This post http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=1229220&postcount=48 from the more general 'December 2012 timetable changes' thread (linked to in the top right of the post) implies that one of the current Sunderland services is cut back to Hartlepool too, so Sunderland sees no real change, however, Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe and the rest gain the extra train!
Ah, excellent. That gives me lots more time in the York tap when I'm using the early afternoon GC service north from York, or alternately, a later start from Birmingham in order to connect into that service A positive move all round!
I believe that MattE2010 is correct.So is it 5 return services from Sunderland or is MattE2010 right about the service Terminating at Hartlepool?
A positive move all round!
I believe that MattE2010 is correct.
Time will tell, all will be revealed soon I suppose,mind that won't be any use to Sunderland, any idea why it would terminate at Harlepool by the way?
Will be interesting to see how they cope without any extra stock to run this service.
Looking at Grand Central's diagrams (http://www.125group.org.uk/diagrams-GC.pdf), the reason that the additional service turns back at Hartlepool is that by doing that, there shouldn't be a need for any additional stock diagrams: The Sunderland services can continue to be run with two HSTs and one 180 (Although it is not quite that simple, as the 180 utilised is swapped over during the day), by means of the 180 diagram that presently sits around doing nothing during the middle of the day becoming an all day diagram.Will be interesting to see how they cope without any extra stock to run this service.
Maybe the 180 on hire to Hull Trains will have to return to Grand Central, they seem to have managed just fine without it!
Looking at Grand Central's diagrams (http://www.125group.org.uk/diagrams-GC.pdf), the reason that the additional service turns back at Hartlepool is that by doing that, there shouldn't be a need for any additional stock diagrams: The Sunderland services can continue to be run with two HSTs and one 180 (Although it is not quite that simple, as the 180 utilised is swapped over during the day), by means of the 180 diagram that presently sits around doing nothing during the middle of the day becoming an all day diagram.
Re the GC service to Hartlepool
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s22a-gc-28sa-decision-letter.pdf
And to Bradford via Leeds
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s22a-gc-7sa-decision-letter.pdf
Basically, additional GC service terminates at Hartlepool due to lack of path between Hartlepool and Sunderland (due to a freight train), whilst the aplication for the train to Bradford via Leeds was rejected by the ORR as it would "it would run contrary to the general guidance issued by the Secretary of State, would impact on the funds available to the Secretary of State, and impact on railway performance."
I'll let you know come 19th DEC lol when i finally get home. As you probably know it's always been a HST, but we'll see.
One of Grand Central's 180 diagrams sees the unit sit idle at Bounds Green throughout the middle part of the day. With a little bit of jiggery pokery to the existing diagrams, using this unit in service throughout the day, it is possible that the new service won't require any additional rolling stock over the present requirement for two HSTs and one 180 on the Sunderland route. Alternately bringing a fourth 180 into play for some part of the day probably wouldn't unduly tax GCs' maintenance regimes either.Will they be able to run the extra diagram with an HST? Is there enough slack in the fleet?
why oh why would anyone want to go to Hartlepooh? Much as i love Grand Central their service to the that wretched hive of scum and villainy should be discouraged!
Another Grand Central north East service is very good news. I assume this to be operated by a 180 rather than an HST
Ha, might see your team play against us in league 1 in a few years time!!!!
Still nothing on the Grand Central website. you'd think they'd shouting from the rooftops!
Grand Central said:We are giving passengers and businesses more flexibility to travel between the North East, York and London from 8 December 2012 with the launch of an additional train service.
The service will give businesses more opportunities to strengthen their links with the capital, providing more scope for economic growth in the region. With convenient travelling times and a journey of just over two hours, the new service will increase accessibility to London for local companies, supporting commercial expansion and development.
We currently run four services a day between London, York and Sunderland. From December, an additional train will run each day between Hartlepool, York and London. On Saturdays, this train will extend to run to and from Sunderland so even more passengers can take advantage of this additional service.
The new service gives passengers more flexibility and another chance to experience Grand Central's extra legroom, free Wi-Fi and direct routes to London for less.
We have been working hard for some time to obtain these extra trains and have successfully demonstrated to the Office of Rail Regulation that these services will have a positive impact on rail users and local communities. While we are disappointed we can't offer this additional service to and from Sunderland during the week, we are working very hard with Network Rail to get this service extended in line with our other routes from next year.
Passengers holding carnet tickets can use their tickets on these new services. The new trains are classed as Off-Peak services, with great value Advance Purchase tickets available up to 12 weeks in advance.
The new train times will be published and made available online in the next couple of weeks.
It's because of a freight train.