Why have Iarnrod removed the tracks from Tralee Station?

Run_to_da_hills · 30-07-2010 1:55pm #1

I noticed this getting the train this afternoon, you have to walk a distance up the platform from the ticket office / waiting to board the train. There was plenty of ventilation for DMU'S in the old station Is there a reason for this?

markpb · 30-07-2010 2:03pm

They hate operating trains?

foggy_lad · 30-07-2010 2:17pm

markpb wrote: »

They hate operating trains?

the drivers canteen/rest room is at the end of the platform, or is it because the station is rotton and about to fall down?

Run_to_da_hills · 30-07-2010 2:20pm

foggy_lad wrote: »

the drivers canteen/rest room is at the end of the platform, or is it because the station is rotton and about to fall down?

If that was the case it should be closed altogether as a public liability.

Cookie_Monster · 30-07-2010 2:23pm

so they can leave the trains in the rain a bit more so they wear out and rust quicker so they can waste millions replacing them with shiny new stock again

foggy_lad · 30-07-2010 2:23pm

that is probably the next stage, it is only an inconvenience for the staff having to deal with a few trains a day anyway!

markpb · 30-07-2010 2:26pm

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

If that was the case it should be closed altogether as a public liability.

Why would you expect that? This is from the company that failed to replace end of life equipment (link):

The signalling system in Limerick Junction Station was due to be replaced at the end of October 2007. As part of this work, the existing no. 30 signal and no. 27 points were due to be removed. There have been delays with the implementation of this project.

The last inspection under I-PWY-1159 was carried out on the 25th of April 2009. The records for this inspection show the no. 27A points to have received a 30% rating out of a possible 100%. The points were considered by IÉ to be life expired.

The points were eventually replaced over two years later, after they caused a derailment.

Judgement Day · 30-07-2010 2:35pm

Run_to_da_hills - Beat you to it and there is even a spotter's explanation of CIE/IEs stupidity on my blog.

http://irishrailways.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-05-27T14:36:00-07:00&max-results=7

Transportuser09 · 30-07-2010 3:54pm

I've only used Tralee a few times but I seem to remember even in loco hauled times the loco only came under the roof to run round - the carriages always stayed out in the open. You would think with railcars they would have taken the oppurtunity to bring them right in under the roof...

highlydebased · 30-07-2010 3:56pm

The run around loop was there- now they decided we dont need that anymore so its been taken up and hence the line moved back.

noelfirl · 30-07-2010 4:12pm

Don't really see the issue here, the ticket check/gate is located at the end of the station roof (even if in my experience, the actual check of tickets isn't always applied) and incoming passengers leave the station via a wooden gate on the other side. Hardly indicative of some abandonment or retreat from services. Anyway it's been a while since I was down there, is the main building itself still under construction?

Empire o de Sun · 30-07-2010 4:19pm

So they can park their cars there. It seems daft to me. But then again, look at what happened at Rosslare, the moved the station way from the ferry terminal, and the train timetable doesn't match the ferries.

Cookie_Monster · 30-07-2010 10:53pm

sure looks whats happened to Pearse over the years... platforms gradually turned into staff car parks

Hungerford · 30-07-2010 11:29pm

Empire o de Sun wrote: »

So they can park their cars there.

Still doesn't explain why they simply didn't move the buffers a few metres so they could get access to their new car park. I hope the train shed is a protected structure - otherwise it could be next to go.

JHMEG · 31-07-2010 12:01am

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

sure looks whats happened to Pearse over the years... platforms gradually turned into staff car parks

But shur they know public transport is for losers...

mk6705 · 31-07-2010 12:44am

The trains always pulled up to the platform near where the tracks end now, so it doesn't really make a difference. Of course, whatever the logic behind removing that tiny section of track is, well I don't know.

lord lucan · 31-07-2010 2:48am

Adro947 wrote: »

The trains always pulled up to the platform near where the tracks end now, so it doesn't really make a difference. Of course, whatever the logic behind removing that tiny section of track is, well I don't know.

Less maintenance. That's the way it is now. Reduce the number of loops,points etc. and you'll save money on maintenance over the years. With the move to plastic railcars we'll see more of this over the next few years.

Judgement Day · 31-07-2010 9:22am

lord lucan wrote: »

Less maintenance. That's the way it is now. Reduce the number of loops,points etc. and you'll save money on maintenance over the years. With the move to plastic railcars we'll see more of this over the next few years.

