Bizarre set-up

[JohnV]

I am currently staying in a village near the Norwich to Great Yarmouth line and saw one of the trains yesterday. It comprised 3 coaches (Mark 2s?) between a pair of clapped out diesels (Class 37s?). How can this possibly be cost effective?

[65447]

Not at all bizarre but standard operational non-revenue activity. I often see strange 'consists' passing along the Great Eastern main line, which may be coaches that have been failed, are due to be lifted for inspection/servicing or are away to or returning from refitting/repainting.

Up to 5 (usually DRS) Class 37s travelling together is not unusual either.

Moving several items together only uses one path, less fuel and fewer staff.

[JohnV]

The unit I saw would seem to be the regular set used for passengers on this route.

[thesignalman]

It seems odd but if you need to contract in provision for local services that's probably how it will come. DMUs do not grow on trees to loco-hauled stock is the only option. And with the concept of shunters hooking-up and un-hooking being a thing of the past, an engine each end is the practical solution.

I saw a similar arrangements on the Cumbrian Coast recently, this was being operated by DRS.

Personally I think I would prefer the ride in "proper stock" to modern DMUs.

John

[WTTReprinter]

Very few terminal stations now have run-round facilities and those that do are rarely used.
The crossovers at Cleethorpes (for example) were taken out of use because on-train toilets were being flushed in the platform and the S&T wouldn't work on the points unless they were cleaned out. Eventually they were abandoned.
Now, any hauled stock is usually 'top n tailed'. It makes reversing far simpler and takes less time than a run round movement.
As John says, if there is a shortage of units, or additional services are required, its simple to make up a few coaches and work them between two locos.

[UpDistant]

DRS have been providing such a set up for a few years now, usually 2 x Class 37 +3, and until September there was a second set with 2 x Class 68 - the new ones that sound truly wonderful. IIRC it first came about when there was a shortage of DMUs for Anglia/Abellio/whoever as there were a few accident casualties (usually level crossing collisions). As the Signalman has said, DMUs don't grow on trees - in fact, nationally, there aren't any. The few that have become available have gone straight to other operators. Don't forget, Greater Anglia are "supposed" to be replacing every item of rolling stock in the next couple of years.

Enjoy loco haulage if you can.

[Mickey]

Not sure if we're talking about the same type of train here but we get a regular 'Ultrasonic track recorder train' that runs over most of the former GE lines around East Anglia most weekdays. Sometimes the train originates from Derby and travels up the 'Midland' main line to reach the former GE lines and on other occasions it comes out of Ferme Park (Hornsey) on the Kings Cross area where it has been stabled possibly over night and then travels the former GE lines usually almost continuously for around 24 hours at a time track recording. The train is quite often formed by two class 37s 'top & tailed' and at least two or maybe three 'yellow' painted BR Mk2 coaches.

[JohnV]

My original post referred to regular, timetabled passenger trains.

[thesignalman]

So did mine.

John