March for the Alternative - special trains

[telstarbox]

For the TUC demonstration in London on 26 March there are special trains:

http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/campaigns/...ernative--london-saturday-26-march.cfm#Trains

Will these be railtours or extra trains by the relevant TOCs?

 

[jopsuk]

They won't be railtours as such, they'll be charters- chartering trains is not uncommon, and stock can come from either dedicated charter companies (as used by railtours) or from ToC fleets, depending upon routes, availability, money etc.

Edit:
The trains from Scotland will almost certainly use (to Kings Cross) East Coast HSTs or Mrk4s, given their timings?
Liverpool train has to be a Pendolino (return is just over 2hrs)

 

[ainsworth74]

Neither they seem to be service trains. Just checked Blackpool, Carlisle, Hull and Doncaster and the times on their website fit with the normal timetable.

 

[ainsworth74]

Really interested to find out what stock they are using!

What ever is normal on those services

Seriously just go look at a timetable all of their 'special' trains run at the exact same time as normal timetabled trains.

 

[telstarbox]

It also says the train from Sheffield is going to Kings Cross - unusual!

 

[jopsuk]

The Exeter one must be a "special", says it'll only run if all tickets sold? The page of course makes no claim that the trains are specials.

 

[route:oxford]

What ever is normal on those services

Seriously just go look at a timetable all of their 'special' trains run at the exact same time as normal timetabled trains.

Just checked...

According to the timetable, the first rail service from Edinburgh on the 26th March is the 0615. They seem to be travelling on a ghost train at 04.55.

Likewise the first rail service from Glasgow to London Kings Cross on the 26th is 0650. They seem to be on an another ghost train at 04.38. (And would be better off enjoying an extra hour in bed and grabbing the 05:40 Virgin).

 

[merlodlliw]

According to a Union rep I know, It appears several coaches of a voyager have been booked from Chester & the rep mentioned ATW?


Bob

 

[Pumbaa]

I think they've booked coaches/****loads of seats cheaply on the service trains. The Liverpool/Preston/Wigan/Chester trains are all normal service trains.

 

[andyfrommk]

I think they've booked coaches/****loads of seats cheaply on the service trains. The Liverpool/Preston/Wigan/Chester trains are all normal service trains.

Of course, you can hire an entire train

 

[telstarbox]

I don't think the "full dining area and silver service" will be making an appearance (unless Bob Crow's on board...)

 

[ainsworth74]

Of course, you can hire an entire train

Interesting link, thanks. Couple of things spring to mind, firstly just how often does anyone charter an entire train from Virgin? Secondly I didn't know Virgin still had the wherewithal to provide a silver service on their trains seeing as they don't offer it normally?

 

[Pumbaa]

Football clubs charter trains for matchdays etc. Chelsea and Everton are 2 examples that do so regularly. You can't hire a Pendolino, thats what the Pretendolino is for. You can hire carriages though, G has been booked out for Liverpool FC, Wigan, Preston among others on a normal scheduled service.

 

[andyfrommk]

I didn't know Virgin still had the wherewithal to provide a silver service on their trains seeing as they don't offer it normally?

Maybe its an outside company?

You can't hire a Pendolino, thats what the Pretendolino is for.

I'm not doubting you but Virgin may get sued for false advertising, all pictures on that webpage are of a Pendolino

 

[merlodlliw]

I think they've booked coaches/****loads of seats cheaply on the service trains. The Liverpool/Preston/Wigan/Chester trains are all normal service trains.

Getting back to the voyager from Chester,The Unite rep spoke of 4 coaches booked by the North East Wales unions so that family members can go(it is not for me to question who is paying), but when word got about said the rep that it was f..e travel,the coaches were soon filled.


Bob

 

[Pumbaa]

From Liverpool, 2 charter trains, the first using DBS TnT 67s, the second using a 90 and the Pretendo:

DBS: Top & Tail 67s

5Z921 CREWE HS 03:55 LVPOOL LS 05:45 STP SO 26/03/11
CREWE HS 03:55
GRESTYL37 03:56 03:57
GRESTY LN PASS 04:00
CREWEGGUL 04:04 04:34
GRESTY LN PASS 04:38
CREWE 04:40 04:55
CWECOALYD PASS 04:57
WINSFORD PASS 05:04
HARTFORDJ PASS 05:08
ACTONBDGE PASS 05:09
WEAVER JN PASS 05:12
RUNCORN PASS 05:16
DITTONEJN PASS 05:19
LPOOLSPHL PASS 05:35
WVRTREEJN PASS 05:38
EDGEH SB PASS 05:40
EDGE HILL PASS 05:41
LVPOOL LS 05:45