If they spent more money are safety issues such as viaduct maintenance I would be happier than this sort of penny pinching, bean counter inspired, continuous pruning of the railway system which only serves to make it more inflexible. Imagine the cost involved in reinstating all the run round facilities in a few years time when the next reincarnation of Dick Fearn turns out to be a locomotive enthusiast. :rolleyes:

31-07-2010 11:50am

In Tralee, even in loco hauled days, the train would always stop short of the roof, the loco would then use the run around loop under the roof and head back out again. My belief was always that it's probably to do with ticket checking,. if the train was inside the roof then it would be too easy to just hop on without a ticket.

But the removal of the run around loop really irritates me, it was done back in December. It's been claimed that it was done to reduce maintenance on disused points but there's plenty of points around the country that are even less used and they haven't been removed. They did the same in Cobh and when the weedsprayer came out there earlier in the year, they had to run a second 071 behind the train to couple up and pull it out.

Run_to_da_hills · 31-07-2010 1:15pm

Karsini wrote: »

In Tralee, even in loco hauled days, the train would always stop short of the roof, the loco would then use the run around loop under the roof and head back out again. My belief was always that it's probably to do with ticket checking,. if the train was inside the roof then it would be too easy to just hop on without a ticket.

Being afraid of people bunking the train is no excuse, they could still have left the track down for aesthetic purposes and stopped the trains short of the gate. Other dead end stations such as Killarney and Galway would also pose this problem.

Next thing we will see it being tarred over and used as a staff car park.

31-07-2010 1:27pm

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

Being afraid of people bunking the train is no excuse, they could still have left the track down for aesthetic purposes and stopped the trains short of the gate. Other dead end stations such as Killarney and Galway would also pose this problem.

Next thing we will see it being tarred over and used as a staff car park.

I agree they shouldn't have lifted the track, it just looks weird.

lord lucan · 31-07-2010 1:41pm

Kilkenny has a similar layout though the trainshed hasn't been used in donkeys years. The platform is completely uncovered and the runaround loop is under the old trainshed roof. I don't think they've lifted the points there yet.

31-07-2010 1:56pm

lord lucan wrote: »

Kilkenny has a similar layout though the trainshed hasn't been used in donkeys years. The platform is completely uncovered and the runaround loop is under the old trainshed roof. I don't think they've lifted the points there yet.

No they're still there, I was down that way about 3 weeks ago.

BenShermin · 31-07-2010 6:26pm

Hold on a second; I thought IÉ were going to use the "railbus" on the Limerick to Waterford line, not Tralee town;).

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0615/1224248849959.html

Transportuser09 · 31-07-2010 10:06pm

Karsini wrote: »

In Tralee, even in loco hauled days, the train would always stop short of the roof, the loco would then use the run around loop under the roof and head back out again. My belief was always that it's probably to do with ticket checking,. if the train was inside the roof then it would be too easy to just hop on without a ticket.

But the removal of the run around loop really irritates me, it was done back in December. It's been claimed that it was done to reduce maintenance on disused points but there's plenty of points around the country that are even less used and they haven't been removed. They did the same in Cobh and when the weedsprayer came out there earlier in the year, they had to run a second 071 behind the train to couple up and pull it out.

As far as I know it is still possible to run round a train in the yard. To some degree this makes sense given that it's more likely a PW train will need to runround than a passenger service, and when a railtour does run once in a bloom moon it's not that complicated to shunt it from a platform to the yard. However given that PW trains would be there more often than loco-hauled passenger train then by having the loop in the yard it avoids the need to have PW trains holding up platform space while they runround. Don't know if that's the offical reason behind it all but it makes some sense.

Judgement Day · 01-08-2010 8:25am

Transportuser09 wrote: »

As far as I know it is still possible to run round a train in the yard. To some degree this makes sense given that it's more likely a PW train will need to runround than a passenger service, and when a railtour does run once in a bloom moon it's not that complicated to shunt it from a platform to the yard. However given that PW trains would be there more often than loco-hauled passenger train then by having the loop in the yard it avoids the need to have PW trains holding up platform space while they runround. Don't know if that's the offical reason behind it all but it makes some sense.

