international passenger news

[blue streak 1]

China plans 2400 Km ( 1500 Sm ) Beijing - Hong Kong in ~ 8 hours including ~8 stops.  This route will be built incrementally but can you imagine, WASH - HOU, NYP - DAL, WASH / NYP - DEN, SFO / LAX - DEN, in 8 hours.  Of course never happen in the USA. 

http://shanghaiist.com/2015/10/13/beijing_to_hk_in_8_hours.php

[Mario_v]

Portugal's infrastructure company IP launches international 'building work contest' for a new 'high performance' line (speeds up to 155 Mph)

http://www.vialibre-ffe.com/noticias.asp?not=15876&cs=inte

Basically the only real new section to be built will be the one between Evora-North and the border (circa 50 miles). The rest (existing lines) will be upgraded, or it's already in use (for example Evora to Casa Branca, nowadays good for 125 Mph, but prepared for  higher speeds). Also some track doubling will be done. This line will be for mixed traffic and of iberian gauge (but with multi gauge ties), with the main purpose of getting a much direct conection from the deepwater port of Sines to Spain and other points in Europe. However it's also some sort of 'missing link' between Portugal's network and Spain's Extremadura HSL, presently under construction. There's also a possibility of building a second railway crossing in Lisbon, but this one will be a very expensive one, since the tagus river is quite large in the place where this last one is planned to be built

 

[Buslist]

blue streak 1

UK is putting on hold further expansion of electrification due to cost over runs and lack of supplies.  Also note that article states system is at capacity much of day.  That may be the reason that supplies are in short supply ?

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news.html

 

 

 

 

 

News totoday that it's coming off hold. 

[blue streak 1]

China approves another 900 Km of new HSR and HrSR.  Wonder if all this rail constructions will help China's internal economic balance.  Then the long range results will pay dividends man years into the future.

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/asia/china-approves-another-900km-of-new-lines.html?channel=540

 

 

[Mario_v]

Line reopening in Portugal for passenger service

http://www.jornalaltoalentejo.com/index.php/regiao/449-transporte-de-passageiros-regressa-ao-alto-alentejo

Translation ; '3 years after service supression, on the 1st of january of 2012, the local railroad passenger operator, CP, is reinstating service on the 'East' line.

The new service is due to operate between fridays and sundays, and the first trip will take place on september 25 at 6:20 pm. This is now possible, since economical conditions in the country are better.

The trains will operate between Portalegre and Entroncamento calling at the following stations ; Crato, Chança (Alter), Torre das Vargens, Ponte de Sor, Abrantes, Tramagal, Santa Margarida, Praia do Ribatejo, Almourol, Tancos and Barquinha.

Presently, some minor interventions are being carried away by the infrastucture owner and the railroad at stations in order to reactivate it   

 

[Mario_v]

Schedules and fares anounced for the new HSL Madrid - Leon, due to open on the 29 th of september (only the Madrid to Leon schedules are shown, but  trains to/from Gijon and Ponferrada - dual gauge Talgos - will also use the line, chanibg gauge in one of the two 'cambiadores' (automatic gauge changers usable by series 130 and 730 Talgos, and also Caf series 120 high speed railcars) next to Leon's classification yard). 

http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias/leon/el-billete-ave-leon-costara-mitad-precio-fin-ano_1008409.html

[blue streak 1]

China approved 3 new HSR routes totaling 1348+ Km today.  Would be nice if trains mag could construct a map of China's operational, under construction, & proposed HSR lines.

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/asia/china-approves-three-more-new-lines.html?channel=540

 

[Mario_v]

blue streak 1

Gottard tunnel  ( world longest ) is now claimed by the Swiss to be coompleted.  Testing to start Oct 1 with service sometime in 2016.  Pictures very interesting.

http://www.businessinsider.com/worlds-longest-tunnel-switzerland-2015-8#ixzz3k21fTtCm

 

 

 

 

And it's not the only big news. In December a new tunnel in Zurich under Zurich Hbf will permtit Intercity trains to take less 18 minutes between Geneve - Lausanne - Zurich and St. Gallen (presently these trains have to revert at the station). Also between Geneve and Lausanne there are some big works starting, with the prurpose of transforming today's double and triple  track route in to a 4 track main line allowing 15 minute intervals in commuter service. For this last reason, trains will get some extra 3 minutes added to their schedules. 