1Z921 LVPOOL LS 06:21 EUSTON 10:26 STP SO 26/03/11
LVPOOL LS 06:21
EDGE HILL PASS 06:25
EDGEH SB PASS 06:25
WVRTREEJN PASS 06:27
LPOOLSPHL PASS 06:31
DITTONEJN PASS 06:35
RUNCORN 06:38 06:41
WEAVER JN PASS 06:50
ACTONBDGE PASS 06:52
HARTFORDJ PASS 06:54
WINSFORD PASS 06:58
CWECOALYD PASS 07:05
CREWE 07:08 07:12
CREWEBHJN PASS 07:16
MADELEY PASS 07:22
NORTONBGE PASS 07:32
STAFFORD PASS 07:39
COLWICH PASS 07:47
RUGELYNJN PASS 07:50
LICHFLDNJ PASS 07:56
AMINGTONJ PASS 08:02
NUNEATON PASS 08:18
RUGBY TVJ PASS 08:41
RUGBY PASS 08:43
HILMORTNJ PASS 08:45
LNGBUCKBY PASS 08:55
NORTHAMPT PASS 09:12
HANSLOPEJ PASS 09:25
MILTON KC PASS 09:32
BLETCHLEY PASS 09:35
LEDBURNJN PASS 09:44
TRING PASS 09:53
BORNE END PASS 09:59
WATFORDJN PASS 10:06
HARROWWLD PASS 10:11
WEMBLEY C PASS 10:17
WILSDNWLJ PASS 10:19
CAMDEN JN PASS 10:22
CAMDENSJN PASS 10:23
EUSTON 10:26

1Z931 EUSTON 18:14 LVPOOL LS 22:05 STP SO 26/03/11
EUSTON 18:14
CAMDENSJN PASS 18:17
CAMDEN JN PASS 18:17
WILSDNWLJ PASS 18:20
WEMBLEY C PASS 18:23
HARROWWLD PASS 18:27
WATFORDJN PASS 18:37
BORNE END PASS 18:47
TRING PASS 18:55
LEDBURNJN PASS 19:03
BLETCHLEY PASS 19:13
DNBGHLNJN PASS 19:15
MILTON KC PASS 19:17
HANSLOPEJ PASS 19:23
WEEDON PASS 19:33
HILMORTNJ PASS 19:40
RUGBY PASS 19:42
RUGBY TVJ PASS 19:43
BRINKLOW PASS 20:03
ATTLBROSJ PASS 20:09
NUNEATON PASS 20:10
AMINGTONJ PASS 20:21
LICHFLDNJ PASS 20:27
RUGELYNJN PASS 20:33
COLWICH PASS 20:37
STAFFORD PASS 20:43
STAFFORD5 PASS 20:44
NORTONBGE PASS 20:48
MADELEY PASS 20:57
CREWEBHJN PASS 21:03
CREWE 21:07 21:11
CWECOALYD PASS 21:13
WINSFORD PASS 21:20
HARTFORDJ PASS 21:26
ACTONBDGE PASS 21:27
WEAVER JN PASS 21:30
RUNCORN 21:35 21:38
DITTONEJN PASS 21:42
LPOOLSPHL PASS 21:52
WVRTREEJN PASS 21:58
EDGEH SB PASS 22:00
EDGE HILL PASS 22:00
LVPOOL LS 22:05

5Z931 LVPOOL LS 22:25 CREWE HS 23:43 STP SO 26/03/11
LVPOOL LS 22:25
EDGE HILL PASS 22:29
EDGEH SB PASS 22:29
WVRTREEJN PASS 22:31
LPOOLSPHL PASS 22:35
DITTONEJN PASS 22:39
RUNCORN PASS 22:41
WEAVER JN PASS 22:47
ACTONBDGE PASS 22:49
HARTFORDJ PASS 22:51
WINSFORD PASS 22:55
CWECOALYD PASS 23:02
CREWE 23:04 23:09
GRESTY LN PASS 23:12
CREWEGGUL 23:15 23:35
GRESTY LN PASS 23:38
CREWE HS 23:43

Virgin Trains: FL90 & WB64 Mark III Set.

