Is there anyway to predict how early a freight train will depart?

[Zander trains]

I have missed a number of engineer trains to them being multiple hours early, one of which being today which was 6K20 Blair atholl - Inverness https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:B00142/2024-04-14/detailed
Is there a way to tell how early these trains can be? I was thinking about seeing the same train tonight that is supposed to be at 22:45 but could it run earlier? https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:B00143/2024-04-14/detailed

 

[30907]

If it's an engineers' train it will run once work is completed, so not really.
OTOH, tonight's trip is presumably in order to begin work overnight, so much more likely to run to schedule.

 

[Freightmaster]

As per the previous reply, those workings are not 'freight trains' in the traditional sense;
they are departmental 'possession' trains, so they run as and when dictated by the
possession they are serving - once their job (ballast supply or spoil removal for example)
is completed, they can potentially head back early, as long as they are not blocked in by
other trains or track machines, etc.



MARK

 

[Deepgreen]

Simply - no. Engineers' workings are covered already, and many true freights may leave their origin yards/sidings early only to be held before gaining the main line, or a little later in goods loops, etc., for a variety of reasons.