Highland Chieftain - when it is late, it's very late - why?

[Failed Unit]

I think back to the original posters question it should be more welcome to the ECML. I suspect on all of the days mentioned we had a major incident such as a signal failure, wires down, broken down train etc.

However pathing as others mentioned is key. If for example it isn't ready to leave Edinburgh before the 1703 Dunblane service, then it is stuck behind it until the signaller can loop it. Making the 1703 wait will rocket the delay minutes on Scotrail services just as the lines are so busy. The it is going to struggle beyond Perth again.

 

[matchmaker]

I think back to the original posters question it should be more welcome to the ECML. I suspect on all of the days mentioned we had a major incident such as a signal failure, wires down, broken down train etc.

However pathing as others mentioned is key. If for example it isn't ready to leave Edinburgh before the 1703 Dunblane service, then it is stuck behind it until the signaller can loop it. Making the 1703 wait will rocket the delay minutes on Scotrail services just as the lines are so busy. The it is going to struggle beyond Perth again.

Where's the first looping facility?

 

[MCR247]

In what way wouldn't work?

Do you think people would refuse to board a direct service to Inverness from Kings Cross if it wasn't operated by a brand or franchise that they recognise?

As well as the reasons given by everyone else already, if Inverness was taken out of the EC franchise, there would probably still be a 1200 EC to Edinburgh and a (whatever ever time it depends EDB To KGX) and so where would it fit?

 

[PaulLothian]

Where's the first looping facility?

I recall once or twice being routed out on the North lines on the Dunblane train to allow the HST past; next possibility is at Newbridge Junction, and then possibly Stirling!

 

[Failed Unit]

I recall once or twice being routed out on the North lines on the Dunblane train to allow the HST past; next possibility is at Newbridge Junction, and then possibly Stirling!

Newbridge is one, the other is between Linlithgow and Polmont at whitecross (where the Bo'ness line meets NR)

After that it is stuck behind the Dunblane until Stirling.

I have had the pleasure of getting loop at both on the 1636 Edinburgh - Dunblane. I don't think that E&G trains are ever looped as they will be out the way by Polmont anyway.

 

[matchmaker]

Newbridge is one, the other is between Linlithgow and Polmont at whitecross (where the Bo'ness line meets NR)

After that it is stuck behind the Dunblane until Stirling.

I have had the pleasure of getting loop at both on the 1636 Edinburgh - Dunblane. I don't think that E&G trains are ever looped as they will be out the way by Polmont anyway.

Bo'ness Junction as it used to be known! The loops there used to be goods only.

 

[38Cto15E]

Coming through Stirling last week it looked like a new loop was being constructed on the Up side of the line, south of Stirling station, I am not sure if it is for passenger use or not?

 

[matchmaker]

Coming through Stirling last week it looked like a new loop was being constructed on the Up side of the line, south of Stirling station, I am not sure if it is for passenger use or not?

Must check that out! There are massive changes planned at the Stirling Middle junction including changing it from single lead.

 

[jacobitetravel]

To listen to some people you would think the whole economy of Inverness and the highlands would collapse if this train didn't run, but yes in reality it is tokenism, which brings with it extra costs EC could probably do without.

although the highlands economy may not collapse the train service is very very important to many people and businesses alike

it disappoints me when it appears some people think that nothing north of the border is worthwhile maintaining