5T301 WEMBLEYTC 04:50 LVPOOL LS 08:00 STP SO 26/03/1
WEMBLEYTC 04:50
HARLSDNJN PASS 05:00
WILSDNWLJ PASS 05:01
CAMDEN JN PASS 05:05
CAMDENSJN PASS 05:06
EUSTON 05:09 05:23
CAMDENSJN PASS 05:26
CAMDEN JN PASS 05:27
WILSDNWLJ PASS 05:30
WEMBLEY C PASS 05:32
HARROWWLD PASS 05:34
WATFORDJN PASS 05:39
BORNE END PASS 05:45
TRING PASS 05:53
LEDBURNJN PASS 05:59
BLETCHLEY PASS 06:05
MILTON KC PASS 06:08
HANSLOPEJ PASS 06:15
WEEDON PASS 06:23
HILMORTNJ PASS 06:31
RUGBY PASS 06:32
RUGBY TVJ PASS 06:34
BRINKLOW PASS 06:37
ATTLBROSJ PASS 06:41
NUNEATON PASS 06:42
AMINGTONJ PASS 06:49
LICHFLDNJ PASS 06:54
RUGELYNJN PASS 06:58
COLWICH PASS 07:01
STAFFORD PASS 07:06
NORTONBGE PASS 07:09
MADELEY PASS 07:16
CREWEBHJN PASS 07:21
CREWE PASS 07:22
CWECOALYD PASS 07:22
WINSFORD PASS 07:27
HARTFORDJ PASS 07:30
ACTONBDGE PASS 07:31
WEAVER JN PASS 07:33
RUNCORN PASS 07:37
DITTONEJN PASS 07:42
LPOOLSPHL PASS 07:47
WVRTREEJN PASS 07:54
EDGEH SB PASS 07:55
EDGE HILL PASS 07:56
LVPOOL LS 08:00

1T301 LVPOOL LS 08:15 EUSTON 10:58 STP SO 26/03/11
LVPOOL LS 08:15
EDGE HILL PASS 08:19
EDGEH SB PASS 08:20
WVRTREEJN PASS 08:22
LPOOLSPHL PASS 08:25
DITTONEJN PASS 08:29
RUNCORN 08:32 08:35
WEAVER JN PASS 08:42
ACTONBDGE PASS 08:43
HARTFORDJ PASS 08:45
WINSFORD PASS 08:48
CWECOALYD PASS 08:58
CREWE 09:04 09:06
CREWEBHJN PASS 09:09
MADELEY PASS 09:13
NORTONBGE PASS 09:22
STAFFORD PASS 09:29
COLWICH PASS 09:33
RUGELYNJN PASS 09:35
LICHFLDNJ PASS 09:39
AMINGTONJ PASS 09:43
NUNEATON PASS 09:51
RUGBY TVJ PASS 10:03
RUGBY PASS 10:04
HILMORTNJ PASS 10:05
WEEDON PASS 10:13
HANSLOPEJ PASS 10:21
MILTON KC PASS 10:24
BLETCHLEY PASS 10:26
LEDBURNJN PASS 10:31
TRING PASS 10:35
BORNE END PASS 10:39
WATFORDJN PASS 10:43
HARROWWLD PASS 10:46
WEMBLEY C PASS 10:48
WILSDNWLJ PASS 10:51
CAMDEN JN PASS 10:54
CAMDENSJN PASS 10:55
EUSTON 10:58

1T311 EUSTON 17:53 LVPOOL LS 20:27 STP SO 26/03/11
EUSTON 17:53
CAMDENSJN PASS 17:56
CAMDEN JN PASS 17:56
WILSDNWLJ PASS 17:59
WEMBLEY C PASS 18:01
HARROWWLD PASS 18:03
WATFORDJN PASS 18:07
BORNE END PASS 18:11
TRING PASS 18:15
LEDBURNJN PASS 18:18
BLETCHLEY PASS 18:23
MILTON KC PASS 18:26
HANSLOPEJ PASS 18:30
WEEDON PASS 18:37
HILMORTNJ PASS 18:45
RUGBY PASS 18:46
RUGBY TVJ PASS 18:47
BRINKLOW PASS 18:59
ATTLBROSJ PASS 19:03
NUNEATON PASS 19:04
AMINGTONJ PASS 19:12
LICHFLDNJ PASS 19:16
RUGELYNJN PASS 19:21
COLWICH PASS 19:23
STAFFORD PASS 19:27
NORTONBGE PASS 19:31
MADELEY PASS 19:37
CREWEBHJN PASS 19:42
CREWE 19:45 19:48
CWECOALYD PASS 19:50
WINSFORD PASS 19:55
HARTFORDJ PASS 19:58
ACTONBDGE PASS 19:59
WEAVER JN PASS 20:01
RUNCORN 20:06 20:08
DITTONEJN PASS 20:11
LPOOLSPHL PASS 20:15
WVRTREEJN PASS 20:19
EDGEH SB PASS 20:20
EDGE HILL PASS 20:21
LVPOOL LS 20:27

