‘Cut-Off For 58 Years’ Town To Get Railway Station
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
Plans to build Greater Manchester’s first new railway station for a quarter of a century have been approved for a town cut off from the rail network since 1967.
These two introductory paragraphs give more details.
The £32m station in Golborne, near Wigan, was proposed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) after a residents’ campaign.
Since trains stopped calling at Golborne 58 years ago, the town has been left without any direct transport links to and from Manchester.
This Google Map shows the location of Golborne.
Note.
- The A 580, which is one of main Liverpool and Manchester roads going across the bottom of the map.
- If you drive West along the A 580 from here, you connect to the M6 at Junction 23 ; Haydock Island.
- Continuing West takes you to Liverpool.
- Going East along the A 580 takes you to the M60 and Manchester.
- Running North-South up the map is the West Coast Main Line and currently, it appears to be four electrified tracks all the way to Wigan North Western station.
- Nook Lane crosses the West Coast Main Line at the top of the map.
This second Google Map shows the West Coast Main Line through Golborne.
Note.
- The four tracks of the West Coast Main Line run North-South up the centre of the map.
- Nook Lane can be clearly seen.
My best guess is that the station will be built to the South of where the A 573 crosses the West Coast Main Line.
- A picture in the BBC article shows four platforms, with three lifts to give full step-free access.
- It looks like there is a brownfield site to the South of this location, where parking could be provided.
The new Golborne station could be a bit more than a simple station serving a small town.
I have a few thoughts.
How Many High Speed Two trains Will Go Through Golborne Station?
This graphic shows High Speed Two services, as proposed by HS2 after Phase 2b opens.
Note.
- Services shown in blue are run by High Speed Two Full Size trains.
- Services shown in yellow are run by High Speed Two Classic-Compatible trains.
- Each service will run once an hour.
- The nine services to the right of the vertical black line have been scrapped.
- There are elevenservices that terminate at Euston in every hour.
- Eight are High Speed Two Full Size trains, which are 400 metres long.
- Two are single High Speed Two Classic-Compatible trains, which are 200 metres long.
- Three are pairs of High Speed Two Classic-Compatible trains, which are 400 metres long.
How Many High Speed Two trains Will Go Through Golborne Station?
This will be the same as the number of trains going through Wigan North Western station.
These are.
- London Euston and Lancaster – 200 m.
- London Euston and Glasgow/Edinburgh – 400 m.
- London Euston and Glasgow/Edinburgh – 400 m.
- Birmingham and Glasgow/Edinburgh – 200 m.
Note.
- That is only four trains per hour (tph).
- As High Speed Two will be digitally signalled, I suspect that four fast tph and four slow tph could be accommodated between Wigan North Western and Golborne.
- The problem could be eased by running 125 mph or even 140 mph trains on local services on the West Coast Main Line.
- But the major problem will be North of Wigan North Western station, where there are only two tracks.
I also wonder, if increasing the number of high speed paths to five, would mean that no 400 m. trains would need to run North of Crewe, so there would be less need for platforms to be lengthened.
Is Wigan North Western Station Ready For High Speed Two?
I answered this question in 2019 in Is Wigan North Western Station Ready For High Speed Two? and felt, it was getting close.
I shall visit this summer and see if it is getting closer to being ready.
Berkeley Scientists Finally Solve 10-Year Puzzle Enabling Efficient CO2-to-Fuel Conversion With Major Climate Impact Potential
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Sustainability Times.
This is the sub-heading.
In a groundbreaking advancement, scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have unveiled the critical mechanisms behind the degradation of copper catalysts, a revelation that promises to revolutionize the production of sustainable fuels by enhancing the efficiency and stability of CO2 conversion processes.
This paragraph gives more details.
Scientists from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of artificial photosynthesis. By utilizing advanced X-ray techniques, they have uncovered the critical factors that limit the performance of copper catalysts in converting carbon dioxide and water into useful fuels. This revolutionary insight could significantly enhance the stability and efficiency of catalysts in CO2 conversion processes, potentially accelerating the production of ethanol and ethylene. The research, which tackles a decades-old puzzle, offers promising avenues for the development of more durable catalyst systems, paving the way for future advancements in sustainable energy solutions.
