Today's headlines centre on the UK 's Autumn Budget, and its impact on transport, particularly railways and railway users....Can we keep "pace" with these announcements!?
Also, some special reports from respected publications SmartRail World, Future Rail, and Total Rail..
Please click on the links.....
Headlines
UK
Autumn Statement: New trains for northern rail routes.(BBC News)
National Audit Office: Our strategy 2015-16 to 2017-18.
The NAO strategy 2015-16 to 2017-18 sets out how our public audit perspective will help Parliament hold government to account and improve public services
First class to be retained on controversial North to South Wales train after U-turn(Daily Post)
Battle of the buffet car goes to Parliament.(The Northern Echo)
Network Rail
Helicopter inspects railtrack at Bermondsey Dive Under(Network Rail on YouTube)
See how the Thameslink Programme work untangled the tracks at Bermondsey Dive Under to reduce delays on the approach to London Bridge, captured on film from our helicopter in August 2014. More on the Thameslink Programme at http://www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk/ Follow the programme on Twitter at https://twitter.com/tlprogramme
‘Let there be light’ at Birmingham New Street – daylight reaches station concourse for the first time
Natural light hit the floor of the new concourse at Birmingham New Street station today (2 December) as the final layer of concrete was broken through as part of the development’s new atrium.
Over 4,000 tonnes of concrete, which made up much of the roof of the old shopping centre, has already been removed and demolition experts are preparing to demolish the final 2,000-tonne layer which made up the roof of the old concourse.
When completely demolished the stunning new atrium, which will be the centrepiece of the new station and Grand Central Birmingham building, will be visible for the first time.
Chris Montgomery, Network Rail’s project director for the Birmingham New Street redevelopment said: “As our work to transform New Street station continues, excitement among our 1,000-strong workforce is really starting to build. Piece by piece, the design and concept for the station is being brought to life and it’s great to see natural light reaching the concourse for the first time.
“Once we have demolished this next level completely the new concourse will be flooded with natural light from above, transforming the experience of millions of passengers who will use this fantastic new station when it opens in September 2015.”
Transport minister Baroness Kramer said: “When complete, the transformation of Birmingham New Street will provide a truly dazzling gateway to the city, and I congratulate everyone involved.
“Over the next five years, more than £38 billion will be spent on improving and running the rail network. This project is a shining example of how our investment is helping to deliver better journeys and a stronger economy across the UK.”
Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council said: “This is a really momentous occasion in this project. One of the main drivers for redeveloping the station was to create a lighter, brighter first impression when people come to our city and this breakthrough is the first sign of how this will happen.”
Demolition engineers from specialist contractor Coleman & Company have worked round-the-clock over the past two months to remove the thousands of tonnes of concrete.
Mark Coleman, managing director at Coleman & Company, said: “To demolish 6,000 tonnes of cast reinforced concrete from the centre of a busy city centre construction site, above a live operational rail station, without noise, dust and disruption is a huge engineering challenge.
“Some of the beams we have removed weigh more than the equivalent of 30 Range Rovers. Our engineers have been working closely with Network Rail and Mace, assessing the structure and crunching the numbers, to ensure that all works are completed to the highest standards.”
To keep noise levels down during night time work, a special machine has been designed, known as the Mega Muncher, that ‘eats’ the concrete. This method is significantly quieter and less disruptive than traditional jackhammer-type methods.
Richard Brown, development director of Grand Central Birmingham, the premium retail and dining destination which will sit above the transformed New Street station, said: ”This next phase of the project is incredibly exciting for Grand Central Birmingham. As the natural light breaks through onto the concourse it will reveal an insight into a unique shopping and station experience with shops and restaurants surrounding a stunning atrium-roofed concourse for the railway station, created out of the former Pallasades shopping area.”
Martyn Woodhouse, Mace’s director of project delivery said: “This is a major milestone for the project as we work towards next September’s station opening. Demolition by its very nature can be noisy work so we have worked closely with Coleman’s to minimise disruption to passengers using the station and local residents. Once the demolition is fully completed by February 2015 we will have full access to continue our work on the new passenger concourse and to develop Grand Central Birmingham.”
The redeveloped Birmingham New Street station and Grand Central Birmingham development are due to open in 2015.
As well as the Eden Project in Cornwall, the ETFE material has also been used to cover the outside of Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena and the Beijing National Aquatics centre.
