....could have sworn there was a topic for XC on here already
Anyone know which way the Brum - Stansted services are diverting at the moment with the Nuneaton line closed? I'd imagine via the recent Derby diversion and down through Loughborough
Also, curious that the replacement coaches are running Nuneaton - Coleshill - Birmingham International, is it really that much quicker to get a train there than coach from New Street?
Two things:
1. I would say that journey time from Coleshill to International is more reliable than going all the way into the centre of Birmingham especially at peak hours. According to the AA routeplanner it is 14.3 miles from Coleshill to New Street via the M6 and it should take 23 minutes. Whereas Coleshill to International is only 6 miles and takes 14 minutes.
2. It avoids having rail replacement coaches laying over in and around New Street station.
There were replacement coaches today doing both Nuneaton - Coleshill - International and Nuneaton direct to International. Noted on there were Amans Travel, Eminence Travel, JKT International and Bouden Coach Travel, from what I saw. There were also 'posters' dotted around Nuneaton station with advice for passengers, recommending that people travel to Coventry or Tamworth and then into Birmingham from there, although the chap outside was directing anyone with a ticket to Birmingham onto the direct International coach.
Did anyone record the HST on Birmingham-Manchester yesterday - from RTT I thought it worked the 10.45 Bournemouth Manchester from New St, the 17.05 back and then forward on the 15.46 Southampton-Leeds from New St
Quote from: mikestone on October 02, 2018, 08:53:36 PM
Did anyone record the HST on Birmingham-Manchester yesterday - from RTT I thought it worked the 10.45 Bournemouth Manchester from New St, the 17.05 back and then forward on the 15.46 Southampton-Leeds from New St
I've seen some photographs of it on Flickr, not sure if anyone recorded it though.
Thanks, I didn't make myself clear. Someone said it had been through Stafford three times - I am guessing it was shown on the 19.31 Birmingham-Manchester at some point and when I rechecked thought the four minutes to empty and reload at New St was a trifle short. The empties Leeds-Crofton had no times after departure so I am happy it did what I thought.
Rather than start a new thread, I got a XC train from international to new street about 11pm a couple of Friday's ago.
It diverted I think at Stechford and we ended up passing Aston, Perry Barr stations and entering New Street from the opposite side. Is this the usual route for this journey does anyone know?
Quote from: sonic84 on October 09, 2018, 08:02:38 AM
Rather than start a new thread, I got a XC train from international to new street about 11pm a couple of Friday's ago.
It diverted I think at Stechford and we ended up passing Aston, Perry Barr stations and entering New Street from the opposite side. Is this the usual route for this journey does anyone know?
if the line is having track work would go this way or would have to have shuttle buses /coaches
Quote from: sonic84 on October 09, 2018, 08:02:38 AM
Rather than start a new thread, I got a XC train from international to new street about 11pm a couple of Friday's ago.
It diverted I think at Stechford and we ended up passing Aston, Perry Barr stations and entering New Street from the opposite side. Is this the usual route for this journey does anyone know?
f it was one of the journeys listed here http://www.psul4all.free-online.co.uk/2018.htm (possibly the 2145 Reading to Birmingham New Street?) then it is a scheduled use of the line to help retain route knowledge for diversionary use.
It's the same reason at least one journey a day from the North East runs from Burton to New Street via the Alrewas and Lichfield route rather than Tamworth, and an early New Street to Cardiff departure trundles its way through Kidderminster every morning (see listings on that link for the Lichfield-Wichnor and Galton-Smethwick West lines respectively).
It is also the "Parliamentary" service for Aston-Stechford as the local service was withdrawn without going through the closure procedure.
Quote from: sonic84 on October 09, 2018, 08:02:38 AM
Rather than start a new thread, I got a XC train from international to new street about 11pm a couple of Friday's ago.
It diverted I think at Stechford and we ended up passing Aston, Perry Barr stations and entering New Street from the opposite side. Is this the usual route for this journey does anyone know?
