They used 12 for the Chester to go to Cardiff, but if the crew have to come back then possibly it makes sense. The 17:30 from Manchester used 6 to then go back to Chester.
Looks like the platforming isn't the issue then as nothing is booked through 12 at that time, although they don't like trains blocking if possible. The one to Chester would have to use 6 to get from the Manchester line, it's the only one possible.
With respect, yes it is.
On the day in question there was also a light engine move from Crewe ETD to Canton booked to follow the 1730 off Manchester from Crewe - it ended up sitting in the loop between 11 & 12 waiting for the restarted service to depart.
I saw that one on Traksy and briefly wondered if it was a balancing move of a Mk4 set. Thanks for confirming it was just an engine.
TFW have said publicly that the earliest start will be January 2026 but it is not guaranteed.
Ah thanks
Do you know where I can find that? I believe you though!It’s on a railuser group on Facebook posted by a member who attended a meeting with TFW.Ah thanks
They did a really good job when i was delayed about a month ago. I had my refund paid into my bank account within a week. It helps when you book an advance ticket and do it on the app or online. Saves having to submit the claim and include photos of your ticket if its from a ticket machine/office.
Ive noticed improvements with the MK4's since January.
Most of the uncovered diagrams seem to be short forms with only a few Sprinter substitutions now.
I noticed that last week when a train with Maesteg on it went to Cheltenaham!
Or even yesterday when 197029 got swapped from working to Ebbw Vale to working to Cheltenham with a 3 coach unit heading to Ebbw Vale instead. But then set swaps are nothing new.
This is standard practice at Cardiff Central whereby the arrival from Gloucester turns into the 1706 to Ebbw Vale Town and the arrival from Maesteg turns into the 1710 to Cheltenham. This all happens on Platform 2 at the same time, causing confusion each and every time!
I often take this 1706 and the confusion is rife. Last minute can see the platform 2 dwellers switched to platform 0 and a mad rush to and through the ticket gates ensues.
It certainly did cause confusion that day and im very clued up about these things. I was fairly confident it was a set swap as the Cheltenham Spa service disappeared off the screen on platform 2, rushed over to platform 1 and lo and behold it was on the screen there instead and then there was a 'this is a platform alteration' automated annoucement.
Even more annoying when its Platform 0.
I saw 197120 in service yesterday (Fri 21/3/25).
I wonder what its doing at Canton today. Maintenance work on these gets done in Chester? I checked RTT and it seems it is going to Chester tonight on the 2220 ex Cardiff (with 197020)
Swapped out of 1W16 this morning, mainly due to the 6 car formation which couldn't go forward.
Even the train crew are often confused when you ask them so there's no hope for us passengers! Oh well, adds some excitement to the commute home and fortunately I've never had to march to Platform 0 for the Cheltenham service.
I presume those sidings are the ones hidden from view from the railway (where a 67 + MK4 set was located today). Only the out of use 197033 was in the sidings alongside platform 1 at Holyhead today.
It's not uncommon to have people standing or sitting on the floor in coach 1 or 2 of a 5-car set, whilst coach 5 has less than half a dozen people in it - and then when told, for them to just shrug or look at you blankly and remain where they are. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.
