Let’s have a guess in the comments under this post as to when we reckon the first electric trains will run on this line. I reckon in a year or so. Go !!!! 😀
@@davefb cheers Dave. I’m hoping to do a full update for October but I’m busy at work and the days are drawing in so may be filmed over a few days. Those trestles are temporary, I went down last weekend & the bridge was resting on them ruclips.net/video/x8E4KnHFFOQ/видео.htmlsi=Pj2QX92v7mpPu7fu
@@chriswhiting1991 I understand your point as the OLE changes the look of things completely. Hindley is still big on its history with numerous posters and information up around the station. Check out August Video & you will see they have commemorated the good old sprinter. I grew up just off Ladies Lane & a late night sprinter ride back home after a evening in King St certainly made the booze more potent 🤣
Be interesting to see how they get the wires under Wigan Wallgate as there's very little headroom, take some digging out if that's the way forward, another great video now having said that, I'm guessing the electric trains will stop at Ince and change to diesel to continue to Southport
Thanks Les. The link to Wallgate was discussed in the comments in the August Video. The viewers on that came to the conclusion it’s, like you said, massive digging out or demolish the shops on Wallgate and that’s not going to happen.
The bridge is made of “weathering steel”. It’s made of a steel alloy that makes a rusty-looking surface layer which actually protects itself. I’m not sure Northern is keeping the 769 units after this electrification is done. If they do they’ll likely be moved to a different line
@@leswall3061 I've heard the plan is to split the route between Wigan - Stalybridge via Bolton (running as pure EMU), and either a Stockport shuttle to Wigan or reroute some variety of Southport - Manchester via Atherton
@@andrewreynolds4949 Due to the low clearance at Wigan Wallgate, maybe as far as Ince then diesel, also I'm of the thought that Transpennine might use the route from Wigan North Western due to the lengthening of the platforms along the route
@@leswall3061 Again, if I understand correctly, the plan is to run Wigan NW - Stalybridge services with EMUs, and the Southport services will become either a shuttle or combined with Atherton line services. The platform extensions are for 4 or 6 car Northern EMUs; I don't believe there is any plan for Transpennine services to stop on this line.
This is all going on not that far from me and I had no idea it was even happening, so thanks for showing it. I've lost touch with the railways here in the north west now since there's been so many changes for the worse, like stupid new trains which are all open plan all the way through which is utterly insane. And it's all very well putting more and more overhead lines up but I wish network rail would start replacing old footbridges and start making more stations more accessible, like those at Walkden and Squire's gate to name just two which are only accessible by mountains of steps. And is the route via Swinton being wired too? And one thing you don't so easily see when a railway is being electrified is the essential alterations to the track to provide a return path for the traction current as normally with non-electrified lines there's insulated joints on both rails at section ends for the track circuiting which is used for detecting trains remotely at signalling control centres.
Open gangway trains are far better for capacity; it’s a move that’s been taking place for a long time now in many countries, and it’s not going away. The line via Swinton and Atherton is not being electrified, only the line from Wigan to Bolton. As part of the upgrade the signaling system is being modified, and won’t rely on track circuits anymore, like happens with typical electrification projects.
@@andrewreynolds4949 Yes, and I bet it will be all linked up to the net too making it far more vulnerable to hacking by idiots like terrorists and/or criminal syndicates, or rogue states, or even stupid little born expert smart*rses in their bedrooms like that stupid little git that got caught the other day hacking into TfL's database, end to end encryption should be compulsory for such things, just as it should also be for stuff like banking, social security and tax, health, supermarkets etc. And it's not open gangways which are a problem but the stupid totally insane new idea of the entire unit being all open just like an extended bus, they're supposed to be to provide for wheelchair users but at the expense of anyone disabled like me with far more severe misophonia who are effectively EXcluded to the maximum despite all the laws against it which are useless anyway as they're never anything like properly enforced and no-one ever raises any awareness of anyone like me but instead only ever suppress any such awareness, the media do it all the time with their propaganda that only ever shows disabled folk who can still have a right rip-roaring joyride life but they never show those whose lives are utterly ruined by appalling disorders as they just want to pretend they "don't exist". And just about every possible wall is constantly piled in the way and no matter who you complain to you only ever get completely ignored and it's all covered up swept conveniently under the proverbial carpet, the usual standard condescending scum attitude. And I bet that even if someone did try to provide a quiet segregated compartment for folk like me it wouldn't work as it would most likely conflict with fire safety or there'd be some other reason.