Late evening (2330) Euston - Brum Pendolinos use this route fairly regular as well
06:06 Edinburgh to Plymouth (1v50) failed at Bromsgrove at Lunchtime.
50049 from SVR due to leave Kidderminster at 17:15 to tow the HST to Tyseley!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 12, 2018, 04:52:44 PM
06:06 Edinburgh to Plymouth (1v50) failed at Bromsgrove at Lunchtime.
50049 from SVR due to leave Kidderminster at 17:15 to tow the HST to Tyseley!
50049 made it to Birmingham New Street only to find that fitters had managed to get the HST on the move, so 50049 ECS back to Kidderminster.
Quote from: Kevin on October 09, 2018, 02:10:49 PM
Late evening (2330) Euston - Brum Pendolinos use this route fairly regular as well
Shouldn't be - possesion time is 01.40. What I have never found out is what happens to Wolverhampton passenger in the weeks it (and the 22.30) don't run through. Posters never mention any road replacement.
18.31 Birmingham-Manchester and 20.05 back are HST tonight according to journey check.
The first HST set with power doors and retention toilets entered public service today. It operated 1V50 (0606 Edinburgh to Plymouth) with 43304 and 43357 and is now heading back to Leeds on the 1525 from Plymouth. If there are no mishaps, it should work 1V44 (0600 Leeds to Plymouth) and 1S51 (1225 Plymouth to Glasgow Central) tomorrow.
Already problems with one coach from the power door set as 1S51 (1225 Plymouth to Glasgow Central) was operating as 2+6 today, due to "coach C having been removed because of technical issues".
Caught it down to Exeter one day last week nice train, doors worked. Shared carriage with mother and three children who misbehaved all the way to Taunton. The following journey on a Pacer was much more pleasant!
Still running one short and all doors in F locked up on Monday heading for Edinburgh. I couldn't find it on journey check yesterday and assumed it was being repaired, but its out this morning on a Leeeds starter, so perhaps they were embarrrased to admit to it.
I've seen a hst unit leaving Birmingham about 13:00. No idea where it goes or whether it is booked?
I would guess that it was the 13:17 to Taunton (06:32 from Dundee). Some HST duties have been changed while trains are terminated at Taunton because of works taking place in Whiteball Tunnel.
One set is doing Leeds-Taunton-Birmingham-round the houses-Birmingham-Taunton-Leeds. Its all in RTT. One day last week it ended up going to Manchester!
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The power door set failed at Derby last Friday on the other turn.
Quote from: Roy on March 05, 2019, 08:54:01 AM
I would guess that it was the 13:17 to Taunton (06:32 from Dundee). Some HST duties have been changed while trains are terminated at Taunton because of works taking place in Whiteball Tunnel.
Noted another HST set approach university station about 12:55, then there was the 13:17 also I saw. What would the 12:55 one be?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 07, 2019, 08:06:46 PM
Noted another HST set approach university station about 12:55, then there was the 13:17 also I saw. What would the 12:55 one be?
The 08:12 service from New Street is always an HST, normally to Plymouth. With the blockade, it will terminate at Taunton at about 10:15, returning on the 10:50 service to Aberdeen, which departs New Street at 13:03.
The one at 13.17 was 5T86 13.05 New St-New St to work the 14.20 to Taunton, which earlier passed Uni at 12.48 on the 10.51 from Taunton.
A petition calling for DfT to take action to address serious overcrowding and reliability issues on CrossCountry services has been launched. It asks for HSTs that have come off-lease from GWR and LNER and that have been stored at Long Marston, to be refurbished and allocated to CrossCountry services to Devon and Cornwall. This would not only deal with overcrowding on other parts of the CrossCountry network by using Voyagers cascaded from South West services but would also stop the ridiculous cancellation of Voyager services west of Exeter every time there is a very high tide at Dawlish because Voyagers don't like salt water. If anybody is interested, the link is http://chng.it/vPnB4DyVFg
The 0912 Birmingham to Plymouth is formed of a GNER HST today
They have two on hire - details on journey check.
