London Banter

London Banter (https://www.londonbanter.co.uk/forum.php)
-   London Transport (https://www.londonbanter.co.uk/london-transport/)
-   -   Mitcham Eastfields Open (https://www.londonbanter.co.uk/london-transport/6784-mitcham-eastfields-open.html)

Paul Terry June 2nd 08 03:20 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
Although Eastfields didn't open this morning as planned, TFL report that
it opened at 16:00 today. For some reason, the BBC thought it wouldn't
open until later this week:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7430762.stm
--
Paul Terry

Paul Scott June 2nd 08 03:32 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 

"Paul Terry" wrote in message
...
Although Eastfields didn't open this morning as planned, TFL report that
it opened at 16:00 today. For some reason, the BBC thought it wouldn't
open until later this week:


They probably went by the local council's announcement on Friday that a 'new
date' would be confirmed later?

Paul S



Roland Perry June 2nd 08 03:39 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
In message , at 16:20:11 on Mon, 2
Jun 2008, Paul Terry remarked:
Although Eastfields didn't open this morning as planned, TFL report
that it opened at 16:00 today. For some reason, the BBC thought it
wouldn't open until later this week:


At the time of writing (9am this morning) 4pm today *is* "later in the
week".
--
Roland Perry

Mizter T June 2nd 08 04:51 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
[originally posted to uk.transport.london]
[x-posted to uk.railway]

On 2 Jun, 16:20, Paul Terry wrote:
Although Eastfields didn't open this morning as planned, TFL report that
it opened at 16:00 today. For some reason, the BBC thought it wouldn't
open until later this week:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7430762.stm


The LDB would certainly seem to indicate it has indeed opened now:

http://www.southernrailway.com/news....66&u=index.php


For the record, Southern had this to say - it was evidently written
before 4pm...
http://www.southernrailway.com/news.php?id=166

quote
Mitcham Eastfields station to open today - LATEST

June 2nd 2008

The new station at Mitcham Eastfields is now ready to open for
passenger service.

The first train to call at the station will be the 16:09 service to
Epsom. This service is from London Victoria, and for those who are
interested in being on the first train to call, the stop immediately
before Mitcham Eastfelds is Balham (16:02).

The first train to stop at Mitcham Eastfields on its way into London
will be the 16:11.
/quote


So, was anyone on the first train to stop there?!

I wonder what the delay was in opening the station - maybe it was just
to keep 'first train enthusiasts' on their toes! (Or maybe just allow
them a lie-in instead of a crack of dawn start...)

Mr Thant June 2nd 08 05:27 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On 2 Jun, 17:51, Mizter T wrote:
I wonder what the delay was in opening the station - maybe it was just
to keep 'first train enthusiasts' on their toes! (Or maybe just allow
them a lie-in instead of a crack of dawn start...)


I went down there last night for a look just as the builders were
packing up (I wasn't expecting it to open as early as today). The only
things amiss were a few noticeboards hadn't been put up and one
segment of the down platform's canopy was missing.

The official line was that regulatory safety checks hadn't been done.

U

--
http://londonconnections.blogspot.com/
A blog about transport projects in London
U

--
http://londonconnections.blogspot.com/
A blog about transport projects in London


Martin J June 2nd 08 06:28 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
Mizter T wrote:
[originally posted to uk.transport.london]
[x-posted to uk.railway]

On 2 Jun, 16:20, Paul Terry wrote:
Although Eastfields didn't open this morning as planned, TFL report that
it opened at 16:00 today. For some reason, the BBC thought it wouldn't
open until later this week:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7430762.stm


The LDB would certainly seem to indicate it has indeed opened now:

http://www.southernrailway.com/news....66&u=index.php


For the record, Southern had this to say - it was evidently written
before 4pm...
http://www.southernrailway.com/news.php?id=166

quote
Mitcham Eastfields station to open today - LATEST

June 2nd 2008

The new station at Mitcham Eastfields is now ready to open for
passenger service.

The first train to call at the station will be the 16:09 service to
Epsom. This service is from London Victoria, and for those who are
interested in being on the first train to call, the stop immediately
before Mitcham Eastfelds is Balham (16:02).

The first train to stop at Mitcham Eastfields on its way into London
will be the 16:11.
/quote


So, was anyone on the first train to stop there?!

I wonder what the delay was in opening the station - maybe it was just
to keep 'first train enthusiasts' on their toes! (Or maybe just allow
them a lie-in instead of a crack of dawn start...)


My train tonight, 18:31 London Bridge to Epsom had Eastfields on its
internal display, but I'm afraid I missed the driver's announcement
about whether or not the train was actually stopping there tonight.

Martin J.

