Caledonian Sleeper

[JonathanH]

I see that the sleeper will run to and from Kings Cross over the Easter weekend. Does that mean a shorter formation than usual?

Yes, of necessity, because the platforms aren't long enough for full formations. No Aberdeen portion on the Highland sleeper.

 

[styles]

Yes, of necessity, because the platforms aren't long enough for full formations.

Can't they just not open the rear few carriage?

 

[Bald Rick]

Can't they just not open the rear few carriage?

They’d be in Gasworks tunnel, royally locking up a third of the Kings Cross layout.

 

[Egg Centric]

They’d be in Gasworks tunnel, royally locking up a third of the Kings Cross layout.

Why not just run as two services into/out of the terminal and form wherever (Wembley Yard? This suggestion* is based on just Euston being shut, I dunno what is or what route they're taking)

*Not actually a suggestion; it's so obvious there's gonna be a reason it's not possible - but curious what that is

 

[zwk500]

Why not just run as two services into/out of the terminal and form wherever (Wembley Yard? This suggestion* is based on just Euston being shut, I dunno what is or what route they're taking)

*Not actually a suggestion; it's so obvious there's gonna be a reason it's not possible - but curious what that is

If the train is operating from King's Cross it'll be running up the ECML. No idea where on the ECML has signalling for an attachment to form a nearly 400m train south of Edinburgh.

 

[rower40]

(Tongue firmly in cheek)
Cambridge platforms 1 & 4.

 

[TSGN Spotter]

(Tongue firmly in cheek)
Cambridge platforms 1 & 4.

There is a barrier to stop PAX from falling near the crossover though so it might not be a easy place to conduct a coupling procedure

 

[zwk500]

There is a barrier to stop PAX from falling near the crossover though so it might not be a easy place to conduct a coupling procedure

That and the fact a 92 will have a devil of a job getting from Cambridge to Peterborough direct.

 

[godfreycomplex]

That and the fact a 92 will have a devil of a job getting from Cambridge to Peterborough direct.

It's pretty flat, so long as the driver pedals hard enough they'll get there...

 

[zwk500]

It's pretty flat, so long as the driver pedals hard enough they'll get there...

Rather you than me!

 

[godfreycomplex]

If the train is operating from King's Cross it'll be running up the ECML. No idea where on the ECML has signalling for an attachment to form a nearly 400m train south of Edinburgh.

Well and truly in the land of the hypothetical but Doncaster Royal Mail Terminal is probably your best bet. There's a hundred reasons why that might not work but that's the closest on paper.

 

[zwk500]

Well and truly in the land of the hypothetical but Doncaster Royal Mail Terminal is probably your best bet. There's a hundred reasons why that might not work but that's the closest on paper.

If you've run it as far as Doncaster at that point just run a "main and relief" service to Edinburgh, surely?

 

[47421]

what happened to northbound highlander last night?

Inverness portion 10 late Stirling, 49 Perth, 90 Dunkeld, 123 Inverness
Aberdeen portion 7 late Stirling, 57 Perth, 66 Dundee/Aberdeen

 

[swidnod]

what happened to northbound highlander last night?

Inverness portion 10 late Stirling, 49 Perth, 90 Dunkeld, 123 Inverness
Aberdeen portion 7 late Stirling, 57 Perth, 66 Dundee/Aberdeen

Loco problems on Inverness portion between Stirling and Perth, and the Aberdeen portion was stuck behind..
Then further issues on the Highland Main Line.
Not sure how it got to destination (whether aided or not).

 

[Morayshire]

If you were on the Aberdeen portion of the northbound highlander, you might have got some possibly rare track in as due to a broken down Scotrail train at Montrose this morning blocking platform 2 (the normal northbound platform) the Aberdeen portion went north via platform 1 (usually used for southbound services only).

 

[thejuggler]

After my wife surprisingly announced she would like to take a trip on the sleeper I didn't hesitate and booked it for later this year through to Fort William.

We are now deciding what to do on arrival at Fort William, as that isn't a place I've ever admired. Options for a night are train to Mallaig, or bus to Oban or Inverness before getting the train back home.

 

[Egg Centric]

After my wife surprisingly announced she would like to take a trip on the sleeper I didn't hesitate and booked it for later this year through to Fort William.

We are now deciding what to do on arrival at Fort William, as that isn't a place I've ever admired. Options for a night are train to Mallaig, or bus to Oban or Inverness before getting the train back home.

How long have you got? And what time of year?

Random idea you might want to look into - see where the PS Waverly is. Timetables here. You may be able to get it from Oban if the times line up.

 

[PG]

We are now deciding what to do on arrival at Fort William, as that isn't a place I've ever admired.

I believe there's a famous wee hill in the area...

 

[Bletchleyite]

We are now deciding what to do on arrival at Fort William, as that isn't a place I've ever admired. Options for a night are train to Mallaig, or bus to Oban or Inverness before getting the train back home.

FW isn't much itself though it's got a reasonable 'Spoons. The main attraction is the Ben, but if you're not a hillwalker perhaps not.

I'd go to Mallaig by train. It's a lovely little place and continues the scenery all the way. I have done Citylink to Inverness, which while I like the city is not as scenic a route as you might think it is. And of course it's a bus, not a train. And because it's a train, if it was disrupted and you missed your train back you'd be protected in terms of them sorting an alternative or a hotel (and TBH somewhere like that they might well hold the Cally for a late arriving Mallaig service).