@@garethhodgkinson249 I know nothing about engineering, I just like logging stuff like this as once it’s done, it’s done but I do know that it flooded there last winter. I think they have since added extra drainage.
At 11:33 I suppose that in some respects it does look like it's quite a severe dip, but it will more than likely just be the effects of the telephoto composition that accentuates the effect & makes it look like it's a hell of a dip & severe change in gradient profile. All the levels & gradient profile parameters will have been carefully worked out to regrade & lower the track where it passes beneath the A6 overbridge to provide the necessary safe clearances for the O.L.E. (Overhead Line Equipment) catenary etc to pass beneath. In this case lowering the track & thus slightly altering the gradient profile of the up main & down main running lines is a far cheaper (& easier) alternative than closing the main A6 road. If Network Rail had gone down the route of replacing the entire main A6 bridge it would have no doubt have caused more work than slightly lowering the track. As well as the road closure/road traffic diversions etc it would also have meant having to go through the logistics of temporarily diverting any utilities that the overbridge may carry (Gas?/Electricity/Water?/Telephones?/Broadband?/Cable TV?/Sewer? etc) then demolishing the bridge & then having to design, build & supply a new bridge over the railway then reinstall/reconnect all the utilities up. I would think it safe to say that when on the train & travelling on that section of lowered & regraded track, that a change in the ride quality would not even be noticed even at line speed.
@@harrygardner1525 I’ve found some pictures of them doing the trackbed lowering in the summer of 2023 so, after work, I’m going to put a short video together.
@@simonrobertrhodes Up until about 10-15 year ago there was actually pointwork at that spot where the track has been lowered, one was a trailing crossover between the up main & down main lines, the other was a trailing set of points with a trap point (& track circuit interrupter) from off the down line on the Lostock side of the A6 bridge that used to go off as a siding to serve the Metal Box factory. They were operated by a lineside ground frame (remotely & electrically released by Manchester Piccadilly) that was located on the down side of the line & on the Lostock side of the A6 bridge. When the Metal Box factory closed, the pointwork & connection to serve the factory obviously became surplus to requirements & was quickly secured out of use pending removal, then plain lined in subsequent track renewal works.
@@harrygardner1525 I remember mum driving me to school down Chew Moor lane alongside Metal Box & seeing a Loco in the yard. Thanks again for the post Harry 👍
It said 769 on it. Are they the same units ? Despite doing these videos I don’t know a lot about actual trains, I just like the engineering they are doing.
@@simonrobertrhodes they were 319s from new in 1988-1990 coz I saw them from new in Brighton, all Northern has done is convert them to bi mode trains so they can run on electric n diesel
The 319 has been rebuilt from old 319 units by Porterbrook and Brush Traction. The Northern units have a diesel engine added for bi-mode operation, but other 769 subtypes have different arrangements for other operators. Only the Northern units remain in service due to severe reliability issues.
Let’s have a guess in the comments under this post as to when we reckon the first electric trains will run on this line. I reckon in a year or so. Go !!!! 😀
Fabulous video! Looking forward to using the updated line..
