WCML and Class 180

[trubla]

Interesting view this evening, Grand Central's 180 101 heading south down the WCML on the delayed then retimed 5Z80 LOngsight to Heaton. Don't remember seeing a Grand Central liveried unit working on the WCML before. But as sure someone out there will correct me if I'm wrong . Also an interesting route from Manchester to Newcastle tho via Nuneaton then Derby, Barrow Hill Doncaster etc. Surely there must have been a shorter route?

 

[91101]

At a guess given how in bed with each other GC and XC are it will be an XC driver route conducting, which might explain the odd route.

 

[Domh245]

I think I passed it earlier at stafford around 1650 earlier

 

[dangie]

Saw it a few days ago at Rugeley Trent Valley heading north.

Note: Real Time Trains says: This service was cancelled between Stafford and Heaton T&R.S.M.D. due to a problem at the depot (MU)

 

[Class172]

Passing through Stafford today I noticed a GC 180 sitting in platform 5; I did think where it could possibly be going. A similar situation to the previous posts I presume?

 

[43074]

AIUI, 175s or 180s are not cleared for Manchester to Leeds via Huddersfield and hence an alternative route has to be taken to get the GC 180s to Alstom's depot at Longsight for maintenance.

I've seen 3 GC 180s passing through Leicester in the past year on similar moves, and I'm sure there have been more as well.

I think DCR provide drivers, not sure where I heard that though.

 

[Condor7]

AIUI, 175s or 180s are not cleared for Manchester to Leeds via Huddersfield and hence an alternative route has to be taken

Do you know the reason why this is, and is it something likely to change in the near future? Thanks.

 

[DarloRich]

Do you know the reason why this is, and is it something likely to change in the near future? Thanks.

I assume not gauge cleared which must mean they are likely to clout something infrastructure wise en route.

 

[route:oxford]

Will a Class 180 fit within an IEP envelope?

Essentially, once routes are guage cleared for IEP units will they also be suitable for Class 180?

 

[adrock1976]

Does anybody know if the 180s are cleared for the Midland Railway route through the Hope Valley?

If so, it would be a much shorter route from Longsight to Leeds, and would also provide route knowledge learning in the event of engineering works.

In peace

Adam

 

[rebmcr]

Does anybody know if the 180s are cleared for the Midland Railway route through the Hope Valley?

The existence of the WCML runs would seem to demonstrate that they are not cleared on any more convenient route.

 

[ANDYS]

This has certainly been going on a while. Have a look at the link for a photo of 180114 passing through Chesterfield in April

https://www.flickr.com/photos/66737...f6g-mLwqhZ-mLyxyh-ncE87w-nr5KAr-neH7Dg-ncDHtz

and even more unusually a single HST car:-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/66737...192-huuspr-huvT3a-n6ZS6J-hutHST-n6Zv7j-huuBQu

Andy S