2Q08 Test train in Grimsby

[Rustypacer]

A Test train operated by Colas Rail operated today between Doncaster and Grimsby using a very unusual route, it ran from Doncaster West Yard to Grimsby Marsh Jn then diverting off at the junction down the Grimsby and Imminghamgham light railway, a line only ever used for freight diversions from Immingham, the train continued up to immingham and then turned back to come to Grimsby Town station and then back up to west yard. I believe the train used was a 152 but also could of had a loco with it as Rail record shows traction changes en route. Does anyone know what it could be testing and why passenger stock is on this route?

 

[DarloRich]

Was it not the class 950?

Do they not cover all of the network on a rolling basis? This is all very normal.

 

[221129]

It was 950001 so not Passenger stock. It will have been assessing the condition of the track.

 

[Rustypacer]

Ah that would seem right, so confusing when i searched it up and it was saying 152 Tec hopefully if they're testing the track they intend to use it sometimes soon as you're lucky to see trains on there a couple times a year.

 

[DarloRich]

Ah that would seem right, so confusing when i searched it up and it was saying 152 Tec hopefully if they're testing the track they intend to use it sometimes soon as you're lucky to see trains on there a couple times a year.

If the line is open and owned by NR it will be checked every so often almost regardless of use

 

[pdeaves]

Ah that would seem right, so confusing when i searched it up and it was saying 152 Tec hopefully if they're testing the track they intend to use it sometimes soon as you're lucky to see trains on there a couple times a year.

There isn't a class 152 - are you interpreting the information correctly?

 

[John Hunt]

I believe this is the website the OP is using -

Train 2Q08 Doncaster West Yard to Doncaster West Yard | Rail Record

Live train times and live updates for Train 2Q08 Doncaster West Yard to Doncaster West Yard | Rail Record

live.rail-record.co.uk

As Darlo says - lines are checked regardless of use. This may (or may not) herald the arrival of further services.
Here in Leicester, the Network Rail test trains (even the 'Yellow Peril') have been known to wait just off the MML at Knighton Jct but it has not resulted in more services on the Leicester - Burton line.

 

[Eloise]

It’s a test train, they go all over at some point as previously stated. Highly likely to the Yellow Class150 lookalike. Traction changes in the schedule aren‘t unsual for one off trains, if the system is missing any Sectional Runnning Times you can use a proxy of another train. On low speed lines it won’t make a difference, on higher speeds routes change from 150 to 158 can make a difference and you could lose time if the train is really a Class 150.

If you’re doing the job properly and have time on your side (note the and) you would put in the correct SRTs but this can take 36 hours if you miss the daily cut off.

 

[Townsend Hook]

A 2Q08 headcode is usually a good indicator that a train is running with the Track Recording Unit (TRU). It’s generally only used for runs planned for the TRU, although if it’s unavailable at late notice a loco-hauled PLPR set may cover with the same headcode.

 

[dan4291]

Do Network Rail hire in drivers (presumably from the FOCs) for these sort of trains, or do they employ their own?

 

[Eloise]

Hired in I believe

 

[Townsend Hook]

Do Network Rail hire in drivers (presumably from the FOCs) for these sort of trains, or do they employ their own?

Infrastructure monitoring trains are mostly operated by Colas Rail, with other FOCs such as GBRf and DRS also operating some shifts. The TRU (950) and New Measurement Train are operated exclusively by Colas.