I first came across catalysts in my working life, when I was working at ICI. I was modelling a chemical process called sulphonation for a guy who was trying to find an efficient way to create the monomer of building block for a new engineering plastic.
Some feel that all plastics are bad for the environment, but I think that, if the plastic is designed to replace another material in a long-lasting application, then plastic is good for the environment.
This picture shows my wonderful Sheba cutlery.
Note.
- C and I bought it in the 1960s, when we got married.
- Some have been used every day for over fifty years.
- The important bits are Sheffield stainless steel, with the handles formed of black Delrin plastic.
- Some of the handles have been in the dishwasher too many times and have faded.
- From what I have seen on the Internet, the average worth of pieces could be as much as a tenner.
Perhaps, when I pass on, all the pieces should be divided between my grandchildren.
I have digressed and I will return to my modelling project with one of ICI’s catalyst experts.
I remember him telling me, that if you could improve the way catalysts worked, you would open up whole new areas of chemistry.
It looks to me, that the scientists at Berkeley may have opened up a route to turn carbon dioxide into fuel.
Whether that is a good route to decarbonisation is another long discussion.
Could A Highview Power CRYOBattery Provide Backup Power For A Large Data Centre?
I asked Google AI how much power does a data centre need and got this answer.
The power requirements for an average data center vary greatly depending on its size and purpose, ranging from 1-5 MW for small facilities to 20-100 MW or more for large hyperscale centers. Small data centers, typically with 500-2,000 servers, might need 1-5 MW of power, while large or hyperscale data centers, housing tens of thousands of servers, can consume 20-100 MW or even more.
As Highview Power are currently building four 200 MW/2.5 GWh CRYOBatteries for the UK, I am fairly sure the answer is in the affirmative.
What Is The Collective Noun For Cement Mixer Trucks?
I took these pictures on Eldon Street and Moorgate this morning.
Note.
- There was obviously a big pour going on in the rebuilding of Broadgate.
- I suspect those outside the hotel in the street restaurant, we’re too amused by the cabaret.
- Cemex were providing the concrete.
Perhaps in view of the location, the collective noun is a pollution of cement mixer trucks.
In Cummins Agrees To Integrate Its Hydrogen ICE Technology Into Terex® Advance Trucks, I describe the latest design of cement mixer trucks from the United States.
This is the European-sized member of the range.
Note.
- Front is to the right.
- The engine is in the pod at the other end.
- The engine can be one of Cummins’s hydrogen internal combustion engines.
These trucks would be much more city-friendly.
Heart Aerospace Relocates Corporate Headquarters To Los Angeles, California
The title of this post, is the same as that of this news item from Heart Aerospace.
This is the sub-heading.
Hybrid-electric airplane manufacturer Heart Aerospace has announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Gothenburg, Sweden to Los Angeles, California. This strategic move aims to bolster the company’s product development in the United States, supporting the upcoming experimental flights of its Heart X1 prototype and the future Heart X2 prototype.
These two introductory paragraphs add ,ore detail.
Scheduled for its maiden flight in 2025, the X1 marks a major milestone in Heart’s innovation journey, setting the stage for X2.
“Our move to Los Angeles marks a new chapter in Heart Aerospace’s journey—one that prioritizes iterative development and deeper vertical integration,” said Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace. “For the X2, we’re developing key technologies like batteries, actuation systems, software, and hybrid-electric hardware in-house. This approach allows us to refine and enhance our systems continuously, just as we’ve done with the X1 prototype, which has seen extensive testing and major design updates since its initial rollout in 2024.”
In some ways, I find this move to California slightly sad, as I suspect most of those associated with the airliner, would have liked to see the development stay in Sweden.
This paragraph gives more details on the reasons for the move.
“We are deeply grateful to our team in Sweden for being part of this chapter of Heart’s journey, and for all the support we have received in Sweden,” said Anders Forslund. “However, as our customers, partners, and investors are increasingly based in the U.S, we see greater opportunity in focusing our resources here. By consolidating our operations in Los Angeles, we can accelerate development, strengthen collaboration, and better position Heart Aerospace for the future.”
They are not mentioned, but I do hope, Trump’s tariffs have nothing to do with it.
A No-Washing-Up Spaghetti Carbonara
I like these Marks and Spencer’s Gluten-Free Spaghetti Carbonara and generally eat one every week.
