Line inspection train

[Trains1]

Hello all

I seem to recall seeing a yellow train with 2 locos in Hale (Manchester) back in summer 2021. I can't remember if it had Network Rail on the side. But my question being how often does a Network Rail inspection train get sent down a line like the Mid-Cheshire line?

Thanks

 

[Freightmaster]

Hello all

I seem to recall seeing a yellow train with 2 locos in Hale (Manchester) back in summer 2021. I can't remember if it had Network Rail on the side. But my question being how often does a Network Rail inspection train get sent down a line like the Mid-Cheshire line?

Thanks

The PLPR (Plain Line Pattern Recognition) trains, which tend to mostly run during the daytime, cover lines on a four-weekly basis (the mid-Cheshire line was visited on September 22nd, for example)

There are also UTU (Ultrasonic Testing Unit) trains, which tend to mostly run overnight,
and cover lines more sporadically on a 2/3/6 month rolling cycle.

MARK

 

[Trains1]

The PLPR (Plain Line Pattern Recognition) trains, which tend to mostly run during the daytime,
cover lines on a four-weekly basis (the mid-Cheshire line was visited on September 22nd for example)

There are also UTU (Ultrasonic testing Unit) trains, which tend to mostly run overnight,
and cover lines more sporadically on a 2/3/6 month rolling cycle.




MARK

Thank you.

Is there an easy way to see when they last visited a line apart from trawling through rtt? And what class locos are used 37?

 

[Freightmaster]

Thank you.

Is there an easy way to see when they last visited a line apart from trawling through rtt?

Yes - I have full daily/weekly/monthly diagrams and loco allocations on my website!

But as per my previous reply, the last run was September 22nd, so the next train will be on October 19th, the following on November 17th, and so on, so as soon as you notice a PLPR train running, just add 28 days to work out when it will run again...

And what class locos are used 37?

On that particular diagram, yes.

Most other PLPR workings use HST power cars, as does the NMT (New Measurement Train)

MARK

 

[stuving]

Since these trains run in timetabled paths, they must be included in the timetable planning process. They are, and are listed in the national section of the Timetable Planing Rules. (You can also get there on the NR website via Home>Industry and commercial>Information for operators>Operational Rules.)

This list is not easy to understand. It's also frozen; any changes after its publication date won't be in it. The timing of these documents is not obvious, partly because timetable planning is a long, slow, process (even if these Network Services paths get fixed first and are pretty stable). The validity is from "Subsidiary Timetable Change 2025" which is May 2025, there does not appear to be a new version for each Principal (December) change date.

 

[Trains1]

Yes - I have full daily/weekly/monthly diagrams and loco allocations on my website!

But as per my previous reply, the last run was September 22nd, so the next train will be on October 19th, the following on November 17th, and so on, so as soon as you notice a PLPR train running, just add 28 days to work out when it will run again...


On that particular diagram, yes.

Most other PLPR workings use HST power cars, as does the NMT (New Measurement Train)

MARK

Thank you!

Do they ever send the 43 down the Mid-Cheshire line?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Oct 2025 ==

Since these trains run in timetabled paths, they must be included in the timetable planning process. They are, and are listed in the national section of the Timetable Planing Rules. (You can also get there on the NR website via Home>Industry and commercial>Information for operators>Operational Rules.)

This list is not easy to understand. It's also frozen; any changes after its publication date won't be in it. The timing of these documents is not obvious, partly because timetable planning is a long, slow, process (even if these Network Services paths get fixed first and are pretty stable). The validity is from "Subsidiary Timetable Change 2025" which is May 2025, there does not appear to be a new version for each Principal (December) change date.

Thank you

 

[Freightmaster]

Thank you!

Do they ever send the 43 down the Mid-Cheshire line?

That's one of the only two PLPR diagrams that is not 43-hauled (the other being the East Anglian 1Q9x workings)


But the (43-hauled) NMT visits Stockport and traverses the WCML past Acton Bridge several times a month,
so there are plenty of opportunities to see the 43s in action if you are prepared to venture a little distance
away from the mid-Cheshire line. There are also 43-hauled workings which pass Chester (on the way to/from
Holyhead) and Wrexham.




MARK

 

[Trains1]

Is this it? https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:H30955/2025-10-19/detailed

I might see it if I can stay awake

 

[Freightmaster]

Is this it? https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:H30955/2025-10-19/detailed

I might see it if I can stay awake

That one is booked for a pair of class 73s (962+963)


The daytime, 37-hauled train actually runs tomorrow afternoon(my estimate was a day out!):

Realtime Trains | 1Q41 1311 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) | 20/10/2025

Real-time train running information for 1Q41 1311 departure from Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) on 20/10/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

...and is booked to be worked by 37610+667



MARK