(31 Dec 2015, 12:49 pm)8222 wrote I'm heading VTEC first class in a few weeks on a booked-HST run from KGX. Hopefully will get a newly refurbished set! See how it compares to Grand Central's 180 refurb.
By the way - does anyone know how the platforming works at Sunderland for the VTEC departure/arrival? I can't help but think the train would be too long to fit as the 6-coach GC set just fits.
(31 Dec 2015, 3:31 pm)Andreos1 wrote Not looking forward to leather, when suited and booted for work on a hot day!
I think I asked a question re platform allocations a while back and whether it would be on a north or southbound platform (despite heading north).
Seeing GC use both, depending on which side the Metro is approaching from, may have an impact - if one is due.
GC have used Ryhope Junction as a holding point in the past. I wonder if VTEC may use that.
According to Real Time Trains (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/b...12/29/0500), the service uses Platform 3, which is the Airport-bound Metro platform. The photograph citaro5284 uploaded above would suggest that it stretches up towards Platform 4, which is the platform Northern Rail services use during the day.
Having used the 0544 Metro previously, I know that this service used to use Platform 3, as it terminated in Park Lane on the platform towards Airport rather than South Hylton. It appears, assuming RTT is correct, that this service now uses Platform 2 (as it does during the day).