Northern class 9 headcode

[SC43090]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place feel free to move it if needs be....

A couple of questions

(1) How long as there been a direct service from Newcastle to Whitby????

(2). How many other services that Northern operate that have class 9 headcodes????
As the following is showing to be a class 9 passenger service
9N38 1600 Hexham Whitby

SC 43090

 

[30907]

(1) since the previous timetable change (Dec 17 or May 18, can't remember which).
Not obvious why this one is a 9, as it follows the normal route through Newcastle.

 

[bb21]

Does it have to be given priority over other services in order to get to Whitby and back before some boxes close for the day on the branch with fairly tight timings?

 

[30907]

Does it have to be given priority over other services in order to get to Whitby and back before some boxes close for the day on the branch with fairly tight timings?

There's only Nunthorpe AFAIK. But it is a one-off (in this direction) and it's a long run of 3 1/2 hours.

 

[The Lad]

It will be to do with stock rotation to get units back to Depot every two days.

 

[darloscott]

It will be to do with stock rotation to get units back to Depot every two days.

This one starts the day at Heaton and overnights in Darlington?
It also works back to Middlesbrough and then also Nunthorpe and back after this service, before running empty to Darlington. Doesn't get fuelled at Tees Yard though, so maybe something to do with that?