Trains using different platforms during engineering works or disruption

[louis97]

it would make more sense if trains departing P3 could 'bypass' P4 to continue down the line, but the only way it seems is that a P3 train then goes into the sidings to avoid anything that might be in P4.

You can, using the same crossover as goes to the siding you can get to the up line, where you can go a short distance before rejoining the down line after the sidings.

 

[adrock1976]

The Virgin Intercity services normally use Platforms 1 and 2 at Glasgow Central. However, they have also been known to use Platform 9 on odd occasions during disruption, as this is an alternative platform that is similar length to 1 and 2.

In peace

Adam

 

[Hellfire]

Things were all over the place at Euston on Wednesday afternoon. I usually catch the 1630 to Glasgow Central which invariably leaves from platform 3, after originating from Liverpool Lime Street. I was loitering at the top of the platform 3 ramp when I noticed the incoming train was a Voyager.

A glance at Real Time Trains showed the Glasgow service abruptly moving to platform 16. Three minutes later it was showing as platform 13. I went down to 13 to discover a Pendolino showing Manchester Picc on the doors. I got halfway back up the ramp again when they called the Glasgow departure from 13. Turns out that the train at 16 had developed a fault and they had switched trains.

I felt really sorry for the oncoming train crew who had just 8 minutes to get ready for departure and didn't even have time to download the reservations. I have no idea what caused all the last minute platform switches but we still left on time so credit to all concerned.

 

[12CSVT]

I've seen a last minute platform change resulting in a West London Line service (as it was then, now the London Overground Clapham Junction - Willesden Junction route) departing from platfrom 17 instead of platform 2 during the evening peak a few years ago. I think more people missed it than got over the footbridge in time.

 

[47831]

During engineering work and sometimes in disruption, Southern and Gatwick Express services operate from the Eastern side of the station. Tomorrow for example, Southern will operate their four trains per hour departing Victoria from platforms 6 and 7.

 

[Starmill]

The one that usually catches me out is using 13 or 14 at Piccadilly the wrong way to normal! I've also used Platform 1 at Oxford Road heading Eastbound, and I've also known a colleague to use Platform 5 at Oxford Road (work that one out!). There used to be some rare moves out of Platform 2 at Nottingham heading west during disruption as well, they'd usually be routed via the Up or Down Main lines rather than platform roads.

Frankly, I was surprised the 4 car fit in P1 at Oxford Road, and the guard was also surprised we'd been put there. I suppose it was just lucky nobody who couldn't use stairs wanted to get off there o.O.

 

[PermitToTravel]

I've worked trains in both directions at Oxford Rd and Piccadilly on every platform including the bays. Incidentally, Platform 5 at Oxford Road will be taken out of use when the Northern Hub is complete. Lime St trains will start from Buxton or Hazel Grove.

I think I've done the same at Preston - even Platform 7 with empties.

Working a train north from Piccadilly platforms 1-12 is very strongly discouraged

 

[6Gman]

I've been northbound out of Crewe from Platforms 7/8 on two occasions. Once to Manchester or Liverpool for some unfathomable reason.

The other was on a Cardiff - Holyhead diverted via Crewe which was routed into Platform 12. The Driver (Cardiff?) claimed not to sign the road so, after some delay, it was sent into 7. A fresh driver took over, took us to South Junction, reversed, and then took us via the through road by Platform 12 ... !

 

[RichmondCommu]

Not rare for LM to use platforms other than 8 to 11 at Euston but I have never known a Virgin (or IC service) to use the "wood", 9 and 10 are only 8 cars long IIRC.

Or the signalbox when you are trying to juggle trains around during disruption!

Apologies for what may well be a stupid question but what is the "wood". And why is it called the "wood"?

 

[bicbasher]

When London Overground only operate shuttle services during engineering works between New Cross Gate and West Croydon. Platform 2 which is normally used by Southern stoppers from London Bridge is used.

 

[Welshman]

Apologies for what may well be a stupid question but what is the "wood". And why is it called the "wood"?

I could be totally wrong here, but making a guess I would say it is the local name for the dc electric platforms the local services to Watford Junction use. As these are third rail, perhaps the "wood" is the protection around the live third rail in the station area?

 

[RichmondCommu]

I could be totally wrong here, but making a guess I would say it is the local name for the dc electric platforms the local services to Watford Junction use. As these are third rail, perhaps the "wood" is the protection around the live third rail in the station area?

Ah, yes of course. I think you may well be onto something here!

 

[Waddon]

A few months back when the Southeastern side of Victoria was closed for engineering work, I saw the Orient Express service using platform 19. Was an interesting day, because there was a Colas class 70, two 73's, a 60 and at least two 66's all at the station at the same time

Separately, earlier this year I was once on a southbound scheduled service passing through Redhill which was diverted right over onto the northbound platform 2 to pass a steam charter which was waiting in the Southbound platform 3

 

[tsr]

Separately, earlier this year I was once on a southbound scheduled service passing through Redhill which was diverted right over onto the northbound platform 2 to pass a steam charter which was waiting in the Southbound platform 3

This happens a bit with "normal" trains during disruption, especially if a train is faulty, dividing too slowly, or awaiting crew at Platform 3. All the platforms at Redhill are able to be accessed from all lines - and likewise have access to all lines - carrying passenger traffic, although access from the Reigate/Reading & Tonbridge routes towards Platform 3 remains controlled by ground position light signals only, and therefore these options would only be used in emergencies or for shunt movements.

 

[Whistler40145]

Do Virgin services ever get rerouted to the higher numbered platforms at Glasgow Central e.g. diversions via Shawlands or Kilmarnock?

 

[adrock1976]

Do Virgin services ever get rerouted to the higher numbered platforms at Glasgow Central e.g. diversions via Shawlands or Kilmarnock?

I've never known or seen them to be routed into Platform 11 upwards.

Platforms 9 and 10 are quite long - similar to 1 and 2.

Also of note, the overnight sleeper service to London normally departs from Platform 9.

In peace

Adam

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Do Virgin services ever get rerouted to the higher numbered platforms at Glasgow Central e.g. diversions via Shawlands or Kilmarnock?

The first ex-Euston service was booked into p9 at Glasgow Central until about 18 months ago, it now goes into 1 or 2, as does the majority of VT traffic these days. As above, 1, 2, 9 and 10 can all hold (11-car at least) 390s - p11 might be able to but I'm not sure how that was impacted by the removal of 12a and associated works a couple of years ago. Your post did get me reminiscing of doing the G&SW on a diverted Pendolino about seven or eight years ago. What a cracking trip that was!