"Jamie Thompson" wrote

On a tangent here, why are the platforms the length they are, if they
can be shortened and yet still accommodate full-length intercity
trains?

Before the HST era, a typical ECML train would have been loco + 12 Mk1 or
Mk2 coaches, i.e. about 260 metres. It would then need another loco to haul
it back, so that would need platforms with a total operational length of 280
metres. During WW2 some enormous trains were run, but they could on
occasions stretch into Gas Works Tunnel. Now trains are 2+9 HSTs, or
91+9Mk4+DVT, ie. about 247 metres, so a bit of shortening is possible,
unless it is thought longer trains may be needed in future. However, it is
probable that anything longer than 11 23-metre coaches (253 metres) or 10
26-metre coaches would cause problems elsewhere on the ECML, so are
unlikely. At least two platforms were able to cope with a NoL E* which is
about 300 metres long.

Peter