Unusual routes.

if it qualifies, a couple of TPX and XC services use the GC line from nunnery main line to rotherham via wooburm, tinsley and ickles everyday. they also use the thrybergh chord. this is for route knowledge maintainence. equally a few EMT and XC services use the old road everyday, requiring a reversal at sheffield

" said:

if it qualifies, a couple of TPX and XC services use the GC line from nunnery main line to rotherham via wooburm, tinsley and ickles everyday. they also use the thrybergh chord. this is for route knowledge maintainence. equally a few EMT and XC services use the old road everyday, requiring a reversal at sheffield

Is that on the overnight trips with TP? I've done a couple before at night and gone via Salford Crescent (reversal) and Man Vic to Stalybridge then usual route to Leeds.
In the other direction, there was one that went via Bolton to reach Wigan NW, using the very short freight link onto the WCML.

As for the GW network, biggest diversion I can think of is Swansea <-> Paddington via Hereford and the Cotswold's, shame I missed out on those diversions!

s for the GW network, biggest diversion I can think of is Swansea <-> Paddington via Hereford and the Cotswold's, shame I missed out on those diversions!

There used to be a weekly service from Stockport to Staylbridge via Reddish North worked by Cl.101 DMU. Last time I took that route was when I went train spotting at Guide Bridge in 1980 prior to the Woodhead line closing & that service ran hourly from Stockport out of the north end bay platform.

I believe that 1 or 2 of the London Overground services per day are running from Highbury and Islington - Battersea Park instead of Clapham Junction in order to retain route knowledge.

" said:

I believe that 1 or 2 of the London Overground services per day are running from Highbury and Islington - Battersea Park instead of Clapham Junction in order to retain route knowledge.

I understand these are parliamentary trains to avoid closing some of the curves and junctions between Wandsworth Road and Battersea Park now that Southern’s South London Line services have had to be withdrawn (Southeastern services do not call at Battersea Park – they use an alternative route between Wandsworth Road (where they do not stop) and Victoria).

I did hear a rumour that the a few SouthEastern services may have begun stopping at Wandsworth Road and Clapham High Street to get some service to Victoria. Need to confirm this though. Probably peak flow only.

" said:

" said:

I believe that 1 or 2 of the London Overground services per day are running from Highbury and Islington - Battersea Park instead of Clapham Junction in order to retain route knowledge.

I understand these are parliamentary trains to avoid closing some of the curves and junctions between Wandsworth Road and Battersea Park now that Southern’s South London Line services have had to be withdrawn (Southeastern services do not call at Battersea Park – they use an alternative route between Wandsworth Road (where they do not stop) and Victoria).

It is new route knowledge for the LOROL drivers. I think Southern are running very few empties this way to retain their route knowledge. And yes, it's the standard "cheaper to run a few services than to close the line to passenger services"; this being the Up & Down Atlantic lines from Factory Junction to Battersea Park.

I did hear a rumour that the a few SouthEastern services may have begun stopping at Wandsworth Road and Clapham High Street to get some service to Victoria. Need to confirm this though. Probably peak flow only.

And regarding the LOROL East London Line services:
One in the morning: Empties to Battersea Park, Passenger service from BP to the ELL. (06:20 ish depart BP)
One in the evening: Passenger service from the ELL to BP and Empties back. (23:00 ish arrive BP)