Dedicated Skipton - Ikley

[Halifaxlad]

I read something recently that got me thinking about Skipton & Ikley.

Has a direct service ever existed on the network, either pre or post electrification ?

Does the demand exist for one ?

 

[IanXC]

The biggest problem is that you'd be looking at 54 minutes at best via Shipley, compared with 28 minutes on the number 64 bus.

Of course there was a direct Skipton to Ilkley route prior to 1965.

 

[Halifaxlad]

The biggest problem is that you'd be looking at 54 minutes at best via Shipley, compared with 28 minutes on the number 64 bus.

Of course there was a direct Skipton to Ilkley route prior to 1965.

I wasnt suggesting creating one for people travelling between Skipton and Ikley Im just curious if a service had been done before since its the only part on the triangle that doesnt have a direct service from Skipton.

And yes Im full aware of the historic route to which you refer.

 

[Halish Railway]

I think a Guiseley to Skipton service existed back in the 70s and 80s.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

This may be a false memory (I'm getting old!) but something in the back of my mind is telling me that there has, in the past, been the odd positioning move (in passenger service) between Ilkley and Skipton via Baildon and Shipley. Or it may have been from Guiseley rather than Ilkley as per the above post by @Halish Railway . This would have been in the dark days of the Bradford services running short to Guiseley and Keighley for onward connections on Leeds trains.

 

[30907]

This may be a false memory (I'm getting old!) but something in the back of my mind is telling me that there has, in the past, been the odd positioning move (in passenger service) between Ilkley and Skipton via Baildon and Shipley. Or it may have been from Guiseley rather than Ilkley as per the above post by @Halish Railway . This would have been in the dark days of the Bradford services running short to Guiseley and Keighley for onward connections on Leeds trains.

There are certainly ECS workings at the beginning and end of service (I do love the German "Tagesrandlage" or "day's edge position" BTW - less of a mouthful).

 

[quantinghome]

I read something recently that got me thinking about Skipton & Ikley.

Has a direct service ever existed on the network, either pre or post electrification ?

Does the demand exist for one ?

There was a direct line prior to 1965 via Addingham. Building in Ilkley and Addingham since then precludes its reinstatement.

As for the current network, there is a very conveniently-timed interchange at Shipley which anecdotally sees reasonable levels of use and which is time-competitive at least for linking some of the intermediate stations. I've no idea whether the incentive of a direct connection would increase demand. However, it's one of those things that the railway could just try for a year to see if it works - there's no infrastructure investment needed, why not give it a go and see what happens?

 

[Bald Rick]

However, it's one of those things that the railway could just try for a year to see if it works - there's no infrastructure investment needed, why not give it a go and see what happens?

Which services would be cancelled to provide the resources to run this?

 

[IanXC]

Which services would be cancelled to provide the resources to run this?

And to free up space on the infrastructure!

 

[quantinghome]

Which services would be cancelled to provide the resources to run this?

None. Obviously, we would use the Class 91s + Mk 4 carriages going spare. And staff would be clamouring to work the service in a spirit of bold curiosity for the adventure ahead!

 

[30907]

And to free up space on the infrastructure!

It's all right - there's a spare offpeak path on each leg, and it would make the residents of Baildon happy

Seriously - it would be almost impossible to path, Leeds NW is complicated enough already.

 

[JRT]

I read something recently that got me thinking about Skipton & Ikley.

Has a direct service ever existed on the network, either pre or post electrification ?

During the North Bradford electrification works, sometimes the Bradford – Shipley line was closed, so the Shipley – Ilkley trains ran through from Skipton v/v.

Nowadays there's a daily train that finishes at Ilkley (after the evening peak), but goes ecs to Skipton.

 

[xotGD]

To avoid an extra path between Skipton and Shipley, combine with the Skipton - Bradford service. Run as a 6-car to just outside Shipley and split there: 3-car to Ilkley, 3-car to Bradford.

 

[Sad Sprinter]

None. Obviously, we would use the Class 91s + Mk 4 carriages going spare. And staff would be clamouring to work the service in a spirit of bold curiosity for the adventure ahead!

"Sir, please put your arm down..."

 

[quantinghome]

"Sir, please put your arm down..."

Sorry, that was a crazy idea. Converting the Class 442s, now there's a thought nobody has ever had...