The Anonymous Widower

Chiltern Sets Out New Fleet Ambitions

The title of this post is the same as that of an article in the September 2023 Edition of Modern Railways.

These are the first three paragraphs.

Chiltern Railways deserves to be the next operator to order new trains, its Managing Director Richard Allan has told Modern Railways.

On 7 August the operator published a tender notice seeking proposals for the supply of between 20 and 70 new or converted low-emission trains. This followed the unveiling on 19 July of its ‘RightRoute’ vision setting out the case for investment in new trains, which was presented to stakeholders and parliamentarians in Westminster.

Chiltern is prioritising replacement of its Class 165 DMU fleet, which comprises 89 vehicles. It carried out a pre-market engagement exercise last Autumn, and Mr. Allan said the view is that a battery train would be suitable for the Marylebone to Aylesbury route, either operating solely on battery power or additionally picking up power from the London Underground four-rail system South of Amersham.

These are my thoughts.

Electrification At Amersham

This OpenRailwayMap shows the electrification at Amersham station.

Note.

  1. Tracks shown in pink are electrified with the London Underground four-rail system.
  2. Tracks shown in black are not electrified.
  3. All three platforms are electrified.

The track layout allows both Chiltern and London Underground trains to pass through Amersham station on electrified lines.

Electrification Between Amersham And Harrow-on-the-Hill

This OpenRailwayMap shows the electrification at Northwood station.

Note.

  1. Tracks shown in pink are electrified with the London Underground four-rail system.
  2. All four platforms are electrified.
  3. Some sections are only double-track.

All tracks between Amersham And Harrow-on-the-Hill stations are electrified.

Electrification At Harrow-on-the-Hill

This OpenRailwayMap shows the electrification at Harrow-on-the-Hill station.

Note.

  1. Tracks shown in pink are electrified with the London Underground four-rail system.
  2. Tracks shown in black are not electrified.
  3. All six platforms are electrified.

The track layout allows both Chiltern and London Underground trains to pass through Harrow-on-the-Hill station on electrified lines.

Electrification Between Harrow-on-the-Hill And Finchley Road

Willesden Green station is typical of the stations on this section

This OpenRailwayMap shows the electrification at Willesden Green station

Note.

  1. Tracks shown in pink are electrified with the London Underground four-rail system.
  2. Tracks shown in black are not electrified.
  3. The two tracks South of the station are the Chiltern tracks.
  4. All Chiltern Trains along this route use these two separate tracks, that are not electrified.

Stations with this layout include Northwick Park, Preston Road, Wembley Park, Neasden, Dollis Hill, Willesden Green, Kilburn and West Hampstead.

The Chiltern Tracks Alongside The Metropolitan Line

I took these pictures as I journeyed from West Hampstead to Harrow-on-the-Hill.

Note.

  1. The Chiltern Tracks are those farthest from the train without electrification.
  2. There also seemed a lot of graffiti, where the tracks weren’t electrified.
  3. Platforms 1 and 2 at Harrow-on-the-Hill station are electrified and used by Chiltern’s diesel trains.

Finding a Jubilee or Metropolitan Line train with clean enough windows for photography was difficult.

Distances Between Stations

These are the distances, times and electrification, between selected stations, between Marylebone and Aylesbury Vale Parkway.

  • Marylebone and Harrow-on-the-Hill – 9.2 miles – 13 minutes – Not Electrified
  • Harrow-on-the-Hill  and Amersham – 14.3 miles – 24 minutes – Electrified
  • Amersham and Aylesbury – 15.3 miles – 23 minutes – Not Electrified
  • Aylesbury and Aylesbury Vale Parkway – 2.3 miles – 7 minutes – Not Electrified

Note.

  1. The 24 minutes between Harrow-on-the-Hill  and Amersham, should be enough to fully-charge the batteries.
  2. Harrow-on-the-Hill to Marylebone and return is 18.5 miles.
  3. Amersham to Aylesbury Vale Parkway and return is 35.2 miles.

As Merseyrail’s Class 777 trains  have achieved 83.9 miles on battery power, I am fairly sure that Marylebone and Aylesbury Vale Parkway could be achieved by a battery electric multiple unit, that has been designed for the route.

Rolling Stock

Bombardier built the Class 378 Electrostar train, so that it would run on the London Underground four-rail system to Richmond. so I’m sure that Alstom could build Aventras, that could use the Underground electrification.

I’m also sure that other UK trains manufacturers and suppliers like CAF, Hitachi, Siemens and Stadler have the expertise.

