ATW Perambulations Around Birmingham

[BlythPower]

I work in an office that overlooks the line between Proof House Junction (just outside Birmingham New Street) and Duddeston. Most, but not all days, an Arriva Trains Wales unit repeatedly goes to and fro along the line. At about 11:10 it goes towards New Street, it heads that way again at 12:30 then out of New Street again at around 12:50, 13:15 and 14:15. It’s always the same unit each time. Does anyone know what on earth it’s doing..?

For the record, it’s most usually a 158 or, about a quarter of the time, a 150/2. Only one appearance each for classes 153 and 175.

 

[kvbham]

The service goes to Birmingham International where it terminates; and form the service to Holyhead or Aberystwyth.

 

[BlythPower]

The service goes to Birmingham International where it terminates; and form the service to Holyhead or Aberystwyth.

Aah! Cheers - the mystery is solved!

 

[87015]

If it goes through Duddeston it should be the route learner unit which has been pootling about recently. If its a normal service its off-route, but thats not particularly rare!