Today’s one, was a couple of days out of date, so I though I’d cook and eat it without doing any real washing up.
These are the pictures I took.
In future would it be sensible to buy meals that need less washing up?
Hyundai Unveils Upgraded Xcient Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Automotive Powertrain International.
This is the sub-heading.
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the upgraded Xcient fuel cell class-8 heavy-duty truck, which features advanced hydrogen technologies and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) tailored for the North American market.
The article is worth a full read, as it shows how the largest American trucks, can be replaced with zero-carbon hydrogen fuel cell trucks.
This is the Hyundai Xcient truck web site.
Liverpool Fans’ Celebrations Caused Earth Tremor
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s historic title-clinching win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield caused a series of tremors, university scientists have revealed.
These three paragraphs give more details.
Arne Slot’s side secured the club’s 20th top-flight championship defeating Tottenham 5-1 in front of a packed Anfield stadium on 27 April.
The most significant tremor was caused by Alexis Mac Allister’s strike in the 24th minute, which put Liverpool 2-1 ahead and registered a peak magnitude of 1.74 on the Richter scale.
The data was recorded by University of Liverpool earth scientists using equipment used to detect earthquakes.
Looking at it on a scientific basis, it is surely a very good test that the equipment is working well.
The whole of the BBC article is worth a good read.
Did Hydrogen Lose Labour The Runcorn And Helsby By-Election
I used to work in the Castner-Kellner works at ICI Runcorn, where hydrogen is produced using electrolysis in the Castner-Kellner process.
That process used a lot of mercury and wasn’t good for the health of the workforce. One of my jobs was to develop instruments to detect mercury in air, blood and urine.
I believe the mercury-based process to produce chlorine, with the hydrogen as a by-product has now been replaced with a membrane-based mercury-free process.
Consider.
- The same plant still produces a large proportion of the hydrogen we use in the UK.
- The Runcorn plant is now owned by INEOS, which in turn is owned by tax-exile and Brexiteer ; Jim Ratcliffe.
- I doubt, Mr. Ratcliffe is a supporter of the Labour Party.
- The big promoters of hydrogen are the Bamfords and their companies ; JCB, Ryse and Wrightbus, who are not considered companies that Labour would support.
- Although, Wrightbus seem to have had some political support lately.
- Google AI can’t find any details on Reform UK’s or Nigel Farage’s views on hydrogen.
- Ed Miliband hasn’t shown himself to be very knowledgeable about hydrogen.
- This article on the BBC is entitled Ellesmere Port Hydrogen Heating Trial Scrapped After Protests.
It strikes me, that if one candidate had got a grip on the hydrogen issue, then there would have been a different result in the by-election.
Wrightbus Delivers More Hydrogen Buses To Germany Bringing Total To 43 – Around 130 Are Due To Be On The Roads By The End Of 2025
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the Belfast Newsletter.
This is the sub-heading.
The Ballymena bus manufacturer has also opened a European service centre and spare parts warehouse in Brühl, near Cologne
These three paragraphs add detail to the story.
Northern Ireland zero-emission bus manufacturer Wrightbus has delivered 12 new hydrogen vehicles to German operator WestVerkehr GmbH.
The latest order completion of Kite Hydroliner single decks means there are now 43 hydrogen-powered buses on the streets of Germany – with around 130 due to be on the roads by the end of 2025.
WestVerkehr GmbH is based in the westernmost district of Germany, on the border with the Netherlands, and will operate the Kite Hydroliners between Heinsberg, Hückelhoven, and Erkelenz.
I always think, that if you can sell anything vehicles to the Germans, there can’t be much wrong with them.
This picture shows one of the new Wrightbus electric buses, that I ride regularly around Finsbury in London.
I was on a Chinese electric bus yesterday and there’s no doubt, that the ride in the Wrightbus product is smoother, than that of the Chinese one. Especially, when standing. The Chinese bus doesn’t even come close for ride with a New Routemaster.
London would do better, if it converted the thousand New Routemaster to zero-carbon power, rather than import a thousand Chinese buses.
In Equipmake Hybrid To Battery Powered LT11, I describe how one New Routemaster had a transmission transplant in Norfolk.
As it is possible, are Wrightbus NewPower working on it?
The Anonymous Widower 