(25 Sep 2015, 4:01 pm)S813 FVK wrote Will all 9 carriages be able to fit on the platform or will it be a case of some overhanging/not reaching the platform?
VTEC proposes to operate the new service using 2+9 high speed trains (HSTs). These trains are 247 metres in length which is longer than the platforms at Sunderland (by approximately 2 coach lengths). In addition, the leading Power Car would be off the platform. We are working with industry partners, and Network Rail in particular, to agree a solution for the safe operation of a VTEC train at Sunderland. From various site visits and a test train on 22 February, we have identified the need to build a walking route for drivers – this will be approximately 67 metres in length at the south end of the station. In terms of other matters at Sunderland, it would be necessary for Northern Rail staff to isolate the fire alarm sensors at platform level while a VTEC train is occupying the platform, in the same way they do for Grand Central services.
For further reading see here: http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file...o-dbtw.pdf