There were 7 booked diagrams for yesterday but only 1 actually ran as booked. The other 3 were allocated by fleet.Still a few more diagrams to be allocated yet so wouldn't like to say for sure.
Afraid my knowledge doesn't extend ahead to Sunday.
Technically (yes, I’m a pedant) they’re still running, they’ve just been diverted to run to Raynes Park via Epsom, replacing the Dorkings I guess, so I get a pretty normal service level trundling past the end of the garden.Guildford (via Effingham Junction)
Technically (yes, I’m a pedant) they’re still running, they’ve just been diverted to run to Raynes Park via Epsom, replacing the Dorkings I guess, so I get a pretty normal service level trundling past the end of the garden.
I haven’t been on one to check but I imagine they run back down the Up line from platform 1 and then use the crossover where the lines come back together, after the down line comes off the embankment (where I believe the entry to the goods yard used to be), to continue on the Down line.As a matter of interest how does that work? Are they terminating trains on platform 1 at Raynes Park, and then running them the 'wrong' way back to Motspur Park on the up line?
This is correct, with the use of a pilotmanAs a matter of interest how does that work? Are they terminating trains on platform 1 at Raynes Park, and then running them the 'wrong' way back to Motspur Park on the up line?
Thanks for the replies. As I was close to Ewell West I made the effort to travel to Raynes Park and back this evening. Mainly to investigate, but also to get a Down run on the Up line, and a rare chance on the Raynes Park crossover.I haven’t been on one to check but I imagine they run back down the Up line from platform 1 and then use the crossover where the lines come back together, after the down line comes off the embankment (where I believe the entry to the goods yard used to be), to continue on the Down line.
Usually happens several weekends every year although recently it has been more common to terminate at Worcester Park, using the crossover there to return back towards Epsom.Thanks for the replies. As I was close to Ewell West I made the effort to travel to Raynes Park and back this evening. Mainly to investigate, but also to get a Down run on the Up line, and a rare chance on the Raynes Park crossover.
The Worcester Park turnback is used if there is work on the junction or level crossings at Motspur Park, if anyone is after that one for rare track just watch for engineering at that location and you should get lucky.Usually happens several weekends every year although recently it has been more common to terminate at Worcester Park, using the crossover there to return back towards Epsom.
Since I’ve lived here, I’ve only seen it used to turn trains round and head back towards London when work’s going on at Epsom (They wait for time outside the house.) I never realised they used it in the reverse direction too - I probably never thought about it to be honest.The Worcester Park turnback is used if there is work on the junction or level crossings at Motspur Park, if anyone is after that one for rare track just watch for engineering at that location and you should get lucky.
They have the skills to do it as they do the higher level C4 Level 5 exam anyway. What is missing is the formalities that they have demonstrated that they can do it. They will just have to be witnessed doing the exams and passed competent by a trainer or assessor who knows the job.Would the staff at Bournemouth Depot be able to take on these D8 exams both units need and if they could, have got all the necessary
spare parts to do the work ?
No. They've been doing Mods on 701s at Bournemouth, and helped other depots.Has BM staffing levels dropped since the end of the piggies ?
In the past Bournemouth have carried out C4 and C62 overhauls on the 455s, including repaints.What work do they do to the 455's at Bournemouth depot?
Thank you for clarifying that @WarrenTManager.They have the skills to do it as they do the higher level C4 Level 5 exam anyway. What is missing is the formalities that they have demonstrated that they can do it. They will just have to be witnessed doing the exams and passed competent by a trainer or assessor who knows the job.
No. They've been doing Mods on 701s at Bournemouth, and helped other depots.
In the past Bournemouth have carried out C4 and C62 overhauls on the 455s, including repaints.
In recent times they have helped with tree strike repairs, wheel swaps and other bogie related work.
What they do these days may, of course, be different!Since I’ve lived here, I’ve only seen it used to turn trains round and head back towards London when work’s going on at Epsom (They wait for time outside the house.) I never realised they used it in the reverse direction too - I probably never thought about it to be honest.
Yeah. That’s why I’d need to think about it to realise. I’d probably be lucky to even notice the closure unless I happen to need to get a train somewhere.What they do these days may, of course, be different!
Plus the thought occurs to me you may not notice when it's the other way because they'd be waiting for time in the platform in that instance.
Wasn't there a battery plan kicking around....?Interesting that they’ve gone to Long Marston, I would have thought they’d have gone either direct to Newport or Eastleigh
Wasn't there a battery plan kicking around....?
I wont hold my breath though.
There were plans by Porterbrook to convert the 455s to some sort of hybrid, but given the farce with the 319 bi-mode conversion and more newer units coming off-lease, I don’t think they’ll bother now in all honesty.The only battery conversion plan that I'm aware of is Porterbrook's 350 flex using the (eventually) off-lease 350/2s
There was talk of something a long way back but I haven’t heard anything recently. I’m not sure if it was an “industry” plan or an enthusiasts dream though, I can’t remember where I saw it.Wasn't there a battery plan kicking around....?
I wont hold my breath though.
Also confirmed with 37800 on from with 455736 455704 456003 on rear through charlbury around 15 minutes late.It'll either be for either 458507 or it'll be for 5704/5736/6003 which are prepped for loco drag now.
Confirmed 5736/5704 & 6003