Almost forgot I saw two East Coast trains on the Durham Coast Line through Sunderland this afternoon, one in each direction. Don't think I've ever seen it happen myself before but I guess it might happen more times than I've realised!

Photos by Graeme Phillips - http://www.flickr.com/photos/66289212@N07/8522131000/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66289212@N07/8521931968/

Diversion is in place until tomorrow -

http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/

"Engineering work between Darlington and Newcastle from 13:30 on Saturday 2 until 12:30 on Sunday 3 March 2013"

"An hourly diverted train service will run between York and Newcastle, not calling at Darlington and Durham"

There's also some travel information for trains by other operators.

Yeah, that's been going on for a while. I've seen it happen a few times over the last few two weeks or so.

I got such a shock when I was in Sunderland station and a massive East Coast train came blundering through. Everyone got such a shock in fact - many children went running from one side of the station to the other to see what it was causing such a racket.

I was on one a month or so ago, that diverted via Leeds and Wakefield because of work just south of York.

There are photos on flickr of British Rail trains on the Leamside Lime at Penshaw and the Victoria Viaduct taken in the 80s and early 90s on Sunday diversions.

The bidding for the new Intercity East Cost franchise has now begun, with a start date of February 2015 for theline to pass back into private hands.

It'll be interesting to see who are in the running for this one. I've been a regular East Coast user for the past 3 years, and I've very rarely got a complaint about it.

I'm not a supporter of privatisation, but at least I've heard very good things about the way Virgin run the WCML franchise. It'd be interesting to see if the First Group go in the running for it - I'd certainly assume they would, given what happened on the WCML.

I use East Coast pretty regular and despite having issues with their call centre/customer service team, I do think they are an excellent example of how nationalisation can work.

They are flying high in satisfaction surveys and have made the government millions. I cant understand the need to sell them off, espec when the ECML is going to fall further down the pecking order behind the WCML and HS2 when that is built.

As for privatisation, if CrossCountry and Northern are anything to go by, lets nationalise the lot!

(02 Apr 2013, 8:18 pm)Andreos1 wrote As for privatisation, if CrossCountry and Northern are anything to go by, lets nationalise the lot!

Hear, hear!

CrossCountry are generally all right punctuality wise for me, but I refuse to get on one of their trains if it's not a HST working. The Voyagers smell worse than public toilets.

Northern Rail... where do I start? I dread the days I have to get the York - Blackpool North (not) express. Best part of 3 hours spent on a Class 156 or 158. Not pleasant at all

(02 Apr 2013, 8:18 pm)Andreos1 wrote I use East Coast pretty regular and despite having issues with their call centre/customer service team, I do think they are an excellent example of how nationalisation can work.

They are flying high in satisfaction surveys and have made the government millions. I cant understand the need to sell them off, espec when the ECML is going to fall further down the pecking order behind the WCML and HS2 when that is built.

As for privatisation, if CrossCountry and Northern are anything to go by, lets nationalise the lot!

Because it was only ever meant to be short-term until the DfT could sort out a new agreement.

As for Northern Rail, a franchise the SFA got wrong by letting it with no growth and look at it now.

(02 Apr 2013, 8:29 pm)aureolin wrote

(02 Apr 2013, 8:18 pm)Andreos1 wrote As for privatisation, if CrossCountry and Northern are anything to go by, lets nationalise the lot!

Hear, hear!

CrossCountry are generally all right punctuality wise for me, but I refuse to get on one of their trains if it's not a HST working. The Voyagers smell worse than public toilets.

Northern Rail... where do I start? I dread the days I have to get the York - Blackpool North (not) express. Best part of 3 hours spent on a Class 156 or 158. Not pleasant at all

I have been lucky to get a HST Cross Country a few times, but for the trips I do, its always a Voyager home. Your right, they stink.
I had to go via Carlisle on a Northern and change onto a Virgin to go north when there were problems on the ECML a month or so back. I was hoping it wouldnt be a Voyager - it was and I was amazed at the difference between the two companies.

However... Not sure on a Virgin diagram, but some of the CrossCountry's start 6ish in the morning in deepest darkest Plymouth and if I jump on it 11 hours later in Glasgow to head south, its got however many gallons of pi** and shi* swimming about in it. The tanks must never get emptied.
However whenever you pull up at Kings Cross, I always notice the toilets being emptied before anything else.

I dont envy you that journey from York mind - at all!

---

(02 Apr 2013, 8:34 pm)Kuyoyo wrote

(02 Apr 2013, 8:18 pm)Andreos1 wrote I use East Coast pretty regular and despite having issues with their call centre/customer service team, I do think they are an excellent example of how nationalisation can work.

They are flying high in satisfaction surveys and have made the government millions. I cant understand the need to sell them off, espec when the ECML is going to fall further down the pecking order behind the WCML and HS2 when that is built.

As for privatisation, if CrossCountry and Northern are anything to go by, lets nationalise the lot!

Because it was only ever meant to be short-term until the DfT could sort out a new agreement.

