I've heard that Hull train have or will be training all their drivers to use the Hatfield loop. For those that don't know what the Hatfield loop is, it's a section of track which can be used to bypass the ECML between North London and Hatfield. Trains are often diverted through the loop if there are disruptions between the start and end of the loop.
If correct, and my scource tells me it is, there are only a few GNER drivers trained to use the loop but this begs the question why? I'll lay odds it's a cost issue but if Hull trains can see a value in such training, why don't GNER?
Its the Hertford loop. It bypasses the ECML between Alexandra Palace station and Stevengae. On a clear run it adds about ten minutes to the journey time. The typical speed limit is around 75 mph. It has ten stations and two tunnels. It crosses the M25 near Cuffley. All guards and drivers at Kings Cross sign the route and probably 99% of guards and drivers at other GNER depots that cover that part of the route do too. Hull trains use the route at the times that we do. If you have travelled at weekends or late at night you have probably been along there.
However there is another divervionary route between Hitchin and Peterborough via Cambridge that Hull trains uses that we don't. Most of the guards at Kings Cross sign the route but for some reason the drivers don't, this seems to be a waste of resources as the guards are expected to keep our route knowledge up for no apparant reason, I would hope that our new employer might spend the money needed to teach our drivers this route as it would be a very valuable route for them to know. I won't be such a smarty pants about whats round that route.