MML wires go live
Overhead wires between Bedford and Corby on the Midland main line were energised for testing over the weekend of 22-23 August.
Crossrail opening slips again to 2022
Opening of the central section of the Elizabeth Line between Paddington and Abbey Wood has been delayed again and is now scheduled for the first half of 2022.
Modern Railways September 2020 issue: video podcast
Our 'Pan Up' correspondent Ian Walmsley returns to host our latest video podcast talking about the contents of the September 2020 issue of the magazine. The video includes contributions from Editor Philip Sherratt and Industry and Technology Editor Roger Ford.
Six programmes on NR’s Project Speed shortlist
Network Rail has identified six programmes where it is aiming to halve the time and slash the cost of delivery, in response to Government’s ‘Project Speed’ challenge to accelerate infrastructure schemes.
‘745s’ make Stansted debut
Greater Anglia’s Stadler-built Class 745 EMUs were introduced on Stansted Express services on 28 July, although an inauspicious debut saw multiple failures on their first day in traffic.
First ‘345’ reaches Heathrow
A Bombardier Class 345 carried its first passengers to Heathrow Airport on 30 July in a further step towards the opening of the Elizabeth Line.
Fawley fact-finder trip as reopening mooted
South Western Railway ran a special service on the Fawley branch line in Hampshire on 28 July, more than 50 years since regular passenger services on the line ceased.
Settle and Carlisle Charter Trains launched
Rail Charter Services has launched regular charter trains on the Settle and Carlisle line between Skipton and Appleby this summer. The loco-hauled services began on 20 July and will operate daily until 12 September. Modern Railways Consultant Editor James Abbott joined the first train to find out more.
UP3 helps Southeastern speed up Delay Repay
Southeastern has selected UP3’s Rail Compensation product as its new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution, speeding up the time it takes to handle compensation claims by streamlining back-office processes.
Covid causes further Crossrail delay
A summer 2021 opening of the central section of Crossrail between Paddington and Abbey Wood is no longer achievable, Crossrail Ltd has announced.
Ambition for full Trans-Pennine electrification
The Government has released £589 million of funding to begin work on upgrading the Trans-Pennine line between Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester. It is also to establish a new Northern Transport Acceleration Council, dedicated to accelerating vital infrastructure projects and better connecting communities across the North’s towns and cities.
Breeze hydrogen trains to be Class 600s
The Breeze hydrogen trains being developed by Eversholt Rail and Alstom are to be Class 600s, the companies have confirmed. They say the first converted trains could enter service in 2024.
Modern Railways August 2020 issue: video podcast
Our 'Pan Up' correspondent Ian Walmsley returns to host our latest video podcast talking about the contents of the August 2020 issue of the magazine. The video includes contributions from Editor Philip Sherratt and Industry and Technology Editor Roger Ford.
ETCS for EMR bi-modes
The bi-mode trains ordered by Hitachi for East Midlands Railway’s Midland main line services will be fitted with European Train Control System (ETCS) following a £12 million investment announced by Government.
Curzon Street construction shortlist
HS2 Ltd has shortlisted three bidders for the construction contract for its Birmingham city centre terminus at Curzon Street.
Metro depot rebuild contract
Stadler has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to build a new Tyne and Wear Metro depot at Gosforth to accommodate the new trains it is supplying for the system.
East Coast ‘803’ construction underway
Hitachi has begun manufacturing the Class 803s to be introduced by FirstGroup on its East Coast Trains open access service between London and Edinburgh in autumn 2021.
West of England capacity boost in new GWR deal
The new direct award franchise for FirstGroup to continue operating the Great Western Railway franchise until at least March 2023 includes significant plans to improve capacity in the West of England.
