Unusual move at Watford Junction 8 Jan

[Bald Rick]

A freind of mine was on 9G46, 2106 Euston - Wolves last night. Although it departed Euston 8 minutes late and fractionally ahead of the down Highlander (1S25), it was evidently held on Camden Bank and the Highlander went first. Most likely because the Highlander had been signalled out early just before the Wolves was ready to go. The Wolves service then lost a further 6 minutes to Harrow behind the Highlander. And then….

….. the Watford workstation signaller held the Highlander in the platform at Watford Junction (not booked to call), and routed the Wolves via the Up Fast to overtake it. I didn’t even know this was possible! It must have been enabled with the alterations when the junction was recommisioned.

Two questions:

1) has any one seen this happen before, with any trains?
2) did the signaller have a mate on the train with a quail and a highlighter?

RTT links here:
9G46 https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:C50029/2025-01-08/detailed#allox_id=0
1S25 https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:P01173/2025-01-08/detailed#allox_id=0

 

[Tilting007]

Happens every now and then, mainly if there are failures blocking the DF.
Became possible when the North Junction went in and once the Fast to Fast Crossover went in all platforms now bi-di, although the DF only as far as the turnout to the DC lines.

The highlander does see some funky regulation if there is late running…

 

[Kite159]

I've seen a London train getting routed via the Down slow platform when the up fast has been unavailable due to a train fault (a 350 having a hissy fit with a door) at the same time as a Tring train getting routed via the up slow platform.

Always good to have flexibility.

 

[moogal]

I had this a few months ago on an evening LNR Birmingham service that wasn't booked to call at Watford, was quite surprising to see the platform go past on the wrong side!

 

[Efini92]

A freind of mine was on 9G46, 2106 Euston - Wolves last night. Although it departed Euston 8 minutes late and fractionally ahead of the down Highlander (1S25), it was evidently held on Camden Bank and the Highlander went first. Most likely because the Highlander had been signalled out early just before the Wolves was ready to go. The Wolves service then lost a further 6 minutes to Harrow behind the Highlander. And then….

….. the Watford workstation signaller held the Highlander in the platform at Watford Junction (not booked to call), and routed the Wolves via the Up Fast to overtake it. I didn’t even know this was possible! It must have been enabled with the alterations when the junction was recommisioned.

Two questions:

1) has any one seen this happen before, with any trains?
2) did the signaller have a mate on the train with a quail and a highlighter?

RTT links here:
9G46 https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:C50029/2025-01-08/detailed#allox_id=0
1S25 https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:P01173/2025-01-08/detailed#allox_id=0

It’s rare they actually regulate round there, more so using the up fast. I followed the sleeper to rugby the other week.

 

[Tilting007]

It’s rare they actually regulate round there, more so using the up fast. I followed the sleeper to rugby the other week.

Ooh thats nasty with the regulating options available… especially at MKC

 

[RGM654]

I was on a railtour last year (Midland Pullman on 18th October) that picked up from the up fast platform at Watford Jn.

 

[Egg Centric]

Is there any way to see if this was due to Avanti control shouting blue murder at someone or if it was pure signaller initiative?

 

[james_the_xv]

Is there any way to see if this was due to Avanti control shouting blue murder at someone or if it was pure signaller initiative?

not through public feeds, no.

 

[Tilting007]

Likely a request from the Train Running Controller based in Route Control to the signaller.

 

[Efini92]

Ooh thats nasty with the regulating options available… especially at MKC

In fairness to the Bletchley workstation, they will do their best to regulate trains. It’s just not always possible.