As for Northern Rail, a franchise the SFA got wrong by letting it with no growth and look at it now.

Your right in both instances and two additional reasons why East Coast should be made an example of and why suits in offices down South cant set the terms of a contract re Northern.

Mind, having used some of the ancient stock on South West Trains, its amazing what a refurb can do. Imagine a pacer after a decent refurb?

edit

m.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/apr/18/east-coast-rail-line-taxpayer-subsidy

An interesting read on the success of East Coast

Has anyone heard of an East Coast train heading South into Kings Cross, end up going in backwards or even how they would do it with the track set up down there?

Heard a story of forward facing passengers for the entire journey, ending up going 'backwards' into the station this week due to signalling problems.

Broken down freight train outside of Newark is causing havoc on the ECML.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22785267

BBC article quoting Andy McDonald MP for Middlesbrough

(02 Mar 2013, 6:28 pm)Brandon wrote Almost forgot I saw two East Coast trains on the Durham Coast Line through Sunderland this afternoon, one in each direction. Don't think I've ever seen it happen myself before but I guess it might happen more times than I've realised!

Photos by Graeme Phillips - http://www.flickr.com/photos/66289212@N07/8522131000/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66289212@N07/8521931968/

Diversion is in place until tomorrow -

http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/

"Engineering work between Darlington and Newcastle from 13:30 on Saturday 2 until 12:30 on Sunday 3 March 2013"

"An hourly diverted train service will run between York and Newcastle, not calling at Darlington and Durham"

There's also some travel information for trains by other operators.

I remember back in the 90's GNER would often divert onto the Durham Coast, I have been in both directions on a diverted NCL-LKX Service, it was amusing because it once came to a standstill in Sunderland coming down from London, there was a bloke demanding the guard open a door to let him off the train in Sunderland, why, becaise he lived in Hendon, he was not amused at being taking against his will to Newcastle, even though his ticket to there. These days I don't know if it is still a common diversion as the 91's are out of gauge going through S'land i think.

Other diversions I have been on with GNER locally is Nothallerton-Picton onto the Stillington Line to Durham

(28 Jul 2013, 10:18 pm)fozzovmurton wrote

(02 Mar 2013, 6:28 pm)Brandon wrote Almost forgot I saw two East Coast trains on the Durham Coast Line through Sunderland this afternoon, one in each direction. Don't think I've ever seen it happen myself before but I guess it might happen more times than I've realised!

Photos by Graeme Phillips - http://www.flickr.com/photos/66289212@N07/8522131000/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66289212@N07/8521931968/

Diversion is in place until tomorrow -

http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/

"Engineering work between Darlington and Newcastle from 13:30 on Saturday 2 until 12:30 on Sunday 3 March 2013"

"An hourly diverted train service will run between York and Newcastle, not calling at Darlington and Durham"

There's also some travel information for trains by other operators.

I remember back in the 90's GNER would often divert onto the Durham Coast, I have been in both directions on a diverted NCL-LKX Service, it was amusing because it once came to a standstill in Sunderland coming down from London, there was a bloke demanding the guard open a door to let him off the train in Sunderland, why, becaise he lived in Hendon, he was not amused at being taking against his will to Newcastle, even though his ticket to there. These days I don't know if it is still a common diversion as the 91's are out of gauge going through S'land i think.

Other diversions I have been on with GNER locally is Nothallerton-Picton onto the Stillington Line to Durham

HSTs still run up the Durham Coast Line, but all 225s (91s and Mark 4 sets) normally run Kings Cross-Darlington and Newcastle-Edinburgh.

(28 Jul 2013, 10:27 pm)Kuyoyo wrote

(28 Jul 2013, 10:18 pm)fozzovmurton wrote

(02 Mar 2013, 6:28 pm)Brandon wrote Almost forgot I saw two East Coast trains on the Durham Coast Line through Sunderland this afternoon, one in each direction. Don't think I've ever seen it happen myself before but I guess it might happen more times than I've realised!

Photos by Graeme Phillips - http://www.flickr.com/photos/66289212@N07/8522131000/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66289212@N07/8521931968/

Diversion is in place until tomorrow -

http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/

"Engineering work between Darlington and Newcastle from 13:30 on Saturday 2 until 12:30 on Sunday 3 March 2013"

"An hourly diverted train service will run between York and Newcastle, not calling at Darlington and Durham"

There's also some travel information for trains by other operators.

I remember back in the 90's GNER would often divert onto the Durham Coast, I have been in both directions on a diverted NCL-LKX Service, it was amusing because it once came to a standstill in Sunderland coming down from London, there was a bloke demanding the guard open a door to let him off the train in Sunderland, why, becaise he lived in Hendon, he was not amused at being taking against his will to Newcastle, even though his ticket to there. These days I don't know if it is still a common diversion as the 91's are out of gauge going through S'land i think.

Other diversions I have been on with GNER locally is Nothallerton-Picton onto the Stillington Line to Durham

HSTs still run up the Durham Coast Line, but all 225s (91s and Mark 4 sets) normally run Kings Cross-Darlington and Newcastle-Edinburgh.

