West Midlands Railway

[Stuharris 6360]

Would it be unlikely that 323s would be used?

It probably would be unlikely, but not impossible, that is why 323s need route clearance work done.

Then on the day that a 350 fails and you just happen to have a spare 323 sat at New Street waiting to go to Soho, then it can be used to keep the service running.

[mikestone]

Had this this morning.
;
http://news.wmtrains.co.uk/pressreleases/west-midlands-railway-invites-local-business-leaders-to-discuss-may-timetable-improvements-2846989
;
presumably the short notice is in the hope no-one turns up. Not sure what the point of discussion at this stage is, or if anyone will ask what they will do for their staff trying to get home when their train is trapped North of Stafford/South of Milton Keynes.

[Tony]

Late afternoon on Sunday 7th April could see the first Electric train to traverse the Chase Line.

It doesn't seem to be in the system yet, but one to look out for by those who like such things

[RW]

Anything up to 20 orange hi- viz operatives on the former Duddeston coach stabling area this mid morning. Anything to do with the rumoured new stock stabling area for WMR? Whole area was cleared of trees and vegetation some time ago. Appears no one explained that when left it would all start to grow back! Thought at the time it might be a precursor to work starting on the site but obviously not.

[The Real 4778]

Anything up to 20 orange hi- viz operatives on the former Duddeston coach stabling area this mid morning. Anything to do with the rumoured new stock stabling area for WMR? Whole area was cleared of trees and vegetation some time ago. Appears no one explained that when left it would all start to grow back! Thought at the time it might be a precursor to work starting on the site but obviously not.

Yes, the site has been cleared for works connected with the new EMU depot.  For accuracy, the site is that of the former DCE Duddeston wagon depot storage sidings; the former Carriage sidings were on the up side adjacent to the station.

[RW]

I stand corrected 4778. Thanks. I think I probably knew that from my 'spotting' days many moons ago but walking up New St while texting is not my speciality! Thanks again though. On my return they appeared to be also surveying the track beds leading to the site

[mikestone]

The carriage shed was on the opposite side, but coaching stock also used the area being adopted by West Midlands Railway. I'm not 100% certain, but I think the shed closed when the sleepers were extended to Bristol and the downside continued in use.

[888DUK]

Late afternoon on Sunday 7th April could see the first Electric train to traverse the Chase Line.

It doesn't seem to be in the system yet, but one to look out for by those who like such things

Any confirmation or anymore news on this yet Tony??

[Tony]

Any confirmation or anymore news on this yet Tony??

I'm told it will leave New Street around 16:00
Still waiting for it to appear in Real Time Trains

[Tony]

I believe that the 323 on Sunday 7th will be following the 16:42 from New Street to Rugeley. This trip isn't in the System yet, but the return working from Rugeley back to Birmingham does appear to be following the 17:48 Rugeley-Birmingham

see http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S88121/2019/04/07/advanced

Yes I know it is listed as a DMU on there

[Stuharris 6360]

I believe that the 323 on Sunday 7th will be following the 16:42 from New Street to Rugeley. This trip isn't in the System yet, but the return working from Rugeley back to Birmingham does appear to be following the 17:48 Rugeley-Birmingham

see http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S88121/2019/04/07/advanced

Yes I know it is listed as a DMU on there

Interestingly it's shown as a class 2 which is normally a normal passenger service as opposed to a class 5!

[Tony]

Just noticed something else odd in the system as well, a loco hauled Exeter to Bromsgrove which carries on empty stock to Carnforth
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10709/2019/04/07/advanced

[Stuharris 6360]

Just noticed something else odd in the system as well, a loco hauled Exeter to Bromsgrove which carries on empty stock to Carnforth
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10709/2019/04/07/advanced

@Tony, it starts from Bromsgrove on the morning

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10708/2019/04/07/advanced

EDIT: https://northernbelle.co.uk/trip/classic-afternoon-tea/382?passengers=2%20Passengers

[Tony]

Interestingly it's shown as a class 2 which is normally a normal passenger service as opposed to a class 5!

I've queried that with someone I know at Network Rail
It is class 2 because it is stopping at all the intermediate stations and that is easier to so with a class 2 than a class 5.
The reason it is shown as a DMU is there is no timings for the line for EMUs yet so they have had to use DMU timings

[Roy]

The outbound journey (2T95 at 1645 from New Street) is now on Realtime Trains
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S88120/2019/04/07/advanced