Oracle
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Post by Oracle on Oct 1, 2006 10:27:45 GMT
What was the first Underground "train" to Hatton Cross and how was this achieved?
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Oracle
In memoriam
RIP 2012
Writing is such sweet sorrow: like heck it is!
Posts: 3,234
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Post by Oracle on Oct 2, 2006 7:15:58 GMT
Clue: it required a weekend possession which rather mucked us up at the time!
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Post by tubeprune on Oct 2, 2006 9:39:33 GMT
There was a changeover on the weekend of 12th/13th July 1975 from the old Hounslow West to the new station. The first train on the Monday morning didn't get through to the new station because of late surrender but the second train did. It then ran empty to Hatton Cross to reverse. They did this for the rest of the week until 10:00 19th July when passengers were carried to Hatton Cross on a specially prepared (i.e. one they didn't think would fail) 73TS which was the first to run in public service.
Is this what you are referring to?
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Oracle
In memoriam
RIP 2012
Writing is such sweet sorrow: like heck it is!
Posts: 3,234
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Post by Oracle on Oct 2, 2006 9:53:32 GMT
TP, prior to the new HW opening, there were two possessions although I only remember the first. I distinctly remember all that you say because I was not only commuting from HW at the time but was just starting as Editor of UndergrounD.
So, prior to "service" trains what happened? And I should say that in view of comments on this Forum about what is meant by a "train", I use the term loosely. To my knowledge there were no diesel locos used by WC French and their sub-contractors.
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Oracle
In memoriam
RIP 2012
Writing is such sweet sorrow: like heck it is!
Posts: 3,234
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Post by Oracle on Oct 2, 2006 19:45:37 GMT
Because I was so impressed with TP's answer, I thought I should accede. The answer that I was looking for was that the P1 & 2 track was severed [possibly just one], and a temporary link installed with that laid in the Cut and Cover section, allowing a battery loco to run on to the new section. The track was then slewed and re-connected, thus marooning the loco. I did ask the then LT colleagues in LURS whether there was a temporary junction named but no-one seemed to know!
I have a copy of my Class 40 book here and if I can obtain a snail mail address I shall send it off!
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Post by tubeprune on Oct 3, 2006 13:24:15 GMT
Because I was so impressed with TP's answer, I thought I should accede. The answer that I was looking for was that the P1 & 2 track was severed [possibly just one], and a temporary link installed with that laid in the Cut and Cover section, allowing a battery loco to run on to the new section. The track was then slewed and re-connected, thus marooning the loco. I did ask the then LT colleagues in LURS whether there was a temporary junction named but no-one seemed to know! I have a copy of my Class 40 book here and if I can obtain a snail mail address I shall send it off! Oracle, I really don't think I qualify as I was not aware of the incident but I will gladly accept your kind offer. PM to follow. |
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Oracle
In memoriam
RIP 2012
Writing is such sweet sorrow: like heck it is!
Posts: 3,234
|
Post by Oracle on Oct 3, 2006 17:51:04 GMT
I was quite friendly with the Civil Engineer from W C French the contractors, and he used to advise us as to all that went wrong with the Hatton Cross extension!
I was there at 08.25 the Monday morning when I used to commute to Piccadilly Circus. That first day we had no idea what to expect. Then as Hatton Cross opened and finally T123, it was lucky if we got a seat at HW, save in the front car. By Hounslow East it was standing only. It was much easier when HW was the terminus!
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