The line is heavily restricted by curves and hills which slow trains down. The signaling also imposes speed restrictions approaching stations and at some level crossings, signaling will be fixed by Easter
No train permitted to operate above 75 mph has ever operated the line, 70 mph is the best the 2800 can manage, 29k can manage 75 mph with ease but are not permitted above 70 mph.
New intercity railcars are reported to be as fast if not faster than the 29k in acceleration so they should be able to deal with the hills with ease
The line speed limit used to be 60mph, its now 70mph. It will probably more to 80mph in the future on some sections
Best practical time is 2:30 when the new signaling, new timetable and new trains are all in place
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