Willenhall & Darlaston station construction updates

[WTT Gremlin]

I was planning to take the 1626 from New Street but it’s been cancelled (along with the 1326 which presumably is the same unit and crew)

The individual diagrams for rolling stock and different train crew roles (Driver/Guard/TM/etc) will often be different, and do not necessarily match up. Hence why an issues with any one of required parts can have a wider direct impact (before considering any delays that might be caused).

Me again. Welcome to our world on the Shrewsbury line. Train crew problem my XXXX.

Would you care sharing what the reason is then?

 

[zwk500]

What's with them having 105m platforms ?

I know there is normally 5m contingency, but a 4car 196 is 96m and class 730s are either 72m or 120m, so why 105m long platforms ?

Could be several things, but would need to see the project documentation to know for sure.

 

[Harpo]

Would you care sharing what the reason is then?

‘Traincrew problem’ usually means not enough (management issues) or delays that can’t be recovered (management issues). It’s extremely rare for it to be problematic traincrew other than during disputes (management issues) or traincrew errors that get called operational issues.

Simplistic and debateable? Yes!

 

[ABB125]

What is the actual point of these contract security? Seems like a complete waste of taxpayer money.

To stand in the shot of photographers just to annoy them?

I suppose they don't know what's going to happen on the first day so it's a reasonable precaution just in case of antisocial behaviour. But definitely shouldn't need to be permanent. (That said, University still has, generally, at least two contract staff all day every day on each platform whose role is seemingly to stand next to the invariably open gateline looking bored...)

 

[Northerngirl]

I failed to get there today, delayed getting in and the cancellations, the 1tph really isn't great when that happens, especially when a reasonable amount of people will be changing onto it at brum, hopefully they can find stock to run somthing better, or people wont use it (are there not surplus 730s)

 

[SCDR_WMR]

I failed to get there today, delayed getting in and the cancellations, the 1tph really isn't great when that happens, especially when a reasonable amount of people will be changing onto it at brum, hopefully they can find stock to run somthing better, or people wont use it (are there not surplus 730s)

There will be a better service at a later date. 2tph is what is planned, though unsure how evenly spread those will be.

Certainly not the best look for the new stations to receive.

 

[Kite159]

...

There will be a better service at a later date. 2tph is what is planned, though unsure how evenly spread those will be.

Certainly not the best look for the new stations to receive.

Indeed diesel only when both are under wires and no Sunday service, unless there are plans to do some short term changes.

 

[ABB125]

There will be a better service at a later date. 2tph is what is planned, though unsure how evenly spread those will be.

Certainly not the best look for the new stations to receive.

Was it not originally planned to have 2tph from the start? I seem to remember reading something about one of the Birmingham Liverpools being diverted, or possibly the "it's never going to happen" Birmingham to Manchester Airport via just about everywhere...

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Was it not originally planned to have 2tph from the start? I seem to remember reading something about one of the Birmingham Liverpools being diverted, or possibly the "it's never going to happen" Birmingham to Manchester Airport via just about everywhere...

Not the Liverpool's - though possible.

Yes the Crewe - Stafford will be going via Tame Bridge to New St again later in the year. Plenty of staff still sign that route so could be implemented easily with permission from the relevant bodies (so won't happen or course).

Whether the 2nd tph comes before December I'm not sure at this point.

 

[DavidGrain]

I failed to get there today, delayed getting in and the cancellations, the 1tph really isn't great when that happens, especially when a reasonable amount of people will be changing onto it at brum, hopefully they can find stock to run somthing better, or people wont use it (are there not surplus 730s)

730s can't go to Shrewsbury as that line is not electrified. The 350s which are planed to come this way to Manchester Airport could be used. Also if we ever get a Wolverhampton to Walsall service the 350s could be used. I understand that the Walsall to Aldridge Line when that reopens will be a diesel shuttle.
I was on Birmingham New Street station this afternoon and saw Darlaston and Willenhall displayed. I did think I might do a short trip to Darlaston or Willenhall and back but decided to go home instead. I knew that I did not have time to go to Wolverhampton and back even if I did a different return route.

 

[WTT Gremlin]

Indeed diesel only when both are under wires and no Sunday service, unless there are plans to do some short term changes.

Unless someone can do some very rapid electrification between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury, or Stadler have some 755s hidden away I am not sure how at least 1 of tph wouldn't be diesel.

