Sherborne Christmas Carol: 4/12/24

Unless GBR promotes the training of signallers and controllers in the art of train regulation and values operating experience, I can't see GBR making much difference. At the moment there is a coping strategy called delay attribution. That apportions blame, it doesn't find the underlying causes of delays. The TOC's don't have much influence on train regulation, that is Network Rail signallers and controllers. Ultimately TOC, FOC and NR train planners need to produce a robust plan.
( Yes it is an art, estimating whether a train is running well or badly combined with knowing which services are on time or running late, plus local instructions of giving certain services a clear road even if running late. There is no point in letting an on time stopping service run, if the late running non stop service will catch it up within 10 miles and the next loop is another 10 miles further. The discussion of intangible factors like whether a particular train is a "going home turn" is often beyond the comprehension of managers....)

Cheers, Neil

 

So what happened at Yeovil Jn?

 

The support coach was turned on the turntable with footage on YouTube. Tornados support coach was turned on the turntable at Heaton a few years ago.

 

The loco isn't being turned at Salisbury for that one. It attaches to the rear when the diesel returns the tour from Bristol, and the entire consist is turned using Laverstock Junctions