Strange Merseyrail departure time

[Old Yard Dog]

Does anyone know why the 2018 Chester to Liverpool train leaves at 2018 rather than the 2027 which one would expect assuming the standard 30 min frequency? It then hangs around at Hooton for 10 mins much to the chagrin of those on board and those with an extra 9 mins to wait for an Ellesmere Port connection (like me now)

 

[paddyb6]

Due to the introduction of the leaf fall timetable, I believe it relates to a TfW service or ECS move that requires Platform 7 during the evening. It was certainly the case last year, but with TfW timetable changes in May, I'm not sure that this is the case anymore - but Merseyrail use the same Autumn timetable as they have been.

 

[jamesst]

1k18 a tfw Holyhead to Crewe service is booked to use platform 7 at Chester at 2022.

 

[Ianigsy]

Of the three through platforms at Chester, 3 is occupied by a Euston-Holyhead between 2012 and 2019 (which splits with the rear unit returning to Crewe at 2032) and 4 by the Holyhead-Crewe at 2024. The unit which occupies 7 between 2021 and 2029 is a Cardiff- Holyhead which reverses.

Presumably the ex-Cardiff train isn’t allowed to use 2 to prevent it from having to cross the path of the Avanti twice.