Demolition facts:
The “Mega Muncher”, the primary demolition tool, is the only one of its kind in the world. It has been specifically designed for work on the atrium.
• 25 tonnes in weight
• Remote control
• Infra-red safety zone fencing for auto cut out
• Jet-ski style safety pull chord
• Rubber tracks
• Formula 1 style re-fuelling system
• Bio oil
• LED lighting
Over 95% of material from this project has been recycled and the concrete from the demolition will be recycled too.
4,000 tonnes of concrete is being removed form the roof of the former Pallasades and a further 2,000 tonnes is being removed form the floor below which previously made up the ceiling of the concourse.
The demolition work will take place between September 2014 and March 2015 between 7am and 3am.
Acoustic screens have been put up to minimise noise reaching the station’s neighbours and constant noise monitoring takes place around the site.
When completely demolished the stunning new atrium, which will be the centrepiece of the new station and Grand Central Birmingham building, will be visible for the first time.
Chris Montgomery, Network Rail’s project director for the Birmingham New Street redevelopment said: “As our work to transform New Street station continues, excitement among our 1,000-strong workforce is really starting to build. Piece by piece, the design and concept for the station is being brought to life and it’s great to see natural light reaching the concourse for the first time.
“Once we have demolished this next level completely the new concourse will be flooded with natural light from above, transforming the experience of millions of passengers who will use this fantastic new station when it opens in September 2015.”
Transport minister Baroness Kramer said: “When complete, the transformation of Birmingham New Street will provide a truly dazzling gateway to the city, and I congratulate everyone involved.
“Over the next five years, more than £38 billion will be spent on improving and running the rail network. This project is a shining example of how our investment is helping to deliver better journeys and a stronger economy across the UK.”
Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council said: “This is a really momentous occasion in this project. One of the main drivers for redeveloping the station was to create a lighter, brighter first impression when people come to our city and this breakthrough is the first sign of how this will happen.”
Demolition engineers from specialist contractor Coleman & Company have worked round-the-clock over the past two months to remove the thousands of tonnes of concrete.
Mark Coleman, managing director at Coleman & Company, said: “To demolish 6,000 tonnes of cast reinforced concrete from the centre of a busy city centre construction site, above a live operational rail station, without noise, dust and disruption is a huge engineering challenge.
“Some of the beams we have removed weigh more than the equivalent of 30 Range Rovers. Our engineers have been working closely with Network Rail and Mace, assessing the structure and crunching the numbers, to ensure that all works are completed to the highest standards.”
To keep noise levels down during night time work, a special machine has been designed, known as the Mega Muncher, that ‘eats’ the concrete. This method is significantly quieter and less disruptive than traditional jackhammer-type methods.
Richard Brown, development director of Grand Central Birmingham, the premium retail and dining destination which will sit above the transformed New Street station, said: ”This next phase of the project is incredibly exciting for Grand Central Birmingham. As the natural light breaks through onto the concourse it will reveal an insight into a unique shopping and station experience with shops and restaurants surrounding a stunning atrium-roofed concourse for the railway station, created out of the former Pallasades shopping area.”
Martyn Woodhouse, Mace’s director of project delivery said: “This is a major milestone for the project as we work towards next September’s station opening. Demolition by its very nature can be noisy work so we have worked closely with Coleman’s to minimise disruption to passengers using the station and local residents. Once the demolition is fully completed by February 2015 we will have full access to continue our work on the new passenger concourse and to develop Grand Central Birmingham.”
The redeveloped Birmingham New Street station and Grand Central Birmingham development are due to open in 2015.
Notes:
Known as ETFE – or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene – the translucent roof material is strong, durable, has a high corrosion resistance, is self-cleaning and recyclable. It is also much lighter than glass, a significant benefit when the new development is being built directly on top of Birmingham New Street station underneath.As well as the Eden Project in Cornwall, the ETFE material has also been used to cover the outside of Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena and the Beijing National Aquatics centre.
Demolition facts:
The “Mega Muncher”, the primary demolition tool, is the only one of its kind in the world. It has been specifically designed for work on the atrium.
• 25 tonnes in weight
• Remote control
• Infra-red safety zone fencing for auto cut out
• Jet-ski style safety pull chord
• Rubber tracks
• Formula 1 style re-fuelling system
• Bio oil
• LED lighting
Over 95% of material from this project has been recycled and the concrete from the demolition will be recycled too.