I don't think Tralee is Clapham Junction (at least it wasn't the last time I was there) and the chances of delaying services while a PW train runs round at the platform would be remote. Furthermore if a set of points to allow a train run round was to be retained surely those that allow the greatest range of options should have been retained. No, this smacks of typical CIE/IE short termism and they are obsessed with disconnecting goods yards, branchlines, sidings, points, non-radial routes etc.etc.etc.......

On a slightly related point to illustrate the sort of nonsense that goes on, I remember back in the 1980s a Knock special left Buttevant in the morning but passengers had to be bussed back from a nearby station on returning as the Down platform had been removed during the day - never to be replaced! Only in Ireland on "Oh Mr.Porter's Railway". :rolleyes:

Operating to the highest standards of Iarnrod Eireann!

OurLadyofKnock · 01-08-2010 4:21pm

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

I noticed this getting the train this afternoon, you have to walk a distance up the platform from the ticket office / waiting to board the train. There was plenty of ventilation for DMU'S in the old station Is there a reason for this?

If that was used as a bus platform timed with arriving and departing trains it would be a good idea. Would be a great interchange.

Empire o de Sun · 01-08-2010 8:53pm

If it was about track simplification, why didn't they remove the runaround loop completely then?

Transportuser09 · 01-08-2010 9:53pm

Empire o de Sun wrote: »

If it was about track simplification, why didn't they remove the runaround loop completely then?

One would still be needed from time to time for use by loco hauled maintainence of way trains, (which would be normally stabled in a yard rather than a platform). If there was no loop then another loco would have to follow light engine to haul the train back out of Tralee; given that the nearest depot is at Cork this would be quite a journey. Example of termini without runround facilities include Midleton, Cobh and Howth, but these are all within a half hour or so of the nearest depot.

DWCommuter · 01-08-2010 9:54pm

OurLadyofKnock wrote: »

If that was used as a bus platform timed with arriving and departing trains it would be a good idea. Would be a great interchange.

Probably. But its not. Demolition is next.

01-08-2010 10:48pm

Would they be allowed to? These sort of structures tend to be protected, look what happened at Carlisle Pier.

foggy_lad · 02-08-2010 12:56am

Have they spent enough money on it yet to justify demolition?

dowlingm · 03-08-2010 3:09am

Seems to me that from an accessibility point of view, having the DMUs pull in under the canopy would provide loading from a straighter platform, minimising the gap from door to platform (as is verboten in new stations).

If securing the paid area is an issue then just fully or partially enclose the end from which this photo was taken.

OurLadyofKnock · 03-08-2010 2:27pm

dowlingm wrote: »

Seems to me that from an accessibility point of view, having the DMUs pull in under the canopy would provide loading from a straighter platform, minimising the gap from door to platform (as is verboten in new stations).

If securing the paid area is an issue then just fully or partially enclose the end from which this photo was taken.

Yes but this would not provide a covered area for station staff to keep their '10' Reg cars our of the Kerry rain.

Transportuser09 · 03-08-2010 8:18pm

OurLadyofKnock wrote: »

Yes but this would not provide a covered area for station staff to keep their '10' Reg cars our of the Kerry rain.

Well that's definetly not the reason behind the changes.

Judgement Day · 03-08-2010 9:01pm

Transportuser09 wrote: »

Well that's definetly not the reason behind the changes.

From the 'horse's mouth' over at Platform 11

http://www.railusers.ie/forum/showthread.php?p=57540#post57540

'There are a lot of people looking for trouble. Has this had any impact on passengers? No, will it save money Yes.

Trains never pulled under the roof, going back decades, the first coach was always just outside the roof, as is the second platform. Overnight trains are normally parked in the freight yard.

Two reasons,

1. The points and track require maintenance yet are rarely if very used. There is a loop in the freight yard which is available so why have two? This is fully inline with the tactics used by Swiss railways do we need this, if not pull it up to cut costs. The points question in Tralee were not replaced as part of mini-ctc and were manually operated not electric like the others at the station so are life expired

2. There is a need for access to the expanded station car park which couldn't be done with the track there.

The train is normally waiting for a passenger at Tralee when they arrive, there is a waiting room and is staffed
'

03-08-2010 10:06pm

The points question in Tralee were not replaced as part of mini-ctc and were manually operated not electric like the others at the station so are life expired

That's a load of bull. The points in the yard are manually operated but the main loop WAS CTC controlled.

Judgement Day · 03-08-2010 10:17pm

Karsini wrote: »

That's a load of bull. The points in the yard are manually operated but the main loop WAS CTC controlled.

