Triple 159 at Exeter

[starrymarkb]

I didn't think the 9 cars came this far west, but at about 14:15 today one went across Red Cow crossing from the new yard sidings. Would it be split before departure or will it be SDO to Salisbury?

 

[TEW]

There aren't any booked 9 carriages to Exeter but it does happen on occasion. Usually the rear three will be locked out to and possibly even detached at Salisbury.

 

[dorsetman]

It happened today because a unit broke down at Pinhoe and trains have been unable to run between Honiton & Exeter most of the day, and units were in the wrong places

 

[starrymarkb]

Thanks I was rather surprised to see it while waiting for the crossing (figured it would be quicker to risk the crossing then the usual Exebridges chaos)

 

[455driver]

It happened today because a unit broke down at Pinhoe and trains have been unable to run between Honiton & Exeter most of the day, and units were in the wrong places

It didnt break down, it hit a deer which trashed the underside of the front 2 coaches.
It was probably the middle one of the 3 units as it would need to be boxed in to get it back to Salisbury so they could fix it.

 

[northernrailer]

The 21 : xx from Exeter St Davids each night is formed of 9 carriages but only 3 are in actual passenger use.

 

[fgwrich]

The 21 : xx from Exeter St Davids each night is formed of 9 carriages but only 3 are in actual passenger use.

Yes, Shame about the Front 3 Coaches only rule, especially upon arrival in Salisbury as it usually tends to lead to some rather lively journeys back to Basingstoke (Last eastbound service of the night is the 22:26).

(The 20:30 Service from Exeter is also sometimes formed of additional units - 6 i think is the norm).

 

[Charlie2555]

I saw this interesting 159 + 158 combination at Exeter St Davids back in April. 158's normally never venture West of Salisbury so was quite uncommon. A 7 car formation!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmR0jbOLvzg&feature=plcp

 

[Drsatan]

Yes, Shame about the Front 3 Coaches only rule, especially upon arrival in Salisbury as it usually tends to lead to some rather lively journeys back to Basingstoke (Last eastbound service of the night is the 22:26).

(The 20:30 Service from Exeter is also sometimes formed of additional units - 6 i think is the norm).

The last time I travelled on the 2026 EXD-BSK it was six coaches long, but only the first three were in use. Is there a reason why the rear three are locked OOU?

 

[TheWalrus]

Possibly because a few of the stations have short platforms and also the capacity isnt needed so its easier just to unlock 3 coaches.