4,000 tonnes of concrete is being removed form the roof of the former Pallasades and a further 2,000 tonnes is being removed form the floor below which previously made up the ceiling of the concourse.
The demolition work will take place between September 2014 and March 2015 between 7am and 3am.
Acoustic screens have been put up to minimise noise reaching the station’s neighbours and constant noise monitoring takes place around the site.
A panoramic view of the new atrium at Birmingham New Street station
..whilst on the subject of Birmingham New Street...here is the latest YouTube upload from Huntley Film Archives........
With special thanks to Robert Dewar...(Huntley Film Archives)
Railways in the West Midlands
SLS rail tour. Birmingham New Street station. Smethwick West and Halesowen and back to Birmingham New street
Locomotives nos 58167 and 58271
Anyone up to the challenge of filming the same (if available!!) locations......???
London & the South East | Continuing the transformation.
==================================================================
Rail Accident Investigation Branch(RAIB)
Derailment of a freight train at Ashburys, Manchester, on 13 November 2014
International
Africa
Railways Africa.
NEW PRASA LOCOS ARRIVE
(see also Vossloh Press Release of 10/10/2013)
EURO LIGHT
EURO LIGHT is a diesel-electric locomotive for railroads with restricted axle loads less than 20 tons
Picture Courtesy: Vossloh
FIRST PRASA BODYSHELL COMPLETED
THELO SEEKS INVESTMENT PARTNER
GEORGE-KNYSNA – THE FACTS
REEFSTEAMER EXCURSIONS
CAIRO METRO
FIRST MOATIZE-NACALA TRAIN
=============================
Chinese Firm Rounds off Track-Laying Work in Nigeria Rail Project
China
Chinese rail official's mistress jailed over bribery.(BBC News)
Germany
EXCLUSIVE: Schenker lawsuits unlikely to succeed, says shippers’ council (Lloyd's Loading List)
India
Govt steps on the gas to speed up Delhi-Chandigarh-Amritsar bullet train project
Bombay Railway. Episode 2 "Dreams" BBC4 8pm Wednesday 3rd December 2014
India is undergoing unprecedented growth and Bombay is its financial powerhouse. The city promotes itself as a positive vision of the future, a place where dreams can come true. Like an extended family, the Bombay railway provides an unfailing lifeline to the city. This series follows the hope and dreams of some the people who work for the railway.
PANYNJ 2015 budget includes capex for PATH stations
Canadian rail association honors four railroads with 2014 safety awards
Amtrak earns recognition for business strategy
Early bird rate ends Friday for Secure Rail conference
RSI report: Proposed tank-car rule could carry $60 billion price tag
2015 'Rising Star' nomination process is underway
Interjurisdictional team acquires CN line in British Columbia
Rail supplier news from Vossloh, Kelso, Keolis, Siemens, Masabi and Gulf Intermodal (Dec. 3)
Rail Accident Investigation Branch(RAIB)
Derailment of a freight train at Ashburys, Manchester, on 13 November 2014
RAIB is investigating the derailment of a freight train (reporting number 6H53) at Ashburys, as it departed from Ashburys sidings on Thursday, 13 November 2014.
The train comprised a class 66 locomotive pulling 18 empty JRA box wagons and was en-route from Ashburys sidings to Hindlow, near Buxton. At about 19:35 hrs, all wheels on the trailing bogie of the sixteenth wagon in the train derailed on the Up Arrival line while travelling at approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
The derailed wagon caused damage to the track over a distance of about 90 metres before the driver, who noticed that the train was losing air from the brake pipe, brought it to a stand.
RAIB’s preliminary examination revealed that the derailment was almost certainly caused by a cracked wheel. A crack had propagated from the wheel tread to the axle, loosening the fit between wheel and axle. This allowed the wheel to move inwards on the axle. Close examination has since revealed that other wheels on the same wagon also had evidence of cracking.
The investigation will also consider the performance of the braking system (as a potential source of wheel heating) and will include a review of the maintenance and service history of the wagon.
Image of derailed wagon at Ashburys (RAIB picture)
RAIB’s investigation is independent of any investigations by the safety authority or the railway industry. The RAIB will publish its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website.
