1J84 STP to MAR (1820)

[pete_m911]

Bizarre happenings tonight at London St Pancras (STP)

1J84 1820 service to Margate came in empties to STP, sat on the platform until its allotted departure time, then went back out to Stratford Intl not in service, before sitting on the platform there for 10 minutes.

Customers advised to board the (6 car) Maidstone service ahead of it and change, anyone with any ideas why?!

 

[Crossover]

It seems that the service does come in empties from Ashford Sidings

I don't know the reason, but at a guess, maybe a crewing problem? (could a fitter bring the service in to find no driver available at St Pancras, run empty to Stratford to pick up crew there?)

 

[user15681]

It seems that the service does come in empties from Ashford Sidings

I don't know the reason, but at a guess, maybe a crewing problem? (could a fitter bring the service in to find no driver available at St Pancras, run empty to Stratford to pick up crew there?)

Most likely because the on board manager was late on their inbound journey (there were signalling (track circuit) problems around Ramsgate) and met the train at Stratford Int'l. HS can't run in passenger service without an OBM, so the train would have to run empty from STP to Stratford Int'l.

Can't be 100% sure in this specific example though.

 

[driver9000]

It seems that the service does come in empties from Ashford Sidings

I don't know the reason, but at a guess, maybe a crewing problem? (could a fitter bring the service in to find no driver available at St Pancras, run empty to Stratford to pick up crew there?)

I'd be surprised if the fitters are mainline driver competent.

 

[Crossover]

I'd be surprised if the fitters are mainline driver competent.

As I said, it is a guess. Hadn't realised the OBM was required - I know they are DOO :P