Northern to Dumfries

[Falcon1200]

Another unforeseen result of privatisation; When the Carlisle/Dumfries trains were worked from Carlisle, and the last train to Dumfries returned empty there, if there were no passengers for Dumfries it was common for the train to terminate at Annan and get the Crew (and set) home earlier. However Trust reporting meant that the train would now have to be cancelled off at Annan, therefore it had to continue to Dumfries regardless.

 

[D6130]

There were no Northern staff transferred to Dumfries. The new depot was mainly staffed with new starters with a small number of qualified staff who transferred from other Scotrail depots.

OK, I'll qualify that statement. No Northern staff were forced to move to Dumfries....but two Northern Carlisle drivers who were resident in the Annan area chose to transfer to ScotRail's new Dumfries depot. They assisted with the training of the new starters, along with their colleagues who transferred from other ScotRail depots.

 

[MadMac]

Wasn't that an oddity though as Pacers were barred North of Carlisle as I recall due to not being route cleared - though it did indeed happen on occasion... Was actually jolly good fun for them to stretch their legs

As I recall, they were certainly banned north of Dumfries due to them possibly not actuating some of the older track circuits.

 

[PaulC1309]

As I recall, they were certainly banned north of Dumfries due to them possibly not actuating some of the older track circuits.

A few years ago, maybe around 2017 I saw a Northern 142 passing Auchinleck. I'm guessing it was heading to Kilmarnock for overhaul so they definitely weren't banned.

 

[MadMac]

A few years ago, maybe around 2017 I saw a Northern 142 passing Auchinleck. I'm guessing it was heading to Kilmarnock for overhaul so they definitely weren't banned.

Quite possible that the ‘ban’ was lifted as more was known about them. Also, the 15X units were fitted with a “TCAID” device to assist in track circuit operation. Did the 14X units eventually get these as well?

 

[driver9000]

Quite possible that the ‘ban’ was lifted as more was known about them. Also, the 15X units were fitted with a “TCAID” device to assist in track circuit operation. Did the 14X units eventually get these as well?

14x units were fitted with the TCA equipment (Track Circuit Actuator) fitted to 15x units. Pacers were permitted over the GSW to Kilmarnock only as empty stock.

 

[MadMac]

14x units were fitted with the TCA equipment (Track Circuit Actuator) fitted to 15x units. Pacers were permitted over the GSW to Kilmarnock only as empty stock.

Thanks! That all makes sense.