============================
Collision between a train and a collapsed signal post at Newbury, Berkshire, 17 November 2014
Collapsed signal T2865 lying across the down line closest to the camera (train 1A83 was running on the furthest of the two lines)
The train comprised a class 66 locomotive pulling 18 empty JRA box wagons and was en-route from Ashburys sidings to Hindlow, near Buxton. At about 19:35 hrs, all wheels on the trailing bogie of the sixteenth wagon in the train derailed on the Up Arrival line while travelling at approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
The derailed wagon caused damage to the track over a distance of about 90 metres before the driver, who noticed that the train was losing air from the brake pipe, brought it to a stand.
RAIB’s preliminary examination revealed that the derailment was almost certainly caused by a cracked wheel. A crack had propagated from the wheel tread to the axle, loosening the fit between wheel and axle. This allowed the wheel to move inwards on the axle. Close examination has since revealed that other wheels on the same wagon also had evidence of cracking.
The investigation will also consider the performance of the braking system (as a potential source of wheel heating) and will include a review of the maintenance and service history of the wagon.
Image of derailed wagon at Ashburys (RAIB picture)
RAIB’s investigation is independent of any investigations by the safety authority or the railway industry. The RAIB will publish its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website.
============================
Collision between a train and a collapsed signal post at Newbury, Berkshire, 17 November 2014
RAIB is investigating an accident in which a passenger train struck a signal that had collapsed and fallen across the track between Newbury and Newbury Racecourse stations.
The accident occurred at about 14:35 hrs on 17 November 2014 and involved train 1A83, the 10:41 hrs First Great Western service from Truro to London Paddington, travelling on the up line. The train struck the junction indicator attached to the head of signal T2865. The signal was attached to a metal post which was lying across the down line (the line usually used by trains travelling west) and foul of the up line. Before it collapsed, this signal post had been standing adjacent to the down line.
The train was travelling at approximately 110 mph (177 km/h) at the point of collision. Although the train did not derail, it did sustain exterior damage to the cab of the leading power car and a ruptured air pipe.
Immediately before the accident there had been no indication of a problem to the signaller because the signalling cables were still intact and the signal itself was still showing a light. A freight train had passed through the area on the down line around 15 minutes before the collision without incident.
The post of signal T2865 (formerly numbered R824) had last been examined in June 2014 and no defects were reported for it. However, the base of the post was hidden by ballast and corrosion at and below ground level was not detected by the examination regime. The signal head was replaced on 28 September 2014 and no issues were reported with the signal post at that time.
The accident occurred at about 14:35 hrs on 17 November 2014 and involved train 1A83, the 10:41 hrs First Great Western service from Truro to London Paddington, travelling on the up line. The train struck the junction indicator attached to the head of signal T2865. The signal was attached to a metal post which was lying across the down line (the line usually used by trains travelling west) and foul of the up line. Before it collapsed, this signal post had been standing adjacent to the down line.
The train was travelling at approximately 110 mph (177 km/h) at the point of collision. Although the train did not derail, it did sustain exterior damage to the cab of the leading power car and a ruptured air pipe.
Immediately before the accident there had been no indication of a problem to the signaller because the signalling cables were still intact and the signal itself was still showing a light. A freight train had passed through the area on the down line around 15 minutes before the collision without incident.
The post of signal T2865 (formerly numbered R824) had last been examined in June 2014 and no defects were reported for it. However, the base of the post was hidden by ballast and corrosion at and below ground level was not detected by the examination regime. The signal head was replaced on 28 September 2014 and no issues were reported with the signal post at that time.
(photograph courtesy of Network Rail)
Collapsed signal T2865 lying across the down line closest to the camera (train 1A83 was running on the furthest of the two lines)
RAIB’s investigation will focus on the examination regime for this signal post and other similar structures, and will seek to understand how the post of signal T2865 came to be susceptible to corrosion and why this was not detected before it collapsed.
RAIB will assess the railway industry’s current strategy for the examination and maintenance of such structures, and will review the actions taken in response to previous RAIB recommendations relating to structural failures.
RAIB’s investigation is independent of any investigation by the Office of Rail Regulation.
RAIB will publish its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website.
========================================================================
GOV.UK
Norwich in Ninety is backed by government
Government will support the Great Eastern Main Line Taskforce's recommendations with the next Anglia rail franchise
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin today (2 December 2014) said that the government will support the key recommendations of the Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) Taskforce’s report as it moves forward with the next Anglia franchise.
