Railfreight

Jamie2k9

Captain Chaos wrote: »

It was "full" as every wagon was loaded. Two laden tanks cannot be loaded on a single flat as it would exceed the axle load limit. The only time you see tanks doubled up is on the empty returns to Dublin.

They did do some incline starts at set point on the route to see if a 201 has any issues lifting the liner in awkward parts of the network.

I see, I take it those rules don't apply to CPW's?

Captain Chaos

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

I see, I take it those rules don't apply to CPW's?

Same rules apply to all rolling stock, the axle load limit is around 18.6-18.8 tons per axle on the network with the 201 locos being right on that limit.

Jamie2k9

Captain Chaos wrote: »

Same rules apply to all rolling stock, the axle load limit is around 18.6-18.8 tons per axle on the network with the 201 locos being right on that limit.

Yeah after looking it does appear to always be returning liners which have two together. Never noticed until now!

Captain Chaos

Some of those GCA tanks are 30 footers too, they are very rare but they do pop up the odd time. The frame is still 20ft but the tank itself extends 5ft beyond the frame at each end so with those they will always be singles naturally.

metrovick001

She's fully loaded Jamie. The 20' tanks are heavy (assuming that they are loaded - which they normally are on westbound runs) and putting two of them on a wagon exceeds the maximum permissible axle loading.

BonkeyDonker

IS this trial only for the IWT or will it run to Waterford as well at some point?

Captain Chaos

BonkeyDonker wrote: »

IS this trial only for the IWT or will it run to Waterford as well at some point?

Suppose they could do 18 CPWs to Waterford but there is not much point with the recent timber trail completed. High cubes won't fit under some bridges on the South Tip line, they need to get a load of 8'4 containers for standard LX wagons.

kc56

Captain Chaos wrote: »

Suppose they could do 18 CPWs to Waterford but there is not much point with the recent timber trail completed.

Did they do a trial via Kildare including the run-around? Timber trial was to/from Limerick.

Captain Chaos

kc56 wrote: »

Did they do a trial via Kildare including the run-around? Timber trial was to/from Limerick.

No, but I take it they know how long 18 CPWs or 27 47ft wagons are and the distance between the points and signals so they already know if it will fit or not.

For the IWT there is one passing loop in Offaly that can no longer be used once they go to 54TEU.

Jamie2k9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y08ALqh-ewc

Looks like planned to start operating between October/December when new timetable comes in!

Edit - Indo piece:
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/watch-irish-rail-trials-longest-ever-440metre-trains-34840428.html

In recent weeks a container train of 27 wagons, stretching 440 metres and carrying 1,110 tonnes has been operated. A pulpwood train of 390 metres has also travelled the network, while another train was found to be capable of carrying 1,310 tonnes.

The rail operator said it was working with existing customers as well as freight forwarders, ports and the Irish Exporters Association to identify opportunities and trends for rail freight development within the Irish and European market.

Is the 1,310 tonnes the timber or what could it be?

Captain Chaos

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

Is the 1,310 tonnes the timber or what could it be?

The 1310 was the HOBs test out of Heuston. It was 16 laden autoballasters with 226 leading and 8209 dead at the rear. 8209 hauled it back with 226 powered down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsPLdxcq1JA

Captain Chaos

GM228 wrote: »

All 27 wagons will operate through to Ballina.

There will be no return trial train.

The train was actually split at Claremorris and the 9 wagons were stabled there overnight.

GM228

Captain Chaos wrote: »

The train was actually split at Claremorris and the 9 wagons were stabled there overnight.

Thanks for that, original plan after the cancled Waterford-Limerick-Waterford run was to operate all the way to Ballina, I wonder why it was changed and what was the benefit of leaving 9 in Claremorris?

Captain Chaos

GM228 wrote: »

I wonder why it was changed and what was the benefit of leaving 9 in Claremorris?

