Unit 323238 was the first to be fitted; the rest of their 17 class 323s are following.

Here are some shots I took on a trip to Crewe last week.

Yes, their trains between the peaks really are that empty compared to ours, never having fully recovered from the disastrously long line closure in connection with the WCML upgrade.

Looks interesting and it’s free to attend.

It’s good to see so much focus going into developing transport systems in England elsewhere than just in London & the South East.

See you there if you can make it!

We were very sorry about this, as were many others, but sadly apparently the law prevents a council-subsided service operating alongside a commercially-registered service.

This was also covered in the Chester Chronicle of 10 November.

It seems that Councillor David Robinson is still rather sore about this, so are we, and has apparently been calling the buses big and ugly!

However, we don’t get our name up on the back of one of Aintree Coachways’ buses! ….

In the last week, I’ve been on four trains where the unit has failed in some way:
- 16 January, 1807 Chester-Piccadilly made up of 142033 & 142038 where 038 had one engine out having failed on the way to Chester leading to a 10 minute late arrival there
- 17 January, 1758 Stockport to Chester made up of 156423, where the engine failed on the rear vehicle and it had proceeded to Chester from Cuddington with all lights out in the rear vehicle and a red “bardic” light on the back leading to a 19 minute late arrival into Chester
- 18 January, 0717 Piccadilly to Chester, where the engine in the rear vehicle of 150138 was ticking over but not providing any power apart from keeping the lights on leading to a 14 minute late arrival into Chester
- 20 January, 1317 Piccadilly to Chester, where the engine in the front vehicle of 150211 shut down after leaving Altrincham and would not restart. The lights went out after Ashley and once at Mobberley the driver could not get the brakes off as the compressor on the rear vehicle was defective, not providing enough air.

Here’s a sequence from today’s failure.

Failed (and externally filthy) 150211 waits at Mobberley for assistance, being watched over by its conductor, Rod. Rod had let passengers know they’d have to wait for an hour to be rescued by the following train which should be able to provide enough air to get the brakes off. The plan hatched was that this train, the 1417 from Piccadilly, would borrow a headlight from Virgin at Stockport to enable the coupled train to proceed at full line speed to Chester rather than at the 20mph maximum permitted with a “bardic” on the front.

I let passengers know of the adjacent Railway Inn and many went there for tea/coffee or a drink whilst waiting for the train.

The driver had to walk back about 400 yards in the rain to Mercer’s Crossing, putting three sets of detonators down on the rail, and then having to wait in the pouring rain for the 1417. Drivers aren’t issued with caps these days. He got pretty cold and wet!

Rescue unit, 142045, having picked our driver up runs over the three sets of detonators scaring the local birds.

And approaches very slowly.

Our driver was on to Maintenance Control receiving instructions.

Coupling up.

Unknown to me to start with, someone else was also filming this on his phone ….

Coupling up – you’ll have to turn your screen round as I can’t work out how to tilt it 90 degrees! ….

The units were revved up and the air supply coming through from the Pacer got above the 6 bar required meaning the brakes could be released.

It was then discovered on talking to the driver of the 1417 that Virgin had not given him a headlight at Stockport, but rather a “bardic” lamp. He’d been puzzled as to why this was as he had one anyway – all drivers do. This meant that without a headlamp, the train would be restricted to 20mph.

The driver fitted the “bardic”.

And meanwhile in discussion with Control the decision was taken to run the train only as far as Greenbank, as at 20mph by then the following one would be catching it up.

So, ready to go with the “bardic” fitted, the driver liaises with the signalman, the barriers are lowered, and it’s off.

…. also videoed, this time with me realising what was going on in advance ….

They’re off!

Thus, the 1317 was terminated at Mobberley, the 1417 left Mobberley 29 minutes late and terminated at Greenbank 43 minutes late from where Control had organised a coach to run all stations to Chester.

In the other direction, the 1507 from Chester (the “Scholars’ Express” from Knutsford at 1545) was cancelled, and the 1607 from Chester started from Northwich on time, with Control arranging a coach leaving Chester at 1615 and running all stations to Stockport.

Meanwhile at Mobberley a passenger turned up for the now cancelled 1553 to Piccadilly expecting to change at Stockport to make Trowbridge in Wiltshire by 2029 after 2 days on a course. The 1317′s traincrew were still waiting there for the taxi that had been sent to collect them and take them back to Piccadilly for the driver to sign off and the conductor to work the 1715 to Hadfield. With quick thinking and a phone call to Control, permission was given for the passenger and their folding bike to join them in the taxi so she could work out the best way to get to Trowbridge from Piccadilly. I heard later she made her train at Piccadilly, the 1627 to Bournemouth changing at Birmingham New Street with 1 minute to spare. She rang me this evening to say she’d got home on time. Nice!

A poor end to the week, but at least it’s Saturday tomorrow!!

I was invited last October at the Engineering Conferences for some of us to visit Newton Heath to discuss unit performance. It’s time to arrange that visit!

This will mean people in mid Cheshire will have a bigger say on their train service and access to extra funding to improve the line will become available.

The Awards were presented on Tuesday at The Weaver Hall Museum on London Road, Northwich. 

Over 90 guests attended the evening including the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, the High Sheriff and six local Mayors. 

Announcing the Awards, John Hulme, Organiser of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, said: 

Northwich Station won the “Cheshire West and Chester Award for best efforts in the Borough. Over the past few years the station has seen a vast improvement for its passengers and a considerable reduction in anti-social behaviour. 

Greenbank Station won the “ACoRP Award” for strong partnership working where thanks to the local Rail Officer, Station Adopter and Cheshire West’s Local Area Manager there has been considerable change at the Station. 

At Greenbank they are now looking to develop a Friends Group to keep on top of the work.

