Trains that never seem to run

[Western 52]

There are trains with conditional paths in the WTT that never seem to operate. For example see https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:H24191/2022-08-22/detailed
I can understand the use of conditional paths of course, but are there other examples of trains that never seem to be needed? Why do they remain in the timetable?

 

[The Planner]

There are trains with conditional paths in the WTT that never seem to operate. For example see https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:H24191/2022-08-22/detailed
I can understand the use of conditional paths of course, but are there other examples of trains that never seem to be needed? Why do they remain in the timetable?

Because if you take them out then chances are you never get them back. There are plenty of QJ strategic paths in the system that dont get used or FOCs bid into part of them etc. If that path does run, then something is happening military wise somewhere

 

[Western 52]

Because if you take them out then chances are you never get them back. There are plenty of QJ strategic paths in the system that dont get used or FOCs bid into part of them etc. If that path does run, then something is happening military wise somewhere

I get that, but for trains that never run, maybe better to just run as a special if a need ever does arise?

 

[The Planner]

I get that, but for trains that never run, maybe better to just run as a special if a need ever does arise?

You still assume you can get a decent path VSTP.

 

[Watershed]

You still assume you can get a decent path VSTP.

Exactly. It's one thing squeezing in another path on a two track mainline with a 3 minute headway, quite another trying to get lines with long AB sections, single lines and/or single lead junctions to work.

Hence why there are also paths in year round for the Belmond Royal Scotsman on the Far North/Kyle line (amongst other places), even though they only actually end up running a few trains a year.

 

[55002]

The Rectory Junction (Colwick Colas) to Lindsey tanks is still in. The oil terminal shut down 3 years ago, was actually a Total site.

 

[The Planner]

The Rectory Junction (Colwick Colas) to Lindsey tanks is still in. The oil terminal shut down 3 years ago, was actually a Total site.

Again, that is a path that could well be useful and difficult to get back, especially in the Lincolnshire area.

 

[Kite159]

You still have paths to/from Tower Colliery on the Aberdare branch, removing a passenger train from the standard half hourly pattern. That hasn't run for a few years and even the line beyond Aberdare is blocked.

 

[Western 52]

You still have paths to/from Tower Colliery on the Aberdare branch, removing a passenger train from the standard half hourly pattern. That hasn't run for a few years and even the line beyond Aberdare is blocked.

Indeed, there's a buffer stop just beyond the station!

 

[Jim Jehosofat]

And in the late 1970s there was the 8.14 from Barnehurst to Blackfriars, made famous by this record

 

[onlinespotting]

It’s one that stops at pilning , is it suspended currently or is it there just in case another one is cancelled?