2008 activities

For details and photos of test train running before 2008 see the index here.

The line is leased by LUL in order to test and commission the next generation of London Underground trains, known as Sub Surface Lines (SSL) trains. Serco Assurance were awarded the contract to manage the whole of the test track of behalf of LUL which will give them the opportunity to attract other interested parties to the line.

December

The TRC ran on 6th December for an Emergency Exercise with Leicestershire Fire & Rescue in Grimston Tunnel on the 7th Dec, hence it stabled overnight returning to Derby later on the Sunday.

Asfordby

37606 propels the TRC test train past the Ground Frame (out of sight) and crosses over to the original Down line formation on its way towards Asfordby Tunnel - the other side of the road bridge

Ben Wheeler
 

November

NR trains ran occasionally on the main test line, the new UTU trains plus TIC and Mentor returned to the test track in November 2008. One of the UTUs ran on the line early on 17th November and a ballast working later in the day.

October

The plans for the new use of the test track were submitted to Melton Council and were approved on 16th October with conditions, mainly to do with the number of trains allowed to run each day.  The exact details of these conditions were displayed in the planning application via the Rushcliffe Borough Council.  Further environmental issues were later resolved.

April

In April 2008 there was a bank slip between Old Dalby and Upper Broughton and this was repaired by Balfour Beatty.

Slip or what?

The bank slip between Old Dalby and Upper Broughton pictured in April 2008 looking south.

Author's collection

Big

By September the 'Great Wall of Dalby' had been erected by Balfour Beatty - and very nice too

Author's collection

Thanks to Andrew Royle, Ben Wheeler, Neil Booton for news and photos

For details and photos of test train running since Alstom left and LUL took over see here.

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