Czesziafan
Member
- Joined
- 13 Jul 2019
- Messages
- 254
Has the Caledonian Sleeper ever been diverted via Birmingham New Street, or via the GW&GC line between London and the midlands?
Interesting, and it reminds me that once, in August 1976, I was on a return ADEX from Aberystwyth to Slough, which was routed non-stop through New St.Going back 40 odd years the GW/GC route saw some diversions 'at times of crisis'. Most common was 1A04 from Holyhead, and 1M14 from Stranraer, which was booked via (but didn't call) at Birmingham New Street. Most of the other Sleeper diversions ran via the Midland Main Line via Cricklewood and Acton Canal Wharf.
Going back 40 odd years the GW/GC route saw some diversions 'at times of crisis'. Most common was 1A04 from Holyhead, and 1M14 from Stranraer, which was booked via (but didn't call) at Birmingham New Street. Most of the other Sleeper diversions ran via the Midland Main Line via Cricklewood and Acton Canal Wharf.
GBRf have been far more proactive in terms of resourcing diversions - sometimes even at short notice - than DB Cargo and its predecessors ever were. I get the impression GBRf will always do their utmost to run, whereas the previous regime used to go to the “can’t be done” line much more easily.In more recent times, diversion of the sleepers via the ECML either into Kings Cross or Euston (via Wembley reversal) is preferred. Traincrew route knowledge must play an important part, especially since the change from DB Cargo to GBRF.
My recollection is that it was, although like you I only half-recall it*, and I don't remember the year(s) (I'd have guessed a bit earlier than 1989-1990).the Inverness train involved may have been the one with the Fort William portion