Mizter T June 2nd 08 06:58 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 

On 2 Jun, 18:27, Mr Thant
wrote:

On 2 Jun, 17:51, Mizter T wrote:

I wonder what the delay was in opening the station - maybe it was just
to keep 'first train enthusiasts' on their toes! (Or maybe just allow
them a lie-in instead of a crack of dawn start...)


I went down there last night for a look just as the builders were
packing up (I wasn't expecting it to open as early as today). The only
things amiss were a few noticeboards hadn't been put up and one
segment of the down platform's canopy was missing.

The official line was that regulatory safety checks hadn't been done.


HMRI (if it was the HMRI) evidently don't do sunday inspections then!

When I passed by late on Friday I was half-hoping I might be able to
get a ticket machine to spew out the first ever Mitcham Eastfields
ticket - alas no, the place was still crawling with workmen!

Can anyone say exactly how long this station took to be built - i.e.
from the start the proper construction phase? It's certainly been
fairly rapid - well under a year.

And is there anywhere else in Greater London which is similarly
deserving of a brand new railway station on an existing line?

I suppose under that criteria my vote would go for a Brixton station
on the South London Line (which will hopefully play host to ELLX
trains to & from Clapham Jn in years to come) - but that would be an
incredibly difficult and expensive station to build, unlike
Eastfield's quick-and-cheapish new modular station. Is there anywhere
else deserving that's like Eastfields in London - somewhere where the
line is running more or less flat on the ground, not high up on an
embankment or viaduct or low in a cutting or even in a tunnel - i.e.
any *realistic* suggestions?

4CAP June 2nd 08 07:06 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 

"Mizter T" wrote in message
...

On 2 Jun, 18:27, Mr Thant
wrote:

On 2 Jun, 17:51, Mizter T wrote:

I wonder what the delay was in opening the station - maybe it was just
to keep 'first train enthusiasts' on their toes! (Or maybe just allow
them a lie-in instead of a crack of dawn start...)


I went down there last night for a look just as the builders were
packing up (I wasn't expecting it to open as early as today). The only
things amiss were a few noticeboards hadn't been put up and one
segment of the down platform's canopy was missing.

The official line was that regulatory safety checks hadn't been done.


HMRI (if it was the HMRI) evidently don't do sunday inspections then!

When I passed by late on Friday I was half-hoping I might be able to
get a ticket machine to spew out the first ever Mitcham Eastfields
ticket - alas no, the place was still crawling with workmen!

Can anyone say exactly how long this station took to be built - i.e.
from the start the proper construction phase? It's certainly been
fairly rapid - well under a year.

And is there anywhere else in Greater London which is similarly
deserving of a brand new railway station on an existing line?

I suppose under that criteria my vote would go for a Brixton station
on the South London Line (which will hopefully play host to ELLX
trains to & from Clapham Jn in years to come) - but that would be an
incredibly difficult and expensive station to build, unlike
Eastfield's quick-and-cheapish new modular station. Is there anywhere
else deserving that's like Eastfields in London - somewhere where the
line is running more or less flat on the ground, not high up on an
embankment or viaduct or low in a cutting or even in a tunnel - i.e.
any *realistic* suggestions?

When I was a Guard learning the 'road' in 1980 I was told Eastfields station
would be built and opening soon.



Roland Perry June 2nd 08 07:54 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
In message
, at
11:58:08 on Mon, 2 Jun 2008, Mizter T remarked:
Can anyone say exactly how long this station took to be built - i.e.
from the start the proper construction phase? It's certainly been
fairly rapid - well under a year.


It would be interesting to know. East Midlands Parkeway, which is
supposed to be open in December, is currently just a load of mud. It may
have some foundations, or it may not, it's difficult to see, through the
mud.
--
Roland Perry

Paul Corfield June 2nd 08 08:00 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On Mon, 2 Jun 2008 11:58:08 -0700 (PDT), Mizter T
wrote:

And is there anywhere else in Greater London which is similarly
deserving of a brand new railway station on an existing line?

I suppose under that criteria my vote would go for a Brixton station
on the South London Line (which will hopefully play host to ELLX
trains to & from Clapham Jn in years to come) - but that would be an
incredibly difficult and expensive station to build, unlike
Eastfield's quick-and-cheapish new modular station. Is there anywhere
else deserving that's like Eastfields in London - somewhere where the
line is running more or less flat on the ground, not high up on an
embankment or viaduct or low in a cutting or even in a tunnel - i.e.
any *realistic* suggestions?


Oh you've wrecked the criteria! I was going to suggest St Ann's Road /
Seven Sisters Road on the GOBLIN as well as Forest Road, Winchester Road
and Chingford Hatch on the Chingford - Liverpool St line. These extra
stations would hugely increase the catchment areas for these lines even
though I recognise they would slow overall journey times.

