Manchester Piccadilly Runaround

[mrbluelips]

Does anyone know when the last time the run-around loop at Platform 5 was used?

I think these days even most specials are 'top n tailed' so the need to use it it is obsolete.

If it's been a long time I wonder if its even workable.

Is the switched controlled by the signal box, or does it need controlling manually.

I know the switch just off the platform at Bredbury station is a manual one.

 

[Railsigns]

Is the switched controlled by the signal box, or does it need controlling manually.[?]

The crossover is locally controlled from a ground switch panel, which is released from the signalling centre.

 

[Thomas6187]

It does get tested once in a while

 

[driver_m]

I haven't seen it in use since 2004 when a 90 had to run round to go on the front of a defective DVT. It's got to have been used since then, but then again...who knows.

 

[6Gman]

Last time I saw it used was for the Stratford 37 working the North Country Continental, Harwich to Manchester.

Happy days!