At a guess I'd say it was due to the siding lengths in Ballina yard that was free, a 27 wagon train probably would have fouled one of the other lines unless it was unloaded and shunted straight away.

The_Wanderer

Some of my pictures and videos from last night

Starts at http://smu.gs/292fOyd

I must go and find out what the tonnage was for last night.

Captain Chaos

The_Wanderer wrote: »

I must go and find out what the tonnage was for last night.

Supposedly 1,110 tonnes from what I have seen posted around.

BonkeyDonker

Heres a question. what do people here think of the following scenario?

If the UK cannot agree with the EU to allow the free movement of goods and as such custom checks etc are required to move freight through the UK, even just transiting freight, could the likes of Rosslare and Waterford see an increase in freight as it is re-routed both in and out of the country? If this does happen could we see an increase in rail freight from both ports and if so would a Dublin freight liner be possible from one or both?

I know the above is pure speculation/wishful thinking but given what is happening in the UK maybe worth discussing.

GM228

Captain Chaos wrote: »

The_Wanderer wrote: »

I must go and find out what the tonnage was for last night.

Supposedly 1,110 tonnes from what I have seen posted around.

According to a friend in IE the weight was a little over 950 tons as there were several empty containers on the train.

Another fully loaded test train may be required before the trains are authorised to run normally. Also told when nornal operation does commence in October they won't actually be operating normally as 27 wagon trains, will be more likely 24 wagons.

Captain Chaos

If it was 950 it wasn't much of a test as they used to run 900 ton cement trains with the bogie bulks to Cork with 201s in the past.

GM228

Captain Chaos wrote: »

If it was 950 it wasn't much of a test as they used to run 900 ton cement trains with the bogie bulks to Cork with 201s in the past.

900 ton cements were cleared for both 071s and 201s, with 071s cleared between Platin-North Wall and 201s between Platin-North Wall-Cork.

40 TEU 1000 ton liners used to work to Cork and Limerick in the past with 201s also and Tara Mines trains also operate at 900 tons with 071s, weight is not the overall reason for these tests.

201 train weight tests were conducted with the HOBS (1,300 ton). This test was more to due with train lenght and vacuum brake response time as opposed to the laden weight.

goingnowhere

Wasn't the 201 put to the ultimate test in Cork on delivery dragged 1300+ tons out of Cork during commissioning trials

GM228

goingnowhere wrote: »

Wasn't the 201 put to the ultimate test in Cork on delivery dragged 1300+ tons out of Cork during commissioning trials

The trial train was on 25th June 1994, 201 hauled a 17 wagon train from Cork to Rathpeacon and it was just over 1000 tons consisting of 10 x laden LP/LX wagons, 5 x laden fertiliser wagons and 2 x Ammonia barrier wagons.

Shortly afterwards a 201 hauled a 21 wagon 1000 ton test mixed fertiliser/LP/LX train from North Wall to Cork.

These trials eventually led to clearance for the 40TEU 1000 ton liners.

Captain Chaos

GM228 wrote: »

The trial train was on 25th June 1994, 201 hauled a 17 wagon train from Cork to Rathpeacon and it was just over 1000 tons consisting of 10 x laden LP/LX wagons, 5 x laden fertiliser wagons and 2 x Ammonia barrier wagons.

Shortly afterwards a 201 hauled a 21 wagon 1000 ton test mixed fertiliser/LP/LX train from North Wall to Cork.

These trials eventually led to clearance for the 40TEU 1000 ton liners.

But before all this wasn't the A class hauling 900+ ton tara trains since the mid '70s.

GM228

Captain Chaos wrote: »

But before all this wasn't the A class hauling 900+ ton tara trains since the mid '70s.

Tara Mines trains are cleared to operate upto 942 ton, but in reality they are never more than 900 ton as each wagon has a max weight of 75 ton when laden.

Yes the As have been known to haul 900 ton 12 wagon Taras, but 750 ton 10 wagon trains were more common for the As.