The article mentions between twenty and seventy trains. The number probably depends on the train length.

I think we’ll see some interesting bids.

Train Charging Issues

The main charging will be done between Harrow-on-the-Hill  and Amersham using the London Underground four-rail system already installed for the Metropolitan trains between London and Amersham and Chesham.

As the electrification will be powering six trains per hour in both directions between Harrow-on-the-Hill  and Amersham and charging the batteries on the Chiltern trains, I wouldn’t be surprised to find, that the power system will be uprated.

I also suspect, that the trains could have the ability to use 25 KVAC overhead electrification, as this could allow short lengths of electrification to be used to charge the trains at terminal stations.

Speed Issues

If you look at the speeds and times, you get the following.

  • Current Chiltern Class 165 trains are 75 mph trains.
  • Current Underground S Stock trains are 62 mph trains.
  • Chiltern take 33 minutes between Amersham and Marylebone.
  • Trains in both services run every half hour.
  • There is also an every half hour service between Chesham and Aldgate, which means there are six trains per hour between Chalfont & Latimer and Harrow-on-the-Hill.
  • I suspect Chiltern set the timetable, by going through first with the slower Amersham and Chesham services following.
  • This means that if the new Chiltern trains are 100 mph trains, it shouldn’t make much difference to the operation of the trains.

But the faster Chiltern trains could knock eight minutes off the time between Amersham and Harrow-on-the-Hill stations.

In an ideal world, where TfL had more money, faster Underground trains would allow more services to the area.

Leamington Spa Services

Chiltern Railways run two local services from Leamington Spa station.

  • One service goes to Stratford-on-Avon, which is a distance of 15.3 miles.
  • The other service goes to Birmingham Moor Street, which is a distance of 22.7 miles.
  • Both services are run by Class 165 diesel trains.
  • Both services have a frequency of one train per two hours.

I suspect that these services could be run using battery-electric trains with charging at Leamington Spa.

Timescale

This is said about timescale.

Under the plans set out in its ‘RightRoute’ prospectus, Chiltern wants to agree scope and funding for new trains this year and launch the first new trains by 2027 between London and Aylesbury, and upgrade infrastructure and trains on the West Midlands route between 2028 and 2035.

West Midlands Route

This is said about the West Midlands route.

Mr Allan said that after ‘165’ replacement consideration would be given to the best solution for the main line between London and the West Midlands, including whether this would involve partial or full electrification, with a rolling stock solution to succeed the Class 168 DMUs and loco-hauled sets to be devised accordingly. Chiltern’s Interim Engineering & Safety Director Tim Sayer told Modern Railways one potential option the Government and Network Rail are keen on is third party funding of electrification, which could be built into a manufacturer’s contract for new stock.

Note.

  1. I must admit that I like the idea of bundling rolling stock and electrification in one contract.
  2. After all, rolling stock and maintenance have been bundled together for some years and it seems to work.
  3. I disclose some of Hitachi’s thinking in Solving The Electrification Conundrum, which is based on an article in Modern Railways.

I wonder if Hitachi will come up with a solution something like this.

  • A number of five-car battery-electric trains.
  • High quality interiors.
  • They would serve Birmingham Moor Street, Oxford and Stratford-on-Avon.
  • Short lengths of electrification in terminals and perhaps at strategic locations in the middle. Banbury?
  • Automation as needed.

It could be a service that’s a viable alternative to High Speed Two for some passengers.

Charging At London Marylebone Station

I recently took these pictures at Marylebone station.

Note.

  1. It is a surprisingly spacious station and I feel that Furrer+Frey or some other specialist company could add some form of charging to the platforms.
  2. In its simplest form it would be a short length of 25 KVAC overhead electrification.
  3. Charging would be performed using the train’s pantograph.

It appears that the turnround time in Marylebone is typically twelve minutes or more, which should be adequate to fully charge a train.

Charging At Oxford Station

These pictures show the bay platforms at Oxford station, where Chiltern services terminate.

I wouldn’t be surprised, if these two platforms were designed for future 25 KVAC overhead electrification.

Marylebone And Oxford Services

Marylebone and Oxford are only 66.7 miles apart and I believe that a battery electric train would be able to shuttle between the two terminals, charging as required after each journey.

Charging At Birmingham

These pictures show the bay platforms at Birmingham Moor Street station, where some Chiltern services terminate.

Note.

  1. Currently, Birmingham Moor Street station has two through platforms and two bay platforms.
  2. None of the platforms are electrified.
  3. Some plans include adding two more bay platforms to the station.
  4. Electrifying the bay platforms 3 and 4, would allow the charging battery electric trains from London.