If Network Rail were feeling suitably insane they could build an
interchange station at Ferry Lane Estate where the GOBLIN cross the Lea
Valley line via Tottenham Hale. Obviously not every Lea Valley train
could stop as it's reduce line capacity but the locals to Hertford East
could possibly provide a half decent service.

Unfortunately they're all high up or down in dips!

--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!

Paul Scott June 2nd 08 08:29 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 

"Paul Corfield" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 2 Jun 2008 11:58:08 -0700 (PDT), Mizter T
wrote:

And is there anywhere else in Greater London which is similarly
deserving of a brand new railway station on an existing line?

I suppose under that criteria my vote would go for a Brixton station
on the South London Line (which will hopefully play host to ELLX
trains to & from Clapham Jn in years to come) - but that would be an
incredibly difficult and expensive station to build, unlike
Eastfield's quick-and-cheapish new modular station. Is there anywhere
else deserving that's like Eastfields in London - somewhere where the
line is running more or less flat on the ground, not high up on an
embankment or viaduct or low in a cutting or even in a tunnel - i.e.
any *realistic* suggestions?


Oh you've wrecked the criteria! I was going to suggest St Ann's Road /
Seven Sisters Road on the GOBLIN as well as Forest Road, Winchester Road
and Chingford Hatch on the Chingford - Liverpool St line. These extra
stations would hugely increase the catchment areas for these lines even
though I recognise they would slow overall journey times.

If Network Rail were feeling suitably insane they could build an
interchange station at Ferry Lane Estate where the GOBLIN cross the Lea
Valley line via Tottenham Hale. Obviously not every Lea Valley train
could stop as it's reduce line capacity but the locals to Hertford East
could possibly provide a half decent service.

Unfortunately they're all high up or down in dips!


There is an interesting tale in the Alan Williams column in the current
Modern Railways. Apparently the NR plan for the rebuild of Effingham
Junction with one of these modular stations, supposedly using permitted
development rights, failed to gain the local planner's agreement down in
rural Surrey.

So the portakabins have disappeared from the car park, and the project has
been cancelled. Back to the above 'brand new' part of the above discussion,
perhaps if they have a modular metal clad footbridge and some prefab
buildings earmarked waiting in a warehouse somewhere, they're actually far
more likely to gain acceptance in a new build urban setting than a 150 yr
old rural setting?

Paul S




TimB June 2nd 08 08:57 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On Jun 2, 9:00 pm, Paul Corfield wrote:

If Network Rail were feeling suitably insane they could build an
interchange station at Ferry Lane Estate where the GOBLIN cross the Lea
Valley line via Tottenham Hale. Obviously not every Lea Valley train
could stop as it's reduce line capacity but the locals to Hertford East
could possibly provide a half decent service.


Why didn't they think of that when they were building the Victoria
line?
Tim

Paul Corfield June 2nd 08 09:22 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On Mon, 2 Jun 2008 21:29:14 +0100, "Paul Scott"
wrote:

There is an interesting tale in the Alan Williams column in the current
Modern Railways. Apparently the NR plan for the rebuild of Effingham
Junction with one of these modular stations, supposedly using permitted
development rights, failed to gain the local planner's agreement down in
rural Surrey.

So the portakabins have disappeared from the car park, and the project has
been cancelled. Back to the above 'brand new' part of the above discussion,
perhaps if they have a modular metal clad footbridge and some prefab
buildings earmarked waiting in a warehouse somewhere, they're actually far
more likely to gain acceptance in a new build urban setting than a 150 yr
old rural setting?


Well I like the Alan Williams column in MR so it's usually the third
thing I read after the Editorial column and Uncle Roger. I think the
Effingham tale illustrates the lack of competence in NR (the planning
problems), the arrogance (one size fits all and you'll get it
eventually) and the lack of thought (one design solution). I
particularly liked the comment about how can maintenance costs be
reduced when no money has spent on the station in years.

I think the basic idea of modular stations is good if it saves money but
not when it delivers facilities that are not necessary (lifts compared
to ramps for mobility access), increase whole life costs for NR *and*
the operator and which are simply out of scale / sympathy. If TPE can
win awards for sympathetic station refurbishment and repair why on earth
can't NR take a similar cost effective approach at Effingham Junction?
I expect the Eff Junc story to run and run because NR have managed to
rouse a fair proportion of the local populace as well as a well known
critic and other relevant organisations. I'd call it an own goal and I
expect they'll end up having to compromise.

