Class 319/730 transition week 2, Nov 27th – Dec 1st 2023
Monday Nov 27th
As expected the last class 319 operation on LNWR occurred with 319457/319433 working South with the 0656 Bletchley – Euston with plenty cranks of all ages aboard from Bletchley.
After 8 years in service with LNWR the final turn saw 31457 and 319433 work the 0656 Bletchley – Euston, seen here at Bletchley and Leighton for the last time early on Nov 27th 2023
On arrival at Euston the 319s were dispatched to Camden Sidings where they have remained, pans down, until at least Dec 1st. Monday evening saw a Network Rail shambles and no 730’s worked!
Tuesday Nov 28th
First ever passenger working for 730013/012 on the 0656 Bletchley – Euston.
Wednesday Nov 29th
A farce in Bletchley CS saw 730013/012 work the heavily delayed 0604 Bletchley – Euston RA Euston! Crossing US-UF at Ledburn a very fast Bletchley – Euston start to stop time of 37 minutes was recorded by Railtime trains. Unfortunately there were no passengers aboard as they had all wedged out the preceeding service!
Thursday Nov 30th
First ever passenger working for solo 730014 on the 0656 Bletchley – Euston and probably the first 3car EMU to work Bletchley – Euston since the 313’s on special workings. The 730s known to have worked passenger locally are now 730006, 730007, 730010, 730011, 730012, 730013, 730014, 730016, 730018, 730021
Yet to work in passenger service, 730002 returns to Bletchley CS after crew training runs on November 30th 2023
Friday Dec 1st
ASLEF work to rule sees the timetable cut back on Dec 1st and all the following week. The 0656 is binned as is the 1639 ex Euston. Just the 1 diagram for 730’s on 1 December and all next week. Still give them time to sort out the ongoing door issues…………
The final 730 turn of Dec 1st (and all next week) is the 1734 Euston – Bletchley with 730007 and 730014 seen here at Euston with passengers waiting for the guard to release the doors.
The expected diagram..
2B02 0604 Bletchley – Euston
2T09 0724 Euston – Tring
2T10 0810 Tring – Euston
Emcars to/from Camden CS
2T49 1554 Euston – Tring
2T50 1641 Tring – Euston
2B49 1734 Euston – Bletchley
Thanks to Craig Ross for much of the gen.
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Leighton Lists 