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw162vBsPEQWmMuGCftuGGOVoGX1zuw5095PQcasrKtl-zj6Q&t=1&usg=__cCgxztuwaQoeQGNFrbm-ZFqaIcg=

Transportuser09 · 03-08-2010 10:47pm

Karsini wrote: »

That's a load of bull. The points in the yard are manually operated but the main loop WAS CTC controlled.

You're right. I recall seeing a loco runround there at Tralee in mini-CTC times.

03-08-2010 10:52pm

Transportuser09 wrote: »

You're right. I recall seeing a loco runround there at Tralee in mini-CTC times.

Yep, I double-checked with a friend of mine who's ex-CTC and he said it was under their control - he even used it himself.

Calina · 04-08-2010 9:39pm

This is a commuting & transport discussion forum. not a "whinge about other forums" forum.

Thread closed.

Victor · 21-08-2010 9:14am

I've tidied up the thread and re-opened it. Lets hope it can stay on topic.

It seems this happened back in November and there has been no reports of ill effects.

http://www.irrs.ie/Journal%20171/171%20Infrastructure.htm

Mallow-Tralee The locomotive release crossover under the canopy at Tralee station was removed on Monday 23 November and the buffer stop moved 80m towards Mallow to allow a road to be constructed to a new 60 space car park in the freight yard. ‘Run around’ is still available in the yard.

I'm not a regular reader of their journal, but they do seem to record such happenings.

patrickbrophy18 · 21-08-2010 4:56pm

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

sure looks whats happened to Pearse over the years... platforms gradually turned into staff car parks

There is something quite ironic about that. Irish Rail, a company who ideally should be discouraging use of the car get rid of platforms so they can drive right to their place of work? Nevermind the decision to get rid of Platform 3 to install elavators. It's like they are trying to run the company into the ground. I really hope that Irish Rail is sold to a private operator as part of the NAMA asset privatisation measures. This way, an entrepreneure who is in it to make money will fire the idiots who are responsible for the down-grading the companies biggest assets. Also, an entrepreneure will more than likely be zero tolerant of poor customer service and rude ticket agents. As such, fire these people too and make sure it is difficult for them to get work elsewhere so they will be forced to change their unpleasent and rude ways. I also hope that Dublin Bus is privatised as well. Only true entrepreneurs will be able to set these companies straight. Perhaps Richard Branson of Virgin fame.

mickydoomsux · 21-08-2010 5:32pm

patrickbrophy18 wrote: »

Perhaps Richard Branson of Virgin fame.

The same Richard Branson who a few years back wanted to buy the profit making Cork to Dublin line only because he didn't want any of the loss making lines along with it?

Ham'nd'egger · 21-08-2010 8:25pm

patrickbrophy18 wrote: »

There is something quite ironic about that. Irish Rail, a company who ideally should be discouraging use of the car get rid of platforms so they can drive right to their place of work?

Dare we ask how staff get to and from work? Teleporter?

Cookie_Monster · 21-08-2010 8:31pm

Hamndegger wrote: »

Dare we ask how staff get to and from work? Teleporter?

Take the train, obviously

:pac:

Ham'nd'egger · 21-08-2010 8:35pm

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

Take the train, obviously

:pac:

Traditionally, many train staff begin working days before and finish after trains finish;)

Cookie_Monster · 21-08-2010 8:38pm

Hamndegger wrote: »

Traditionally, many train staff begin working days before and finish after trains finish;)

[joke]
Take the train, obviously

:pac:
[/joke]

foggy_lad · 21-08-2010 8:46pm

Hamndegger wrote: »

Traditionally, many train staff begin working days before and finish after trains finish;)

plenty of busses are on the road well before trains hit the rails so this would certainly be an option for many/most staff particularly management/office staff.

mickydoomsux · 21-08-2010 9:27pm

foggy_lad wrote: »

plenty of busses are on the road well before trains hit the rails so this would certainly be an option for many/most staff particularly management/office staff.

Right so we're not allowed to own cars now?

holidaygirl · 21-08-2010 11:25pm

Hamndegger wrote: »

Dare we ask how staff get to and from work? Teleporter?

mickydoomsux wrote: »

Right so we're not allowed to own cars now?

I'd love not to have to drive to work but there is no public transport option whatsoever to get me there, as I'm sure is the case for many others :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Why have Iarnrod removed the tracks from Tralee Station?

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