Being house-bound, I have taken the opportunity to watch train movements on Real Time Train's Derby area map over the new track layout in and around Derby station since the full reopening. There is no doubt, to me, that it has achieved a much better flow of trains, and amongst the operational benefits I have observed (over and above the objective of eliminating the former
restricted two-
track southern exit from all Derby platforms) is now:
1. terminating trains from both Peartree and Spondon directions on platforms 3 to 6 making more use of Chaddesden curve tracks as turn-back sidings between turns, if it's required to have the full platform length for other passenger trains.
2. the use of the four-track sections on the Peartree and Duffield directions to allow trains to clear the platforms promptly, and be held for conflicting moves outside the station rather than blocking the platform. The same applies to approaching trains from those directions to platforms 3 to 6 waiting for a clear platform, so avoiding unnecessary delays to trains routed through platforms 1 and 2.
3. the flexibility of the bi-direction lines. I saw the simultaneous release of three trains towards Peartree on one occasion from platforms 2 to 4, clearing all three platforms promptly, and then flighted onto the down Tamworth at Peartree in the correct order!
4. the easing of empty stock movements between Etches Park and platforms 3 to 6 by more use of the direct Derby Pilot Line between Etches Park and Chaddesden curve. In the morning, a lot of trains leave the depot as soon as they are ready and are held on the curve before proceeding to their platform at the right time. The reverse happens in the evening, and allows empty stock to clear the platforms promptly and be held on Chaddesden curve or on the pilot line to wait their turn to access the depot. This route is also used occasionally throughout the day if required but more often they are able to go directly to and from depot.
All the above must be having a good effect in reducing unnecessary delays to trains at the station, which under the old layout would have been ready for departure but delayed by conflicting movements. In turn this reduces delays to arriving trains that formerly were held outside the station waiting for their platform to be cleared.