Class 170 allocated to XC service, seen passing through Stone

[40fan]

Does anyone know why a pair of XC class 170 units passed through Stone station, heading towards Stoke at about 10.45 this morning?

They took me by surprise when they were seen from my 350 unit.

 

[43074]

Substituting for a Voyager on a Manchester service probably, it seems to happen quite regularly now too.

 

[Class 92]

I think they were used on a Manchester Picc to Exeter service instead of the usual 220/221

 

[windnoise69]

There was problems in Plymouth early on with sets coming of Laira. So they rolled over 1m26 (BMH-man) at Birmingham from 221130 to 170115/117 which worked it to Manchester and back on 1v55 (man-EXD) as far as Birmingham where I believe 220014 took over. 221139 then worked 1z39 1003 BHM-Glc

 

[Crossover]

From the Stafford Railway Station Facebook group (from the staff) at 08:40 this morning:

Good morning travelers! Trains are all running smoothly at present around Stafford. Trains towards Birmingham International are expected to be very busy today as 'The Gadget Show Live' is on at the NEC. Please note, 10:30 service to Manchester and 13:02 to Exeter are today formed of 4 coaches (2 class 170 turbostar's) vice 5 coaches.

 

[Rapidash]

Bit rare for a Turbo to get to Exeter, isn't it? If xc want to leave a few at the depot there, I won't mind!

 

[transportphoto]

I believe they only get as far as Birmingham where they're swapped with a 220/221.

TP

 

[Crossover]

Yep, I don't believe they can go much beyond Brummieland towards Exeter/Reading

 

[TheGrew]

Yeah, I guess as well that the 170s probably can keep to time better on that stretch of the journey where line speeds (except near Penkridge) would top out nearer the 100mph mark.

 

[Masbroughlad]

Comfier than a Voyager!