As various people have pointed out, there’s something very odd about the third photo on this page purporting to show the first test run on the new ELLX2 link from the South London Line to the East London Line. Basically there appears to be no power source for the train, when there should be a third live rail outside the running rails, despite which the lights are on. Most odd. Arguably since the project’s running pretty well after the Boris-instituted delay back in 2008 there shouldn’t be a need to make it up (Photoshopping has been suggested, the images look just that bit too good, apart from the missing juice rail), but perhaps PR flim-flam is a force of habit at TfL these days.
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These pictures are so badly Photoshopped that they look like crappy mockups. So you shouldn’t be surprised that they lack detail…
Given that there ARE photographs of the real service available (See the “London Reconnections” web-site) this is a disgrace.
It’s a fake.
I suspect a “dead” train was positioned, but before the conductor rail was laid.
Unless it is a complete “Photoshop” job of course.
Why these PR types think they will get away with this sort of thing is beyond me……
I sometimes wonder if I should get out more, and not spend so much time getting angry on Internet forums about trains…
Greg, to answer your question, yes, you should get out more!
It is a little naughty but when I saw the photo I assumed it was an ‘artists impression’ it is that bad – is it an attempt to deceive?
Yes, it is a total fake, a bit like our ‘Hero’, but some idiot in ‘Marketing’ thought this was a clever juxtaposition, showing Overground near to London’s new power-base, Canary Wharf – it is IMPOSSIBLE.
Those of us who KNOW, know that the whole scene is total fantasy, as there is no section of the ELL, from which you get that backdrop either.
Greg is right, someone pushed, dragged 378232 onto the new section for a shoot, but the photographer did not have the nous to realise the line wasn’t finished. The running rails go down first, and the conductor rail, now valuable aluminium and stainless steel on the TfL section, goes down much later.
It is difficult to work out even where the curve and green embankment is, particularly a curve at that angle on a rising incline. BIZARRE!
If anyone can work out the location of the train, I would love to know. I suppose photoshop eliminates the need for a cardboard cutout of the backdrop or even Boris himself!
It’s a total disgrace apart from one small point. It’s a genuine image.
The camera never lies except when it does. The train is traversing the (admittedly long) conductor rail gap positioned near to the junction with the SLL. The double IBJs to isolate the return current path are visible under the first car and on the adjacent road. Note the absence of impedence bonds at those IBJs.
I was lying, it’s fake
According to the most recent copy of RAIL, who published the photo, the lack of conductor rails is due to a 70m rail gap. Keeping the lights on while off the conductor rail isn’t that hard nowadays (compare a new Victoria line train or S Stock to an older tube train for example – they are built by Bombardier who also build the 378s).
But my final point would be this: since they are doing testing on the route now, what’s the point of faking it! The photo is more that possible, just look at Google Maps.
Bing Maps actually have a better view and it looks like the photo was probably taken from the bit of track next to Bridge House Meadows.
I know we all love a good conspiracy, especially (on this site) if it involves the Mayor, but this really isn’t one.