BOAC charter trains from Prestwick

[crewmeal]

I see on social media that many are asking why trains can't be used to carry diverted passengers back to Gatwick during the current closure. It reminds me of times gone by when BOAC chartered trains to take diverted passengers from Prestwick to London back in to 60's and 70's. It seemed to add to the fun of travelling especially when the crew had to dish out the lunch boxes.

Has anyone got any further info on this?

[Bergerie1]

In the days of BOAC, people were given responsibility and thought laterally. Today, they are required slavishly to follow SOPs.

[RedhillPhil]

Once upon a nationalised and joined-up industry time there were spare crews and trains. Now there aren't.

[Peter47]

For long distance services there are no extra trains, crews, paths or the ability to arrange things at short notice. Virgin operate roughly the same service throughout the day, there aren't many trains in sidings between the peaks. Running a London Midland train to Manchester isn't straight forward - the trains are slower than pendolinos, there will be problems with route & stock knowledge, etc. For shorter distance service thee is no reason why you can't run longer trains - Chiltern could strengthen services to Birmingham between the peaks (but not during the peak). Also remember that long distance services are the same as airlines in that load factors have increased with some very cheap fares available (if you book far enough in advance at a quiet time) and there are fewer spare seats. Railways are unfortunately less flexible than airlines.

[22/04]

Once upon a nationalised and joined-up industry time there were spare crews and trains. Now there aren't.

Almost true -plenty of spare trains on sidings but not in use due to tight leasing contracts by train operating companies.