Technical implications of HSTs at London Waterloo

[whole diary]

[Brucey]

I took this photograph yesterday evening, just for a basic Facebook status update: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151590760184853&l=76f723a7f8 (no need to be logged in or friends with me)

Examining it, there appears to be some sheeting held down by bricks in the "four foot" on the line through Platform 12.

Does anyone know what the purpose of this would be?  Can't say I've noticed it before and use Platform 12 every weekday evening.

(Changed title from "Bricks on the line at Waterloo?" to reflect the later discussion)

[bobm]

Could it be in preparation for those nasty foreign FGW^▸ (First Great Western) HST^▸ (High Speed Train)'s with non retention toilets that will be visiting over Easter?

[ChrisB]

oooh, you might I think have a point...

[signalandtelegraph]

Oil/fuel leaks from stabled HST^▸ (High Speed Train) stock?

[Southern Stag]

The FGW^▸ (First Great Western) services are all booked to use Platform 11, so if that has also had the sheeting added it seems likely that's the reason, with Platform 12 done as back up.

[inspector_blakey]

Spot on all. HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) booked into 11, but can also be put into 10 and 12 if necessary, so I think all three have been sheeted. It's to catch the effluent from any lavs that get flushed in the station and will be removed once the HST diversions have ceased.

[Brucey]

Ah, that seems like a very good idea (except for the person who has to remove the sheeting).

I assume someone doesn't trust us Waterloo lot not to flush the toilet in the station.

[bobm]

Just been looking on Open Train Times and noted they are all booked to use Platform 11.  I also spotted that while their public departure time is XX.59, the working timetable has them at XX.07 past the next hour.  That has to be one of the biggest variances I have seen between the two.

[eightf48544]

I assume someone doesn't trust us Waterloo lot not to flush the toilet in the station.

Interesting point Brucey if you Waterloo lot normally have all retention tank trains wouldn't you be more likely to flush HST^▸ (High Speed Train) loos in the station not realsing they didn't have tanks.

Bobm wonder whether the 8 minute descrepancy is to get the doors shut. Waterloo staff not being use to slam doors. Although I reckon it's excessive even for that.

Another possible answer do the HSTs stand past the platform starter signals? Therefore, the train has to be started against a red signal.

[JayMac]

When I saw this thread title, Brucey, I thought it was going to be a tale of another Reggie Perrin-esque delay! 

[Brucey]

Interesting point Brucey if you Waterloo lot normally have all retention tank trains wouldn't you be more likely to flush HST^▸ (High Speed Train) loos in the station not realsing they didn't have tanks.

That is very true.

Another possible answer do the HSTs stand past the platform starter signals? Therefore, the train has to be started against a red signal.

How many coaches are being used on the HSTs from Waterloo.  Platform 11 and 12 can just fit a 12 coach 450, which is about 245m.

When I saw this thread title, Brucey, I thought it was going to be a tale of another Reggie Perrin-esque delay!  

It wouldn't surprise me at all, given some of the excuses we've had in the last few weeks.

[JayMac]

How many coaches are being used on the HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) from Waterloo.  Platform 11 and 12 can just fit a 12 coach 450, which is about 245m.

2+8 HST is approx 220m in length. 8x 23m Mk3s and 2x 18m power cars.

[Southern Stag]

Just been looking on Open Train Times and noted they are all booked to use Platform 11.  I also spotted that while their public departure time is XX.59, the working timetable has them at XX.07 past the next hour.  That has to be one of the biggest variances I have seen between the two.

It leads to the odd situation whereby the booking engine will advise you to catch the xx05 Weymouth service and change at Basingstoke onto the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) service, even though the FGW service is booked to follow the SWT^▸ (South West Trains) service all the way, actually departing later. The HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) are unlikely to be able to leave at xx59 because of conflicts with the xx00 Portsmouth Harbour and xx05 Weymouth services.

[Super Guard]

We've been advised to expect platforms 10-12, although HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) are also cleared for 18/19 (can't remember off hand) and can be used in an emergency.

[paul7575]

Last time the diversions ran the HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) were only route cleared into the high numbered Windsor side platforms, IIRC^▸ (if I recall/remember/read correctly) the intention then was also to use only the one preferred platform, P18, but they sheeted up others just in case. 

However under normal routine circumstances the layout of the Waterloo approaches means that trains using the up and down mains (as the diverted services are this time) would not be expected to use P18 etc as the ensuing crossing conflicts in the throat would lock half the station up. 

I don't think the point made above about Waterloo staff being unfamiliar with slam door stock is necessarily valid, because if they follow the same routine as last time FGW^▸ (First Great Western) will provide all their own despatch and platform staff.

Paul