Odd SWT working - roundabout ECS

[nw1]

Noticed another odd SWT working. The 0839 from Waterloo to Poole splits at Southampton Central and the rear 4 appears to go off down the Portsmouth line as an ECS (not on the 1044 to Portsmouth which would make sense given the incoming service is a 159 which is then sent on to Salisbury). What's the reason for this? Why is the unit sent to Southampton only to then return to presumably Fratton or Portsmouth? If a 450 is needed in that area could it not just be sent on one of the down Portsmouth Direct services (presumably not all Portsmouth services out of Waterloo mid morning are 10 or 12 cars) or even a Portsmouth via Eastleigh service?

Thanks,
Nick

 

[ushawk]

It doesnt go to Portsmouth, it runs as 5Y04 to Guildford via Havant (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/W92614/2013/08/29/advanced)

It then runs to the Up Goods Loop at Southampton Central, again via Havant (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/W92615/2013/08/29/advanced)

These are probably route learners/refreshers to enable diversions off the SWML.

 

[swt_passenger]

There are loads of these over the course of a day, in both directions, once you realise and search them out.

This RTT search:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sea...9?stp=WVS&show=non-passenger&order=wtt&toc=SW

shows 'non-passenger' SWT services through Fareham for example. It picks up a few RHTT paths too, but you get the idea of the longer route retention services as well...

It's also noteworthy that there are a couple of odd 'one way' passenger services from Havant to Fareham in the later evening that then run ECS back to Portsmouth - these also cover the section of the mainline 'via Havant' diversionary route where the normal passenger service is run by SN.

 

[455driver]

These are probably route learners/refreshers to enable diversions off the SWML.

Is the right answer, its to keep the Bournemouth crews route knowledge up to date as they do not have enough booked work over that route.