--
Paul C

Peter Masson June 2nd 08 09:27 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 

"Paul Corfield" wrote

I think the basic idea of modular stations is good if it saves money but
not when it delivers facilities that are not necessary (lifts compared
to ramps for mobility access), increase whole life costs for NR *and*
the operator and which are simply out of scale / sympathy.


It's too early to pass judgment on the new design of modular stations, with
Mitcham Eastfields the only example to date. But they will have to be much
better than a previous attempt, the dreaded CLASP design.

Peter



Uriah June 2nd 08 09:52 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On 2 Jun, 21:27, "Peter Masson" wrote:

It's too early to pass judgment on the new design of modular stations, with
Mitcham Eastfields the only example to date. But they will have to be much
better than a previous attempt, the dreaded CLASP design.

I think you can pass judgment now! Greenhithe is being rebuilt with
the kit of parts - from what I can see it is virtually identical to
Eastfields.

Reminds me of the original DLR station concept, in as much as you
rearrange and join the parts to fit the site, but around 90% of the
construction is the same at any site.

I think the modular station parts are more attractive than CLASP, but
will be just as ubiquitous.

D7666 June 3rd 08 06:28 AM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
Mitcham Eastfields



I noticed today - and I'm sure it was not like this yesterday - that
FCC PIS three line displays north of the Thames had two lines of text
something like:

[ Mitcham Eastfields station ]
[ .................................. ]
[ Station will open during t ]

And that was it. It was a scrolling and just end in the 't'. So Luton,
Harpenden, West hampstead are held in suspense over when 't' day is.

--
Nick

EE507[_2_] June 3rd 08 07:18 AM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On Jun 3, 7:28*am, D7666 wrote:
Mitcham Eastfields


I noticed today - and I'm sure it was not like this yesterday - that
FCC PIS three line displays north of the Thames had two lines of text
something like:

[ Mitcham Eastfields station ]
[ .................................. ]
[ Station will open during t ]

And that was it. It was a scrolling and just end in the 't'. So Luton,
Harpenden, West hampstead are held in suspense over when 't' day is.


This would be the dreadful CIS system that isn't properly synchronised
with departures, much like that on the West London Line?
I assume "...............................8" means the train is
supposed to be formed of 8 coaches. The last time I was at Farringdon
I saw this, but a 4 eventually rolled it. No announcement. Cue much
swearing and running along platform.

This isn't just travel. This is First transforming travel.

Let us know if FCC have updated the system today...

Mr Thant June 3rd 08 08:57 AM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On 3 Jun, 07:28, D7666 wrote:
And that was it. It was a scrolling and just end in the 't'. So Luton,
Harpenden, West hampstead are held in suspense over when 't' day is.


Probably "today" or Tuesday. They weren't calling yesterday as the
platform cameras weren't working properly. I presume Southern had
guards on duty.

U

--
http://londonconnections.blogspot.com/
A blog about transport projects in London

[email protected] June 3rd 08 10:17 AM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On 2 Jun, 19:58, Mizter T wrote:
On 2 Jun, 18:27, Mr Thant
wrote:

On 2 Jun, 17:51, Mizter T wrote:


I wonder what the delay was in opening the station - maybe it was just
to keep 'first train enthusiasts' on their toes! (Or maybe just allow
them a lie-in instead of a crack of dawn start...)


I went down there last night for a look just as the builders were
packing up (I wasn't expecting it to open as early as today). The only
things amiss were a few noticeboards hadn't been put up and one
segment of the down platform's canopy was missing.


The official line was that regulatory safety checks hadn't been done.


HMRI (if it was the HMRI) evidently don't do sunday inspections then!

When I passed by late on Friday I was half-hoping I might be able to
get a ticket machine to spew out the first ever Mitcham Eastfields
ticket - alas no, the place was still crawling with workmen!

Can anyone say exactly how long this station took to be built - i.e.
from the start the proper construction phase? It's certainly been
fairly rapid - well under a year.

And is there anywhere else in Greater London which is similarly
deserving of a brand new railway station on an existing line?

I suppose under that criteria my vote would go for a Brixton station
on the South London Line (which will hopefully play host to ELLX
trains to & from Clapham Jn in years to come) - but that would be an
incredibly difficult and expensive station to build, unlike
Eastfield's quick-and-cheapish new modular station. Is there anywhere
else deserving that's like Eastfields in London - somewhere where the
line is running more or less flat on the ground, not high up on an
embankment or viaduct or low in a cutting or even in a tunnel - i.e.
any *realistic* suggestions?



Stations at Walworth and Camberwell on the line into Blackfriars would
seem the obvious candidates.

Re-instating Junction Road/Tuffnel Park on the GOBLIN.

Barking Reach, on the Dagenham Dock line.

