Class 175 to GWR

[GalaxyDog]

I always liked riding the 175s when I used to ride up from the Shires upto Shrewsbury and onward aboard them. GWR certainly getting an upgrade, hopefully they'll serve well.

 

[mic505]

I always liked riding the 175s when I used to ride up from the Shires upto Shrewsbury and onward aboard them. GWR certainly getting an upgrade, hopefully they'll serve well.

Just make sure GWR clean the engine bay properly so they don't catch fire lol.

 

[GalaxyDog]

Just make sure GWR clean the engine bay properly so they don't catch fire lol.

That could have happened anywhere. Over the years there have been other unfortunate DMU unit fires regrettably. Thankfully they are rare as anything and same for the 175s - only one?

 

[Cambrian359]

That could have happened anywhere. Over the years there have been other unfortunate DMU unit fires regrettably. Thankfully they are rare as anything and same for the 175s - only one?

I’m fairly sure 3 class 175s caught fire in the space of about 2 weeks last year which led to them all been taken out of service due to a drop in maintenance schedule. Someone who knows better can correct if wrong.
I’m sure they’ve had occasional fires in years previous also.

 

[GalaxyDog]

I’m fairly sure 3 class 175s caught fire in the space of about 2 weeks last year which led to them all been taken out of service due to a drop in maintenance schedule. Someone who knows better can correct if wrong.
I’m sure they’ve had occasional fires in years previous also.

Thank you for clarifying, I wasn't aware it had been three in such a short time. I knew of one and that there had been the mass withdrawal for maintenance and checks but not three. A shame as they were always a pleasure.

 

[Topological]

GWR should be ok. TfW mishandled the transition from 175 to 197s resulting in a warning from the ORR. They do not like it to be said, but that is what happened. Assuming GWR handle the maintenance in the way TfW used to then the 175s will be fine.

Link: https://www.deeside.com/rail-watchd...es-over-passenger-risk-following-train-fires/

A railways watchdog has issued an ‘improvement notice’ to Transport for Wales (TfW) after the Welsh government-owned rail operator “failed to ensure passengers and employees are not exposed to the risk” following a series of fires on the operator’s Class 175 trains.

A TfW Class 175 unit caught fire near Wrexham while travelling from Holyhead to Cardiff Central. This was followed by two further fires, both at Wilmslow, on 22 February and 1 March 2023.

Notice issued to Transport for Wales Rail Limited on 17 March 2023​

• Issue date: 17 March 2023
• Compliance date: 17 September 2023
• Status: Complied
• Public register ID: l/ RJB/17032023/ROGS19

Description:

Transport for Wales Limited as the Train Operator have failed to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable that passengers and employees are not exposed to the risk of harm. Three fires have occurred within a one month period between February and March 2023 onboard class 175 trains whilst in passenger service. The operator has failed to implement effective arrangements for the organisation, control and monitoring for the maintenance of the class 175 fleet needed to ensure the safe operation of the transport system.

 

[GalaxyDog]

Well it looks like lessons learnt for TFW which is excelle t news as there's been no more fires or such on rolling stock since so a positive came out of it?

 

[43096]

I’m fairly sure 3 class 175s caught fire in the space of about 2 weeks last year which led to them all been taken out of service due to a drop in maintenance schedule. Someone who knows better can correct if wrong.

That's correct. TfW were served with an Improvement Notice by the ORR in consequence.

https://orrprdpubreg1.blob.core.windows.net/docs/I-RJB-17032023-ROGS19-Transport-for-Wales-Rail-Ltd.pdf

 

[Topological]

Well it looks like lessons learnt for TFW which is excelle t news as there's been no more fires or such on rolling stock since so a positive came out of it?

The withdrawal of 175s and regular 150s to Manchester came out of it...

No idea on lessons since there is no new similar transition between stock types planned. The 150 to tram transition uses a new depot and was pre-planned anyway. Therefore there has not been a reduction in maintenance on the 150s pending their withdrawal.

Thankfully we are almost there with the 197s offering 3 carriages on the Marches. It is almost 18 months later though.

 

[GalaxyDog]

Simply trying to put things in a positive light. Safety of staff colleagues and customers above all else is my key focus as a former operative myself.

I've slated the WMR 196s but my experience (as a passenger) on the TFW 197ss going along the Marches and towards Swansea has been near flawless I have to say so another plus.

