The Anonymous Widower

Cunning Electrification On The North London Line

I took a trip on the North London Line from Highbury & Islington station to Richmond station.

I took various pictures on the way.

25 KVAC Overhead Electrification

East of Acton Central station, typical 25 KVAC overhead electrification is used.

It may need to be beefed up, if more large electric locomotives haul freight trains along the North London Line.

Gunnersbury Station

Gunnersbury station is a two-platform station with London Underground four-rail electrification.

It can be used by London Underground S-Stock and London Overground Class 378 trains.

It must help that both trains were built by Bombardier in Derby.

Kew Gardens Station

Kew Gardens station is a two-platform station with London Underground four-rail electrification.

As with Gunnersbury station, both types of train can use both platforms.

Richmond Station

Richmond station is both a through and terminal station.

Note.

1. Platforms 1 and 2 are through platforms for South Western main line services.
2. Platforms 3 to 7 are for terminating London Underground and Overground services.
3. Platforms 1 to 3 have traditional third-rail electrification.
4. Platforms 4 to 7 have London Underground four-rail electrification.
5. If needed, it may be possible to add another platform between platforms 3 and 4.

It looks like a lot of flexibility has been built in.

I have a few general thoughts.

Getting The Voltages Right

London Underground’s system used to use 630 VDC for its four-rail system, whereas Network Rail’s system uses 750 VDC.

I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that both trains use quality power electronics that can work on a range of voltages. This would enable London Underground to up their voltage to the same 750 VDC as used by Network Rail.

In Chiltern Sets Out New Fleet Ambitions, I talked about how Chiltern Railways could use London Underground’s four-rail electrification between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Amersham stations to charge the batteries.

As an electrical engineer, I don’t think this is outrageous.

 

 

August 23, 2023 Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Class 378 Train, District Line, Electrification, Freight, Gunnersbury Station, Highbury And Islington Station, Kew Gardens Station, London Overground, Richmond Station, S Stock Train | 14 Comments