I think there's also a case for a West Romford station between Romford
and Chadwell Heath, probably on Jutsums Lane. But that really is
getting into the realm of fantasy.

Jonn

Paul Scott June 3rd 08 05:27 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
Roland Perry wrote:
In message
, at
11:58:08 on Mon, 2 Jun 2008, Mizter T remarked:
Can anyone say exactly how long this station took to be built - i.e.
from the start the proper construction phase? It's certainly been
fairly rapid - well under a year.


It would be interesting to know. East Midlands Parkeway, which is
supposed to be open in December, is currently just a load of mud. It
may have some foundations, or it may not, it's difficult to see,
through the mud.


Mr Thant's blog reckons about 5 months for the build phase?

http://londonconnections.blogspot.co...ulse-hill.html

Paul



Tom Anderson June 3rd 08 05:51 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On Mon, 2 Jun 2008, Paul Corfield wrote:

On Mon, 2 Jun 2008 11:58:08 -0700 (PDT), Mizter T
wrote:

And is there anywhere else in Greater London which is similarly
deserving of a brand new railway station on an existing line?

I suppose under that criteria my vote would go for a Brixton station on
the South London Line (which will hopefully play host to ELLX trains to
& from Clapham Jn in years to come) - but that would be an incredibly
difficult and expensive station to build, unlike Eastfield's
quick-and-cheapish new modular station. Is there anywhere else
deserving that's like Eastfields in London - somewhere where the line
is running more or less flat on the ground, not high up on an
embankment or viaduct or low in a cutting or even in a tunnel - i.e.
any *realistic* suggestions?


Oh you've wrecked the criteria! I was going to suggest St Ann's Road /
Seven Sisters Road on the GOBLIN


What, all of 2000 feet from South Tottenham station?

as well as Forest Road, Winchester Road and Chingford Hatch on the
Chingford - Liverpool St line. These extra stations would hugely
increase the catchment areas for these lines even though I recognise
they would slow overall journey times.


Chingford is currently eight stops from Liverpool Street (assuming that
trains skip Cambridge Heath and London Fields, which i think they still
do). Your stops would make it eleven. By comparison, Buckhurst Hill, the
station in the same zone on the Central line, is nine stops from Liverpool
Street, and Becontree, the first station in that zone on the District, is
13. Eleven seems alright really.

If Network Rail were feeling suitably insane they could build an
interchange station at Ferry Lane Estate where the GOBLIN cross the Lea
Valley line via Tottenham Hale. Obviously not every Lea Valley train
could stop as it's reduce line capacity but the locals to Hertford East
could possibly provide a half decent service.


Everyone's suggestions so far:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=...d 28a8d72cb01

Including one from me!

tom

--
102 FX 6 (goblins)

Paul Corfield June 3rd 08 06:10 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 18:51:30 +0100, Tom Anderson
wrote:

On Mon, 2 Jun 2008, Paul Corfield wrote:

On Mon, 2 Jun 2008 11:58:08 -0700 (PDT), Mizter T
wrote:

And is there anywhere else in Greater London which is similarly
deserving of a brand new railway station on an existing line?

I suppose under that criteria my vote would go for a Brixton station on
the South London Line (which will hopefully play host to ELLX trains to
& from Clapham Jn in years to come) - but that would be an incredibly
difficult and expensive station to build, unlike Eastfield's
quick-and-cheapish new modular station. Is there anywhere else
deserving that's like Eastfields in London - somewhere where the line
is running more or less flat on the ground, not high up on an
embankment or viaduct or low in a cutting or even in a tunnel - i.e.
any *realistic* suggestions?


Oh you've wrecked the criteria! I was going to suggest St Ann's Road /
Seven Sisters Road on the GOBLIN


What, all of 2000 feet from South Tottenham station?


Well yes. I'm sure a station used to exist here anyway and it's a big
catchment area which has no direct link to South Tottenham by bus. Yes
you can walk from the end of Seven Sisters Road but it just strikes me
as a very sensible location right at a crossroads with several frequent
bus services.

as well as Forest Road, Winchester Road and Chingford Hatch on the
Chingford - Liverpool St line. These extra stations would hugely
increase the catchment areas for these lines even though I recognise
they would slow overall journey times.


Chingford is currently eight stops from Liverpool Street (assuming that
trains skip Cambridge Heath and London Fields, which i think they still
do). Your stops would make it eleven. By comparison, Buckhurst Hill, the
station in the same zone on the Central line, is nine stops from Liverpool
Street, and Becontree, the first station in that zone on the District, is
13. Eleven seems alright really.


An interesting way of looking at it. Do people really count the number
of stops as some sort of quality measure of their rail journey or
commute?

