London King’s Cross to Edinburgh on Tuesday 11th June 2013 with No. 60163 Tornado and Deltic No. D9009 Alycidon
Following the extraordinary success of this train during the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is once again recreating ‘The Elizabethan’ express. ‘The Elizabethan’ was the premier train on the East Coast Main Line in the post-war period and this unique railtour will again showcase Tornado at her best and provide nearly 400 miles of travel behind iconic Deltic Alycidon.
On Tuesday 11th June 2013, Tornado will set out from London King’s Cross station and head north to Edinburgh, the route of her famous BBC Top Gear 'Race to the North' with Jeremy Clarkson on board, pausing to collect passengers at Peterborough, York and Darlington. After a break in the Scottish Capital, Alycidon will head the train south covering the 393 miles to London - setting down as outward. This will be the first time a blue liveried Peppercorn class A1 will has arrived at Edinburgh Waverley station since the 1950s and we hope that the carriages will be in matching carmine and cream livery (including our own service vehicle!). Passengers in premier dining will receive a traditional silver service throughout the journey based upon an Anglo-Scottish menu.
We expect there to be much fast running at Tornado's permitted maximum of 75mph
and Alycidon's 100mph limit. With this being a summer tour we anticipate wonderful views of the Scottish coast and the Northumberland and Yorkshire scenery with the long daylight hours. Put the date in your diary now!
Check to see if seats available!!!
Timings:
LONDON KINGS CROSS 06.40
POTTERS BAR 06.59
STEVENAGE 07.15
SANDY 07.35
PETERBOROUGH 08.09 08.12
GRANTHAM 08.46 09.10
NEWARK NORTH GATE 09.25
DONCASTER 09.56 09.58
YORK 10.30 10.44
DARLINGTON 11.44 11.47
DURHAM 12.08
NEWCASTLE 13.00
EDINBURGH 15.40
EDINBURGH 17.38
DURHAM 19.59
DARLINGTON 20.23 20.25
YORK 21.03 21.06
DONCASTER 21.35
NEWARK NORTH GATE 21.58
GRANTHAM 22.21
PETERBOROUGH 22.45 22.48
SANDY 23.19
STEVENAGE 23.37
POTTERS BAR 23.47
LONDON KINGS CROSS 00.09
Rescuing trains gets easier
Adaptions have been made to Network Rail’s fleet of Class 57s in the south to allow them to rescue failed electric multiple units.
Testing of the six 57/3 locomotives is now complete following a modification of the brake interface units. This will allow the drivers to operate their brakes and those of the failed train together. The brake interface unit also operates the safety interlocks on most units, which means broken-down units can be removed at normal line speed.
Mick Stewart, senior fleet engineer, National Delivery Service, said: “We can now quickly move units that are stranded – for example, when the third rail network is disabled, if there’s snow and ice, or where there’s been a mechanical failure.
“The 57s are also powerful enough to haul a 12-car EMU – another EMU wouldn’t be able to do that.
“Before, failed units had to be rescued using whatever train was available, powerful enough, and that could be coupled to the unit.
“Route controls would have to source the rescue vehicle, find competent fitters and get them to the depot to collect the emergency adaptor coupler before the recovery train could go out – all of which took valuable time.”
A rescue involving one of the modified class 57s would involve its driver, the driver of the failed unit, plus competent staff, such as a maintenance operations manager or a train operating company fitter, on either side of the coupling. This can be achieved in 15 minutes – a large time saving over previous procedures.
Other possible uses for the class 57s include routinely moving EMUs between works for servicing.
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Siemens
Siemens controls traffic in Poznan
Siemens is supplying an intelligent transportation system for the city of Poznan in Poland. The company won a corresponding contract from the Poznan transportation authority ZDM (Zarząd Dróg Miejskich w Poznaniu). The main goal is to synchronize private and public transportation in a cross-system concept in order to optimize the overall traffic situation in the city. The order is worth about EUR 15 million. Commissioning of the system is scheduled for spring 2015.
