LNER HSTs SUN or NCL to KGX

[Morpethcurve]

Hello All,

I plan to travel from Hartlepool back south next week. The choice used to be obvious of course, but now the HST options appear to be LNER from Sunderland or Newcastle. I suppose Darlington's a possibility, but I prefer Newcastle as I haven't done the Durham Coast route for years. Having looked at the diagrams on the 125Group site, I see there is one ex SUN which is too early. I suppose I could deduce some of the HSTs through NCL by their origins (non-electrified Scottish cities) but this won't identify those starting at EDI or NCL.

Bottom line, how can I find which services NCL - KGX are HSTs?

Many Thanks - Morpethcurve

 

[Segedunum]

RTT is usually accurate for what a service is booked on LNER based on timing loads, subject to any last minute alterations.

So, at a reasonable guess, you've got:

0558, 0757, 0858, 0958, 1059, 1159, 1259, 1359 and 1905.

 

[Morpethcurve]

Thanks rg177, I had not realised the train type is specified in RTT.

I've decided to travel on Saturday 10th so as to upgrade to 1st, and travel between 0845 and 1400 so as to be in daylight. I'm pleased to see that according to RTT all six in that window are supposed to be HSTs.

I guess I'm safe in selecting one of the ex ABZ or INV trains, which suits me as I'm always happy to spend a few hours at NCL.

Many Thanks - Morpethcurve

 

[GW43125]

Thanks rg177, I had not realised the train type is specified in RTT.

Pedant's note is that they're not, it's just the train type that has been used for creating the timings. It's coincidental that it happens to be accurate on LNER but on other companies (GWR, GA etc) it can be complete and utter rubbish.

 

[SC43090]

Thanks rg177, I had not realised the train type is specified in RTT.

I've decided to travel on Saturday 10th so as to upgrade to 1st, and travel between 0845 and 1400 so as to be in daylight. I'm pleased to see that according to RTT all six in that window are supposed to be HSTs.

I guess I'm safe in selecting one of the ex ABZ or INV trains, which suits me as I'm always happy to spend a few hours at NCL.

Many Thanks - Morpethcurve

Note On Saturday 10th November 2018 There are joint line diversions between Doncaster to Peterborough via Gainsborough--Lincoln--Spalding all day so most services are HST operated between Edinburgh & Kings Cross.....

SC43090

 

[yorkie]

Thanks rg177, I had not realised the train type is specified in RTT.

It's not. It's just a timing load. Train allocations are not in open data feeds currently.

The diagrams are on the 125 Group website, however I'm not sure if they are fully up-to-date, and can be affected by engineering works.

Your best bet is to use the seat selector when booking a ticket on the LNER website. No need to actually book on their website; you can cancel the transaction after looking at the seating plan.

 

[LowLevel]

Thanks rg177, I had not realised the train type is specified in RTT.

I've decided to travel on Saturday 10th so as to upgrade to 1st, and travel between 0845 and 1400 so as to be in daylight. I'm pleased to see that according to RTT all six in that window are supposed to be HSTs.

I guess I'm safe in selecting one of the ex ABZ or INV trains, which suits me as I'm always happy to spend a few hours at NCL.

Many Thanks - Morpethcurve

Do remember that HSTs have fewer first class seats than electric sets and are generally busy when originating from Scotland.

 

[Morpethcurve]

Thanks to all for the informative replies.

I took the 1305, which according to the real time seat map was about half full in all carriages so got a good window seat. Friendly, smiling crew, tea was hot, and of course some new diversion track. A good trip all round.

The fare paid (including Hartlepool - NCL, without upgrade) was broadly comparable to the Grand Central direct train (which, apart from the 180 itself is generally a good experience), but that would have been like riding a first generation DMU. Without the view.

That east coast main line's getting a bit rough though isn't it?