The two through platforms could also be electrified to help Birmingham’s local trains decarbonise and allow London services to reach Birmingham Snow Hill station.

Marylebone And Birmingham Services

Consider.

  • Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street are only 111.7 miles apart.
  • Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill stations are only 0.6 miles apart.
  • Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill stations could be easily connected by an electrified line.
  • Stadler are talking of battery-electric trains having a range of over 125 miles.
  • It might be sensible to electrify Banbury to give the batteries a top up.

I believe that a battery electric train would be able to shuttle between Marylebone and Birmingham, charging as required after each journey.

 

Conclusion

It seems a sound plan!

 

August 21, 2023 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Riding The 182 Bus Between Harrow Bus Station And Brent Cross

I did this journey, which could be part of the Superloop, in good weather, and was able to take these pictures.

Note.

  1. The roads were not bad and were partly two lanes each way, with large roundabouts at junctions.
  2. I suspect the bus was going at between 30 and 40 mph most of the way.
  3. There was still quite a lot of traffic.
  4. It is a distance of about 7 miles.
  5. The timetable says that buses run every 10-13 minutes.
  6. Harrow-On-The-Hill station is next to Harrow Bus station.
  7. Harrow-On-The-Hill connects to the Metropolitan Line and Chiltern
  8. Northwick Park Hospital is on the route.
  9. Sudbury and Harrow Road station connects to Chiltern.
  10. South Harrow station connects to the Piccadilly Line.
  11. Wembley Central station connects to the Bakerloo and Watford DC Lines and National Rail.
  12. Wembley Stadium station connects to Chiltern.
  13. Wembley Park station connects to the Metropolitan and Jubilee Lines.

The journey took about 70 minutes, mainly because of the traffic at the road works.

I have a few thoughts.

The Route Of The Bus 182 Could Be Part Of The Superloop

I feel my journey today, proved that this would be part of a feasible Superloop leg between Harrow and North Finchley bus stations.

A Chiltern Metro

Wikipedia says this about a  proposed metro service between Marylebone and West Ruislip stations.

  • The Metro would have a frequency of four tph.
  • It would call at Wembley Stadium, Sudbury & Harrow Road, Sudbury Hill Harrow, Northolt Park and South Ruislip.
  • The service would require a reversing facility at West Ruislip.
  • There would need to be passing loops at Sudbury Hill Harrow, and  Wembley Stadium.

Given that the Chiltern Metro was first proposed over a decade ago, perhaps the concept could be increased in scope.

  • Housing and other developments along the route may suggest that a station further out like High Wycombe might be a better terminal.
  • ERTMS in-cab digital signalling is likely to be installed at some time, which would decrease headways between trains and allow more services.
  • Electrification is likely in some form before 2040 and this will improve train performance.
  • If Neasden station were to be rebuilt, as a comprehensive transport and residential development, I believe that this Metro service should also call at Neasden, as it would complement the West London Orbital Railway.

I believe that a review of the Chiltern Metro may mean, that an improved version is worth creating.

March 30, 2023 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Superloop – Will It Be The North Circular Road Most Of The Way Between Harrow And Royal Docks?

This draft map from TfL illustrates the concept of Superloop.

In this post I am considering the section of the the North Circular Road (A406) between the Hangar Lane Gyratory System, where it crosses the A40 in the West and the roundabout , where it crosses the A13 at Beckton in the East.

  • This section is a grade-separated dual-carriageway all of the way between Hangar Lane and Beckton.
  • Hendon, North Finchley, Arnos Grove, Edmonton, Walthamstow, Ilford and Royal Docks are not far from the A406.
  • Several bus routes already run on the A406.

The large Brent Cross Shopping Centre is also just outside the A406 and a new Brent Cross West station will be opening soon.

I’ll now look at the three Northern and North-Eastern sections.

Harrow And North Finchley

This section is shown in orange.

  • It calls at Northwick Park hospital and Hendon. both have rail connections.
  • Brent Cross Shopping Centre could be on the route, if the A406 is used.
  • London Bus 182 runs between Harrow bus station and Brent Cross Shopping Centre via Northwick Park hospital.

Could the 182 bus be extended to North Finchley, where there is a new bus station?

This Google Map shows the stations around the Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

Note.