Ah right, not having used the trains much for years now I never gave it a thought to be honest, out of interest do Grand Central run HSTs sure I got one down to York about 6 years ago

Stood at Newcastle station at half 6 this morning, and I noticed one of the HSTs was running with what looked like a new set of coaches. I'd originally thought this was just a repaint to a new livery, but the interior is completely different too. (Bad) iPhone pics below.

(04 Sep 2013, 5:59 am)aureolin wrote Stood at Newcastle station at half 6 this morning, and I noticed one of the HSTs was running with what looked like a new set of coaches. I'd originally thought this was just a repaint to a new livery, but the interior is completely different too. (Bad) iPhone pics below.

East Mids Trains carriages by the looks of it.
They had an entire set a few years back. Wonder why it is just the carriages this time?

(28 Jul 2013, 11:06 pm)fozzovmurton wrote Do Grand Central run HSTs sure I got one down to York about 6 years ago

Yeah, they do. They also run some Class 180 Adelante trains.

Despite National Express taking millions of pounds in handouts, they couldn't make money, Sea Containers took a few quid in subsidies too and couldn't turn a profit.

The nationalised East Coast franchise has just announced profits today of £208.7m for the last year.

They also announced a £2.2m investment into their wifi infrastructure last week - whilst also receiving seven times less than Virgin in Government subsidies...

If there is ever an argument to keep the railways in public ownership - then just look at those grey trains roaring up and down the country.

www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/nationalised-east-coast-line-returns-209m-to-taxpayers-8865929.html

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/oct/07/east-coast-rail-dividends-taxpayers

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24668852

The Government are currently ramping up the process to sell off East Coast for several reasons, because it wants a private sector operator to "transform the customer experience", develop "innovative timetables"and also "rekindle the spirit of competition for customers"

The brochure for the ECMLbidding is out now...attached

(26 Oct 2013, 8:37 am)fozzovmurton wrote The brochure for the ECMLbidding is out now...attached

at this statement

Why are we refranchising East Coast?
Since 1995 the Government’s policy has been to allow the private sector to run
public rail services. State control of rail services is considered to represent poorer
value for money, restrict investment and therefore growth and to import risk to the
taxpayer. The introduction of competition has been proven to drive improvements
for the passenger and leave a lower level of inancial and technical risk with the
Government. When taking over East Coast, a new private sector operator will be
incentivised to improve system performance and grow revenues.

I'm completely against the re-privatisation of the East Coast. It is completely ludicrous that this out-of-touch Government are wanting to sell off the line even though it is making them a very healthy £600m profit which can easily be reinvested into improving the already great service further.

I believe that Britain's railways should be re-nationalised as customers are the main priority whereas privately owned firms prefer to prioritise their shareholders by maximising profits to fill their pockets, consequently keeping them happy and therefore encourages them to retain their shares, but this occurs far too often at the expense of customers.

There was a good article about the re-privatisation in today's Journal. The below link leads to an online, shortened-down version of it.

http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-e...ss-6243813

Sitting in McNastys at Leeming Bar when an East Coast carriage on a low loader went past on the old A1.

No idea where it was going

Currently on a train from Scotland back to Newcastle and there is not one piece of hot food on the train and there is a problem with the heating and everyone is sitting with their coats on.....not what I would class a good service by any stretch of the imagination.

I have never been on a Virgin train when they have 'ran out' of hot food, lets hope the new private Operator brings some improves to the line.

(28 Nov 2013, 7:30 pm)citaro5284 wrote Currently on a train from Scotland back to Newcastle and there is not one piece of hot food on the train and there is a problem with the heating and everyone is sitting with their coats on.....not what I would class a good service by any stretch of the imagination.

I have never been on a Virgin train when they have 'ran out' of hot food, lets hope the new private Operator brings some improves to the line.

Sounds like some sort of power issue.

I have been on a CrossCountry train several times when they haven't even been able to organise the cold food trolley!
Hungry and smelling of sh!t - definately a shot in the face of privatisation.

They won't even serve owt North or West of Edinburgh.

(28 Nov 2013, 7:36 pm)andreos1 wrote Sounds like some sort of power issue.

I have been on a CrossCountry train several times when they haven't even been able to organise the cold food trolley!
Hungry and smelling of sh!t - definately a shot in the face of privatisation.

They won't even serve owt North or West of Edinburgh.

I can't stand train food, but that's pretty shoddy not having any available. M&S jobby for me every time.

(28 Nov 2013, 7:42 pm)aureolin wrote I can't stand train food, but that's pretty shoddy not having any available. M&S jobby for me every time.

It's the lager/crisps combo that sometimes grab my fancy after a long day.
The East Coast 1st class food is canny. Never fills me, but does the job.
Free drink and crisps too!

(28 Nov 2013, 7:36 pm)andreos1 wrote Sounds like some sort of power issue.

Nothing to do with a power issue.......they have 'ran out'....food will be available from Edinburgh......no good when you have been sitting here since 1830