Has anyone travelled on a Virgin Trains express, when it's been diverted via the S&C line?

Question

I will hopefully be going on a train over the line this year, and was wondering what the Settle & Carlisle line is like, and if it's

quite easy to take photographs from inside a train whilst it travels over the line?

Would it be better to do so on an express train, or an ordinary Northern Rail service which stops at most stations along the way? I assume that 156's operate along the line, not 142s? If 142s do, I may avoid the line.

Does anyone know why Virgin Cross Country's 07:03 Birmingham to Preston, and 10:29 Preston to Plymouth aren't going to/from Glasgow, even though they did last year?

(I'm guessing, so VXC doesn't have to send out as many Voyagers from Central Rivers, and Polmadie?)

Thanks for your answers, as they may persuade me to go on a Virgin Voyager/Pendolino train, or local Northern train.

Answer 1

You want to avoid a Pendolino. You can't see much through those tiny windows. Much better to go on a stopping train. S & C trains are 156's or 158's. Personally I'd rather go on a 142 than a Pendolino! Photography from any modern train is pretty hopeless really - unless you can tolerate reflections off the glass/dirt on the window compromising picture quality. You need to be on a train with proper opening windows - and the only way to do that is to find an enthusiasts special.

Answer 2

I can't answer your question directly, but can point you in the direction of some people who might be able to help.  Go to railchat.co.uk and ask your question on the forum there. The site is frequented by lots of rail users, enthusiasts and staff from all over the UK. Someone is bound to know...

Answer 3

I Would suggest a service train, not a diverted express - if you want to try and take pictures. The service train will be going slower and yes, the do use 156s, not 142s (at least they were - who knows these days - but I think the only NR 142s on on the Bishop Auckland-Darlington-Saltburn services)  Apart from speed, 156s have opening windows which Pendolinos/Voyagers don't

I can't help with your query re the two services you mention, but don't forget that when the x-country franchise is relet, there will be no services at all on the WCML north of Manchester.

Answer 4

You'll get far better pictures of the line from a "stopping" train than you ever will from a fast. Some years back I did the trip from Leeds to Carlisle on a 'slow' train from which I was able to get some magnificent pictures not only of the scenery, but of the stations themselves, some of which are as pretty as the scenery itself ! ! !