 

[bleeder4]

After my wife surprisingly announced she would like to take a trip on the sleeper I didn't hesitate and booked it for later this year through to Fort William.

We are now deciding what to do on arrival at Fort William, as that isn't a place I've ever admired. Options for a night are train to Mallaig, or bus to Oban or Inverness before getting the train back home.

I go there a few times a year so here are a few suggestions from the various activities I've discovered whilst killing time there myself:

• Boat trip across the loch. See dates and book online at https://cruiselochlinnhe.co.uk/
• ScotRail service to Glenfinnan. Lovely little town with some beautiful hiking trails if you're fit and able. The Viaduct Trail is a 90 minute circular walk with views of the famous viaduct
• Get the N41 bus from Fort William bus station to the Nevis Range Ski Centre. The UK's only mountain gondola is located there and, if it's a clear day, the views from the top are exceptional.

 

[thejuggler]

Thanks for suggestions, but it won't be our first visit to Scotland. My first visit to Fort William was over 40 years ago and we visit Scotland at least once a year and have done do for over 30 years so there isn't much we haven't seen or done.

It is more about us making a choice!

Waverley isn't an option as its not in Scotland when we visit, but that is also on my to do list one year.

 

[RailExplorer]

My arrival into Euston this morning on the Highland portion was at 09:41 vice 07:47 (public timetable 08:00). It ran on the slow line all the way from at least Rugby, if not further north whilst AWC and even LNWR trains kept overtaking on the fast. I made it to work just about on time which is all that mattered in this case.

However a question, since I can't find it on Caledonian website. What delay repay am I entitled to for 90+ minutes late?

 

[norbitonflyer]

Thanks for suggestions, but it won't be our first visit to Scotland. My first visit to Fort William was over 40 years ago and we visit Scotland at least once a year and have done do for over 30 years so there isn't much we haven't seen or done.

It is more about us making a choice!

Waverley isn't an option as its not in Scotland when we visit, but that is also on my to do list one year.

One option might be to walk the first part of the Great Glen way, which follows the Caledonian Canal. Either a there and back maybe to thge top of Neptunes staircase), or see if there is a bus to get you to a suitable starting point and walk back. (Spean Bridge and picking up the train there might be a bit ambitious)

 

[Sealink]

Caledonian Sleeper has just launched a Gift Shop with various branded goods for sale.

The Official Caledonian Sleeper Gift Shop

The Official Caledonian Sleeper Gift Shop

sleepersouvenirs.scot

 

[LickeyIncliner]

One option might be to walk the first part of the Great Glen way, which follows the Caledonian Canal. Either a there and back maybe to thge top of Neptunes staircase), or see if there is a bus to get you to a suitable starting point and walk back. (Spean Bridge and picking up the train there might be a bit ambitious)

Taking the Mallaig train to its first stop, Banavie, puts you at the foot of Neptune's Staircase. If you're lucky you get to see the swing bridges in action. The canal basin and sea lock at Corpach (next stop) are also interesting as pre-railway transport archaeology.

I don't know if there is any way of knowing when boats will be going through the canal that require the swing bridges to open - presumably they must give notice to whoever manages the canal?

 

[tram21]

Taking the Mallaig train to its first stop, Banavie, puts you at the foot of Neptune's Staircase. If you're lucky you get to see the swing bridges in action. The canal basin and sea lock at Corpach (next stop) are also interesting as pre-railway transport archaeology.

I don't know if there is any way of knowing when boats will be going through the canal that require the swing bridges to open - presumably they must give notice to whoever manages the canal?

There's also frequent buses to there too!

 

[Tetragon213]

Caledonian Sleeper has just launched a Gift Shop with various branded goods for sale.

God, and I thought it was tacky for LNER to be selling tourist tat during the HST retirement...

 

[Kite159]

My arrival into Euston this morning on the Highland portion was at 09:41 vice 07:47 (public timetable 08:00). It ran on the slow line all the way from at least Rugby, if not further north whilst AWC and even LNWR trains kept overtaking on the fast. I made it to work just about on time which is all that mattered in this case.

However a question, since I can't find it on Caledonian website. What delay repay am I entitled to for 90+ minutes late?

Should be 100% back as it's over 60 minutes late.

Unless Cally have been upto their usual tricks in adjusting the timetable as the train was in motion to try and claim it was always due to arrive at 09:41.

 

[185143]

FW isn't much itself though it's got a reasonable 'Spoons. The main attraction is the Ben, but if you're not a hillwalker perhaps not.

I'd go to Mallaig by train. It's a lovely little place and continues the scenery all the way. I have done Citylink to Inverness, which while I like the city is not as scenic a route as you might think it is. And of course it's a bus, not a train. And because it's a train, if it was disrupted and you missed your train back you'd be protected in terms of them sorting an alternative or a hotel (and TBH somewhere like that they might well hold the Cally for a late arriving Mallaig service).

Take it from me finding out the hard way, they won't!

The ex Mallaig itself bring late due to being held for a late running CalMac ferry.

 

[RailExplorer]

Should be 100% back as it's over 60 minutes late.

Unless Cally have been upto their usual tricks in adjusting the timetable as the train was in motion to try and claim it was always due to arrive at 09:41.

Thank you. Changing of the timetable feels unlikely as I had 3 texts during the course of the morning. First saying something like 20 mins late, then 60 and then 75. I shall put my claim in today then. The concept of 100% of the money back feels odd as I had a bed for the night and slept well, but I may as well use the delay repay scheme as it exists.