Love the bit at 720..Nice bit of subtle engineering work :D
@@davefb cheers Dave. I’m hoping to do a full update for October but I’m busy at work and the days are drawing in so may be filmed over a few days. Those trestles are temporary, I went down last weekend & the bridge was resting on them ruclips.net/video/x8E4KnHFFOQ/видео.htmlsi=Pj2QX92v7mpPu7fu
Great video mate. Have to say I know it’s progress. But looks like they’ve spoilt hindley station. Fond memories of pacers and 150/156’s at hindley
@@chriswhiting1991 I understand your point as the OLE changes the look of things completely. Hindley is still big on its history with numerous posters and information up around the station. Check out August Video & you will see they have commemorated the good old sprinter. I grew up just off Ladies Lane & a late night sprinter ride back home after a evening in King St certainly made the booze more potent 🤣
Be interesting to see how they get the wires under Wigan Wallgate as there's very little headroom, take some digging out if that's the way forward, another great video now having said that, I'm guessing the electric trains will stop at Ince and change to diesel to continue to Southport
Thanks Les. The link to Wallgate was discussed in the comments in the August Video. The viewers on that came to the conclusion it’s, like you said, massive digging out or demolish the shops on Wallgate and that’s not going to happen.
The bridge is made of “weathering steel”. It’s made of a steel alloy that makes a rusty-looking surface layer which actually protects itself.
I’m not sure Northern is keeping the 769 units after this electrification is done. If they do they’ll likely be moved to a different line
The 769's will run full electric to Wigan then diesel to Southport maybe
@@leswall3061 I've heard the plan is to split the route between Wigan - Stalybridge via Bolton (running as pure EMU), and either a Stockport shuttle to Wigan or reroute some variety of Southport - Manchester via Atherton
@@andrewreynolds4949 Due to the low clearance at Wigan Wallgate, maybe as far as Ince then diesel, also I'm of the thought that Transpennine might use the route from Wigan North Western due to the lengthening of the platforms along the route
@@leswall3061 Again, if I understand correctly, the plan is to run Wigan NW - Stalybridge services with EMUs, and the Southport services will become either a shuttle or combined with Atherton line services. The platform extensions are for 4 or 6 car Northern EMUs; I don't believe there is any plan for Transpennine services to stop on this line.
Thanks for the update. It looks like there's been some great leaps forwards in terms of progress.
This is all going on not that far from me and I had no idea it was even happening, so thanks for showing it. I've lost touch with the railways here in the north west now since there's been so many changes for the worse, like stupid new trains which are all open plan all the way through which is utterly insane. And it's all very well putting more and more overhead lines up but I wish network rail would start replacing old footbridges and start making more stations more accessible, like those at Walkden and Squire's gate to name just two which are only accessible by mountains of steps. And is the route via Swinton being wired too? And one thing you don't so easily see when a railway is being electrified is the essential alterations to the track to provide a return path for the traction current as normally with non-electrified lines there's insulated joints on both rails at section ends for the track circuiting which is used for detecting trains remotely at signalling control centres.
Open gangway trains are far better for capacity; it’s a move that’s been taking place for a long time now in many countries, and it’s not going away.
The line via Swinton and Atherton is not being electrified, only the line from Wigan to Bolton.
As part of the upgrade the signaling system is being modified, and won’t rely on track circuits anymore, like happens with typical electrification projects.
@@andrewreynolds4949 Yes, and I bet it will be all linked up to the net too making it far more vulnerable to hacking by idiots like terrorists and/or criminal syndicates, or rogue states, or even stupid little born expert smart*rses in their bedrooms like that stupid little git that got caught the other day hacking into TfL's database, end to end encryption should be compulsory for such things, just as it should also be for stuff like banking, social security and tax, health, supermarkets etc. And it's not open gangways which are a problem but the stupid totally insane new idea of the entire unit being all open just like an extended bus, they're supposed to be to provide for wheelchair users but at the expense of anyone disabled like me with far more severe misophonia who are effectively EXcluded to the maximum despite all the laws against it which are useless anyway as they're never anything like properly enforced and no-one ever raises any awareness of anyone like me but instead only ever suppress any such awareness, the media do it all the time with their propaganda that only ever shows disabled folk who can still have a right rip-roaring joyride life but they never show those whose lives are utterly ruined by appalling disorders as they just want to pretend they "don't exist". And just about every possible wall is constantly piled in the way and no matter who you complain to you only ever get completely ignored and it's all covered up swept conveniently under the proverbial carpet, the usual standard condescending scum attitude. And I bet that even if someone did try to provide a quiet segregated compartment for folk like me it wouldn't work as it would most likely conflict with fire safety or there'd be some other reason.