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Another odd working however is the York-Southampton double Voyager.
Quote from: Tony on August 24, 2019, 08:33:45 AM
The 0912 Birmingham to Plymouth is formed of a GNER HST today
43257+EC52+43251 was the set on the 09:12 and the second LNER set was on the delayed 11:12 which was formed of 43290+EC64+43367
Is the 16:30 Birmingham to Edinburgh operated by a HST or a voyager?
Voyager - it comes from Southampton.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 24, 2019, 08:59:33 PM
Is the 16:30 Birmingham to Edinburgh operated by a HST or a voyager?
Here's the list of HST operates services
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/frequently-requested-diagrams.170615/
It's the 16:03 service from New Street to Edinburgh and Glasgow Central which is an HST on Mondays to Saturdays.
Quote from: Roy on September 24, 2019, 09:41:51 PM
It's the 16:03 service from New Street to Edinburgh and Glasgow Central which is an HST on Mondays to Saturdays.
Thanks very much for the info. These HST get quite full from Birmingham to derby?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 25, 2019, 10:43:08 AM
Thanks very much for the info. These HST get quite full from Birmingham to derby?
This train is always popular and there are always a lot of people on platform 9 waiting to board when it arrives from Plymouth. However, a lot of people travelling from the South West do get off at New Street (myself included).
Quote from: Roy on September 25, 2019, 06:39:13 PM
This train is always popular and there are always a lot of people on platform 9 waiting to board when it arrives from Plymouth. However, a lot of people travelling from the South West do get off at New Street (myself included).
Interestingly when putting a return from new street to Nottingham it does allow me to use trains that mean I have to change at derby, however the 16:03 is one which is not included, however I guess there's nothing stopping me with an anytime return going whichever way I want to Nottingham? Eg catching the 16:03 HST to derby and then continuing from there. I guess it just means I wouldn't be able to reserve a seat
The reason the 1603 is not showing for a Birmingham to Nottingham ticket is that the first onward service from Derby to Nottingham is actually the 1619 departure from New Street, so the system would assume that you would wait for the through service. You would certainly be able to use the 1603 service with an anytime return ticket but, as you say, you would not have a reserved seat. The alternative might be to buy split tickets (i.e. one from Birmingham to Derby and one from Derby to Nottingham). Advance tickets with reservations are available on the 1603 for Birmingham to Derby journeys.
I caught the train up from Plymouth today and it was packed between Bristol and Birmingham. Every seat in coach G had a reservation card for at least part of its 10 hour journey, although the seat I was in was unreserved from Birmingham to Sheffield.
Quote from: Roy on September 26, 2019, 10:00:46 PM
The reason the 1603 is not showing for a Birmingham to Nottingham ticket is that the first onward service from Derby to Nottingham is actually the 1619 departure from New Street, so the system would assume that you would wait for the through service. You would certainly be able to use the 1603 service with an anytime return ticket but, as you say, you would not have a reserved seat. The alternative might be to buy split tickets (i.e. one from Birmingham to Derby and one from Derby to Nottingham). Advance tickets with reservations are available on the 1603 for Birmingham to Derby journeys.
I caught the train up from Plymouth today and it was packed between Bristol and Birmingham. Every seat in coach G had a reservation card for at least part of its 10 hour journey, although the seat I was in was unreserved from Birmingham to Sheffield.
Works out more expensive splitting the journey. Do these HSTs have carriages which are unreserved?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 27, 2019, 09:42:54 AM
Works out more expensive splitting the journey. Do these HSTs have carriages which are unreserved?
You can reserve a seat in any coach as the CrossCountry website allows you to select your own seat if you wish to do so. However, I know somebody who works flexible hours in Birmingham and has set his working day so that he can catch the 0750 train from Tamworth and the 1603 back home. A lot of the people waiting for the 1603 are commuters who certainly do not have reserved seats.
