Gatwick Express 387 running ECS through the Thameslink Core?

[KingJ]

Whilst waiting at London Bridge on Friday evening, I happened to see a Gatwick Express 387 running empty through Platform 5, typically reserved for Thameslink services. I was a bit surprised to see this as it's not their typical territory and indeed would suggest that it was going to head onwards through the Thameslink Core. Indeed, the working on RTT does seem to show that it did actually do this. The unit in question is 387225.

Is this a common movement for the Gatwick Express 387s? Would this presumably be for some sort of maintenance that is only possible at Hornsey, and not at any depots south of the river? Although I know 387s used to be a common sight in the Thameslink core, since the 700s have come in to full service i've not heard of anything other than a 700 going through the core. Presumably if in the future the core did go over to full ATO only, this sort of move would no longer be possible? (compatible stock excepting!).

(Apologies if this is something rather common, it's not something i've seen before and it took me somewhat by surprise!)

 

[westcoaster]

Have also been some 387/1 GN units go through the core. They were being turned so 1st class was at the right end.

 

[bengley]

I believe this would be possible still when 700s are under ATO as the conventional signalling and train detection systems are remaining. I may be wrong but I think this is the case.

 

[aleggatta]

It’s regular for 387s to go to Hornsey for exams when they are light of work or depots south of the river have excess

 

[Class315]

It's also familiar to see units from Stewart's Lane come to Hornsey under 5Z55 head code or something similar on a Friday Evening, get serviced or treated on the Wheel lathe. The train usually stables on 15 Road/ Wheel Lathe road before heading back south on Sunday Evening, the only case where this didn't happen where their was a derailment within Stewarts Lane a few weeks ago and the unit remained at Hornsey for an additional night.

 

[Class 170101]

I believe this would be possible still when 700s are under ATO as the conventional signalling and train detection systems are remaining. I may be wrong but I think this is the case.

If not the route via West London Line and then either Kings Cross incline or Haringay Park could be used instead.

 

[edwin_m]

I believe this would be possible still when 700s are under ATO as the conventional signalling and train detection systems are remaining. I may be wrong but I think this is the case.

I also believe this is true. Anything that doesn't have ATO or at least ERTMS will have to obey the trackside signals which are more widely spaced than the ERTMS block markers, so they won't be able to run at the minimum headway but there's no reason they can't pass through when the service is a bit quieter. Incidentally ERTMS level 2 as fitted on Thameslink requires conventional train detection so that would have to stay even if the signals were taken away.