MIG wrote:
On Mar 22, 4:00 pm, "Richard J." wrote:
wrote:

Does that part of LUL have AWS (I don't recall seeing it when I was
down there.)? If not, then whar sort of safety back up are SWT
trains using on that segment, lower speeds? AFAIK, SWT trains are
not equipped with tripcocks.

The answer is that the line is fitted with TPWS as well as the LUL
trainstop system. At each signal, there is a TPWS loop and a
trainstop. The reason for the 30 mph limit for National Rail trains
is because of "power supply difficulties". The voltage is 650V to
accommodate the LU trains, rather than the usual 750V for SWT.

Which makes me wonder, is it only 455s that have been using that
route? Could it cope with the power requirements of 450s? I've only
ever seen 455s going that way (daytime empty movements and past
engineering work; not been around for the early/late runs).

Travelled the route on 450s yesterday twice - the Basingstoke/Alton
splitting service. You will be pleased to hear that the power supply can
cope with an 8 car train. It was quite odd to see an 8.450 stopped in East
Putney awaiting the road down on to the Windsor lines - it only just clears
the platform end, and the crossover over the 'LU' down track.

The apparent gradient off the windsor lines is quite something BTW - I
should imagine icy conditions may make things difficult?

I think the normal early and late timetabled trains via EP are usually at
least 450s, not sure if 444s run in service though?

Paul