Quote from: Roy on September 27, 2019, 03:58:47 PM
You can reserve a seat in any coach as the CrossCountry website allows you to select your own seat if you wish to do so. However, I know somebody who works flexible hours in Birmingham and has set his working day so that he can catch the 0750 train from Tamworth and the 1603 back home. A lot of the people waiting for the 1603 are commuters who certainly do not have reserved seats.
Is there a carriage or carriages that are solely unreserved on there HSTs?
I don't know whether the same is true on all XC HST services but the Train Manager on the 0812 service to Plymouth this morning told passengers that passengers without reservations would find unreserved seats in coach F.
Quote from: Roy on November 23, 2019, 01:25:28 PM
I don't know whether the same is true on all XC HST services but the Train Manager on the 0812 service to Plymouth this morning told passengers that passengers without reservations would find unreserved seats in coach F.
I've got to go up to Leeds next friday. Will be returning around 3:45. Why is the 16:11 from Leeds not showing up, and only the 16:35? I'm aware the 16:11 is a HST
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 24, 2019, 11:25:23 AM
I've got to go up to Leeds next friday. Will be returning around 3:45. Why is the 16:11 from Leeds not showing up, and only the 16:35? I'm aware the 16:11 is a HST
It's worth trying the National Rail journey planner: -
http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/BHM/LDS/291119/0845/dep/291119/1545/dep#outwardJump (http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/BHM/LDS/291119/0845/dep/291119/1545/dep#outwardJump)
Quote from: Justin Tyme on November 24, 2019, 11:34:20 AM
It's worth trying the National Rail journey planner: -
http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/BHM/LDS/291119/0845/dep/291119/1545/dep#outwardJump (http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/BHM/LDS/291119/0845/dep/291119/1545/dep#outwardJump)
Thankyou!! I had tried Trainline and there was no existence of that trip. Very strange
The 16:11 is also showing on the CrossCountry trains website.
It came up on trainline too when I tried. Are you sure you didn't select Birmingham International in error?
;
Why does anyone use trainline anyway when it adds charges?
Quote from: mikestone on November 24, 2019, 07:56:53 PM
It came up on trainline too when I tried. Are you sure you didn't select Birmingham International in error?
;
Why does anyone use trainline anyway when it adds charges?
I've found out that when I put in a return from Sandwell and Dudley to Leeds the 16:11 return doesn't show up. Yet if I return from new street the 16:11 shows up, not entirely surely why
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 25, 2019, 09:22:25 AM
I've found out that when I put in a return from Sandwell and Dudley to Leeds the 16:11 return doesn't show up. Yet if I return from new street the 16:11 shows up, not entirely surely why
Possibly due to the 35 min wait or so at New Street as the journey planner won't offer the 1815 train to Sandwell & Dudley as 10 mins is a too short connection time at New Street so assumes you wouldn't wait 35 mins for the 1840, you would do the next train from Leeds instead as that puts you on the 1840.
Caught the 16:21 train back from Burton to Birmingham New Street this afternoon. Was rammed and had to stand squashed in the doorway all the way to New Street. More people then tried to get on an already overcrowded train at both Tamworth and Wilnecotte.
Seemed to be a few unhappy people at Tamworth and Wilnecote as the train left them behind and the departure screens at Wilnecote said the next train wasn't until 18:05.
Quote from: 2206 on November 30, 2019, 06:55:35 PM
Caught the 16:21 train back from Burton to Birmingham New Street this afternoon. Was rammed and had to stand squashed in the doorway all the way to New Street. More people then tried to get on an already overcrowded train at both Tamworth and Wilnecotte.
Seemed to be a few unhappy people at Tamworth and Wilnecote as the train left them behind and the departure screens at Wilnecote said the next train wasn't until 18:05.
Was this a 170?
Quote from: 2206 on November 30, 2019, 09:54:30 PM
Yes.
I agree they can be very busy, but there's not really a lot cross country can do about it. I travelled back on the HST from Leeds and was very impressed. There very quiet compared to voyagers! Seats available on the service too which is a bonus. Northern have some awful trains operating for them, and they don't use many carriages either
Worcestershire Parkway will not open on Sunday as scheduled. Yet again, the opening of a new station has been delayed!
https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/18093387.worcestershire-parkway-delayed-will-not-open-new-year/
Whats the best way of getting from Ward End to Norwich?