I'm very much of the view that there are gaping holes on the Chingford
Line in terms of providing a convenient easy to use rail service. Trains
rattle back and forth every 15 mins conveniently not serving large areas
which are reliant on bus services that are often packed to capacity.
That just seems a nonsense to me when rail could easily provide
sufficient capacity for both local short journeys, railheading to
Walthamstow for the tube (and Overground if they ever build a link to
Queens Rd) as well as to Liverpool St for the traditional commute. I'd
prefer to convert it to tram style operation to give better acceleration
/ journey times and I'd also build the Coppermill Lane curve tomorrow
and provide a service to Stratford as a matter of urgency and reopen Lea
Bridge Station. All of this would give Waltham Forest a good, frequent
local rail service and allow some trimming of the bus network as people
transfer to rail. The only bit I struggle with is maintaining
sufficient capacity with a tram style vehicle for the commuter peaks
into Liverpool St - perhaps the Karlsruhe model offers some options?

Everyone's suggestions so far:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=...d 28a8d72cb01

Including one from me!


And you comment about me suggesting St Ann's Rd!?!?!
--
Paul C


Tom Anderson June 3rd 08 06:25 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On Tue, 3 Jun 2008, wrote:

On 2 Jun, 19:58, Mizter T wrote:
On 2 Jun, 18:27, Mr Thant
wrote:

On 2 Jun, 17:51, Mizter T wrote:


I wonder what the delay was in opening the station - maybe it was just
to keep 'first train enthusiasts' on their toes! (Or maybe just allow
them a lie-in instead of a crack of dawn start...)


I went down there last night for a look just as the builders were
packing up (I wasn't expecting it to open as early as today). The only
things amiss were a few noticeboards hadn't been put up and one
segment of the down platform's canopy was missing.


The official line was that regulatory safety checks hadn't been done.


HMRI (if it was the HMRI) evidently don't do sunday inspections then!

When I passed by late on Friday I was half-hoping I might be able to
get a ticket machine to spew out the first ever Mitcham Eastfields
ticket - alas no, the place was still crawling with workmen!

Can anyone say exactly how long this station took to be built - i.e.
from the start the proper construction phase? It's certainly been
fairly rapid - well under a year.

And is there anywhere else in Greater London which is similarly
deserving of a brand new railway station on an existing line?

I suppose under that criteria my vote would go for a Brixton station
on the South London Line (which will hopefully play host to ELLX
trains to & from Clapham Jn in years to come) - but that would be an
incredibly difficult and expensive station to build, unlike
Eastfield's quick-and-cheapish new modular station. Is there anywhere
else deserving that's like Eastfields in London - somewhere where the
line is running more or less flat on the ground, not high up on an
embankment or viaduct or low in a cutting or even in a tunnel - i.e.
any *realistic* suggestions?


Stations at Walworth and Camberwell on the line into Blackfriars would
seem the obvious candidates.

Re-instating Junction Road/Tuffnel Park on the GOBLIN.

Barking Reach, on the Dagenham Dock line.


Ah, now i think what needs doing here is an entirely new bit of line
building, from Dagenham Dock, via what will be the Thames Gateway
development area and Canning Town, into the City. It could perhaps be a
more sensible route for the Docklands branch of Crossrail - after Isle of
Dogs, i'd go Canning Town, City Airport, Gallions Reach, Creekmouth,
Barking Reach, Dagenham Dock, and on to Grays. You could even slip in a
crafty tunnel and terminate the line at Northfleet International. Much
better than poxy Abbey Wood. I'll draw that on my map too. Note the
cunning position of the crossing at Tilbury - this allows easy addition of
a branch towards Hoo Junction, and so a route for Kent freight avoiding
south London.

tom

--
102 FX 6 (goblins)

Mizter T June 3rd 08 07:08 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 

On 3 Jun, 18:27, "Paul Scott" wrote:

Roland Perry wrote:

In message
, at
11:58:08 on Mon, 2 Jun 2008, Mizter T remarked:
Can anyone say exactly how long this station took to be built - i.e.
from the start the proper construction phase? It's certainly been
fairly rapid - well under a year.


It would be interesting to know. East Midlands Parkway, which is
supposed to be open in December, is currently just a load of mud. It
may have some foundations, or it may not, it's difficult to see,
through the mud.


Mr Thant's blog reckons about 5 months for the build phase?

http://londonconnections.blogspot.co...-from-tulse-hi...


OK, let's have a bash at this.

