Real Time Trains 2025 Christmas Special

[Trainfan2019]

Just found this year's Christmas special train on Real Time Trains is now available.

Link below to the real time trains website:

Realtime Trains | 1X01 2345 North Pole International to North Pole International | 24/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 1X01 2345 departure from North Pole International to North Pole International on 24/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[ExRes]

How is he going to keep to time starting off at 20mph?

 

[pdeaves]

Ha, ha, look at the comment at Altnabreac!

Spoiler

Service stops to drop passengers off only

I notice Winslow is a 'pass', too.

 

[Trainfan2019]

Strange it's serving Sampford Courtenay and Norton Bridge as station closed. Although it's serving Wedgwood and Barleston but these 2 are not officially closed, just not normally served.

 

[MotCO]

It doesn't show a picture of the rolling stock - does anyone know what it is?

 

[Twingo37175]

Somebody in Scotland missing out

 

[Tester]

It doesn't show a picture of the rolling stock - does anyone know what it is?

Not allocated yet, but based on previous years will appear!

 

[mm333]

One for the bashers and gricers, Father Christmas is eschewing platforms A-D at Waterloo East and has sole use of the mythical platform 1 ❄️

 

[tumbledown]

Ha, ha, look at the comment at Altnabreac!

But why Aberdare Platform 2?

 

[Sun Chariot]

Four weeks ago, I did my "bit" to prepare all his motive power. That'll minimise Delay Repay claims fron disgruntled children on Christmas morning...

 

[MotCO]

Four weeks ago, I did my "bit" to prepare all his motive power. That'll minimise Delay Repay claims fron disgruntled children on Christmas morning...

If there is a delay, or if I get my presents late, which TOC do I submit my Delay Repay claim to?

 

[Sun Chariot]

If there is a delay, or if I get my presents late, which TOC do I submit my Delay Repay claim to?

Santa Fe?

 

[mm333]

Has the special operating notice been issued to permit a red headlight at the front of a RMU (Reindeer Multiple Unit)?

 

[pdeaves]

But why Aberdare Platform 2?

The new platform 2 is interesting. There are now separate arrival and departure 'stations' (the platforms are quite a distance apart). So the 'schedule' takes account of a new 'station'.

 

[Tony2]

The new platform 2 is interesting. There are now separate arrival and departure 'stations' (the platforms are quite a distance apart). So the 'schedule' takes account of a new 'station'.

That was the original intention for this strange set up, however I was talking to a chatty guard a couple of weeks ago on the Aberdare service, who says it is never enforced. So I had no problem getting off the supposedly departure only platform 1.

It was also obvious that passengers were alighting and getting on at both stations.

 

[BillStampy]

Starting in the South Wales area I see, fitting with the new metro stuff, better hope Santa doesn't clip any of the OLE!

 

[Purple Train]

I notice it appears to be picking up coal at Butterwell (between Cramlington and Chester-le-Street). Love the Altnabreac detail!

 

[liamf656]

Ha, ha, look at the comment at Altnabreac!

Outstanding!

 

[Peter Sarf]

Times pencilled in for Old Oak Common ?.
(between Acton Main Line and Kensal Rise)
But must be the closest to the origin and destination.

I wonder what that could be between Fenchurch Street and Barking also
Elsenham and Bishops Stortford ?.

Santa is obviously on a diet as no timing allowance at Melton Mowbray.

 

[Tom]

But why Aberdare Platform 2?

Because the entire idea of how it's been implemented is daft.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Great he's visiting my town twice - at all 3 stations:

BTW where's the stops for water...?

 

[pdeaves]

Times pencilled in for Old Oak Common ?.
(between Acton Main Line and Kensal Rise)
But must be the closest to the origin and destination.

I wonder what that could be between Fenchurch Street and Barking also
Elsenham and Bishops Stortford ?.

Santa is obviously on a diet as no timing allowance at Melton Mowbray.

The coding behind suggests, respectively,
Willesden (track) Junction;
West Ham;
Stansted Mountfitchet

 

[eastwestdivide]

BTW where's the stops for water...?

I'm sure they'll manage as it's only a 30 min journey end to end!

 

[Lemmy282]

Is there an easy way to work out the mileage travelled when Santa visits these places in the order given

 

[horsewalrus]

Stansted Mountfitchet appears to have lost its name!

 

[Tester]

Stansted Mountfitchet appears to have lost its name!
View attachment 194679

And two others - go and find them

 

[pdeaves]

And two others - go and find them

Willesden and West Ham (posts 19/22)

 

[43096]

Four weeks ago, I did my "bit" to prepare all his motive power. That'll minimise Delay Repay claims fron disgruntled children on Christmas morning...

Reindeer in AC electric mode I see. They have their pantographs up!

 

[Sun Chariot]

Reindeer in AC electric mode I see. They have their pantographs up!

I am 6 feet 6 inches tall (it wasn't a miniature deer and bucket!).
That other stag - with snow on his antlers - was enormous; I don't think he will fit in the UK loading gauge "pantlers down" or "pantlers up'...

 

[43096]

I am 6 feet 6 inches tall (it wasn't a miniature deer and bucket!).
That other stag - with snow on his antlers - was enormous; I don't think he will fit in the UK loading gauge "pantlers down" or "pantlers up'...

It’s a good thing they are in electric mode. Coming off North Pole they would have engines isolated - that would delay Santa on his rounds…