NIR's 207 working the 1120 Dublin Connolly-Belfast Enterprise Express overtaking the 11:07 Dublin Connolly-Dundalk at Ardgillan between Skerries & Balbriggan 02-Mar-22.
I've seen this once. I was on the 29000 to Dundalk when the Belfast Enterprise overtook us, however I forgot which side. I'm pretty sure it overtook us just like this video with us on the right and the Enterprise on the left. I got so confused when I happened to look outside the window as the Enterprise made it look like we were reversing for a second. Took me a second look to figure out what was going on as I did not know this can happen until I experienced it first hand
That's what mostly happens, so you can liberate the track meant for traffic going the opposite way faster. And depending on your railway's regulations, it might also be forbidden, as to avoid changing platforms for passengers, because they can do stupid things if they suddenly see the train arriving on the opposite platform, and start crossing the tracks.
Here comes 11 entering the final corner... OH!! IT'S 207 ON THE OUTSIDE! As they enter the final corner 207 pulls ahead on the outside line, and 207 is across the line! it looks like 11 has some issues at the exit of the final turn it was just enough to secure him second place!
Is this a Common thing to happen on Train Tracks?! 😮😮 I thought it was like the Road, Trains go one way and another way. Also is that outside Balbriggan?
It depends. Tracks are equipped with signalling, not all tracks are equipped with signalling in both directions, and especially on very busy railway lines, there might just not be any space to let one pass on the fly. But if there is space, and there is signalling, you block traffic entering the counter-flow track and reverse the signalling and (mostly) let the faster train pass. You'd keep a train that stops along the way on his normal track, so as to avoid unassuming passengers crossing the tracks when they see their train arrive on the opposite platform.
Is this a regular practice?. I'm used to some Enterprises overtaking DART trains at clongriffin, but didn't realise that regional trains run wrong road from Skerries to Balbriggan to facilitate overtaking also.
As it should be double tracking rail line....must of our railway lines were double tracked, and the government decided to take it up... Madness at the time, now they want to put back double tracking.....on very busy routes....
Yes, bi-directional between Skerries & Balbriggan. As far as I recall Howth Jcn.-Connolly was signaled as bi-directional as part of DART CTC in early 1980s, not sure it it still is though.
Sorry for such a late response but yes, the line between Skerries and Balbriggan is bidirectional but only in the northbound direction, it's only really done to allow Enterprise trains to overtake commuter trains.