An August '07 press release from LB Merton states that the council's
"Planning Applications Committee [...] agreed the application [for
Eastfields station] on 22 August"
http://tinyurl.com/5fy249

In August Local councillor Martin Whelton said "work has commenced on
the station already" on the comments on this blog entry...
http://whelton.blogspot.com/2007/08/...head-from.html

It would seem that this was preliminary work as on the 5th of October
a uk.railway contributor posts that he noticed "a lot of clearance
work going on" when driving past recently:
http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk....ff2c98ee22755/

In November Councillor Whelton passes on information from a Transport
Briefing article on his blog...
http://whelton.blogspot.com/2007/11/...struction.html

....which includes this paragraph:
"Civil engineering firm Dean Dyball is close to completing preliminary
works for the new Eastfields station near Mitcham in the London
borough of Merton. The station kit - which includes platform and
canopy modules - will then be assembled on site to allow the station
to open early in the New Year."

The predicted opening date was obviously a bit out!

Mr Thant picks up the story at the end of December (scroll down to the
bottom for the first post about Eastfields):
http://londonconnections.blogspot.co...bel/Eastfields

An early January press release from LB Merton...
http://tinyurl.com/6zv8bq
....states that "progress continues" on the new station before going on
to say that "The 170m (eight coaches) long platforms were constructed
in the traditional way, but the station building has been constructed
off-site and is being lifted into place in ready-constructed
sections."
Mr Thant's photos from the end of December do show the platforms were
partially in existence by this time, but they weren't yet finished
(they weren't long enough apart from anything else!).

So the 'build phase' would appear to have begun sometime in November
or December and hence took something like 6 or 7 months. Preliminary
works had apparently already started in late August but were
definitely up and running by early October.

Mr Thant June 3rd 08 07:11 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On 3 Jun, 19:25, Tom Anderson wrote:
Ah, now i think what needs doing here is an entirely new bit of line
building, from Dagenham Dock, via what will be the Thames Gateway
development area and Canning Town, into the City. It could perhaps be a
more sensible route for the Docklands branch of Crossrail - after Isle of
Dogs, i'd go Canning Town, City Airport, Gallions Reach, Creekmouth,
Barking Reach, Dagenham Dock, and on to Grays.


You could maybe build this as a branch of the DLR.

U

--
http://londonconnections.blogspot.com/
A blog about transport projects in London


No Name June 3rd 08 07:16 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
In article ,
Paul Corfield wrote:
Oh you've wrecked the criteria! I was going to suggest St Ann's Road
/ Seven Sisters Road on the GOBLIN


What, all of 2000 feet from South Tottenham station?


Well yes. I'm sure a station used to exist here anyway and it's a big
catchment area which has no direct link to South Tottenham by bus. Yes
you can walk from the end of Seven Sisters Road but it just strikes me
as a very sensible location right at a crossroads with several frequent
bus services.


There was a station at St Ann's Road from October 2nd 1882 to August 9th
1942.

--
David Wild using RISC OS on broadband
www.davidhwild.me.uk

D7666 June 3rd 08 07:23 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On Jun 3, 8:18 am, EE507 wrote:

This would be the dreadful CIS system


Yep ...

.... the rest of your paragraph is superfluous ... its just dreadful
(and not in the crankworthy sense).

I assume "...............................8" means the train is


Indeed.

Let us know if FCC have updated the system today...


ROFLOL.

It took them 3 months to get the two side by side summary screens
above the barrier line to not show the same list of trains ... for
those unfamiliar its two side by side in order to provide enough area
for a the list of trains ... for weeks and weeks we had 2 screens with
identical information of not enough lines to even show the next train
on 5 different platforms (because of the need to display buses from
outside).

On the platforms the rectangular TV-type flat sumarry screens show
different predictions to the individual platform indicators - usually
adrift by 1 minute. Even though a delay may increase or decrease, they
still show 1 minute apart. Mostly.

When I heard First had won the TL franchise I was dreading it based on
reports of certain other group TOCs. But in general they've been OK,
nothing to rave about but little to rant about either. The PIS is the
exception that proves the rule. Crap hardware, crap installation, and
currently crap information.

--
Nick

Peter Masson June 3rd 08 07:29 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 

"Mr Thant" wrote in message
...
On 3 Jun, 19:25, Tom Anderson wrote:
Ah, now i think what needs doing here is an entirely new bit of line
building, from Dagenham Dock, via what will be the Thames Gateway
development area and Canning Town, into the City. It could perhaps be a
more sensible route for the Docklands branch of Crossrail - after Isle

of
Dogs, i'd go Canning Town, City Airport, Gallions Reach, Creekmouth,
Barking Reach, Dagenham Dock, and on to Grays.


You could maybe build this as a branch of the DLR.