With a population of over 500,000, Poznan is the fifth largest city in Poland and a center of industry, commerce and research. Since the transition to a market economy, traffic in Poznan has been growing rapidly. The authorities therefore decided to introduce an intelligent transportation system and implement the most innovative solutions to support further transport-related developments and increase the efficiency of public transportation.
Siemens is a technology leader for traffic engineering and in particular for traffic management and control systems. It has executed and implemented a wide range of projects in major Polish cities and other parts of the world such as Warsaw, Cracow, Athens, Budapest, Berlin, Reykjavik, Prague, Vienna, Innsbruck, Rome, Geneva, Buenos Aires, Johannesburg, and Bogota.
More press releases of the Mobility and Logistics Division can be found on the Internet at www.siemens.com/press/mobility-logistics/material
Mick Stewart, senior fleet engineer, National Delivery Service, said: “We can now quickly move units that are stranded – for example, when the third rail network is disabled, if there’s snow and ice, or where there’s been a mechanical failure.
“The 57s are also powerful enough to haul a 12-car EMU – another EMU wouldn’t be able to do that.
“Before, failed units had to be rescued using whatever train was available, powerful enough, and that could be coupled to the unit.
“Route controls would have to source the rescue vehicle, find competent fitters and get them to the depot to collect the emergency adaptor coupler before the recovery train could go out – all of which took valuable time.”
A rescue involving one of the modified class 57s would involve its driver, the driver of the failed unit, plus competent staff, such as a maintenance operations manager or a train operating company fitter, on either side of the coupling. This can be achieved in 15 minutes – a large time saving over previous procedures.
Other possible uses for the class 57s include routinely moving EMUs between works for servicing.
Notes:
The Class 57/3s will normally be employed on snow and ice treatment trains during autumn and winter but will be able to rescue trains when needed.
The location of the locomotives will depend on which operator wins the Network Rail haulage contract, up for renewal later this summer. It is intended they will be used across the three southern routes – Wessex, Sussex and Kent.
The locomotives are on lease to Network Rail and can be driven by drivers attached to any company – subject to having the necessary competencies.
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IN its latest study, "Freight Wagons – Global Market Developments," German consultancy SCI Verkehr projects that all market regions will experience constant growth in freight wagon sales in the next five years after sales reached 12bn euros in 2012.
SL, Stockholm's public transport authority, has selected Bombardier to deliver 24 four-car Movia metro trains, which will make up its new C30 driverless metro fleet.
VIRGIN Rail Group, the operator of Britain's Intercity West Coast franchise, announced on June 7 that it is preparing enforcement action against infrastructure manager Network Rail (NR) for failing to achieve contractual performance targets..
THE Spanish government finally confirmed this week that Renfe will start commercial services on the 165km high-speed line from Albacete to Alicante on June 18...
A Virgin train on the UK's WCML.
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"High speed rail is coming to America!"
-Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
HSR CONGRESSIONAL HEARING PRESS CONFERENCE
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CA HSR AUTHORITY APPROVES FIRST CONSTRUCTION
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In the final step after many years of effort, the visionary California high speed rail project is now set to sign the first construction contract.
In a vote 6-0 by the California High Speed Rail Authority Board, (which includes USHSR Advisory Board Member Katherine Perez-Estolano), the project has been greenlighted.
The board voted to select a developer group led by Sylmar-based Tutor Perini to lay the physical groundwork for the first 29 miles of track between Madera and Fresno, with work starting this summer. CEO Jeff Morales is expected to sign the formal contract with the developer in coming weeks following final negotiations.
Rod Diridon, Executive Director of the Mineta Transportation Institute, and Chairman of USHSR Advisory Board was thrilled, "Its a great day in California as this project moves into the first construction phase after many years of preparation. The Authority and Governor Brown's leadership has been instrumental in advancing this important project."
"This is a major milestone for America, and the beginning of the nation's 21st century transportation system," said USHSR President Andy Kunz. "The first step into something this big is always the most difficult and most important. We commend the Authority Board for their vision and leadership in moving America forward!" More info
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GREAT RAIL FRIEND SENATOR LAUTENBERG DIES
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One of the most influential members of Congress and longtime rail supporter, Senator Frank Lautenberg has died Monday at the age of 89. He served America as a U.S. Senator for 28 years, following a successful business career.
