Mail by Rail over the ECML

[Ze Random One]

I'm intrigued by the following pair of trains:
1M78 Low Fell Royal Mail - Willesden PRDC
1E04 Willesden PRDC - Low Fell Royal Mail
These are permanent paths for the duration of the current timetable.

Now I didn't think that Royal Mail ran services over the ECML any more, except around Christmas and during exceptional events (WCML closure, extreme weather ...), however it would appear that they have the path booked for the whole year.

Does anyone know whether this path is only used ad-hoc as needed, or if this is part of an intention to move Tyneside's mail regularly by rail?

Thanks!

 

[Peter Mugridge]

It's a new service - an expansion of the existing mail train arrangements. In other words, the return of mail to the ECML.

 

[sprinterguy]

Do we have any times for these services? And have they started yet, and if they haven't, then does anyone know when they are due to commence?

I remember when the Low Fell - Willesden postal service that departed just after 2pm used to be a consistent part of a tyipcal day at Tyne Yard, with a pair of 325s stabled there beforehand ready to work the service. It'll be good to see the return of regular mail services to the ECML. (Although of course if this service runs overnight then that considerably reduces the opportunity to see it!)

 

[sidmouth]

http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/P88082/2012/2/20

 

[Freightmaster]

I'm intrigued by the following pair of trains:
1M78 Low Fell Royal Mail - Willesden PRDC
1E04 Willesden PRDC - Low Fell Royal Mail
These are permanent paths for the duration of the current timetable.

...and that's all they are, I'm afraid - paths.

Now I didn't think that Royal Mail ran services over the ECML any more, except around Christmas...

They don't even run at Christmas - there are barely enough 325s
available to cover the WCML extras, never mind anything else!!

MARK

 

[Legzr1]

...and that's all they are, I'm afraid - paths.



They don't even run at Christmas - there are barely enough 325s
available to cover the WCML extras, never mind anything else!!

MARK

Just you wait until April

 

[DarloRich]

i didnt think they were running more is the pity - BUT i will be in York tonight so i will keep a look out

 

[Jdrowlands]

i deidnt think they were running moreis the pitty - BUT i will be in York tonight so i will keep a look out

Don't hold your breath...

 

[33056]

Those two paths have been in the system for a very long time now and, to the best of my knowledge, have never run other than the very odd working since mail trains were re-started under GBRf. Likewise the rumours regarding mail trains returning to the ECML have also been around a long time, even before DB took over and were still circulating recently though I have not yet heard anything more concrete than mere rumours.

 

[DarloRich]

Don't hold your breath...

bloody touch screen!!!!!!!!!!!

I doubt i will see anything lol