Jamie2k9

DFDS has moved back to LX instead of the CPW's. Not sure if it's temporary but good to see it doing well again if it's full time.

h.gricer

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

DFDS has moved back to LX instead of the CPW's. Not sure if it's temporary but good to see it doing well again if it's full time.

It's a new contract until March, Reefer containers, they won't fit into the CPWs, so the LXs are replacing the CPWs for the moment, hmmm CPWs probably go into short term storage for the moment, mothballed.
Regards
hg

Captain Chaos

Thought the reefers were all 45ft, should fit in the CPWs no problem as the LX can handle 45ft max.

h.gricer

Captain Chaos wrote: »

Thought the reefers were all 45ft, should fit in the CPWs no problem as the LX can handle 45ft max.

I don't think it's to do with the lenght, as you say the 45ft fit into the CPWs which is correct, it's more the width, not sure, but there is an issue with reefers and the CPWs, the LXs worked to Ballina Wednesday 23rd to replace the CPWs to facilitate the new contract.
Regards
hg

Rootsblower

h.gricer wrote: »

It's a new contract until March, Reefer containers, they won't fit into the CPWs, so the LXs are replacing the CPWs for the moment, hmmm CPWs probably go into short term storage for the moment, mothballed.
Regards
hg

Very short contract it must be very lucrative

Jamie2k9

Rootsblower wrote: »

Very short contract it must be very lucrative

Suspect not for IE, maybe for DFDS.

tabbey

Captain Chaos wrote: »

Thought the reefers were all 45ft, should fit in the CPWs no problem as the LX can handle 45ft max.

Forgive my ignorance, what exactly are reefers?

Captain Chaos

tabbey wrote: »

Forgive my ignorance, what exactly are reefers?

Refridgerated containers, reefers is an Americanised term for them.

J Cheever Loophole

I recall last year asking about the possibility of new freight flows and Losty provided a comprehensive response below;

Losty Dublin wrote: »

As I am aware.....

• Biomass trains to Ballina are a probability. This may be as much as 2-3 trains a day.
• Additional DFDS (Belview) and IWT liner trains (North Wall) from Ballina are introduced as required. North Wall reopened Alexandra Road extension sidings in 2011; an extra siding was also laid as part of these works.
• Additional Timber trains are called on as required as well. Having once been closed for freight, Westport was hastily reopened and is home to many timber trains as Ballina is close to full capacity. Speculation is mounting that Claremorris will have an increased role in handling should traffic increase in the Mayo region with Westport taking on all timber workings as well.
• Zine ore from Pallasgreen to Foynes. This will require an investment to repair and reopen the line to the port. Advanced surveying for same has been done along with costings and, if given the green light, it's costs will be included with the forthcoming Limerick re-signalling and relaying project. Zinc will continue to operate to and from North Wall for the long term and won't be affected by the proposed Foynes operation.
• Galway Port's development plan allows for a rail served terminal.
• Rosslare Europort has long term plans for expansion which include a significant rail freight terminal.

Perennial rumours of a daily Eddie Stobart liner to and from Cork exist; however these are largely without foundation.

Would it be possible to get an update on any of this, and in particular what (if anything) is happening with the biomass trains?

GM228

J Cheever Loophole wrote: »

I recall last year asking about the possibility of new freight flows and Losty provided a comprehensive response below;



Would it be possible to get an update on any of this, and in particular what (if anything) is happening with the biomass trains?

No plans at present for any additional freight although longer trains are in the pipeline.

Biomass is a no go now as work on the plant was halted (was nearly 50% complete) pending additional funding and unknown if the project is permanently stalled, but it's not looking good.

http://www.thejournal.ie/mayo-power-plant-halt-2891808-Jul2016/

Most likely is permanently stalled as Mayo Renewable Power were recently declared insolvent.

kc56

There was an empty timber in Kildare yesterday evening (Thurs). This normally only seen on Mondays.

Jamie2k9

kc56 wrote: »

There was an empty timber in Kildare yesterday evening (Thurs). This normally only seen on Mondays.