“Lostock Gralam has won the “Most Improved Station in Cheshire Award” for turning a near derelict station into one that now has waiting shelters, seating, a new car park and even artwork and planters on the Station.

The judges said that the Station had a long way to go but had made a very positive start. 

David Roberts, retired Managing Director of Roberts Bakery in Rudheath and the Special Guest presenting the Awards, said:

“Roberts Bakery has been pleased to support Cheshire Best Kept Stations since its inception.  Having a better rail service with better stations is good news for those that live and work in Northwich.  Whilst there is still a lot of work to be accomplished, there is marked improvement at stations. 

I especially want to thank the Friends Groups and volunteers – those unsung heroes in the Community.” 

Sally Buttifant, the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership Officer said:

“I am absolutely thrilled that the Mid Cheshire Line has been designated a Community Rail Service.  This means we have access to new government funds and the people of Mid Cheshire will have more say in how their railway line is run.

The three awards we have won, tells us that we are already getting things right. I must thank all my partners especially the volunteers groups who have made winning these awards possible.”

Northwich Town Mayor, Cllr Alison Gerrard said:

“This week has been good news all round for our local stations and the Mid Cheshire line. Sally and her team should be congratulated on these wins and what has been achieved for the line. The Town Council are keen to support her with the many things that are still to be done.”

John Oates, Chair of the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership said:

“The Awards for Lostock, Northwich and Greenbank are down to the work of the volunteers and good co-ordination by our Rail Officer. I both congratulate them and thank them for all their hard work.

Community Rail Service Designation for the Mid Cheshire Line will help us to achieve even more for passengers on our line. We look forward to having greater flexibility and the opportunity to work more closely with the rail industry, users, local councils and others to maximise the benefit of rail services and station improvements in Mid Cheshire.”

Ian Bevan, Managing Director of Northern Rail, which runs services on the route, said:

“Northern welcomes the designation of the Mid Cheshire line as a Community Rail Service. This line plays an important role in the area and designation will assist in identifying innovative ways of developing this line to the benefit of local people and visitors to the region.

The Community Rail Partnership for the line is already doing a great job and this will enable it to go from strength to strength.”

Coming back from Liverpool departures are 1134, 1334, 1434, 1534, 1704, 1804, 1834, 1934, 2034, 2134, 2234 & 2234.  Hourly would be so much better.

Here on 28 December is the crowd awaiting the arrival of the 1106 to Liverpool.

Waiting for the 1106 at Winsford - (c) John Harris

Virgin were a little bit late, seen here passing at 125mph as intending passengers crowd up to and over the yellow line.

Virgin zoom past - (c) John Harris

Followed by the 1106.

The 1106 arrives - (c) John Harris

An hourly service with extras in the peaks would be so much better.

“All employees planning to dash through the snow in a one horse open sleigh, going over the fields and laughing all the way are advised that a Risk Assessment will be required addressing the safety of an open sleigh for members of the public.  This assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly where there are multiple passengers.  Please note that permission must also be obtained in writing from landowners before their fields may be entered.  To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.

Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning or required to watch their flocks at night.  While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated shepherd observation hut, all users of this facility are reminded that an Emergency Response Plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks.  The Angel of the Lord is additionally reminded that, prior to shining his/her glory all around, s/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory.

Following last year’s well publicised case, everyone is advised that Equal Opportunities legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the redness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer.  Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from reindeer games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence.

While it is acknowledged that gift bearing is a common practice in various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered.  This applies regardless of the individual, even Royal Personages.  It is particularly noted that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded, while caution is advised regarding other common gifts such as aromatic resins that may evoke allergic reactions.

Finally, in the recent case of the infant found tucked up in a manger without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will be arriving shortly.”

With Very Best Wishes for the Festive Season and 2012 from all of us at MCRUA.

As Christmas approaches more and more people will be heading out to celebrate the festive season with friends and family.  Now December is upon us, Christmas parties will start in earnest and British Transport Police in the North West is calling on all revellers using the railway to be sensible and stay safe.

Superintendent Pete Mason said: “Everyone wants to enjoy Christmas and the festivities that go with it – this often includes going out to parties and drinking alcohol. 

“We certainly don’t want to tell people not to enjoy themselves, but we are asking everyone to think carefully about their nights out and to drink and behave responsibly.

“When you have had too much alcohol your judgement can be impaired and you may take risks that, when sober, you would never consider.

“Similarly, alcohol lowers inhibitions and behaviour which you would normally see as inappropriate may, in a drunken state, seem acceptable. This is not the case and those sharing the train carriage with you will certainly not be impressed.”

But it is not just the behaviour of those who have had a drink that raises concerns.  Supt Mason added: “Excessive alcohol can make people extremely vulnerable – judgement and co-ordination is impaired and any prospective thief looking for an easy target may well seek out those who have had too much to drink.

“British Transport Police across the North West will be running operations throughout December to make rail staff and passengers as safe as possible this Christmas, but we need the public to help limit opportunities for criminals.

“My advice is quite simple. Keep your wits about you when out at Christmas. By all means have a drink and enjoy yourself, but do so responsibly and always be aware of your surroundings and your belongings.
“If you have had a drink, consider how your behaviour impacts on other people and try to ensure that your enjoyable night out is not ruining that of others.”

British Transport Police in the North West has launched its 12 Days of Christmas initative to keep people as safe as possible on the rail network this festive season.  Each week day between now and 23 December BTP will provide advice and reassurance to rail staff and passengers and will outline the work being done to tackle criminality on the rail network in the region.  Special Christmas operations are in place in the following areas:

Manchester
Liverpool
Crewe
Wigan
Preston
Lancaster
Carlisle

Click here for pictures of last year’s event.

For more details contact the Zone or the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Officer on 01244 976788.