A champion of many good things for society, and a longtime rail supporter, Senator Lautenberg even took his final ride to DC for burial in Arlington Cemetary by Amtrak train.
His funeral in New York City was joined by Vice President Biden who shared memories of life in the Senate with Frank Lautenberg. "There are not many senators who see immediately the effects of the good things they've done," said Biden while going through some of Lautenberg's accomplishments, including banning smoking on airplanes and raising the drinking age to 21, and battling to keep the federal aid flowing and the Amtrak trains rolling.
Biden was joined by such dignitaries as Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state and U.S. senator; 41 senators; six House members, Gov. Chris Christie and scores of others. Three former governors of New Jersey - Jon Corzine, Jim McGreevey and Jim Florio - were also in attendance.
"He dared greatly, and he led boldly," said Hillary Clinton. More info
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FRA JOSEPH SZABO RAIL PROJECTS UPDATE
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Rail is booming more than ever in America as Joseph Szabo outlined earlier this week at APTA's rail conference in Philadelphia.
"Mayors, citizen groups, local chambers of commerce - they see the connection between rail access and more livable, healthier communities. And while rail is already an extremely safe way to travel, our job is to ensure American passenger rail grows to meet rising demand safely, reliably, and efficiently," said Szabo.
The Administrator went on to discuss the many projects that have advanced, and programs the Administration is proposing to increase federal investment in rail upgrades throughout the nation.
"Under Joe Szabo's leadership, FRA has really advanced the national program and set the stage for high speed rail to be built across America," said USHSR President Andy Kunz. More info
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RESEARCH: HSR COULD FUEL REAL ESTATE BOOM
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New high-speed rail lines are credited with sparking a real estate and housing boom, among other economic benefits, in smaller cities in China. Now experts are debating whether rail modernization can have the same effects in the U.S.
Matthew Kahn, co-author of the study, believes the same could apply in California where high-speed rail is planned, more specifically smaller communities becoming connected to "superstar cities", as he calls them, like San Francisco.
Kahn and his co-author Siqi Zheng found bullet trains unintentionally created new suburbs called "sweet spots" about 60 to 470 miles from mega cities. Bullet trains provide big-city benefits despite the distance without "downsides like high housing costs, overcrowding, or air and water pollution," Kahn said.
"There's really no debate about it, high speed rail will benefit America every way you can imagine," said Joseph Shelhorse, USHSR Vice President. "Revitalizing cities, creating new cities, and opening up all sorts of new living and working possibilities for millions of people... that's what high speed rail delivers every day." More info |
HSR LINKING ATLANTA AND CHARLOTTE STARTING
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Public hearings have begun as planning options are being selected for a high speed rail line connecting Atlanta and Charlotte.
The 250 mile distance is perfect for high speed rail along this busy southern corridor. High-speed rail is an alternative mode for business and nonbusiness travelers that is competitive in terms of travel time, convenience and safety.
The proposed Atlanta to Charlotte high-speed passenger rail service would provide regional linkage, improve transportation capacity, improve travel times, provide an alternative transportation mode, enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote economic development. What's not to like? More info
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NTSB RELEASES REPORT ON RECENT NJ DERAILMENT
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Last month's derailment on Metro-North's New Haven line shows the need for increased investment in America's rail system. An inspection two days before the passenger train derailed found an issue with the track that was not deemed serious enough to require immediate attention, a Metro-North spokesperson said.
A preliminary report released Wednesday by the National Transportation Safety Board said the inspection found "an insulated rail joint with inadequate supporting ballast and indications of vertical movement of the track system under load" in a section of the track where the train later derailed. The exact cause of the derailment has not been determined, and the NTSB's investigation is continuing. More info
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"Dollars spent that get Americans out of cars will ease traffic, save money, reduce pollution, slow global warming, and make us less vulnerable to volatile oil oligarchs." -Bloomberg
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HSR TO LINK MOSCOW AND KAZAN
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The 800-kilometre Moscow-Vladimir-Nizhny Novgorod-Cheboksary-Kazan high-speed train service will be Russia's first high-speed line, said Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov. "If we start working on it in 2013, theoretically, we would have enough time to complete it by the 2018 FIFA World Championship in Russia," added Sokolov.
