Saphos Trains

The time in chesterfield will more realistically allow the Chatsworth customers 4-5 hours Break total taking traffic and travel time into account

 

And how come a Saphos trip starts from Carnforth?

 

Starting in Carnforth, that's all a bit tanks on the lawn isn't it and somehow I cannot imagine the numbers boarding at Carnforth wouldn't bother the digits on two hands, especially when it departs before any service trains arrive at Carnforth in the morning!

 

Unless some rather peculiar (And rather sad) point is being made, I assume they cannot get a platform at Lancaster, albeit again as above I am not sure how much traffic they expect from Lancaster leaving before any service trains have arrived?

 

Looking at RTT, Lancaster looks surprisingly busy so I suspect it's about ease of reversing for Lancashire pickups. As for the number of customers, who knows?

 

Are WCRC making a (sad) point if they pick up passengers at Crewe ?

 

Possibly so, albeit it makes rather more sense than a one horse parochial town, leaving before any service trains are available (A later departure could bring Leeds and Cumbria connections into the equation) and with a poky car park.

As per my point I suspect its a lack of platform space at Lancaster, albeit again noting the lack of service trains there as well, although the car park is at least larger.

I assume it will be T&T'ed so reversing at Lancaster is no problem (assuming a platform is available and they have 3 to choose from), I did wonder whether it was coming up the night before where stabling at Carnforth would make sense but it comes up for an immediate turn round.

 

As per my point I suspect its a lack of platform space at Lancaster, albeit again noting the lack of service trains there as well, although the car park is at least larger.

Totally agree, just seems odd to even think there was any other reason.

 

Crewe - Southall and return (Sun / Tues)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U13622/2021-12-12/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U13625/2021-12-14/detailed

 

What was surprising me was a Saphos trip starting from West Coast's home base, so thanks for the explanation, though it does seem unlikely that many passengers will join at the earlier pickup points.

 

I thought the same, but on reflection, admittedly its by car but a pick up set down in Lancaster brings Cumbria and Yorkshire much more into the equation plus as noted above it has a decent sized car park.

 

45231 at Barrow upon Soar this evening with the returning Chesterfield-Carnforth

 

That's a nice night shot Simon, with good reflection from the wet platform!

 

Times for 45231 on Monday. https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...3/0200-0159?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=LS

 

In the absence of a thread specifically for tomorrow's private charter from Victoria, the rumoured loco (45231) has been changed to 34046 (if RH is to be believed) - a pleasant surprise. What a shame 35028 isn't working tomorrow's runs as it would have seen two Bulleids at Victoria together.

 

Can confirm 34046 heading south for tomorrows trip. Seen early on its journey south, passing Stafford with the chairmans train in tow and class 47 on the rear.

 

34046 struggling a bit getting no help from the 47 on the back