Marston Vale Line

WAT3212 · Post by **WAT3212** » Mon Jul 26, 2004 9:10 am

The Marston Vale Line, run by Silverlink County between Bletchley and Bedford, has been closed until 6th September for major modernisation works.

This will see the end of the semaphore signals, manned level crossings, old track limiting the speed and the introduction of a new signalling centre at Ridgmont.

What does everyone else think about this? Is it a shame that we're getting rid of traditional signalling and manned level crossings, or is it about time the line was modernised.

arabiandisco · Post by **arabiandisco** » Mon Jul 26, 2004 10:02 am

having seen photos of the line, and the state of the p-way, it needs a lot of attention. The main line isn't really the place for museum-piece signalling.

johndibben · Post by **johndibben** » Mon Jul 26, 2004 10:43 am

Having seen the line .... frequently .... this is long overdue.

The lack of investment has given rise to fear for the lines future.

Passenger trains are restricted to 40mph and freight is 20mph. Hopefully they'll take a look at the track at the same time. There's a 5mph slack from Bletchley station to the TMD, lifted briefly until a ballast wagon fell off the track.

The 6 weeks is timed to include the summer holidays at Bedford schools. The two trains involved are the only one's which justify a 2-car unit. The rest of the time, a minibus would suffice.

The line now goes to the wrong place. Milton Keynes is the focus of transport in the area and there a bus every 15 minutes between the two towns which takes a fraction of the time by train and goes from town centre to town centre.

Either the Cambridge to Oxford rail link should be rebuilt, possibly serving Aylesbury as well or the line might as well be closed.

To makes matters worse, Silverlink are introducing 12-car high-speed services from Milton Keynes to Euston which won't stop at Bletcley as the slow line platforms are too short!

allypally · Post by **allypally** » Mon Jul 26, 2004 3:23 pm

What will Silverlink use? 3 x 321s? Or are the Desiro's coming early? There is worse signalling on Wolverhampton - Shrewsbury. The semaphores are still lit with gas lamps at Codsall Station. That isnt changing however, they are now protected

johndibben · Post by **johndibben** » Mon Jul 26, 2004 4:34 pm

No doubt they'll use the Desiros when they get them as I think they're gangwayed between units but havn't a clue really

Milton Keynes passengers are even more *issed off because Virgin's cutting back it's peak hour services.

Our MP's on the case though. She was also on the case and front pages of the local press, of the Cambridge to Oxford link. That's sorted then

allypally · Post by **allypally** » Mon Jul 26, 2004 6:59 pm

Yep. Is this less trains, or just less trains stopping at Milton Keynes? AFaiK there is still an hourly train to Wolverhampton. Plus, good ole Silverlink are still there

johndibben · Post by **johndibben** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:29 am

Less Virgin trains stopping at Milton Keynes.

Forcing people to use Silverlink. Competition and supply and demand obviously a priority

allypally · Post by **allypally** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 11:13 am

I personally dont mind using Silverlink. Sure, its a bit longer, and more stops, but if im off to London on a dayout, im quite happy to use Silverlink from Birmingham. Admittedly, a 321 doesnt quite match a Mk3, or a Pendolino for that matter, for comfort, but it gets me there.

johndibben · Post by **johndibben** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:31 pm

I was joking and surprised to see the Bletchley to Bedford service today was in the capabale hands of a minibus standing in the station forecourt.

Realiably informed it takes an hour and a half to visit each station on the line!

The non-stop coach takes and hour!

WAT3212 · Post by **WAT3212** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:02 pm

with a seperate bus between Bedford St Johns and Bedford Midland

chrispierce · Post by **chrispierce** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 5:42 pm

I'm currently building this route, I've got from bedford to Ridgmont so far, and it isn't extactly prime communter belt!

exlidlingtonxingkeeper · Fri Jul 30, 2004 8:13 pm

lo people,it was a sad day last friday when i did my last shift as a crossing keeper at lidlington xing on this line,managed to c the last train over my crossing.We where told b4 the shutdown that all the crossings would b manned by us(network rail staff) during the 6 week shutdown,but then on the thursday b4 shutdown found out that friday would b ur last day and 2 get all ur lockers and stuff cleared out!!!!.On the last nite every box had a bloke waiting(from national rail surplies) ready 2 rip out all of the signalling stuff when the line closed!oh well the end of an era:(

p.s,chris if need any help with ur project,i live in bedford and have complete signal diagrams,with mile post on it,would love 2 help if needed,give us a shout

ca55ie · Post by **ca55ie** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 9:57 am

Sam