The new railway will require 928 billion roubles in investment, including a state grant of 650 billion roubles, said Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways. Private investors and credit institutions are expected to finance the remaining 30% needed to buy trains and develop the auxiliary infrastructure.
Kazan is not only one of Russia's chief holiday destinations but also home to one of the country's most successful special economic zones, Alabuga, and several technoparks. More info
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Qatar Rail awards Doha Metro contracts worth $8.2bn
Qatar Rail Company has awarded four contracts worth a total of $8.2bn to design and build railway lines as part of the first phase construction of the Doha Metro.
Qatar Rail Company has awarded four contracts worth a total of $8.2bn to design and build railway lines as part of the first phase construction of the Doha Metro.
Network Rail has signed framework agreements with five IT suppliers, including Accenture, BAE Systems Detica, Cognizant, CSC and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to design, build and manage its IT infrastructure in a deal worth around £350m.
Australia's North West Rail Link set to be a driverless system
The New South Wales (NSW) government in Australia has announced that it will adopt a fully-automated rapid transit system for operating the 23km North West Rail Link (NWRL), making it the first completely driverless mass transit system in the country.
CSR Sifang licences Škoda ForCity trams for Chinese market
Škoda Transportation has signed an agreement with CSR Quingdao Sifang (CSR Sifang) for a technology license to produce ForCity 15T low-floor trams for the Chinese market.
Shedmaster Railway News
If U.S. bullet train becomes reality, Philadelphia could get stop
Bombardier to supply Stockholm Red Line fleet - Railway Gazette
World Heritage & Railway News
Sir Nigel Gresley Summer Running | North Yorkshire Moors Railway :: A steam train adventure through the stunning Yorkshire Moors
100 years of railroad recipes - The EXPORAIL Cookbook
Save The NRM - campaign to stop the closure of the National Railway Museum in York
Railway Engineering News
Virgin takes action over West Coast performance - Railway Gazette
Bombardier to supply Stockholm Red Line fleet - Railway Gazette
Siemens
Siemens controls traffic in Poznan
Munich, 2013-Jun-04
- Intelligent traffic control system to reduce congestion and enhance attractiveness of public transportation
- Passenger information system informs about transit time, fastest route and available parking space
- Priority regulation for public transportation
To improve the traffic situation in the Polish city of Poznan, real-time traffic data from more than 200 measurement points, such as intersections, parking lots and public transportation, will be collected in the traffic management center, evaluated and processed using Sitraffic Concert. The Siemens system will provide information on the current traffic situation, available parking spaces and the departure times of nearby public transportation. Where required, traffic light control will be influenced to speed up the flow of public transport. More than 85 information panels at the bus and tram stations will indicate the current information on relevant vehicles arrival times. All traffic information will be also forwarded to the Internet and enabled for radio stations, texting and email services.
Along the roads at strategic locations 12 variable message signs (VMS) will be mounted to provide important information for drivers. To do this, the traffic control center collects the data from 115 intersections in the main road network and measure the type, number and speed of passing vehicles at short intervals. In addition, the data will be also made available to all transportation applications, for instance to compare travel times between public and private transportation. With a population of over 500,000, Poznan is the fifth largest city in Poland and a center of industry, commerce and research. Since the transition to a market economy, traffic in Poznan has been growing rapidly. The authorities therefore decided to introduce an intelligent transportation system and implement the most innovative solutions to support further transport-related developments and increase the efficiency of public transportation.
Siemens is a technology leader for traffic engineering and in particular for traffic management and control systems. It has executed and implemented a wide range of projects in major Polish cities and other parts of the world such as Warsaw, Cracow, Athens, Budapest, Berlin, Reykjavik, Prague, Vienna, Innsbruck, Rome, Geneva, Buenos Aires, Johannesburg, and Bogota.
More press releases of the Mobility and Logistics Division can be found on the Internet at www.siemens.com/press/mobility-logistics/material
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