Full Virgin Timetable to Start

[Trains06]

Possible I am wrong, but I would have thought that 4 members of staff saying the same is a bit coincidential?

 

[djw1981]

We are talking with Network Rail about running at 135 mph on some parts of the route – we believe we can do this and build on the success we have already seen".

24/04/2006 http://www.virgintrainsmediaroom.com/index.cfm?articleid=870

Longer term aspirations have been expressed by Virgin Trains, to operate InterCity services at speeds in excess of 125mph (i.e. 135mph) across key sections of the route. There are aspirations for potential line speed improvements on the slow lines
north of Stafford and between Hanslope and Northampton.

West Coast Route Plan 2008
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse...lans/2008/Route 18 - West Coast Main Line.pdf

All the above sound aspirational, so I think it is still a plan, though not in effect yet.

 

[voyagerdude220]

All the above sound aspirational, so I think it is still a plan, though not in effect yet.

Yeah, although the date of the article, as you state yourself [24th April 2006] could explain why 135mph running was aspirational at the time, especially seeing it's almost 3 years ago?

 

[djw1981]

The second document is dated 2008 and refers to 'long term plans'. I think even for NR 2009 would not have been 'long term' then.

 

[Philip Elliott]

nope sorry mate no more drags, some of the 57s have gone to ATW

Summer Saturdays - 1D83, 1A53 (10.40 Crewe - Holyhead, 14.36 Holyhead - Euston as far as Crewe).

 

[ukrob]

Summer Saturdays - 1D83, 1A53 (10.40 Crewe - Holyhead, 14.36 Holyhead - Euston as far as Crewe).

Are you saying that service will be a Pendo drag again after the next timetable change?

 

[The_Rail_WAy]

Are you saying that service will be a Pendo drag again after the next timetable change?

I would assume that this service will be dragged again - only other option would be to put a voyager unit on but thats unlikely imo.

 

[djw1981]

Why unlikely, I only ask because VT have said that where engineering work applies, Voyagers will be used for diversions, with Pendo's running the Glasgow-Brum services (unless the engineering affects both of course).

 

[The Planner]

Possible I am wrong, but I would have thought that 4 members of staff saying the same is a bit coincidential?

Believe me, it is 125mph. Do you honestly think there wouldnt be press releases about 135mph running ?? Nothing is timed at faster than 125mph, and unless the sectional appendix changed in the last few days its still 125EPS.

 

[Philip Elliott]

Are you saying that service will be a Pendo drag again after the next timetable change?

Yes...

 

[Guinness]

Pendo's running at 135 between just south of Stafford and somewhere in the Milton Keynes area, had it direct from a Retail Service Manager and 3 Train Managers

135 requires approval from HMRI IIRC. Would of been posted in various magazines/websites if approved.

 

[Edvid]

On a general note, isn't in-cab signalling required for any linespeed beyond 125mph?