LNER Doncaster Yard -> Leeds (via Garforth)

[cywdalby]

Does anyone know why there seems to be an empty 5 car LNER Azuma going back and forth between Doncaster Yard and Leeds via Garforth each week day?

I presume it’s some sort of route testing, potentially another route to avoid Wakefield when the TRU is finished.

Example run https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:N86101/2025-07-16/detailed#allox_id=0

 

[Class 170101]

Route refresh as they possibly don't have sufficient booked work that way anymore?

Is there a Doncaster to Leeds via Wakefield Westgate Block coming soon which means they need to divert via Hambleton and enter Leeds from the East?

I can find only this train that uses the route on a weekly basis

Realtime Trains | 1A13 0656 Skipton to London Kings Cross | 19/07/2025

Real-time train running information for 1A13 0656 departure from Skipton to London Kings Cross on 19/07/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[JKF]

Route refresh as they possibly don't have sufficient booked work that way anymore?

Is there a Doncaster to Leeds via Wakefield Westgate Block coming soon which means they need to divert via Hambleton and enter Leeds from the East?

I can find only this train that uses the route on a weekly basis

Realtime Trains | 1A13 0656 Skipton to London Kings Cross | 19/07/2025

Real-time train running information for 1A13 0656 departure from Skipton to London Kings Cross on 19/07/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Interesting that is still takes 2hrs10 from Leeds to KX going that way, I’d assumed it would be quicker avoiding the Wakefield stop. I suppose the Hambleton route is a bit longer, going quite a bit east before joining the ECML.

 

[johnnychips]

The other week there was some problem at Wakefield with many delays and cancellations. The 0640 Leeds-Kings Cross surprised us by leaving on time, heading eastwards and obviously omitting the Wakefield call. It arrived in Doncaster bang on time, and they even had the First Class coaches at the front.

 

[Twingo37175]

The other week there was some problem at Wakefield with many delays and cancellations. The 0640 Leeds-Kings Cross surprised us by leaving on time, heading eastwards and obviously omitting the Wakefield call. It arrived in Doncaster bang on time, and they even had the First Class coaches at the front.

This runs empty from Doncaster Carr depot, so I assume it ran to Leeds the same way (not via Wakefield) meaning no direct turning of the set by going in one way and out the other.

 

[endofthetunnel]

As suggested, it’s a route learner for drivers over the (non electrified) diversionary route

 

[Class 170101]

As suggested, it’s a route learner for drivers over the (non electrified) diversionary route

Must either be some engineering works coming up shortly affecting the normal route or perhaps there hasn't been as much engineering works going on overnight so the regular diversionary routes aren't in use as much.