Virgin Trains via Linlithgow

[TrainViation]

On YouTube, I found a thumbnail of a video which featured a Virgin Trains Class 221 operating 1Z60 from Edinburgh Waverley to Oxenholme Lake District on the 18th of May 2013.
Does anyone know the reason for this diversion?

 

[Mcr Warrior]

@TrainViation. Good question! Possibly a line closure (or blockage) somewhere between Haymarket & Carstairs, perhaps?

 

[Toby268]

Up until voyagers went, Edinburgh VT/Avanti drivers and train managers signed Through to Falkirk Grahamston and onwards to Cumbernauld and Motherwell to join the WCML for engineering blockades or disruption purposes. Up until the voyagers went in 2023 (I think) on the Edinburgh route, ECS moves to polmadie were still booked this way in the morning and evening to retain competency. Although it is now electrified throughout, pendolinos were never cleared for the route so the ability for these services to do this diversion was lost.

 

[tynesider]

I believe this was planned engineering works.

On 20th April 2013, I travelled on 1M60, 15:57 Edinburgh Waverley - Carlisle, routed via Linlithgow, Falkirk Grahamston, Cumbernauld and Motherwell.

Hope this helps!

 

[GJ37425]

Between March & May 2013 there was engineering works at Midcalder Junction so there was diversions each weekend then a week in May they ran through the week. Transpennine & Caledonian Sleeper services were diverted too.

Made a compilation videos a few years ago with the moves:

The Virgin/Avanti Voyagers kept running a ECS via Cumbernauld on a weekday morning till a few years ago

 

[TrainViation]

Between March & May 2013 there was engineering works at Midcalder Junction so there was diversions each weekend then a week in May they ran through the week. Transpennine & Caledonian Sleeper services were diverted too.

Made a compilation videos a few years ago with the moves:

The Virgin/Avanti Voyagers kept running a ECS via Cumbernauld on a weekday morning till a few years ago

It was exactly this video I was referring to! (Edit, it wasn't, it was another compilation with the same thumbnail...) Certainly an interesting sight. I really wish the 390s had clearance to run via Cumbernauld and Falkirk Grahamston as well as the current Shotts line ECS. Would definitely make sense just in case if the line between Haymarket and Midcalder Junction should be shut again in the future.

 

[route101]

I recall going this way on a TPE 185 from Edinburgh to Glasgow Central. I have more recently gone the other way on the sleeper.