Monday is the scheduled day as there is two out of Waterford 11.30 and 15.26, yesterday was the 11.30 but looks like it went at 15.26 instead.

Salmon Leap

Could someone post the current times for the liners to/from NW and if they run at weekends?

ClovenHoof

Zine ore from Pallasgreen to Foynes. This will require an investment to repair and reopen the line to the port. Advanced surveying for same has been done along with costings and, if given the green light, it's costs will be included with the forthcoming Limerick re-signalling and relaying project. Zinc will continue to operate to and from North Wall for the long term and won't b

This has been in the works for decades and is held up as some kind of Holy Grail for the return of railfreight/Foynes etc.

It's beyond silly now still talking about this lemon.

Jamie2k9

Salmon Leap wrote: »

Could someone post the current times for the liners to/from NW and if they run at weekends?

AFAIK only 09.35 ex NW and 08.15 ex Ballina operating at the minute Monday-Saturday.

tabbey

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

AFAIK only 09.35 ex NW and 08.15 ex Ballina operating at the minute Monday-Saturday.

Any idea of intermediate times, and also Mayo - Waterford schedules, timber and Belview containers.?

Jamie2k9

tabbey wrote: »

Any idea of intermediate times, and also Mayo - Waterford schedules, timber and Belview containers.?

Got a specific spot or two in mind?

DFDS departs Waterford at 11.30 on Monday and Wednesday
DFDS departs Ballina at 11.05 on Tuesday and Thursday

Timber departs Waterford at 15.26 on Monday
Timber departs Waterford at 11.30 on Tuesday, Thursday
Timber departs Mayo at 11.05 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Waterford runs usually take around 7-8 hours which include periods of a long stoppage. The run route in Kildare usually happens 13.30-14.15 on ex Waterford and around 15.30-16.30 on ex Mayo ones. Dublin Port usually take 5-7 hours.

tabbey

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

Got a specific spot or two in mind?

DFDS departs Waterford at 11.30 on Monday and Wednesday
DFDS departs Ballina at 11.05 on Tuesday and Thursday

Timber departs Waterford at 15.26 on Monday
Timber departs Waterford at 11.30 on Tuesday, Thursday
Timber departs Mayo at 11.05 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Waterford runs usually take around 7-8 hours which include periods of a long stoppage. The run route in Kildare usually happens 13.30-14.15 on ex Waterford and around 15.30-16.30 on ex Mayo ones. Dublin Port usually take 5-7 hours.

Thank you very much for that comprehensive reply.

Jamie2k9

Another test this week planned for IWT, slightly smaller than previous one.

GM228

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

Another test this week planned for IWT, slightly smaller than previous one.

Next trial will be with 24 wagons which is expected to become the normal operating lenght (rather than the original trial of 27).

Jamie2k9

GM228 wrote: »

Next trial will be with 24 wagons which is expected to become the normal operating lenght (rather than the original trial of 27).

Any updates on timber sizes?

GM228

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

Any updates on timber sizes?

Timber likely to be 17 wagons.

Pockets likely to be 16 wagons (with a possability of 18 if on IWT).

IWT will be 24 wagons and DFDS 23 wagons.

All subject to further testing and a few behind the scenes issues to be sorted.

Captain Chaos

The test for this week is cancelled due to driver shortages in getting excess wagons into position and the CPWs back to the DFDS.

murphaph

Are there any reliable times to see freight at Hazelhatch (if there is any)?

Jamie2k9

murphaph wrote: »

Are there any reliable times to see freight at Hazelhatch (if there is any)?

When they are on time (Mon-Fri) they are scheduled to pass at 10.27 and 13.20. Sometimes they run ahead of time or lather or not at all.

Pete2k

Freight train passed thru ballyhaunis saturday morning around 10 ish. Seemed to be fairly well loaded too. Is this a regular one as I thought it was only weekdays they worked?