  1. The railway running between the North-West corner of the map and the  bottom of the map is the Midland Main Line.
  2. The road running between the North-East corner of the map and the  left of the map is the North Circular Road.
  3. The road running down the right hand side of the railway is the M1, which joins the A406 in the large junction.
  4. The other major road to the right of the map, is the Hendon Way.
  5. The station in the North-West corner of the map is Hendon.
  6. The station being built in the bottom of the map on the Midland Main Line, is the new Brent Cross West station.
  7. The station in the North-East corner of the map is Brent Cross on the Northern Line.

I am certain that a Superloop bus could run from Harrow bus station and Northwick Park hospital, and visit the required number of the stations around the Shopping Centre, before trundling on to the new North Finchley bus station for some refreshment before returning to Harrow.

I feel that the Superloop bus could use the North Circular Road from the shopping centre and then turn North on to Finchley High Road (A 1000).

North Finchley And Walthamstow

This section is shown in red.

  • It calls at Arnos Grove and Edmonton.
  • London Bus 34 runs between Walthamstow bus station and Barnet. It runs for some of the way along the North Circular Road and passes Arnos Grove, Silver Street and the North Middlesex Hospital.

I am certain, that a Superloop bus could run between Walthamstow bus station and North Finchley, using a similar route to the 34.

Walthamstow And Royal Docks

This section is shown in lime.

  • It calls at Ilford for the Elizabeth Line.

I am certain, that a Superloop bus could run between Walthamstow bus station and Royal Docks, using a the A406 and the A13.

Conclusion

After this simple analysis, it looks possible to use the use the North Circular Road between Harrow and Royal Docks.

March 29, 2023 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Riding The X140 Bus Between Heathrow Airport And Harrow Bus Station

I did this journey, which will be part of the Superloop, in better weather than yesterday, and was able to take these better pictures.

Note.

  1. The roads were much better than yesterday’s trip and were mostly two lanes each way, with large roundabouts at junctions.
  2. I suspect the bus was going at between 30 and 40 mph most of the way.
  3. There was still quite a lot of traffic.
  4. It is a distance of about 15 miles.
  5. The timetable says that buses run every 10-13 minutes.
  6. The X26 buses run between about six in the morning at midnight.
  7. There are twelve intermediate stops.
  8. Harrow-On-The-Hill station is next to Harrow Bus station.
  9. Heathrow Central connects to Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth and Piccadilly Lines.
  10. Hayes and Harlington connects to the Elizabeth Line and GWR’s local services.
  11. Northolt station connects to the Central Line.
  12. Northolt Park station connects to Chiltern.
  13. South Harrow station connects to the Piccadilly Line.
  14. Harrow-On-The-Hill connects to the Metropolitan Line and Chiltern

The journey took 49 minutes, which is only a minute longer than the timetable.

I have a few thoughts.

Passenger Numbers

These were my observations on my journey that started at about 11:30 on a dry day.

  • Few got on at Heathrow Central, but I suspect we had just missed a bus.
  • By Hayes & Harrington station, the bus was about a quarter full.
  • At South Harrow station it must have been about three-quarters full.
  • At Harrow bus station all the lower-deck seats were taken.

I would expect that the loading I saw fits with TfL’s expectations.

The Bus

The bus was one of the latest ADL battery-electric buses.

  • It had a strong performance.
  • It had wi-fi and phone charging.
  • It was probably less than a year old.
  • It was a lot better than yesterday’s bus!

At present not all buses on the route are battery-electric, as some are still older hybrids.

Travelling To Heathrow From The Northern Reaches Of The Metropolitan Line

Many people travel to and from Heathrow either for work or because they are flying.

  • But it is not an easy journey from the Northern reaches of the Metropolitan Line.
  • I believe the X26 bus could be a viable way to get to the airport for many.
  • There would be a change at Harrow-on-the-Hill, but the station is at least step-free.
  • It would avoid parking fees.
  • Fares could be less than fuel costs.

The only big drawback, is that the X26 bus is not twenty-four hours.

More And More Frequent Buses Would Help

I believe that the Superloop should be a 24-hour service, as a lot of things go on at airports in the middle of the night.

I’ve just found out that there is an N140 bus that covers the route.

I also think, that as with the Overground, services should be at least four buses per hour.

 

 

March 29, 2023 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Harrow-On-The-Hill Station – 16th March 2022

Harrow-On-The-Hill station is now step-free.

Note.

  1. Three lifts have been added with a new walkway between them.
  2. It looks like the brick-work and other details are tasteful and in keeping with the original station.

It is one of the best step-free installations, constructed in the last few years.

March 17, 2022 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , | Leave a comment