Post by downdc on Sept 11, 2021 23:30:41 GMT
Hi all, wondering if any of those in the know could shed some light for me.
I got on train 413 southbound from Chorleywood at about 2335, where it was advertised on the platform and on the front as ‘Harrow on the Hill’ (as per weekend engineering works). Once I got on at Chorleywood, I noticed the door opening chimes repeat, and at least one set of doors near me opened somewhat later than many of the others had. Almost simultaneously, the PIS flickered and changed destination to ‘Rickmansworth’; I wondered if this was an error, but the T/Op confirmed it was unfortunately true, making a PA right as the train moved off, confirming we would terminate at Rickmansworth ‘due to a defect on the train’.
At Rickmansworth, I moseyed up to the leading end of the Southbound platform, to observe the various signals, and I wondered to myself if the train would perhaps move into a siding, or continue to Neasden. As it was, almost immediately after the T/Op returned to the leading cab following detraining, the train departed with the main starting signal showing yellow, so I guessed it would probably be heading to Neasden.
I remained at the end of the platform, intent on observing the lowering of the trainstop after the starting signal cleared to (I think?) double yellow, and it began to seem that this was taking a very long time, given the apparently normal departure speed of the train. Eventually, I noticed a northbound train approaching, and as it drew closer I was surprised to note that it was train 413, apparently returning and now showing ‘Amersham fast’ on the train displays. I doubted the accuracy of this indication, and even though I don’t know off the top of my head whether or not the north sidings can be accessed from the northbound platform, I wondered if the train would be heading there. In actual fact, not long after the train berthed in the northbound platform, the shunt signal to the right at the wrong road end of the platform rotated, along with a theatre indication ‘2’. Shortly after I noticed this, the next southbound train pulled in, by which time the starter was showing green. Having seen the shunt signal, on a different road to my train but in the same direction, also clear, I wondered what would happen. In actual fact, I experienced what to me was very much a first, and that was simultaneous southbound departures from Rickmansworth! Obviously, this is very much possible, but I guess it must be quite rare?
The main question though is, would the unit I was on have carried out a mainline shunt?? I must admit, I am not sure how such a move is signalled etc, but as the train left on the usual starting signal and then appeared to return on the other road, it seemed to me that’s what happened. Of course, I could be totally wrong, but that’s why I’m asking! If so, this must also be quite unusual, but I guess less aggro at that time, once the last Chilterns have passed through etc etc
Many thanks!
I got on train 413 southbound from Chorleywood at about 2335, where it was advertised on the platform and on the front as ‘Harrow on the Hill’ (as per weekend engineering works). Once I got on at Chorleywood, I noticed the door opening chimes repeat, and at least one set of doors near me opened somewhat later than many of the others had. Almost simultaneously, the PIS flickered and changed destination to ‘Rickmansworth’; I wondered if this was an error, but the T/Op confirmed it was unfortunately true, making a PA right as the train moved off, confirming we would terminate at Rickmansworth ‘due to a defect on the train’.
At Rickmansworth, I moseyed up to the leading end of the Southbound platform, to observe the various signals, and I wondered to myself if the train would perhaps move into a siding, or continue to Neasden. As it was, almost immediately after the T/Op returned to the leading cab following detraining, the train departed with the main starting signal showing yellow, so I guessed it would probably be heading to Neasden.
I remained at the end of the platform, intent on observing the lowering of the trainstop after the starting signal cleared to (I think?) double yellow, and it began to seem that this was taking a very long time, given the apparently normal departure speed of the train. Eventually, I noticed a northbound train approaching, and as it drew closer I was surprised to note that it was train 413, apparently returning and now showing ‘Amersham fast’ on the train displays. I doubted the accuracy of this indication, and even though I don’t know off the top of my head whether or not the north sidings can be accessed from the northbound platform, I wondered if the train would be heading there. In actual fact, not long after the train berthed in the northbound platform, the shunt signal to the right at the wrong road end of the platform rotated, along with a theatre indication ‘2’. Shortly after I noticed this, the next southbound train pulled in, by which time the starter was showing green. Having seen the shunt signal, on a different road to my train but in the same direction, also clear, I wondered what would happen. In actual fact, I experienced what to me was very much a first, and that was simultaneous southbound departures from Rickmansworth! Obviously, this is very much possible, but I guess it must be quite rare?
The main question though is, would the unit I was on have carried out a mainline shunt?? I must admit, I am not sure how such a move is signalled etc, but as the train left on the usual starting signal and then appeared to return on the other road, it seemed to me that’s what happened. Of course, I could be totally wrong, but that’s why I’m asking! If so, this must also be quite unusual, but I guess less aggro at that time, once the last Chilterns have passed through etc etc
Many thanks!