The OLE looks much better than the heavy girders between York Church Fenton in yorkshire
Nice video, the 323s and 331s will take over the line to north western, diesels going via the atherton line.
Where did you hear this?
Been known about for a while, going to be Stalybridge to wigan north western when the wires are complete but not til later next year.
@@dpjones1 I see thanks, I hope they electrify wallgate - Southport eventually
The dip in the track is a shocker, how did that get signed off 😮
@@garethhodgkinson249 I know nothing about engineering, I just like logging stuff like this as once it’s done, it’s done but I do know that it flooded there last winter. I think they have since added extra drainage.
At 11:33 I suppose that in some respects it does look like it's quite a severe dip, but it will more than likely just be the effects of the telephoto composition that accentuates the effect & makes it look like it's a hell of a dip & severe change in gradient profile.
All the levels & gradient profile parameters will have been carefully worked out to regrade & lower the track where it passes beneath the A6 overbridge to provide the necessary safe clearances for the O.L.E. (Overhead Line Equipment) catenary etc to pass beneath.
In this case lowering the track & thus slightly altering the gradient profile of the up main & down main running lines is a far cheaper (& easier) alternative than closing the main A6 road.
If Network Rail had gone down the route of replacing the entire main A6 bridge it would have no doubt have caused more work than slightly lowering the track.
As well as the road closure/road traffic diversions etc it would also have meant having to go through the logistics of temporarily diverting any utilities that the overbridge may carry (Gas?/Electricity/Water?/Telephones?/Broadband?/Cable TV?/Sewer? etc) then demolishing the bridge & then having to design, build & supply a new bridge over the railway then reinstall/reconnect all the utilities up.
I would think it safe to say that when on the train & travelling on that section of lowered & regraded track, that a change in the ride quality would not even be noticed even at line speed.
@@harrygardner1525 I’ve found some pictures of them doing the trackbed lowering in the summer of 2023 so, after work, I’m going to put a short video together.
@@simonrobertrhodes Up until about 10-15 year ago there was actually pointwork at that spot where the track has been lowered, one was a trailing crossover between the up main & down main lines, the other was a trailing set of points with a trap point (& track circuit interrupter) from off the down line on the Lostock side of the A6 bridge that used to go off as a siding to serve the Metal Box factory.
They were operated by a lineside ground frame (remotely & electrically released by Manchester Piccadilly) that was located on the down side of the line & on the Lostock side of the A6 bridge.
When the Metal Box factory closed, the pointwork & connection to serve the factory obviously became surplus to requirements & was quickly secured out of use pending removal, then plain lined in subsequent track renewal works.
@@harrygardner1525 I remember mum driving me to school down Chew Moor lane alongside Metal Box & seeing a Loco in the yard. Thanks again for the post Harry 👍
Just out of interest what name of music as well nice. Great video as well. 😊
Thanks. It’s called Sierras by Orchard Heights. I edit using iMovie & it’s on the soundtrack options.
The 769 is an actual 319
It said 769 on it. Are they the same units ?
Despite doing these videos I don’t know a lot about actual trains, I just like the engineering they are doing.
@@simonrobertrhodes they were 319s from new in 1988-1990 coz I saw them from new in Brighton, all Northern has done is convert them to bi mode trains so they can run on electric n diesel
The 319 has been rebuilt from old 319 units by Porterbrook and Brush Traction. The Northern units have a diesel engine added for bi-mode operation, but other 769 subtypes have different arrangements for other operators. Only the Northern units remain in service due to severe reliability issues.
Hi-rail vehicle.
0:23 still don't sit right with me seeing an old thameslink train not in london, and running on diesel. Great idea though.