VT 4/5 Car Stop

[Mark_re]

Hi all,

I remember when the Voyagers were introduced on XC, VT 4/5 Car stop signs went up all over the place. However, I'd always wondered why they were placed where they are. For example, platform 4 at Newcastle, where Voyagers stop right down towards the Southern end of the platform. As there are lots of discussions on here about passengers refusing to walk down a train and piling into the doors nearest the platform entrance, this has always seemed absurd. There is a similar situation on the down platform at Durham, where the sign is placed so far along the platform that practically the entire train is alongside the uncanopied section.

Obviously seasoned travellers know to walk down the platform for XC services (and EC at Durham), but: Was there any rationale in the placing of the signs? Is it only stations on the ECML where there is a problem, if indeed everyone agrees it is a problem as I believe? If so, why haven't they been moved?

Mark

 

[sprinterguy]

At Newcastle, it's possible that there isn't a platform repeater for the southbound signals for platforms 3 and 4, and given that these platforms have quite a sharp curve to them, drivers would be unable to see the signal aspect if they stopped mid platform, so it makes sense to stop Voyagers at the end (Doesn't seem to affect the Northern Morpeth-Metrocentre trains though).

I've never noticed as much of a problem on the down platform at Durham.

 

[142094]

The best example is York, on both platform 3 and 5 southbound. On platform 3, everyone waits towards the station entrance, then of course the voyager goes all the way down the platform. Same on 5, where everyone waits near the footbridge. Basically it is due to the curve and not being able to see the signal.

 

[sprinterguy]

Ah, thought as much.

 

[Mark_re]

Thanks!

 

[142094]

Would be good to have this clarified by someone who understands signalling better than me! Thinking about it, there is a service from York to Selby in the morning that uses platform 5 yet goes right upto the footbridge, even if it is a 2 car 158, which I would have thought would not be able to see the signal as well.

 

[sprinterguy]

Would be good to have this clarified by someone who understands signalling better than me! Thinking about it, there is a service from York to Selby in the morning that uses platform 5 yet goes right upto the footbridge, even if it is a 2 car 158, which I would have thought would not be able to see the signal as well.

Like my example of the Morpeth-Metrocentre Northern services, which sporadically use platform 3 at Newcastle when heading west, but stop mid-platform, presumably well out of sight of the signal at the end of the platform. Is it a requirement for Northern drivers to have a sixth sense for signal aspects?

 

[142094]

Seems that it is only on XC that they actually do this (and GC on 5 in York as well).

 

[swt_passenger]

VT 4/5 car stops might also be in an advanced position at Newcastle to allow for a second unit to attach to the rear? Just a possibility - it may have rarely happened of course...

 

[142094]

Good point, they do sometimes split and attach at Newcastle. Haven't seen this at York though.

 

[sprinterguy]

VT 4/5 car stops might also be in an advanced position at Newcastle to allow for a second unit to attach to the rear? Just a possibility - it may have rarely happened of course...

The stop boards make sense when a doubled up Voyager pulls in, as the train takes up the full length of the platform, like a proper Intercity train should, and it does happen occasionally that Voyagers split or join at Newcastle, but for most of the single Voyager worked services it just seems a bit odd.

 

[d1015fan]

i always the VT 4/5 car stop at dawlish in the Up direction its right down the far end of the platform so when its lashing down with rain everyone has to run up the platform and pile in the back door or longer if everyone searches for their coach

 

[TheWalrus]

Has anyone ever noticed one of these signs at Bath Spa?? When did VT serve Bath?

 

[ainsworth74]

When they ran the XC route I would imagine.

 

[Anvil1984]

Would be good to have this clarified by someone who understands signalling better than me! Thinking about it, there is a service from York to Selby in the morning that uses platform 5 yet goes right upto the footbridge, even if it is a 2 car 158, which I would have thought would not be able to see the signal as well.

We have the OFF indicator to go off on platform 5 at York. Yorks actually not that bad for XC the Voyagers don't park that far down on 3 (the problem is passengers wait at the North end of 3 and usually have to walk down as it is often First Class at the rear. It also doesnt help when they understandingly get confused by the EC coach marker boards.

 

[d1015fan]

Has anyone ever noticed one of these signs at Bath Spa?? When did VT serve Bath?

they were there I think for diverts to temple meads via bahampton junction and there was a stop at bath. they pop up everywhere on old VT network in odd places

 

[142094]

It also doesnt help when they understandingly get confused by the EC coach marker boards.

That is probably one of the more confusing things for passengers - helpful in a way but not when in very small writing it says "On East Coast services only".

 

[Mojo]

Has anyone ever noticed one of these signs at Bath Spa?? When did VT serve Bath?

XC serve Bath every morning at 06.09