Why do Pacers get allocated to the Hope Valley Stoppers?

[cactustwirly]

Does it have anything to do with guards, maybe two are needed to run with both sets in use? Certainly TPE were running 6 car with the back set out of use and the front fairly well loaded on Sunday, presumably because they don’t have two guards to deal with the short platforms?

Shouldn't normally need 2 guards, lots of double units only operate with 1 guard.
Short platforms shouldn't be an issue if they're fitted with SDO.
I guess that they're not, so the rear 3 were locked out of use

 

[Killingworth]

Shouldn't normally need 2 guards, lots of double units only operate with 1 guard.
Short platforms shouldn't be an issue if they're fitted with SDO.
I guess that they're not, so the rear 3 were locked out of use

Yesterday morning the 7.14 TPE from Dore for the Airport took 3 minutes instead of the booked one at Dore. Seemed to be only one guard on the 6 coach unit in 4 car platform. Trouble was opening the doors from rear of first unit. Tried to see if the front cab of second unit offered any help, but finally achieved opening of 4th carriage doors by activation of something on the front unit. Great relief all round! No second guard in evidence but may have been further back in the train. SDO bars are between the rails at both ends of the platform.