Sleepers to Oban

[EltonRoad]

I read recently that the Sleepers can't be diverted to Oban when the West Highland Line closes for a week in (I think) August this year. Something to do with route availability of Class 67s, and that EWS won't supply a 37. Anyone heard any more about this?

 

[route:oxford]

Oban isn't exactly handy for Fort William. Could see the benefit of running as far as Crianlarich though then rail replacement coaches from there on.

Crianlarich-Oban is RA5, so a 67 (or 47) would be too heavy.

 

[A60K]

Oban isn't exactly handy for Fort William. Could see the benefit of running as far as Crianlarich though then rail replacement coaches from there on.

Crianlarich-Oban is RA5, so a 67 (or 47) would be too heavy.

In the past the standard diversion for the Fort William sleeper has been to Oban if there's a blockage north of Crianlarich.

It might not seem convenient, but the coach journey time from Oban to Fort William is around the same as Crianlarich to Fort William - and a fair number of the passengers are coming from further afield, often by car or ferry, so it might actually be more convenient to join at Oban.

Having the sleeper diverted to Oban also means you get an extra hour in bed compared to changing to a coach at Crianlarich, although the total journey time is longer. On a day train it would be a different matter, and a coach from Crianlarich would be the preferred option for most people.

Can't they borrow a Deltic from someone - I'm sure those have gone to Oban before!

 

[43167]

Think the last time it got diverted to Oban was in Feb 2006 for 2 weekends. Surely if EWS have the contract they are a obliged to supply a suitable loco. Especially as its mid-summer. Cant see the punters been too impressed about having to be kicked off at Crianlarich at about 0700 for a coach forward.

Anyway, the last time it happened most were going to Oban, by coincidence off course.

If EWS dont want to do it that week, perhaps Scotrail should speak to DRS about borrowing 37423.

 

[gregh]

Can't they borrow a Deltic from someone - I'm sure those have gone to Oban before!

Indeed they have, both in traffic pre-'82 on a number of BR-organised railtours and several times since they were plated for mainline running as preserved machines. Queen Napier to Oban. My lords sir!!

 

[A60K]

Indeed they have, both in traffic pre-'82 on a number of BR-organised railtours and several times since they were plated for mainline running as preserved machines. Queen Napier to Oban. My lords sir!!

And thinking about it, if ScotRail wanted to fill the sleepers on a quiet night in midwinter, what better way to do it than heritage traction - imagine the Inverness to London portion on a Wednesday night in February with a pair of Deltics at the head... drool! Guess the regular passengers might complain about the noise a bit though

 

[EltonRoad]

I've discovered that the engineering work is taking place at the end of March. The Fort William Sleeper is being withdrawn completely and if you want to go to anywhere between Tulloch and Fort William inclusive you take the Inverness Sleeper to Kingussie then a bus to those stations. If you want to go to anywhere between Westerton and Corrour then you can't, basically.

Shame they can't divert the Sleeper to Oban like they did in Feb 06, they might have found it suddenly got a lot busier.

 

[podge67]

And thinking about it, if ScotRail wanted to fill the sleepers on a quiet night in midwinter, what better way to do it than heritage traction - imagine the Inverness to London portion on a Wednesday night in February with a pair of Deltics at the head... drool! Guess the regular passengers might complain about the noise a bit though

Get a room! Or should that be 'berth'?

 

[gregh]

And thinking about it, if ScotRail wanted to fill the sleepers on a quiet night in midwinter, what better way to do it than heritage traction - imagine the Inverness to London portion on a Wednesday night in February with a pair of Deltics at the head... drool! Guess the regular passengers might complain about the noise a bit though

I'd do free o/t to be at the sharp end of that!!

 

[CallySleeperKid]

I've discovered that the engineering work is taking place at the end of March. The Fort William Sleeper is being withdrawn completely and if you want to go to anywhere between Tulloch and Fort William inclusive you take the Inverness Sleeper to Kingussie then a bus to those stations. If you want to go to anywhere between Westerton and Corrour then you can't, basically.

Shame they can't divert the Sleeper to Oban like they did in Feb 06, they might have found it suddenly got a lot busier.

Thats a real shame! I would have loved to have gone to Oban, one of the remaining lines up there im yet to do.

 

[theblackwatch]

Indeed they have, both in traffic pre-'82 on a number of BR-organised railtours and several times since they were plated for mainline running as preserved machines. Queen Napier to Oban. My lords sir!!

Been there and done it, one Deltic in to Oban for another one back out!

 

[43167]

I've discovered that the engineering work is taking place at the end of March. The Fort William Sleeper is being withdrawn completely and if you want to go to anywhere between Tulloch and Fort William inclusive you take the Inverness Sleeper to Kingussie then a bus to those stations. If you want to go to anywhere between Westerton and Corrour then you can't, basically.

Shame they can't divert the Sleeper to Oban like they did in Feb 06, they might have found it suddenly got a lot busier.

Think the job is between Arrochar & Crianlarich. But maybe wrong on that.