Unusual TL route reversing at Lewes

[NaZzAtAzEr]

Can't figure out how this would be logical as the train would have to stop on running line to reverse? Been a whole since I've been to Lewes but pretty sure two different lines don't mix at the station

 

[Horizon22]

That does appear to be a shunt so yes would probably be on the running line. Was this yesterday? I imagine there was some form of engineering works going on past Lewes towards Eastbourne / Bexhill direction.

 

[zwk500]

Yep, Lewes signal LW58 is beyond the junction, on the Down line towards Eastbourne. There's a trailing crossover beyond the junction to allow trains to cross back to the Up Side. It was a GPL until quite recently when it was replaced with a main aspect signal to allow the move to take place without special authority.

The movement itself is not particularly unusual, although not done in normal running, normally only used if the line via Hassocks is closed.

 

[westcoaster]

It is a route refreshing train for drivers, as we can no longer travel in other train cabs.

 

[Fincra5]

It is a route refreshing train for drivers, as we can no longer travel in other train cabs.

What @westcoaster said. Usually you'd get TL driver refreshing in a SN Cab, however the restrictions are still preventing this for now. So an ECS Move is the best way to retain Drivers Competency on the Diversionary Route via Lewes.

 

[alangla]

I did this move on a Saturday morning about 2 years ago. Engineering work somewhere between Haywards Heath and Brighton as part of the big upgrade on the Brighton main line, so GatEx & Thameslink services cancelled and 12 car Southern formations running via Lewes (doors opened, but wasn’t an advertised call), a shunt to the east of the station, reverse and another call at Lewes on the opposite side of the station. Not sure if the driver changed ends east of Lewes or if another driver boarded at the back. I think it might have been a second driver that drove from the reversal point to Brighton.

 

[pdeaves]

Just as a matter of interest, whilst unusual, reversing in public service not at a platform is not unique. Many trains affected by the recent Bristol works reversed at Feeder Bridge Junction/North Somerset Junction and Weymouth-Bristol trains have been known to avoid Westbury and reverse at Heywood Road Junction.

 

[PHILIPE]

It's done all the time at Coombe Junction on the Looe Branch