Speaking at Liverpool Street Station, Mr McLoughlin, who has asked Network Rail to continue developing improvements to the speed of the line over the next few years, paid tribute to the taskforce and the Norwich in Ninety campaign, pledging its recommendations would be supported through the next franchising process:
The Transport Secretary’s comments followed publication on Monday 1 December of the ‘Road investment strategy’, which included 15 new schemes for the region worth around £1.5 billion, creating an estimated 1,000 construction jobs. Highlights include:
RAIB will assess the railway industry’s current strategy for the examination and maintenance of such structures, and will review the actions taken in response to previous RAIB recommendations relating to structural failures.
RAIB’s investigation is independent of any investigation by the Office of Rail Regulation.
RAIB will publish its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website.
========================================================================
GOV.UK
Norwich in Ninety is backed by government
Government will support the Great Eastern Main Line Taskforce's recommendations with the next Anglia rail franchise
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin today (2 December 2014) said that the government will support the key recommendations of the Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) Taskforce’s report as it moves forward with the next Anglia franchise.
Speaking at Liverpool Street Station, Mr McLoughlin, who has asked Network Rail to continue developing improvements to the speed of the line over the next few years, paid tribute to the taskforce and the Norwich in Ninety campaign, pledging its recommendations would be supported through the next franchising process:
We know East Anglia’s growing economy needs a better rail service. Part of this government’s long term economic plan is to ensure growth and prosperity for the region and for the nation as a whole.Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North and co-chair of GEML Taskforce, said:
We’re already investing more than £38 billion in our rail network over the next 5 years. There are improvements on the way for East Anglia thanks to £170 million of track and signalling upgrades next year, and we’ve agreed improvements to services with the existing Abellio Greater Anglia franchise.
I am very grateful to the Great Eastern Main Line Taskforce and the Norwich in Ninety campaign for their analysis of what needs to be done to help deliver world-class rail services for East Anglia, including better infrastructure and state-of the-art rolling stock. I am delighted to say we are going to support the key recommendations of the task force report.
This government is sending a clear signal to prospective bidders for the next franchise that they will need to show how they will build a better rail network for East Anglia and make Norwich in Ninety a reality.
Mark Pendlington, Chairman of New Anglia LEP and co-chair of GEML Taskforce, said:I am delighted that the rail campaign I’ve led for years now has succeeded, with the Chancellor agreeing our call for action on the Norwich to London line. This will achieve a massive result for East Anglia, and bring thousands of jobs to the area. On behalf of the thousands of passengers who are part of this campaign, this is the fair deal we need.
This is a massive achievement for our rail campaign and yet another vote of confidence for the future of our region. The voices of many thousands of rail passengers and businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have been heard, loud and clear.The announcement was made as part of the ‘National infrastructure plan’, which was published today by Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander.
Our ambitions are clear; to make this one of the best regions in the UK to invest, bring jobs and increase skills. Today’s announcement brings us a major step forward to that goal.
This is the best result we have ever had for the Great Eastern Main Line and it is all down to the power of effective collaboration with passengers, businesses, local authorities, MPs and education leaders, working together to put a compelling case across. I would like to thank them all for their fantastic efforts throughout the year.
The Transport Secretary’s comments followed publication on Monday 1 December of the ‘Road investment strategy’, which included 15 new schemes for the region worth around £1.5 billion, creating an estimated 1,000 construction jobs. Highlights include:
- dualling of the A428 to create a continuous ‘expressway’ from Cambridge to Bedford and Milton Keynes, helping some of our fastest-growing towns and cities to work together - new strategic study will look at the case for extending this expressway from Milton Keynes to Oxford
- investing over £300 million to transform the A47 around Peterborough, Norwich and Great Yarmouth; this includes dualling the road from Peterborough to the A1, upgrades around Norwich to create a 30 mile stretch of continuous dual carriageway and improvements to the Acle Straight and junctions around Norwich - this will tackle congestion and help share the benefits of growth in key cities
- begin phase 1 of a major upgrade to the A12, with the addition of a third lane between Chelmsford and Colchester, rebuilding of the A12/M25 junction and technology improvements along the whole route; this will replace a patchwork road with consistent modern standards, and will tackle congestion on one of the region’s vital corridors
- opening a new chapter in the history of the A1, with an upgrade to the 2-lane section of the A1(M) around Stevenage, and improvements to the notorious Black Cat roundabout on the A1 - a strategic study will examine the future of the A1 between Peterborough and the M25, including whether to upgrade the old dual carriageway section to motorway standard
- a link road from the A5 to the M1 near Dunstable, including a new junction 11A, which will allow for 7,000 new homes at Houghton Regis
- at Harlow on the M11, £50 million of extra improvements to junction 7 will make development easier and provide quicker access to and from the town
International
Africa
Railways Africa.
