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My final sentence was referring to the majority of service trains UK wide, not the sleeper.

Agree. The locos/DMUs used are out of step with stock TOCs are using today. Coupled with the fact they're not using TCB, AWS, TPWS, etc etc.

I am aware. Whilst what you say is undoubtedly true, the OP was asking about first trains, so I think referring to 'Gatwick Express' which has it's own separate timetable is perfectly reasonable. The incessant nit picking on this forum discourages me and others from posting.

Pedantry level: high. How does 'Gatwick Express branded GTR service' grab you, happy?

Can of worms there. Some run throughout the night (e.g. Gatwick Express, except this winter due to engineering work). The sleeper portions which split off in Scotland are also service trains, so they are pretty early. Most I would imagine start around the 05:00 mark.

I was very impressed with the Chinese speaking customer/platform host.

I imagine recovery was much longer owing to what other traction can couple to it. I'd wager that's the last time a solo 5 car is allowed out on its own!

I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, but....surely last knockings or overnight would be a better time to test it/move depots. If there are engineering works overnight, then wait until there aren't any. Totally self inflicted wound.

I perhaps should have expanded. I'd eat my hat too if such places got monitors, I was intending to suggest there is way around most 'obstacles'. With specific regards to the Valley Line trains - how many carriages are they? Two or four? Some stations with straight platforms or inward an...

Platform monitors.

To remind the driver to open the doors on the correct side. There may have been recent incidents at the station of a wrongside release and the sign is designed to mitigate that risk. Muscle memory or 'autopilot' plays its part in wrongside door releases, especially in stop/start metro type...

Has off-peak reduction been rejected by the DFT? My understanding of the proposed 2018 timetable is a rationalisation in some areas.

They are also spaced so that when changing ends the AWS receiver is not sat over the magnet, hence at some locations there might only be a couple of meters difference between the 6 and 8 mark, as opposed to two coach lengths (hypothetical example).

In London homicide is investigated by the Met, even if on railway property. BTP don't have the capacity for major crime investigation. Suspect it's the same elsewhere in UK but can't say definitely.

Yes, you will get one staff pass that incorporates the Govia franchises: Thameslink, London Midland, Southern, Southeastern & Gat Ex. That mix will change when franchises are gained/lost. Southeastern is up for renewal next year, Southern in 2021. Not sure about London Midland. Edit: I see...

It is not TOC specific, these are the national forms used by the Rail Delivery Group to get a spouse/long term partner the red/white PRIV rate card. If you are in Aslef, Thompsons might do it for you, depending on your location. Otherwise if your union does not have a partner solicitors...

I read somewhere (I can't remember where) that the plan post-2018 timetable implementation was to use the 455s in the peaks and less so off-peak. That would necessitate greater use of 377s? I may have got wrong end of the stick.

If you have a butchers at the proposed 2018 timetable (link below) the Caterham and Tattenham splitters seem to miss out Norwood Jnc: https://www.transformingrail.com/copy-of-download-southern-timetables As an aside, the Purley splits/joins take place all day. Curiously, arrivals at Tattenham...

What, mere days after rejecting it? Great logic there.....

Utilising both routes allows simultaneous departures from London Bridge if trains are running late - e.g. a stopper via New Cross Gate can use the dive under and a fast service can be routed via South Bermondsey junction onto the fast line without coming into conflict. Depends what else is...