Not the Liverpool's - though possible.

Yes the Crewe - Stafford will be going via Tame Bridge to New St again later in the year. Plenty of staff still sign that route so could be implemented easily with permission from the relevant bodies (so won't happen or course).

Whether the 2nd tph comes before December I'm not sure at this point.

December Timetable change would seem the most sensible given the WTT changes needed to accommodate the extensions.

Was it not originally planned to have 2tph from the start? I seem to remember reading something about one of the Birmingham Liverpools being diverted, or possibly the "it's never going to happen" Birmingham to Manchester Airport via just about everywhere...

Will know how prophetic you are circa mid July if not sooner.

730s can't go to Shrewsbury as that line is not electrified. The 350s which are planed to come this way to Manchester Airport could be used. Also if we ever get a Wolverhampton to Walsall service the 350s could be used. I understand that the Walsall to Aldridge Line when that reopens will be a diesel shuttle.
I was on Birmingham New Street station this afternoon and saw Darlaston and Willenhall displayed. I did think I might do a short trip to Darlaston or Willenhall and back but decided to go home instead. I knew that I did not have time to go to Wolverhampton and back even if I did a different return route.

Indeed, and seems sensible given the limited cost option chosen for building a new Aldridge station. If successful / works with freight via Sutton Park it might prove a useful place to terminate a Wolverhampton - Walsall service.

 

[birchesgreen]

Pity the West Midlands Railway website hasn't been updated yet for the new stations. Pretty poor.

Edit: the app seems to have been though

 

[The Planner]

Unless someone can do some very rapid electrification between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury, or Stadler have some 755s hidden away I am not sure how at least 1 of tph wouldn't be diesel.

December Timetable change would seem the most sensible given the WTT changes needed to accommodate the extensions.

Will know how prophetic you are circa mid July if not sooner.

Indeed, and seems sensible given the limited cost option chosen for building a new Aldridge station. If successful / works with freight via Sutton Park it might prove a useful place to terminate a Wolverhampton - Walsall service.

D40 was a fortnight ago, so someone will know if its bid.

 

[WTT Gremlin]

D40 was a fortnight ago, so someone will know if its bid.

Indeed so... but such a someone might may not be at liberty to say.

 

[The Planner]

Indeed so... but such a someone might may not be at liberty to say.

They aren't exactly hush hush.

 

[zwk500]

Indeed so... but such a someone might may not be at liberty to say.

They aren't exactly hush hush.

It's either publicly available, in which case could either of you just confirm what's happening, or it shouldn't be public knowledge, in which case people who clearly work with the Timetable should be not saying anything, rather than vaguely hinting at things.

 

[WTT Gremlin]

It's either publicly available, in which case could either of you just confirm what's happening, or it shouldn't be public knowledge, in which case people who clearly work with the Timetable should be not saying anything, rather than vaguely hinting at things.

But it is not a binary situation.

WMT through London Northwestern Railway have made public statements about wanting to serve Manchester Airport from December 2026 through a proposed extension of Stafford to Crewe via Stoke to become Birmingham to Manchester Airport via Wolverhampton and Stoke.

In the NR Calendar of Milestone dates for Dec26 & May27 Timetables - can be found at the bottom of the NR Operational Rules webpage - Priority Date for December 2026 was 6th March 2026. This is the deadline for operator access proposals (bids) submission. D-40 is from the Network Code as this deadline is 40 weeks before the Timetable is due to run.

In referring to by mid-July (from the same document) I was referencing D-21 CIF Electronic Data available. Following this point the data should be visible on places like Realtimetrains. With consideration that public statements may be made before that time.

All this is publicly available, but does not include any confirmation of whether such an extension was included in a bid, nor that in a situation where they did bid for the extensions whether there are paths in the final WTT.

Therefore it is entirely correct for me to point out that some people may not be on a position to share information which they have knowledge of.

You are welcome for the breakdown, and please do not make implied accusations when I have not “vaguely hinted” at anything.

 

[RGM654]

As far as I can see from TRACKatlas, trains serving Darlaston and Willenhall have to pass through Bescot Stadium station unless they go through Bescot yard, so why don't they serve Bescot?