NEW PRASA LOCOS ARRIVE
(see also Vossloh Press Release of 10/10/2013)
EURO LIGHT
EURO LIGHT is a diesel-electric locomotive for railroads with restricted axle loads less than 20 tons
Picture Courtesy: Vossloh
FIRST PRASA BODYSHELL COMPLETED
THELO SEEKS INVESTMENT PARTNER
GEORGE-KNYSNA – THE FACTS
REEFSTEAMER EXCURSIONS
CAIRO METRO
FIRST MOATIZE-NACALA TRAIN
=============================
Chinese Firm Rounds off Track-Laying Work in Nigeria Rail Project
China
Chinese rail official's mistress jailed over bribery.(BBC News)
Germany
EXCLUSIVE: Schenker lawsuits unlikely to succeed, says shippers’ council (Lloyd's Loading List)
India
|
High-speed Rail Corridor Survey(The New Indian Express)
|
Govt steps on the gas to speed up Delhi-Chandigarh-Amritsar bullet train project
Bombay Railway. Episode 2 "Dreams" BBC4 8pm Wednesday 3rd December 2014
India is undergoing unprecedented growth and Bombay is its financial powerhouse. The city promotes itself as a positive vision of the future, a place where dreams can come true. Like an extended family, the Bombay railway provides an unfailing lifeline to the city. This series follows the hope and dreams of some the people who work for the railway.
Hans Dev Sharma is a senior operations clerk. He works in the timetabling department, which schedules over 2,000 trains a day - under its cultural quota Hans Dev Sharma was talent-spotted as an exceptional actor and dancer and the railways offered him a job. Hans is living the Bollywood dream, with Bombay Railways as his life and his stage. But will he get his big break?
Jagdish Paul Raj was born in Bombay and is as ambitious as the city he lives in. The son of a railway catering officer, Jagdish, like his father, always had an interest in food but none in the railway. He graduated in politics and economics and became a fully qualified chef. Now 31, he is running a successful catering business on the train to Goa. He is tendered for more trains, but will he be successful?
Mumtaz Kazi is Indian Railways' first fully qualified female train driver and has driven trains all over India. Mumtaz was brought up in a traditional Muslim family - a railway family. Now her father has retired and her immediate family live in Canada - Mumtaz is the only member left in Bombay. It will be Mumtaz's responsibility to find a wife for her brother, to get him married and back to Canada in just eight weeks. Can she do it and still drive the train ?
(BBC Programme Notes)
USA
Other Railway Press
| Train lost in desert for 8 years set to finally make return journey. | |||
By Luke Upton, 3 Dec 2014 09:00:00
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We are all familiar with waiting for a delayed train. But spare a thought for anyone waiting for this train in Egypt which eight years after it went missing has been found in the country’s Western desert ending a lengthy mystery. The story begins when a line connecting the remote Western Desert to the Red Sea coast was opened in 1996. But the reality of running a railroad through a desert led to high maintenance and security costs and the railway was forced to close. This opportunity was seized upon my metal thieves who duly ripped up and stole over 150km leaving areas of the line isolated, and one particular German-made Henschel train with nowhere to go (Not pictured above, we couldn't find a picture of it sorry, though there is a video below). The train was last scheduled for a journey in 2006 but at some point on this line without track disappeared from the company’s inventory the Gulf News.
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Read more »
www.railway-technology.com South Africa's PRASA unveils new Vossloh Afro 4000 locomotive The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has unveiled its new Afro 4000 locomotive series to be used on its long-distance main line services. Belgium's Liefkenshoek rail link to begin operations from 14 December Belgium's new freight-only Liefkenshoek rail link at the Port of Antwerp is set to start commercial operations from 14 December, following the official opening of the rail tunnel next week. National Express launches first Bombardier Talent 2 train UK National Express Group subsidiary National Express Rail has unveiled the first of its Bombardier Talent 2 trains, which are to operate on Germany's rail network. Bombardier to supply 156 low-floor trams for Vienna's Wiener Linien Train manufacturer Bombardier has secured an €562m order from Vienna's public transport operator Wiener Linien to supply up to 156 low-floor trams. 
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