Disruption on ECML - advice please (Thursday 05/12)

trainophile · 5 Dec 2019

I was waiting at Kirkcaldy for the 1147 LNER to Kings Cross, which had been cancelled due to breaking down (not an Azuma apparently!). This resulted in the first train to Edinburgh being the 1237, arriving 1339.

I have a through Advance ticket to Southport and will miss my 1258 connection at Haymarket. Have had permission to stay on the Scotrail to Edinburgh as it’s a better place to wait around/get something to eat.

Question is that the next through service to Wigan is at 1452, so I will arrive in Southport over two hours late.

is there a better way if I don’t take the direct train but change at Carlisle or anywhere else on the WCML?

RailUK Forums

Esker-pades · 5 Dec 2019

Advance ticket with what TOCs listed? If it's VTWC & connections, you won't be able to get the earlier TransPennine Express service with changes at Preston & Wigan.

trainophile · 5 Dec 2019

It’s gone downhill... OHL damaged between Lockerbie and Carlisle so the 1452 EDB-EUS cancelled and starting from Preston.

Took advice at the station and now on the 1508 XC Plymouth train! They suggested going to Leeds but I would have ages to wait there and wouldn’t get back to Southport until after 23:00.

At my own expense I have found a hotel room for tonight in Darlington and a TPE ticket to Liverpool for tomorrow, having changed my plans as I need to be back in Hereford tomorrow for another trip leaving on Saturday and have an Advance from Chester.

All good fun.

coradiafan2000 · 5 Dec 2019

trainophile said:
It’s gone downhill... OHL damaged between Lockerbie and Carlisle so the 1452 EDB-EUS cancelled and starting from Preston.

Took advice at the station and now on the 1508 XC Plymouth train! They suggested going to Leeds but I would have ages to wait there and wouldn’t get back to Southport until after 23:00.

At my own expense I have found a hotel room for tonight in Darlington and a TPE ticket to Liverpool for tomorrow, having changed my plans as I need to be back in Hereford tomorrow for another trip leaving on Saturday and have an Advance from Chester.

All good fun.

Ouch. That sounds rough. Glad you had the money to make alternative arrangements.

trainophile · 5 Dec 2019

I have a credit card! :lol:

Zamracene749 · 5 Dec 2019

Darlington? As consolation for your messed up trip, I recommend getting yourself a pie or three from Taylor's of Skinnergate in the morning, it's all good stuff but the pork pies are A1 top quality IMO

trainophile · 6 Dec 2019

Haha thanks for the suggestion. The place I am staying (five minutes walk from Darlington station and pretty reasonable - will let anyone interested know what it’s called by PM) has kitchens for the use of guests, with cereals and milk supplied, also other bits and pieces, wrapped biscuits etc., so I probably won’t bother to go and buy breakfast.

Just checking journey plan and see that my connection at York is ex-Scarborough o_O

and early arrivals/departures are already showing disruption. Can this trip get any worse?

(edited to say just found out the reason for the disruption

so my problems are trivial in comparison)

trainophile · 6 Dec 2019

You couldn’t make it up - LNER train from Darlington arrived 10 late at York so I missed my 1038 Lime Street TPE. Now waiting for 1109 with no seat reservation, which is currently 3 down. Tight connection at Line Street onto the Merseyrail Wirral Line to Chester - if I make it I will have 20 minutes for my TfW connection, if not I will have 4-5, to get from 7A to 2. Next southbound two hours later

.

I’m going off rail travel.

trainophile · 6 Dec 2019

And for the next disaster, all turfed off at Leeds due to a member of staff not available. Given the option of waiting for next Liverpool at 1234 or getting the Man Picc currently 10 late, which I am on. I would miss my Chester train and get back to Hereford after the last bus home.

Considering the complete catalogue of problems over the network will I have to buy a new ticket from Piccadilly? I might just do so anyway as I am rapidly losing the will to live

.

trainophile · 6 Dec 2019

Told Picc train would be terminating at Stalybridge, advised to get off at Huddersfield for the 1228 to Picc that I am now on. Wonder how far I will get this time.

Merry Christmas!

Esker-pades · 6 Dec 2019

Good grief. My lack of rail travel for the past month suddenly feels like a good choice.

It sounds like you need a massive takeaway.

trainophile · 6 Dec 2019

The good news is that the TM on the TfW from Manchester was happy to accept my ex-Chester ticket (I think he didn’t feel up to hearing the whole saga), so I hardly dare say this but I’m on the home straight!

Quite an adventure, I should throw out a challenge to see if anyone can beat it!

PeterY · 6 Dec 2019

I'm glad you got home for Christmas.

To be honest I've had no enthusiasm this autumn to go train riding, even with all the constant bad news , strikes, OLE problems, short formed train and general chaos. etc etc :frown:

Techniquest · 7 Dec 2019

Good grief you've had some bad luck! Glad you got there eventually though, and your tale has reminded me of the importance of clearing my credit card quicker. Just in case this sort of thing happens to me! So I say thanks for that, always handy to have good inspiration to head to work when there's a 4am start! :lol:

Disruption on ECML - advice please (Thursday 05/12)

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