 

[pokemonsuper9]

As far as I can see from TRACKatlas, trains serving Darlaston and Willenhall have to pass through Bescot Stadium station unless they go through Bescot yard, so why don't they serve Bescot?

You could ask the same of the Rugeley Trent Valley - Birmingham International trains. I think it's just not busy enough to warrant it (or maybe pathing constraints).

 

[SCDR_WMR]

As far as I can see from TRACKatlas, trains serving Darlaston and Willenhall have to pass through Bescot Stadium station unless they go through Bescot yard, so why don't they serve Bescot?

It's not that busy a station other than football traffic to need a more frequent service.

Tame Bridge is the station best for changing to/from Walsall.

 

[DavidGrain]

Tame Bridge is the station best for changing to/from Walsall.

At present this is correct, but the question now is When will the direct service from Wolverhampton to Walsall be re-instituted? Recently there had been much discussion in the local press expressing regret that a re-institution of this service with the reopening of stations at Darlaston and Willenhall has not been undertaken. Currently between these two major towns there is just one 'parliamentary' train early Saturday mornings. Another point is that both Willenhall and Darlaston fall within the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall yet they do not have a direct train service to the centre of the town in which they live.
For information on the Wolverhampton to Walsall Line this video gives information on the history of the line and the expectation of the re-starting of the service to Walsall. This video was filmed about a year ago so sets out the position as it was thought to be at that time.

 

[spp]

At present this is correct, but the question now is When will the direct service from Wolverhampton to Walsall be re-instituted? Recently there had been much discussion in the local press expressing regret that a re-institution of this service with the reopening of stations at Darlaston and Willenhall has not been undertaken. Currently between these two major towns there is just one 'parliamentary' train early Saturday mornings. Another point is that both Willenhall and Darlaston fall within the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall yet they do not have a direct train service to the centre of the town in which they live.
For information on the Wolverhampton to Walsall Line this video gives information on the history of the line and the expectation of the re-starting of the service to Walsall. This video was filmed about a year ago so sets out the position as it was thought to be at that time.

The local ‘outrage’ was typical modern day be offended on social media over something you wouldn’t use anyway! Similar to all the people who moan on Facebook when a pub shuts down but haven’t set foot in it for 20 years.

Willenhall and especially Darlaston train station don’t need a link to Walsall nobody would use it for such short journeys. Unless the trains were ever 10 mins you’d be quicker walking from Darlaston!

I’m not so sure on the need for a Wolverhampton/Walsall service either, is it really needed? I remember using it around 2007 semi regularly (once a month) and was hardly anyone ever on it. The towns are too similar in what they offer not much you can get in one that you can’t the other.

 

[sh24]

The Walsall-Wolves parliamentary service ended some time ago.

 

[JW4]

The Walsall-Wolves parliamentary service ended some time ago.

It will be reintroduced in the May 2026 timetable

Realtime Trains | 2H00 0553 Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley | 30/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 2H00 0553 departure from Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley on 30/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

2H00 0553 Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley

 

[spp]

It will be reintroduced in the May 2026 timetable

Realtime Trains | 2H00 0553 Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley | 30/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 2H00 0553 departure from Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley on 30/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

2H00 0553 Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley

This route would actually be a lot better than just Wolves/Walsall

 

[DavidGrain]

It will be reintroduced in the May 2026 timetable

Realtime Trains | 2H00 0553 Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley | 30/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 2H00 0553 departure from Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley on 30/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

2H00 0553 Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley

There is a train that does run daily but at 0541. It looks like a positioning movement that has been reclassified from ECS to passenger service

 

[sh24]

It will be reintroduced in the May 2026 timetable

Realtime Trains | 2H00 0553 Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley | 30/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 2H00 0553 departure from Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley on 30/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

2H00 0553 Wolverhampton to Rugeley Trent Valley

Can't wait to see what Wolverhampton station is like at 05:53

 

[Harpo]

Can't wait to see what Wolverhampton station is like at 05:53

Arguably better than in daylight.

 

[cle]

This route would actually be a lot better than just Wolves/Walsall

Agree, could give some connectivity (esp to the TV Euston) - and useful to anyone on that route travelling to Wolves / Wales.

 

[The Planner]

Agree, could give some connectivity (esp to the TV Euston) - and useful to anyone on that route travelling to Wolves / Wales.

You would go to Stafford via Wolves if you really wanted that, miles quicker.