I think 9 cars DO run to Newquay but recall an issue in having two of them pass each other at Goonbarrow
I think the problem lies at St Blazey
The
TPR▸ has a table of rules about passing trains at St Blazey signal box (i.e. in Par Loop). The specific notes there are:
If possible, down train should not pass/depart Par until Up train has arrived at St Blazey.
Par cannot accept an Up train from St Blazey while a 9 or 10 car Class 80x is held at SB40 signal due to fouling Par 42pts.
Please note - If trains are crossing at St Blazey Signal Box, the Up train must ALWAYS arrive first.
If the Up train is longer than 130m it is preferable to cross at Goonbarrow Junction.
In the case on 12/8/22 that went wrong it was the down train that arrived first, as it was timetabled to.
Quite why this is an issue is not obvious, as the clear space in the loop is about 400 m.
For Goonbarrow, the TPR says:
Operation of 10-car 80x requires special arrangements if crossing another service at Goonbarrow Junction
There are also some notices in the Western Sectional Appendix. For Goonbarrow, this:
GW660 - PAR TO NEWQUAY
Goonbarrow Jn (G) SB▸
Due to restricted passing loop length at Goonbarrow, only 5 and 9 car IET▸ ’s are allowed to operate on the branch.
Dated: 09/03/19
The clear length of the loop given in the WSA is 224 m, i.e. less than the length of a 9-car IET at 234 m. However, that's not the length of the whole loop, as a passing loop on the main line - that's over 300 m. Signal positions will dictate how length is usable. It looks as if there is always plenty of space on the Up Main, and enough space on the Down Main to convert all passing operations into Down passes Up ones.
For St Blazey Jn, there is this which is still not updated:
GW660 - PAR TO NEWQUAY
St. Blazey Jn
Working of HSTs▸ or 2 x Voyager DMUs▸ when booked to cross. If any Down train consisting of an HST, or two Class 220/221 DMUs coupled together, is stopped or nearly stopped at St. Blazey Down Home signal (SB.40) before the signal clears, the driver must be prepared to stop at a red handsignal displayed from St. Blazey signal box.
If a red handsignal is displayed, the driver must stop the train short of the foot crossing.
After the Up train has passed and a token has been given to the Down train’s driver, the St. Blazey signaller will display a green handsignal as authority to proceed.
The above method of working may be necessary if an Up train of similar length is to be crossed but the Down train needs to stand clear of pointwork at Par.
Dated: 05/12/15
I couldn't say what that's about. I'm also mystified by the incompatibility of these two documents.
