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Future of WCML Steam

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by Big Al, Aug 15, 2012.

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  1. oldmrheath

    oldmrheath Well-Known Member

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    I have Ralph and completely agree- my guess is that a 6-car Pendolino will offer a few extra seats, but 8-car would be better....
     
    oldmrheath, Aug 16, 2012
    #21
  2. ADB968008

    ADB968008 Guest

    Surely the purpose of a direct train is to be faster ?
    Euston via Manchester to Blackpool, it'll still be faster to change at Preston, unless they start reducing Scottish services stopping at Preston ?
    Euston to Bolton will be nice though.
     
    ADB968008, Aug 17, 2012
    #22
  3. Sheff

    Sheff Resident of Nat Pres

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    I wondered if they are proposing to run semi-fasts, and that's how they are going to add the extra stops for Nuneaton and MK? Could be interesting as LM were also to introduce some faster direct London services (rather than via Northampton).
     
    Sheff, Aug 17, 2012
    #23
  4. ADB968008

    ADB968008 Guest

    OOI what's the future for Blackpool south ? Will this be electrified or closed even ?

    This has to be one of the last former mainlines in the country not to have seen preserved steam, but how it's still even open interests me ?
     
    ADB968008, Aug 17, 2012
    #24
  5. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Not always designed to be faster. Some people prefer not to have to change trains so a direct train is more appealing to that sector of the market even if not quite as quick.
     
    Spamcan81, Aug 17, 2012
    #25
  6. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Just a long siding currently isn't it ?, Im suprise South hasn't been looked at for some capacity developments, given it's proximity to Pleasure Beach, which is the ultimate destination for many going to Blackpool, and the South end of the Promenade as well, especially so as it appears North is losing a few platforms during Electrifcation works thus reducing spare capacity there.
     
    david1984, Aug 17, 2012
    #26
  7. 46223

    46223 Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Plenty of room for expanding the station at Blackpool South. There is a large car park at the side which always looks
    empty every time I pass it. In the latest SR someone has suggested running 'top 'n tail' steam into Blackpool South on
    Sundays from Kirkham.
     
    46223, Aug 17, 2012
    #27
  8. Fred Kerr

    Fred Kerr Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Its the "Alice in Wonderland" definition that "words mean what I say they mean not what YOU think they mean"

    Sadly, in this case, the train service to Blackpool has been defined as "direct" [i.e. no change] which some people re-interpret as being "faster". As noted by others it will probably be the case that the Blackpool service will be a Manchester service (via Crewe or Stoke ?) extended to provide Bolton and Blackpool stops (a franchise commitment) whilst also doubling the number of through Euston - Preston trains (another franchise commitment).
    Given the First Group also operates services to Blackpool / Barrow / Edinburgh / Glasgow with its First TransPenine (FTP) franchise, it will be interesting to see how the FTP timetable will change to either complement or compete with the First West Coast timetable.
    The new franchise will provide an interesting comparison with Virgin Trains and Virgin Cross Country operations which ran complementary services for a while.
     
    Fred Kerr, Aug 18, 2012
    #28
  9. osprey

    osprey Resident of Nat Pres

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    Could'nt these comments be transferred to the correct thread please.....
     
    osprey, Oct 4, 2012
    #29
  10. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    So be it....
     
    RalphW, Oct 4, 2012
    #30
  11. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    I'm assuming that pending whatever happens after the temporary franchise extension I presume that Virgin will get, paths for steam and charters generally will change little. If so then I hope that RTC/SD/Compass etc don't find themselves given a provisional steam path into 2013 to have it removed when the new operator plays around with services.
     
    Big Al, Oct 4, 2012
    #31
  12. Christopher125

    Christopher125 Part of the furniture

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    I don't see any reason to think that things will be changed anytime soon, and they'd still need approval from the rail regulator - even the new services proposed in the bids were subject to ORR approval.

    Chris
     
    Christopher125, Oct 4, 2012
    #32
  13. campainr

    campainr Well-Known Member

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    A bit of a late reply but I think platform capacity at New Street rather makes things difficult with anything longer than 6 vehicles - as then the full length of a platform is required as opposed to only the A or B end. That would be why the figure of 6 has been quoted.
     
    campainr, Oct 4, 2012
    #33
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