Unusual sighting at Perth

[najaB]

Just saw two HST power cars back to back heading through Perth. I'm guessing that one was unwell and was being taken for some TLC, can anyone confirm if this was the case?

 

[Trainguy34]

Which way was it going?

 

[The Puddock]

Just saw two HST power cars back to back heading through Perth. I'm guessing that one was unwell and was being taken for some TLC, can anyone confirm if this was the case?

It's just a swap - a pair ran up from Haymarket to Inverness yesterday and this is the return. They left Inverness at 04:50 this morning, running via Aberdeen (with a long layover at Clayhills).

 

[najaB]

It's just a swap - a pair ran up from Haymarket to Inverness yesterday and this is the return. They left Inverness at 04:50 this morning, running via Aberdeen (with a long layover at Clayhills).

Thanks. Seems a somewhat wasteful way to do it, is there a reason that they couldn't done the swap at Haymarket? Don't they all cycle through there at some point?

Edit: I presume this is the working - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:79784/2023-07-22/detailed - if so, it's interesting that it was pathed to go via Leuchars. I guess they went via Newburgh for route knowledge?

 

[hexagon789]

I don't know the reason for the swap but power cars were:

21/07: 0H17 - 43037 & 43129
22/07: 0B70/0H07 - 43035 & 43142

Edited: to correct typo

 

[The Puddock]

22/07: 0B70/0H07 - 43035 & 43132

It was 142 trailing, not 132.

 

[hexagon789]

It was 142 trailing, not 132.

Sorry, my fault, that's a typo. The info I had does state 142.

 

[scotrail170407]

I guess they went via Newburgh for route knowledge?

Back to back power cars aren’t permitted to run over the Tay bridge

 

[najaB]

Back to back power cars aren’t permitted to run over the Tay bridge

Ah yes. I do remember reading that in the Sectional Appendix. In that case, I wonder why it was pathed via Leuchars?

 

[Davester50]

Ah yes. I do remember reading that in the Sectional Appendix. In that case, I wonder why it was pathed via Leuchars?

Wouldn't be the first time a late created train path has been incorrect in some way.

 

[scotrail170407]

Ah yes. I do remember reading that in the Sectional Appendix. In that case, I wonder why it was pathed via Leuchars?

The path used is normally 5H07 a 2+4/5 ECS from Clayhills to haymarket. They made use of this and put the back to back power cars today on that same path under 0H07.

I’d guess it’s easier to do this than altering the actual path to go via newburgh

 

[ld0595]

Back to back power cars aren’t permitted to run over the Tay bridge

Out of interest, why is that?

 

[najaB]

I’d guess it’s easier to do this than altering the actual path to go via newburgh

I suppose so. Hopefully it didn't cause too many delays being 70+ minutes out of order.

 

[BlueLeanie]

Out of interest, why is that?

Isn't there a restriction on double-headed locos on the Tay Bridge due to weight?

Although now I've said that, someone is bound to post a pic of a double headed 73 on the Sleeper now.

 

[ld0595]

Isn't there a restriction on double-headed locos on the Tay Bridge due to weight?

Although now I've said that, someone is bound to post a pic of a double headed 73 on the Sleeper now.

I'm 99% sure when I took the sleeper from Dundee in 2017(?)ish, it was hauled by a 66+73 so I don't think that's it!

 

[najaB]

I'm 99% sure when I took the sleeper from Dundee in 2017(?)ish, it was hauled by a 66+73 so I don't think that's it!

I guess they have a special dispensation from Network Rail.

 

[Deepgreen]

Back to back power cars aren’t permitted to run over the Tay bridge

Why is that - weight restriction? Does that also mean double-headers are also banned?

 

[hexagon789]

Why is that - weight restriction? Does that also mean double-headers are also banned?

Not banned, restricted.