"Paul Scott" wrote in message
...
HSTs (rather than Mk3 coaches) are only cleared into platforms 17, 18 and
19. As this is a subset of the platforms allowing Mk3 coaches, the
suspicion is that it's the power cars themselves that are the critical
issue for gauging.

Once you've decided those platforms are to be used, an approach via the
Windsor lines is apparently less disruptive to other mainline services,
and there has also been limited track capacity via Surbiton these last
couple of days due to engineering work. Lastly, the HSTs are not yet
cleared on the SW main line east of Byfleet Junction.

Paul S

If this diversion is likely to be used again over the next few years, it
would be worth getting route clearence for HSTs along the main line through
Surbiton. Taking an hour to get to Woking instead of 25 minutes is not
funny. Even the stopper via Surbiton that departed 17 minutes later beat us
to Woking.

John