DLR are applying, under Transport & Works Act, for powers to build a line
from Gallions via the Barking Riverside Development Area to Dagenham Dock.
http://developments.dlr.co.uk/pdf/ex...ham%20dock.pdf

Peter



Tom Anderson June 3rd 08 10:34 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On Tue, 3 Jun 2008, Mr Thant wrote:

On 3 Jun, 19:25, Tom Anderson wrote:
Ah, now i think what needs doing here is an entirely new bit of line
building, from Dagenham Dock, via what will be the Thames Gateway
development area and Canning Town, into the City. It could perhaps be a
more sensible route for the Docklands branch of Crossrail - after Isle of
Dogs, i'd go Canning Town, City Airport, Gallions Reach, Creekmouth,
Barking Reach, Dagenham Dock, and on to Grays.


You could maybe build this as a branch of the DLR.


Blimey, i mean, i've got quite a bit of meccano, but that's a bit of a big
job even for me.

tom

--
For me, thats just logic. OTOH, Spock went bananas several times using
logic. -- Pete, mfw

Tom Anderson June 3rd 08 10:37 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
On Tue, 3 Jun 2008, Peter Masson wrote:

"Mr Thant" wrote in message
...
On 3 Jun, 19:25, Tom Anderson wrote:

Ah, now i think what needs doing here is an entirely new bit of line
building, from Dagenham Dock, via what will be the Thames Gateway
development area and Canning Town, into the City. It could perhaps be
a more sensible route for the Docklands branch of Crossrail - after
Isle of Dogs, i'd go Canning Town, City Airport, Gallions Reach,
Creekmouth, Barking Reach, Dagenham Dock, and on to Grays.


You could maybe build this as a branch of the DLR.


DLR are applying, under Transport & Works Act, for powers to build a line
from Gallions via the Barking Riverside Development Area to Dagenham Dock.


Those route-stealing *******S! That was MY hare-brained scheme!

http://developments.dlr.co.uk/pdf/ex...ham%20dock.pdf


Okay, so they're going south of where i would have. I assume there are
good engineering reasons for this, because it puts the stations in less
useful locations.

I really wish this wasn't going to be a DLR scheme, though. Surely it's
now painfully obvious that the DLR, while a wonderful local service and a
crucial step in getting Docklands going in the first place, is just not up
to the job of moving huge numbers of commuters? Making the DLR the public
transport backbone of London's flagship development area is planning to
fail.

tom

--
For me, thats just logic. OTOH, Spock went bananas several times using
logic. -- Pete, mfw

John Rowland June 3rd 08 11:21 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
TimB wrote:
On Jun 2, 9:00 pm, Paul Corfield wrote:

If Network Rail were feeling suitably insane they could build an
interchange station at Ferry Lane Estate where the GOBLIN cross the
Lea Valley line via Tottenham Hale. Obviously not every Lea Valley
train could stop as it's reduce line capacity but the locals to
Hertford East could possibly provide a half decent service.


Why didn't they think of that when they were building the Victoria
line?


At the time the Goblin was probably earmarked for closure, like the North
London Line.



John Rowland June 3rd 08 11:58 PM

Mitcham Eastfields Open
 
Paul Corfield wrote:

Oh you've wrecked the criteria! I was going to suggest St Ann's Road
/ Seven Sisters Road on the GOBLIN as well as Forest Road, Winchester
Road and Chingford Hatch on the Chingford - Liverpool St line. These
extra stations would hugely increase the catchment areas for these
lines even though I recognise they would slow overall journey times.


You could decrease journey times to Chingford by builiding a new terminus on
the south side of Kings Road. This new station would have a catchment area
which was 100% houses, whereas the current station's catchment area is 70%
trees. You could also make a fortune by building houses on the line north of
Kings Road.

If Network Rail were feeling suitably insane they could build an
interchange station at Ferry Lane Estate where the GOBLIN cross the
Lea Valley line via Tottenham Hale. Obviously not every Lea Valley
train could stop as it's reduce line capacity but the locals to
Hertford East could possibly provide a half decent service.


Since the Goblin largely parallels the Victoria Line, with which the line
interchanges at Tottenham Hale, I don't see this one stacking up.

A station at Pickett's Lock was proposed for a while in connection with the
2005 World Athletics Championships, but it would also be the nearest station
for a fair number of houses.

An Enfield Highway station on Carterhatch Lane.

Station ideas which have been bounced around by official bodies include
Wingletye Lane
Little Ilford
Ventnor Road, Sutton
Brent Cross Thameslink
"Great West Road" between Kew Bridge and Brentford
Mitre Bridge, North Pole, Stamford Bridge (Fulham Road), and Battersea High
Street on the WLL
Old Oak on the NLL





All times are GMT. The time now is 12:41 PM.

Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2006 LondonBanter.co.uk