[blue streak 1]

Gottard tunnel  ( world longest ) is now claimed by the Swiss to be coompleted.  Testing to start Oct 1 with service sometime in 2016.  Pictures very interesting.

http://www.businessinsider.com/worlds-longest-tunnel-switzerland-2015-8#ixzz3k21fTtCm

 

 

[Mario_v]

New high speed connection being built in Spain and a very important one, since it will allow full integration of the North HSL with the rest of the network, via a tunel between Madrid Atocha and Madrid Chamartin (the 3rd between these stations, track is already in place, only signals and catenary needs to be installed), and a new strech betwen Atocha and Torrejon de Velasco, some 27 kilometres South of the capital, wich will quadruple the present section of the South HSL, and also permiting independent paths for trains going to Valencia and Alicante (to be built on this phase, platform already in place)

http://www.fomento.gob.es/MFOM/LANG_CASTELLANO/GABINETE_COMUNICACION/NOTICIAS1/2015/FEBRERO/150227-10.htm

[blue streak 1]

Another China HSR opening this one just over the Yula river to north Korea. Time for Trains mag to publish a map of lines in operation and under construction.

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/high-speed-links-to-the-northeast-completed.html

 

 

[BaltACD]

Mario_v

Definately, this year TGVs and affiliated trains seem to be getting literally on fire. This time it was not a spanish AVE on french metals, bta TGV duplex on its own 'metals', in the Paris to Marseille HSL (wich off course caused a lot of gridlock, since there's a train passing every 5 minutes or so). And this time the fire was under 25 Kv, AC cat (it seems to be in the main transfrmer of the power car, judging by the location). Here's a link from a french tv station

http://www.francetvinfo.fr/economie/transports/incendie-d-un-tgv-800-passagers-evacues_1052297.html

Youtube link

And one more link, from the french version of  The Huffington Post ;

http://www.huffingtonpost.fr/2015/08/21/incendie-tgv-perturbe-trafic-trains-paris-marseille_n_8021794.html

 

Obviously, a Hot Train!

[Mario_v]

Definately, this year TGVs and affiliated trains seem to be getting literally on fire. This time it was not a spanish AVE on french metals, bta TGV duplex on its own 'metals', in the Paris to Marseille HSL (wich off course caused a lot of gridlock, since there's a train passing every 5 minutes or so). And this time the fire was under 25 Kv, AC cat (it seems to be in the main transfrmer of the power car, judging by the location). Here's a link from a french tv station

http://www.francetvinfo.fr/economie/transports/incendie-d-un-tgv-800-passagers-evacues_1052297.html

Youtube link

And one more link, from the french version of  The Huffington Post ;

http://www.huffingtonpost.fr/2015/08/21/incendie-tgv-perturbe-trafic-trains-paris-marseille_n_8021794.html

[blue streak 1]

China to build another HSR line parallel to existing HSR line but faster.

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/high-speed/china-to-build-second-fuzhou-zhangzhou-line.html?channel=523

 

[daveklepper]

Askelion is south of Tel Aviv and has had passenger service to Tel Aviv, often running through north to Haifa and Naharia for many years.   Beir Sheva is south and east of Tel Aviv, on the rail line to Demona, which is the probably point for continuation south to Elat.  It also had through service to
Tel Aviv and north to Haifa, often to Naharia.  The old line to Jerusalem branches off the Beir Sheva line at Naan Junction, south of Ramla, and goes east and a bit north to Beit Shemesh, then north to Jerusalem. 

This new line is primarily an east-west line, will serve to allow industrial and mining traffic from Demona and other areas south and east of Beir Sheva to go directly to Ashdod and Ashkolon  Ports, which together are now as important as Haifa, without first going north to Lod and then south.

Much of the line is in a zone that was impacted by rocket fire leading up to the hostilities with Hamas and during those hostilities.  I suspect there is a real truce.

[blue streak 1]

Lotschberg base tunnel in Switzerland will be getting its second track finished.  Tunnel is in three parts one section has only one track and will get second track,.  Another section will get a new tunnel bored.  third section is already 2 Main track.

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/europe/second-track-to-be-installed-in-lotschberg-base-tunnel.html?channel=537

 

 China opens  281 Km HSR northernmost rail line

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/high-speed/china-opens-northernmost-high-speed-rail-line.html?channel=523

[blue streak 1]

Isreal opening another 70 Km line.  Freight for a month to settle the track then up to 25 trains a day each way.  Dave Klepper do you have access to a rail map there?  Would be interesting as the towns are not familar.

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/middle-east/israel-completes-ashkelon-beer-sheva-line.html?channel=539

 

 

[MidlandMike]

Foam concrete is injected with air to make it much lighter and easier to drill.  I suspect they are filling the old tunnel with foam cement to keep it stable as they bore the new larger tunnel.  A 30' diameter bore, once it is lined, does not seem big enough for electrified double track.

[blue streak 1]

Very interesting concept.  UK is reboring Farnworth tunnel using a TBM 9 meters ( ~ 30 feet )  in diameter.  This is for adding  double track 25 Kv 50 Hz CAT to line.  Presently 2 tunnels but will just use this one rebored tunnel.  Almost sound like double stack clearance ?

 Guess that to keep the TBM going straight the tunnel was filled with foam concrete.  Interesting concept. What is foam concrete ?