Is it best to get the 55/94, then train from New Street to Ely and then change for the train to Norwich? Or is there a better way?
Travelling early tomorrow morning, to arrive by 12:00.
Quote from: 2206 on February 16, 2020, 11:36:51 AM
Whats the best way of getting from Ward End to Norwich?
Is it best to get the 55/94, then train from New Street to Ely and then change for the train to Norwich? Or is there a better way?
Train'd be 4 hours either via Peterborough or London (and the tube)
Coach is 5.5 hours direct on National Express (1 journey a day) or 7-8 hours via London.
Megabus do a couple of journeys a day via Nottingham for 4.5-5 hours. EDIT - the Megabus ones are coach to Nottingham then train to Norwich.
Quote from: 2206 on February 16, 2020, 11:36:51 AM
Whats the best way of getting from Ward End to Norwich?
Is it best to get the 55/94, then train from New Street to Ely and then change for the train to Norwich? Or is there a better way?
Depends on when you are travelling and when you plan on returning.
Tried the Journey Planner yet?
https://journeyplanner.networkwestmidlands.com/
(yes, the NWM journey planner gives details on travelling to Norwich!)
Quote from: Roy on December 11, 2019, 12:52:46 PM
Worcestershire Parkway will not open on Sunday as scheduled. Yet again, the opening of a new station has been delayed!
https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/18093387.worcestershire-parkway-delayed-will-not-open-new-year/
February 23rd now being quoted - although the train I came back from Cardiff on on Thursday had Worcester(sic) Parkway as the next call on the CIS!
Does abyone know what type of train operates the 13.49 out of New St ( travelling to Burton)
As its given me a seat reservation which i didnt expect, so assuming its not a 170
Quote from: Bob on February 27, 2020, 01:55:49 PM
As its given me a seat reservation which i didnt expect, so assuming its not a 170
You can reserve seats on the 170's. They had reservation notices on the seats on the 170's when I was travelling between Birmingham and Ely the other week.
Since its calling at Wilnecote and running between Cardiff Central and Nottingham, it looks like a 170.
Quote from: 2206 on February 27, 2020, 02:43:45 PM
You can reserve seats on the 170's. They had reservation notices on the seats on the 170's when I was travelling between Birmingham and Ely the other week.
Since its calling at Wilnecote and running between Cardiff Central and Nottingham, it looks like a 170.
The Cardiff to Nottingham services have reservations, the New Street to Nottingham services usually don't, the 1349 is a Cardiff one. All 170s on that service unless the 1739 peak hour extra drops a Voyager which it very occasionally does.
Similarly the New Street to Stansted trains can be reserved but the Leicester terminators can't.
Quote from: 2206 on February 27, 2020, 02:43:45 PM
You can reserve seats on the 170's. They had reservation notices on the seats on the 170's when I was travelling between Birmingham and Ely the other week.
Since its calling at Wilnecote and running between Cardiff Central and Nottingham, it looks like a 170.
Damn and there i was hoping for a HST lol
Quote from: Bob on February 27, 2020, 06:39:07 PM
Damn and there i was hoping for a HST lol
I travelled on the 15:12 new street to Nottingham Friday. An inadequate 2 carriage formation. On return I caught a 2 carriage 156 to derby (very nice train) and then a voyager which started at derby resulting in plenty of seats to be had. Voyagers have definitely grown on me. £27 though return is very steep for an hour and 20 journey
Who's taking over from cross country at the end of October?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 28, 2020, 06:29:53 PM
Who's taking over from cross country at the end of October?
Quick google search shows it running TIL 2022
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on September 28, 2020, 08:14:29 PM
Quick google search shows it running TIL 2022
Under an ERMA as franchising is now effectively dead.