5T311 LVPOOL LS 20:42 WEMBLEYTC 00:25 STP SO 26/03/11
LVPOOL LS 20:42
EDGE HILL PASS 20:46
EDGEH SB PASS 20:46
WVRTREEJN PASS 20:48
LPOOLSPHL PASS 20:51
DITTONEJN PASS 20:55
RUNCORN PASS 20:57
WEAVER JN PASS 21:02
ACTONBDGE PASS 21:04
HARTFORDJ PASS 21:05
WINSFORD PASS 21:12
CWECOALYD PASS 21:18
CREWE PASS 21:19
CREWEBHJN PASS 21:20
MADELEY PASS 21:24
NORTONBGE PASS 21:30
STAFFORD PASS 21:34
COLWICH PASS 21:38
RUGELYNJN PASS 21:40
LICHFLDNJ PASS 21:44
AMINGTONJ PASS 21:48
NUNEATON PASS 21:56
NEWBOLDJN PASS 22:06
RUGBY TVJ PASS 22:07
RUGBY PASS 22:08
HILMORTNJ PASS 22:10
LNGBUCKBY PASS 22:19
NORTHAMPT PASS 22:27
HANSLOPEJ PASS 22:36
MILTON KC PASS 22:42
BLETCHLEY PASS 22:45
LEDBURNJN PASS 22:51
TRING PASS 23:00
BORNE END PASS 23:04
WATFORDJN PASS 23:16
HARROWWLD PASS 23:21
WEMBLEY C PASS 23:29
WILSDNWLJ PASS 23:35
CAMDEN JN PASS 23:38
CAMDENSJN PASS 23:39
EUSTON 23:42 00:06
CAMDENSJN PASS 00:09
CAMDEN JN PASS 00:10
WILSDNWLJ PASS 00:13
HARLSDNJN PASS 00:15
WEMBLEYTC 00:25

 

[wibble]

If only all the special trains had to be cancelled at last minute due to strike action and then they'd all know how the train union staff make the rest of us feel. I'm guessing Arriva Trains Wales, London Midland, Docklands and London Underground staff aren't limiting overtime working or going on strike on demo day. In the case of the 0726 from Exeter I'm hoping the " Please note: will only run if train is fully booked" comment means that SWT won't put extra coaches on the existing train unless the extra coaches are fully booked and not that the 0726 won't run lol! Also if the extra set isn't fully booked and cancelled surely that will mean that those still wishing to travel will then cause massive ovecrowding in the normal coaches? Then again when did the unions EVER really care about the travelling public....cue RMT guy...

SWT were providing additional coaches on the 0726 and 1820 as a charter but the organisers failed to let SWT know of their final numbers in time.... Public sector inefficiency, maybe??

I think SWT will provide additional coaches for both services but those going to the march will have to pay the normal fare!

 

[merlodlliw]

A unite rep told me on Sunday extra coaches also booked on the 0653 from Holyhead to London
. picking up the train at Flint,all seats taken


Bob

 

[yorkie]

Please use this topic to discuss the special trains only. To discuss the march itself, cuts, or anything else not directly relating to the special trains use this topic, thanks

 

[matt]

There were four charter services up the WCML to Euston (plus a few extra Voyagers and Pendolinos). There was class 67s from Manchester and Liverpool. A class 90 from Lancaster and the Pretendolino and 90 also from Liverpool. They are all seen below

[youtube]H6iKd-Iixoc[/youtube]

 

[142094]

Had the pleasure of seeing an East Coast HST going straight through platform 3 at York today. Quite a rare occurrence, until May that is.

 

[TomJ93]

Great video Matt, the Pretendo looks great as usual Although personally I would have gone up the Caithiron

 

[matt]

Great video Matt, the Pretendo looks great as usual Although personally I would have gone up the Caithiron

Thanks. Its not easy to film at Cathiron any more due to the fence.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I did see the Prentendolino yesterday at about 0915 on Crewe p5.

Stood on Euston about 1715 yesterday, the departure boards did say something along the lines of 'Red Charter Train', was this one of the ones that Unite laid on?

