Cartmel Races

[Flying Claret]

Hello. I'm heading up to cartmel on Saturday for the races. Last time we travelled (about 4 years ago) we were crammed into a sprinter at Lancaster. Does anyone know if these services are likely to be strengthened in anticipation of the larger than usual flow...?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Hello. I'm heading up to cartmel on Saturday for the races. Last time we travelled (about 4 years ago) we were crammed into a sprinter at Lancaster. Does anyone know if these services are likely to be strengthened in anticipation of the larger than usual flow...?

I doubt it, platform length is a constraint. You might want to aim for the services *not* showing first class, as these are more likely to be 156+153 or even sometimes 2x156 which have a lot more standard capacity than a 185.

 

[Agent_Squash]

I've noticed recently that a lot of services on the Furness Line have been strengthened at all hours (2x156, mostly). Northern appear to be reducing overcrowding on the line in general, so it's likely that some strengthening will come to play.

 

[Flying Claret]

Thanks for the replies folks. Hopefully a 156/153 combo or a doubled 156 will appear...

 

[ashworth]

I've noticed recently that a lot of services on the Furness Line have been strengthened at all hours (2x156, mostly). Northern appear to be reducing overcrowding on the line in general, so it's likely that some strengthening will come to play.

That's good news. I was up there in late July about 6 years ago, staying in Ulverston and making use of a 7 Day NW Rover, and it was dreadful for overcrowding getting to and from Lancaster. There were even single 153's on the route at that time running at busy times mid morning and late afternoon. I can remember travelling back from Skipton one day and having to squeeze myself and two elderly relatives inside the door of a totally rammed 153 at Carnforth to get back to Ulverston.

 

[Flying Claret]

Ended up on the 11.19 from Lancaster. A single 156. Full and standing on departure. Unfortunately we had to leave some unhappy walkers behind at arnside and silverdale.an extra 153 on the back would have been useful if there was one spare...

 

[Agent_Squash]

Ended up on the 11.19 from Lancaster. A single 156. Full and standing on departure. Unfortunately we had to leave some unhappy walkers behind at arnside and silverdale.an extra 153 on the back would have been useful if there was one spare...

That's certainly odd... seen many doubled up units in recent weeks. Perhaps the Northern random unit generator is malfunctioning.

 

[Loop & Link]

That's certainly odd... seen many doubled up units in recent weeks. Perhaps the Northern random unit generator is malfunctioning.

Booked 1 x 156 (HT672) and 1 x 156 turned up. Nothing random about that.

 

[Agent_Squash]

Booked 1 x 156 (HT672) and 1 x 156 turned up. Nothing random about that.

Not saying it is. Just with the longer formations we've been getting recently, seems a bit odd that the service wasn't strengthened for an event.

 

[PHILIPE]

Not saying it is. Just with the longer formations we've been getting recently, seems a bit odd that the service wasn't strengthened for an event.

Was there anything available to strengthen it ? That's what has to be considered nowadays.

 

[Agent_Squash]

Was there anything available to strengthen it ? That's what has to be considered nowadays.

Understandable with PRM mods now taking place, stock to strengthen services is short in aupply

 

[12CSVT]

Problems with overcrowding and people being unable to board trains on the Furness line has been a major problem on race days for donkeys years.

I recall travelling on an already busy class 142 one August Bank Holiday Saturday in the 1990s. On arrival at Cark, the platform was completely crowded and only about 3/4 of the people waiting managed to board. Next eastbound service after that wasn't due for over 2hours, and would have been too late for southbound connections at Lancaster and Preston.

 

[PHILIPE]

Understandable with PRM mods now taking place, stock to strengthen services is short in aupply

A diagram would be identified and perhaps there was no space in one anyway.

 

[randyrippley]

Couldn't they have hired a diesel loco or two and some coaches from DRS or West Coast to beef up the service during the races?

 

[DarloRich]

I once played cricket at Cartmel Race Course. 7 not out and 1 for 7 off 2 overs.

Couldn't they have hired a diesel loco or two and some coaches from DRS or West Coast to beef up the service during the races?

Yes they could. But they wont.

 

[dk1]

Couldn't they have hired a diesel loco or two and some coaches from DRS or West Coast to beef up the service during the races?

Probably but it would have made an astronomical loss & that's assuming stock/crew where available.