google Map shows a close-up of Manningtree station.
Manningtree Station
Note how the road crosses the railway at the right. Wikipedia says this about the crossing.
A second peculiar feature just east of the station is a combination of a road underpass and a level crossing. The underpass has limited height and the parallel level crossing is needed to permit higher vehicles to cross the railway.
This article on the BBC has a video about the crossing, which surely makes a case for improvements.
The title of the article is Bus trapped on Manningtree railway crossing: Driver fined says it all.
Luckily, the only damage was to the driver’s wallet!
With increased traffic on the railway lines through the crossing, will we be seeing improvements to this crossing, which surely must cause problems for trucks at times?
Platform 4
I think we’ll be seeing more use of Platform 4 as the lines get busier and the traffic gets faster.
- I have read somewhere, that the updated Platform 4 will be used as a means of allowing fast trains to overtake. I suppose a Colchester to Ipswich local train could wait in Platform 4, whilst a London to Norwich express went through on Platform 3.
- Perhaps the line could be used by trains going down the Harwich Branch to improve connectivity to the branch with London to Norwich expresses in the Peak.
- I also think for operational reasons train companies like to have a station before a depot, so that any sleeping passengers can be woken and offloaded.
But seriously, why would you get Platform 4 ready for increased use and not use it?
The Future Of The Mayflower Line
Wikipedia for Harwich Town station says this about services on the line.
As of December 2015 the typical weekday off-peak service is one train per hour to Manningtree, although there some additional services at peak times. Trains generally call at all stations along the Mayflower Line; some are extended to or from Colchester and/or London Liverpool Street.
I suspect that an ideal service would be at least two trains per hour (tph) on the line, which were timed to connect with fast services on the Great Eastern Main Line at Manningtree.
Currently there are direct trains in the Peak to and from Liverpool Street. The train, that I got to Manningtree last night was actually going to Harwich, after dividing into two at Colchester, with the front half of the train going on to Clacton-on-Sea.
In the new franchise, Greater Anglia will be running new Aventra trains on the branch. As they are buying five and ten-car trains, I would assume that the five-car version will work the Mayflower Line.
- This will mean that there will be an increase in capacity on the line.
- There will also be a large increase in comfort.
- I would assume that two five-car trains are easily joined and separated to provide shared services, such as I experienced last night.
- As the journey between Harwich Town and Manningtree takes twenty-two minutes, two trains would be needed to run a 2 tph service.
Running 2 tph may be a problem, as the electrification is one of the Treasury’s budget specials. Wikipedia says this.
The line diverges from the Great Eastern Main Line at Manningtree and is double-track for passenger services as far as Harwich International where connecting ferry services are available to Hoek van Holland and Esbjerg. Beyond Harwich International, the original second track remains in place as a through-siding, but only the “up” (Manningtree-bound) line was electrified and that section to Harwich Town is bi-directional.
But Bombardier may have a solution, in that the line was used for the BEMU trial, where a Class 379 train with an onboard battery, ran one way on the overhead wires, charging the battery at the same time.
As all Aventras will be wired to accept onboard energy storage, will we be seeing battery power on the Mayflower Line?
I think the answer is yes!
On my way to Manningtree, I was sitting next to a lady going to Harwich and when I talked about the battery train test of twenty months ago, she said she’d ridden the train and liked it. She didn’t qualify her initial statement with any negative statement.
A Cafe That Doesn’t Take Cash
IKEA have opened a cafe in Shoreditch High Street, which is just a short walk from the station of the same name.
IKEA Cafe, Shoreditch
I was a bit disappointed, as the gluten-free options were non-existent and it didn’t take cash.
So I had a small cappuccino in a paper cup and left to get the train home.
I won’t be bothering to go again!
The Anonymous Widower 