Ooohhhh I've often wondered about the difference between class 3 and class 5 moves, especially with rail tour ECS moves. I presume then a Class 3 headcode for a rail tour ECS move indicates that there are stewards and other staff on board then?
1. The first digit is the train class category.
0 represents a light engine movement, or locomotive convoy. An example of a light locomotive convoy headcode could be 0V60, because the first digit is a zero.
1 represents an express train / fast train. A 1 followed by a Q will often represent a Network Rail Test Train. 1 is also used for rail charters, usually when the 1 is followed by a Z.
2 represents a semi fast or slow passenger train, which frequently stops at stations. A 2 followed by a Q would represent Network Rail Class 950 test train or other DMU like a 153. 2Z02 is also often used for DRS inspection coach trains.
3 is a priority ECS (empty coaching stock) train, parcels, or a seasonal / weather related vehicle used to spray the rails or weeds.
4 is a fast freight train.
5 is an empty coaching stock train not in passenger use.
6 is an aggregates train, building materials, or other freight which is slower than a class 4 train.
7 is even slower than a class train, usually doing no more than 45mph.
8 is often weather related vehicles, and very slow trains.
9 is high speed services such as channel tunnel passenger services, Virgin trains and some VSTP planned passenger services. Class 9 headcode is also used for passenger services that are running with restrictions or out of gauge in places, that require special routing. The 9 headcode tells the signaller that this is a train with special requirements.
How did I forget those.