On a totally unrelated note, the Unite idiots were all wearing Daily Mirror hats and singing "Build a bonfire, build a bonfire, put the Tories on the top, put the Lib Dems on the bottom, and burn the f***ing lot." I have no idea what they are trying to achieve by behaving so imaturely.

 

[WestCoast]

I did see the Prentendolino yesterday at about 0915 on Crewe p5.

I was stood on platform 5 when it arrived and then departed. I was waiting for the slightly delayed East Midlands Trains service to Derby on platform 4.

It was announced and displayed on the screens as the "RED charter train".

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I was stood on platform 5 when it arrived and then departed. I was waiting for the slightly delayed East Midlands Trains service to Derby on platform 4.

It was announced and displayed on the screens as the "RED charter train".

Indeed it was, maybe got that confused for Euston. Think there was another charter due in at Crewe on p12 (a proper charter), passed it at Madeley I think. You should be glad you were off to Stoke/Derby, Euston was choas with the sheer volume of people, and the Daily Mirror idiots wouldn't stop playing their vuvuzelas... I blame South Africa!

 

[HST Power]

I did see the Prentendolino yesterday at about 0915 on Crewe p5.

Stood on Euston about 1715 yesterday, the departure boards did say something along the lines of 'Red Charter Train', was this one of the ones that Unite laid on?

On a totally unrelated note, the Unite idiots were all wearing Daily Mirror hats and singing "Build a bonfire, build a bonfire, put the Tories on the top, put the Lib Dems on the bottom, and burn the f***ing lot." I have no idea what they are trying to achieve by behaving so imaturely.

There's always one group of people who feel that they have to be at the centre of our attention. I bet if you'd filmed it and send it to the BBC they'd have stuck it on the 24 Hour. Behaviour like this has overshadowed the good protesting. I bet those guys know absolutely NOTHING about politics!

But anyway, going back onto topic, I really like the video! You got some good shots in there! It had a nice affect, seeing the trains come hurtling through the fog out of complete nowhere! Nice!

 

[WestCoast]

Indeed it was, maybe got that confused for Euston. Think there was another charter due in at Crewe on p12 (a proper charter), passed it at Madeley I think. Y

Yes, I saw that as well. I wouldn't have planned any sort of trip down there - I was heading over to the East Midlands. The 153 dogbox was packed until Uttoxeter (presuming Alton Towers traffic here), but I heard the weekend before the route was a 158+153 for the Uttoxteter races and was packed full.

The pretendolino at Crewe looked rather nice - it was pretty much full as well. There was a lady, who I presume was a union representative with a clipboard by one of the doors.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Yes, I saw that as well. I wouldn't have planned any sort of trip down there - I was heading over to the East Midlands. The 153 dogbox was packed until Uttoxeter (presuming Alton Towers traffic here), but I heard the weekend before the route was a 158+153 for the Uttoxteter races and was packed full.

The pretendolino at Crewe looked rather nice - it was pretty much full as well. There was a lady, who I presume was a union representative with a clipboard by one of the doors.

When I arrived at 0858 (the 0817 from Preston), the Euston Voyager (from Chester) was just leaving p11, so I went onto the concourse to have a look at the Travel Centre to pass time for the 0929 Euston Pendolino (from Manchester). The electronic boards up there showed something like an 0906 Euston train, but I was set for the 0929, so I ignored it. About four minutes later, it was displayed as the 'Red' train, as you say.

 

[DarloRich]

I did see the Prentendolino yesterday at about 0915 on Crewe p5.

Stood on Euston about 1715 yesterday, the departure boards did say something along the lines of 'Red Charter Train', was this one of the ones that Unite laid on?

On a totally unrelated note, the Unite idiots were all wearing Daily Mirror hats and singing "Build a bonfire, build a bonfire, put the Tories on the top, put the Lib Dems on the bottom, and burn the f***ing lot." I have no idea what they are trying to achieve by behaving so imaturely.

It did have something like RED charter train which i thought was quite funny! (BTW when the Deltic tour left recenlty it said something like " Uboat Express" - clealry whoever does the boards at Euston has a sense of humour!)

As an aside - are people supposed to chant something along the lines of:

"I say old chap those Tories are terribly awful chaps - perhaps we could ask them in a polite fashion if they wouldnt mind awfully buggering orf"
It is a fooball chant and quite well known. it expresses what a lot of people think about both the Tories and the LibDems!

I would be more concerned about the idiots lobbing bricks at Fortnum and Mason. Terrible - it is a much better shop than Harrods!