20:25 Euston-Wolverhampton diversion

[willc789]

Was on the 20:25 off of Euston to New Street last night expecting a simple jaunt up the normal route but we were sent via Northampton adding a bit onto the journey time. Can anyone spill any light as to why it went this way round?

Also, out of interest, how much longer/slower is via Northampton? Is tilt or 125mph running available?

Cheers in advance!

 

[Searle]

It seems like you were meant to be routed via Weedon, but you didn't for some reason, so you were 18 down at Rugby and 20 down at Coventry, so I'd say it took about 18-20 minutes slower :P I'm pretty sure 125mph running isn't available but I don't know what the top speed is.

1G44

 

[dvboy]

From what I understand from overhearing some Virgin trains staff last night, the overhead line damage at Wolverton earlier in the week needed more work over the weekend and NR took possession earlier than they normally would.

You were only 20 down at Coventry, and made more than half that time up at Birmingham as it has a 12 minute timed stop at Birmingham New Street.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

It seems like you were meant to be routed via Weedon, but you didn't for some reason, so you were 18 down at Rugby and 20 down at Coventry, so I'd say it took about 18-20 minutes slower :P I'm pretty sure 125mph running isn't available but I don't know what the top speed is.

1G44

100 almost to Northampton, 75 onwards to Rugby.
No tilt: there was an SRA plan to implement tilt on the Northampton loop and other diversionary VT routes but it got canned.
I'd say about 15 minutes is the minimum extra time on the loop.

 

[willc789]

Thanks for all the replies. I only noticed the diversion after loosing the time and not feeling the tilt/speed for a fair while. Are the Virgin services frequently routed via Northampton?

Also what would be the ball park cost and time saving of taking the line up to tilt capability?

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Thanks for all the replies. I only noticed the diversion after loosing the time and not feeling the tilt/speed for a fair while. Are the Virgin services frequently routed via Northampton?

Also what would be the ball park cost and time saving of taking the line up to tilt capability?

There is a vague plan called Journey Time Improvements, Northampton to Rugby, in the CP5 Plan (2014-19).
I think this is to raise line speed from 75mph to 90mph.
That would save about a couple of minutes, mainly for LM.
I don't think tilt was envisaged (which would only be of benefit to VT).