Quote from: Cheese on September 29, 2020, 01:10:35 PM
Under an ERMA as franchising is now effectively dead.
Was due to expire this month am I correct in saying?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 29, 2020, 06:31:02 PM
Was due to expire this month am I correct in saying?
Yes, the previous Direct Award was due to expire in October.
Quote from: Cheese on September 29, 2020, 01:10:35 PM
Under an ERMA as franchising is now effectively dead.
How did you get this information?
As far as I am aware all TOCs are currently in EMRA and the DfT announced a couple of weeks ago that there would be no more franchises.
;
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rail-franchising-reaches-the-terminus-as-a-new-railway-takes-shape
Big surprise today. The 16:19 from Birmingham New Street to Nottingham wasn't a Class 170 but it was a Voyager !
Seems to be a substantial shortage of 170s - two turn covered by Voyagers and four evening peak departures from New St cancelled, although some may be backwash of LNER's 05.26 Stirling-KX standing just south of Durham until about 19.30, delaying long distance trains.
Still short this morning as the 0749 New Street to Nottingham and return cancelled.
Still at least one voyager operating on the BHM- NOT service. Went up on Saturday morning and the 10:12 departure was a voyager.
On return I got a class 156 EMR to derby and then changed onto the HST to Birmingham. These trains really are brilliant, so smooth.
Three different Voyagers, including two 5 car sets, have spent part of the day on cl.170 jobs today, as well as the temporary diagram on the 05.52 from New St and 07.22 from Leicester, but the oddest working was 170109 on the 11.07 Nottingham-Cardiff running via Castle Donington, terminating at Gloster and returning empty to New St.
HST started this morning at totems. Usually these trains are stabled up north. Any idea why this is different today?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 01, 2021, 09:20:43 AM
HST started this morning at totems. Usually these trains are stabled up north. Any idea why this is different today?
Presume you mean Totnes? Rail bridge was hit by a lorry in Plymouth earlier in the week so the line is part closed.
Quote from: Cheese on September 01, 2021, 09:27:11 AM
Presume you mean Totnes? Rail bridge was hit by a lorry in Plymouth earlier in the week so the line is part closed.
I know that much just they usually start service up north rather than down south
You are right that the HST sets in service are normally stabled overnight in the north and operate southbound services 1V44 and 1V50 (the 0812 and 1112 departures from New Street). Both of these services are shown as HST operated as normal today.
However, the XC HST fleet is based at Laira (Plymouth) depot and is serviced and stabled there when not in service. In fact, HST sets are swapped at Plymouth by taking a set out of service on arrival at Plymouth and dispatching it to Laira. The replacement set is then brought in from Laira to operate the northbound departure.
1S41 (normally Plymouth to Newcastle but starting at Totnes today) is HST operated this morning rather than the usual Class 220. This is probably due to sets being out of position due to the disruption caused by yesterday's bridge strike on the outskirts of Plymouth, with the HST available and pressed into service. The people to benefit are the regular passengers on 1S41 who must think that it is Christmas today!
It was booked on 1S51 from Penzance this week due to the diversion via Westbury, but obviously that's now out of the window.
From Monday numerous cancellations on Turbostar routes and HSTs removed from traffic (to avoid any complications due to ad hoc service alterations), due to refusal of ASLEF to renew RDW agreement.
Cross country hit hard with staff shortages at the moment. Believe it's to do with working conditions and walk outs
And an RMT strike announced today for 24th and 31st December
Track Access Application has appeared for the Dec 2024 introduction of a Cardiff-Edinburgh service - an existing Cardiff-Nottingham train will become a 221 and attach at New Street to the 08.27 Plymouth-Edinburgh, while the return will be formed by the set currently detached off the 13.05 Edinburgh-Plymouth at Gloucester and running empty to Central Rivers.
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The hourly Reading-Newcastle service is planned to be re-instated in May 2025.
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The already announced addition of seven ex Avanti 221s will make this feasible.
How many Voyagers are cross country gonna get
QuoteHow many Voyagers are cross country gonna get
12