Wires For Christmas

My attention has been drawn (Thanks, Peter) to an interesting article in The Rail Engineer about Balfour Beatty's work on the electrification.  The report states that the first wires will go up during the Christmas shutdown, in the area of Castlefield Viaduct.

Still No Trains

Modern Railways' Roger Ford reports today that the contract for new trains for Thameslink continues to slip, and Transport Minister Simon Burns has said the first trains will be delivered for testing in summer 2015.

This means that the second hand Class 319 trains intended for the Northwest electrification will probably not be available until after all phases are complete.

Roger goes on to say that the DfT are rumoured to be considering a quick build of new trains to plug the gap.

Ordsall Chord Consultation

Network Rail have announced what they call a "Phase 2 Consultation" on the Ordsall Chord, with public exhibitions to be held as listed below.  Much more information on Network Rail's web site.

• Tuesday 20 November, 4pm - 8pm, Museum of Science & Industry
• Wednesday 21 November, 12pm-8pm, Museum of Science & Industry
• Friday 23 November, 12pm - 8pm, Creative Media Centre, Salford
• Saturday 24 November, 1pm - 5pm, Museum of Science & Industry
• Monday 26 November, 4pm - 8pm, Salford Central Station
• Tuesday 27 November, 10am - 5pm, Manchester Town Hall
• Wednesday 28 November, 4pm - 8pm, Manchester Piccadilly Station