(28 Mar 2015, 8:20 pm)northern156 wrote Carlisle drivers and guards sign 158s and a few have made it across to Newcastle previously (as well as 153s). However Newcastle crew don't sign them at all and, from my viewpoint, I can't see Northern wanting to train all of their staff up.

From my experience, the Tyne Valley doesn't really need expansion (barring a few services - ie some trips on Saturdays to/from Metrocentre) but this is sometimes handled by ScotRail by putting on 2x 156s anyway.


In an unrelated note, the new Fife Circle contract starts on Wednesday 1st April 2015 utilising DRS' Class 68s and Mark 2 coaches, taking over from DB Schenker.

Did Heaton Depot not previously had 158's in the past before Northern did a re-juggle of placement of rolling stock? 

Although I highly doubt it but it be interesting if/when the pacers do go whether or not Heaton will get 158's from Scotrail or within the Northern fleet although I do suspect it will more than likely to be 156's only. 

When did a 153 operate on the Tyne Valley line? First I heard of that one.