Highland mainline closure - VTEC arrangements?

[NSEFAN]

I understand that the highland mainline is closed between Pitlochry and Dunkeld due to flooding, and that the Highland Chieftain will have to start/terminate at Perth, with a connecting bus for passengers further north.

My question is regarding ECS arrangements for this working. I assume that it will be stabled at Cragientinny? Should I expect a path in trust to appear soon for such an ECS working (and hence filter down to sites like realtimetrains?)

 

[Bungle965]

This mornings terminator from Cragientinny. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O57087/2015/12/31/advanced
And this evenings terminator to Cragientinny. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O57262/2015/12/31/advanced
Hope this helps.
Sam

 

[NSEFAN]

Ah I had missed that somehow. Much appreciated!

 

[najaB]

Seeing as running back to Edinburgh doesn't take significantly longer than running to Inverness, and the staff are already on the clock - why not run in service back to Edinburgh?

 

[PHILIPE]

Seeing as running back to Edinburgh doesn't take significantly longer than running to Inverness, and the staff are already on the clock - why not run in service back to Edinburgh?

Firstly, they probably wouldn't think of it. Also probably without going into things like Track Access Agreements, Franchise requirements and other red tape probably not allowed.

 

[najaB]

Firstly, they probably wouldn't think of it. Also probably without going into things like Track Access Agreements, Franchise requirements and other red tape probably not allowed.

I thought about track access, etc. but they already operate on the line. I'm not sure if there's a restriction on services entirely within Scotland.

 

[PHILIPE]

I thought about track access, etc. but they already operate on the line. I'm not sure if there's a restriction on services entirely within Scotland.

It's not only Track Access which can be an issue. We have been through all this before in a recent discussion on the newly extended VTEC Stirling service.
There was no return service but a suggestion as to why not. A new service would have to be applied for, and without wading through reams on the Franchising Agreement, there is no commitment. Scotrail provide ample services at this time of day.

 

[najaB]

It's not only Track Access which can be an issue. We have been through all this before in a recent discussion on the newly extended VTEC Stirling service... ...Scotrail provide ample services at this time of day.

I can see why it would be difficult for a scheduled service, but didn't think it would be for a short-term alteration. Anyway, it was just idle curiosity, as you say there's adequate Scotrail service at that time of day.

 

[PHILIPE]

I can see why it would be difficult for a scheduled service, but didn't think it would be for a short-term alteration. Anyway, it was just idle curiosity, as you say there's adequate Scotrail service at that time of day.

You don't give up on it. Although I can't turn up any actual document at the moment, we have a franchised railway and TOCs cannot do what they might like to do.

 

[najaB]

You don't give up on it...

I would consider admitting the flaw in my logic, dismissing my query as 'mere idle curiosity' and acknowledging your reasoning as valid counts as 'giving up' but since I obviously wasn't clear enough: I hereby renounce my question as being unworthy of any consideration, beyond contempt and undeniably idiotic. Good enough?

 

[PHILIPE]

I would consider admitting the flaw in my logic, dismissing my query as 'mere idle curiosity' and acknowledging your reasoning as valid counts as 'giving up' but since I obviously wasn't clear enough: I hereby renounce my question as being unworthy of any consideration, beyond contempt and undeniably idiotic. Good enough?

Accepted. Thanks.

 

[NSEFAN]

Looks like today's up Highland Chieftain will be starting at Edinburgh, rather than Perth.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/Y80313/2016/01/02/advanced

 

[jopsuk]

They better start it north of Edinburgh tomorrow- I'm booked on from Stirling!

 

[sng7]

I believe there is(or has been) engineering work at haymarket over new years which may have stopped them being able to run the ECS up to Perth for it

 

[NSEFAN]

Engineering works may explain it. The service that would have been the Highland Chieftain is now formed of Mk4 stock and is extremely busy. The seat reservations are incorrect and the guard has declassified first class.