Hi guys,
I've noticed quite a few common mistakes that a number of people make, and I'd like to help us all improve our performance by point out what I've observed.
1) Problem:
VW2 - Often ECS/freight gets put on the Down Slow, instead of the Down Goods at Holloway.
Cause:
Probably person on VW2 not checking VW1 for incoming trains
Solution:
Person on VW2 to check VW1 (as well as VW3) for incoming trains; person on VW1 to provide advance warning.
2) Problem:
VW4 - Slow trains on the Down fast Potters Bar (this causes Cambridge Cruisers to get delayed and often the semi-fast itself is delayed for the Cruiser to overtake at Welwyn causing both trains to be late)
Cause:
Probably person on VW4 not checking VW3 for incoming trains, or due to late running of stopping trains.
Solution:
Person on VW4 to check VW3 (as well as VW5) for incoming trains; de-select automatic on the signal on the down fast into Potters Bar prior to the train preceding the semi fast passing so that the route automatically cancels behind the preceding train ready for the stopper to cross to the slow lines.
3) Problem:
VW4 - Slow trains on the Up slow south of Potters Bar
Cause: Probably the person on VW4 forgetting that they've just sent a stopper on the down slow and the semi-fast is going to get stuck behind it
Solution:
de-select automatic on the signal on the up slow out of Potters Bar prior to the train preceding the semi fast passing. Ditto for the up fast (normally a GNER will pass Potters Bar about a minute before the semi fast is due to depart and follow the GNER).
4) Problem:
Trains arriving in the wrong order at Moorgate, messes up Moorgate ARS and causes problems for the person on VW1. This is particularly so on my 'enhanced' timetable
Cause:
Often poor regulation at Alexandra Palace.
Solution:
Check which train (ex Hertford vs ex Welwyn) is due into Alexandra Palace first and set the route accordingly. If a train is 3-4 minutes late, it should still go in front (there is some slack between Finsbury Park and Moorgate), even if it means holding a train before the junction.
5) Problem:
Gridlock at Gordon Hill or Hertford North
Cause: Person on VW6 not paying attention or not reading timetables correctly
Solution: Reversals at Gordon Hill to use the bay platform always. Reversals at Hertford vary - check timetables, if in doubt ask the host.
6) Problem:
1Pxx trains that call Hitchin being given the down fast at Hitchin
Cause:
Probably failure to read the timetable and assumption that Class 1 trains do not call Hitchin.
Solution:
Check timetable. Off-peak all 1Pxx trains call Hitchin. At peak times, some do, but some don't.
I've noticed quite a few common mistakes that a number of people make, and I'd like to help us all improve our performance by point out what I've observed.
1) Problem:
VW2 - Often ECS/freight gets put on the Down Slow, instead of the Down Goods at Holloway.
Cause:
Probably person on VW2 not checking VW1 for incoming trains
Solution:
Person on VW2 to check VW1 (as well as VW3) for incoming trains; person on VW1 to provide advance warning.
2) Problem:
VW4 - Slow trains on the Down fast Potters Bar (this causes Cambridge Cruisers to get delayed and often the semi-fast itself is delayed for the Cruiser to overtake at Welwyn causing both trains to be late)
Cause:
Probably person on VW4 not checking VW3 for incoming trains, or due to late running of stopping trains.
Solution:
Person on VW4 to check VW3 (as well as VW5) for incoming trains; de-select automatic on the signal on the down fast into Potters Bar prior to the train preceding the semi fast passing so that the route automatically cancels behind the preceding train ready for the stopper to cross to the slow lines.
3) Problem:
VW4 - Slow trains on the Up slow south of Potters Bar
Cause: Probably the person on VW4 forgetting that they've just sent a stopper on the down slow and the semi-fast is going to get stuck behind it
Solution:
de-select automatic on the signal on the up slow out of Potters Bar prior to the train preceding the semi fast passing. Ditto for the up fast (normally a GNER will pass Potters Bar about a minute before the semi fast is due to depart and follow the GNER).
4) Problem:
Trains arriving in the wrong order at Moorgate, messes up Moorgate ARS and causes problems for the person on VW1. This is particularly so on my 'enhanced' timetable
Cause:
Often poor regulation at Alexandra Palace.
Solution:
Check which train (ex Hertford vs ex Welwyn) is due into Alexandra Palace first and set the route accordingly. If a train is 3-4 minutes late, it should still go in front (there is some slack between Finsbury Park and Moorgate), even if it means holding a train before the junction.
5) Problem:
Gridlock at Gordon Hill or Hertford North
Cause: Person on VW6 not paying attention or not reading timetables correctly
Solution: Reversals at Gordon Hill to use the bay platform always. Reversals at Hertford vary - check timetables, if in doubt ask the host.
6) Problem:
1Pxx trains that call Hitchin being given the down fast at Hitchin
Cause:
Probably failure to read the timetable and assumption that Class 1 trains do not call Hitchin.
Solution:
Check timetable. Off-peak all 1Pxx trains call Hitchin. At peak times, some do, but some don't.