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/uks-biggest-tbm-rebores-farnworth-tunnel.html

 

 

[blue streak 1]

Only part passenger but Czech republic extending tenders for plans to convert all 3 Kv DC  CAT mainly in the north to 25Kv 50Hz.  Will then be all one system.  Note connects to Slovika in north which is already planning to convert all 3Kv to 25 Kv 50 Hz.

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/europe/czechs-develop-plans-to-eliminate-3kv-dc-electrification.html?channel=537

 

[blue streak 1]

Japan is getting plans started on final section of 5 HSR lines planned back in 1973.  This leg to Osaka.

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/high-speed/talks-begin-on-hokuriku-shinkansen-extension.html?channel=523

 

 

[Mario_v]

schlimm

Luckily only two passengers (?) went tothe hospital.   I wonder why the lead car caught on fire?

 

schlimm

Luckily only two passengers (?) went tothe hospital.   I wonder why the lead car caught on fire?

 

For me it's even stranger. This kind of EMU is not different from other TGV type trains in use in France. It's basically equal to TGV-atlantique type Sets. Well, maybe a little different because these sets - numbered 017 to 024 - were originally broad gauge an dwre built to be used on the Express services between Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante, later being converted to standard gauge (when tthe international conection between Spain and France opened), in order to be used on international services: Originally thhesee setes wer also dual current, operating under 3 Kv dc and 25 Kv ac, being converted to operate under 1,5 Kv ac, in order to be 'coompatible' with the french electrification. Since its not the first time one of these power cars caughts fire, maybe the problem lies in the way the trains were converted to operate under 1,5 Kv, in wich current intensity is much higher tahn under 3 Kv. There are other 'tri-current' TGV type sets operating, notably between France and _Italy with the same voltage 'arrangement', so maybe these spanish trains were not properly converted, a strange situation, since it was done by its original maker, just a guess

[schlimm]

Luckily only two passengers (?) went tothe hospital.   I wonder why the lead car caught on fire?

[Mario_v]

A strange accident with a Spanish AVE train in France, and not the first time it happens. ee here ;http://www.trenvista.net/noticias/europa/francia/arde-un-ave-serie-100-en-lunel-francia/

[Mario_v]

Ah it  seems that China wishes to keep its 1st place on HSR networks, both construction and operation. Anyway, also in Spain - they also want to keep their 2nd place in the 'HSR network contest' - two new streches of HSR are also being redied for opening, both in the North of the country. Both are sections of the North high speed Corridor.

The first of it links the present end of the line at Valladolid with Leon. As a cost saving measure, part of it was build in single track (but with space for a second track already built) and as on this phase ERTMS will not be installed, top speed will be limited to 200 Km/h (125 Mph) since the only cab signal system installed is the so called 'Asfa digital'. However, with ERTMS installed, and maybe a second main track in place, top speed may reach a maximum of 350 km/h. Here's some info (quite complete, it even mentions the maximum speeds of operation), in spanish only ; https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%ADnea_de_alta_velocidad_Valladolid-Palencia-Le%C3%B3n

A video of the tests depicting Adif Talgo test train (from the same family of the newest Cascades) ;

 

The Valladllid to Leon HSR section is expected to open in September.

The other HSR section wich will start to be tested soon is the Galicia branch, starting at Olmedo. On the 7th of august  a section fo Oledmo to a point just north of Zamora will be opened for test runs with catenary already energized (electrified on 2X25 Kv)

 

[Buslist]

blue streak 1

UK is putting on hold further expansion of electrification due to cost over runs and lack of supplies.  Also note that article states system is at capacity much of day.  That may be the reason that supplies are in short supply ?

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news.html

 

 

 

 

 

Actually this is a little misleading. They are putting the projects up north on hold in order to concentrate on on electrifying the Great Western Main. This is required to make sure it's in place for the upcoming HST replacement trains.

[blue streak 1]

China is spending about 4 times what all US RRs including Amtrak this year.

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/financial/china-invests-dolus-43bn-in-rail-in-first-half-of-2015.html?channel=522

 

 

[blue streak 1]

Why not buy HSR train sets in bulk ?  Then just pawn off a few to offer to US.  China putting out tender for 351 train sets.

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/high-speed/china-issues-tender-for-351-high-speed-trains.html?channel=523

 

 

 

[blue streak 1]

China starts testing another HSR line.

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/high-speed/high-speed-testing-begins-in-chinas-far-north.html?channel=523

 

[schlimm]

blue streak 1

A surprize China's population likes to tour country on HSR

http://www.ecns.cn/2015/07-08/172246.shtml

 

 

 

Again, why is that surprising?    The route serves several well-known tourist destinations, such as legendary mountains.  And some of the tourists will be foreigners, including "overseas Chinese."