 

[thelongestroad]

DMU Fleet Engineer (Class 175) - Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Who are we? GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world. We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services. With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over...

careers.firstgroup.co.uk

Anyone for a job?

 

[cce]

Presumably this ad is GWR winking suggestively at someone who did similar for TFW?

 

[BillStampy]

DMU Fleet Engineer (Class 175) - Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Who are we? GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world. We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services. With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over...

careers.firstgroup.co.uk

Anyone for a job?

Haha. Well that confirms it, even though it already basically was in the first place

 

[Towers]

Presumably this ad is GWR winking suggestively at someone who did similar for TFW?

Or anyone still within their own ranks who did anything similar with 180s?

 

[ABB125]

Why do GWR need to split the Cardiff Penzance service at Exeter, following Class 175 introduction? Surely the fleet is big enough to serve the entire route?

 

[Elecman]

Well it looks like lessons learnt for TFW which is excelle t news as there's been no more fires or such on rolling stock since so a positive came out of it?

Yget need to endure the under frames are regularly cleaned ( avoiding a couple of ‘sensitive’ areas like the purpose built and programmed underframe wash at Chester did.

 

[JonathanH]

Why do GWR need to split the Cardiff Penzance service at Exeter, following Class 175 introduction? Surely the fleet is big enough to serve the entire route?

The obvious reason would be to speed up initial crew training as you only have to train the staff at one end of the route.

 

[D6975]

What's the chances of the numerous mis-forms being sorted out during the hand over preparation work?

 

[Parallel]

Why do GWR need to split the Cardiff Penzance service at Exeter, following Class 175 introduction? Surely the fleet is big enough to serve the entire route?

Probably something to do with when those stations between Taunton and Exeter re-open too, isn’t the pathing really tight around the Exeter area?

 

[jamieh27]

Probably something to do with when those stations between Taunton and Exeter re-open too, isn’t the pathing really tight around the Exeter area?

If you mean Cullompton I am afraid that is now not the case the government have decided to abandon the reopening of the station. I assume that it could be to alternate trains at Exeter like they sometimes do at Bristol Temple Meads. It could also be the 158/0, 158/7 and 158/9 could be used from Cardiff to Exeter.

 

[JonathanH]

It could also be the 158/0, 158/7 and 158/9 could be used from Cardiff to Exeter.

Other posta in this thread have implied that all the 158s will be needed for Cardiff to Portsmouth.

 

[brad465]

If you mean Cullompton I am afraid that is now not the case the government have decided to abandon the reopening of the station. I assume that it could be to alternate trains at Exeter like they sometimes do at Bristol Temple Meads. It could also be the 158/0, 158/7 and 158/9 could be used from Cardiff to Exeter.

Is Wellington station definitely still going ahead? Local MP Gideon Amos received assurances in Parliament it was after Restoring your railways was canned, but can't find anything more on this. I have seen confirmation of Cullompton's canning however, presumably the fact the two proposed stations are in two different counties, and in turn councils, made putting them in the same application very difficult.

 

[Irascible]

Given it's proximity to Tiverton Parkway, Cullompton was always a bit of a hard sell I feel.

The first post-privatisation units for GWR west I'm a bit wary of them being run short formed a lot of the time though...

 

[Lurcheroo]

I'm a bit wary of them being run short formed a lot of the time though...

With 27 units coming and looking like they’re not to across too many routes, it should be pretty good once it’s all up and running!

 

[Caaardiff]

I'm a bit wary of them being run short formed a lot of the time though...

To be fair Alstom usually managed to deliver the contracted 23 in service each day under TFW. If maintained properly, they are fairly reliable trains.

 

[Starmill]

To be fair Alstom usually managed to deliver the contracted 23 in service each day under TFW. If maintained properly, they are fairly reliable trains.

Indeed - under Arriva Trains Wales they operated generally smoothly and generally were high-availability, despite their obvious flaws.

It's good to see decent, modern and relatively fuel-efficient units with a high top speed back in service. They also offer a decent luggage provision, wheelchair space and accessible toilet that's not hilariously tight on space, all units have a second small toilet, and air conditioning that actually works well on hot days.

 

[jamieh27]

I am sure GWR will maintain them better than TfW.

Is Wellington station definitely still going ahead? Local MP Gideon Amos received assurances in Parliament it was after Restoring your railways was canned, but can't find anything more on this. I have seen confirmation of Cullompton's canning however, presumably the fact the two proposed stations are in two different counties, and in turn councils, made putting them in the same application very difficult.

Its unknown because nothing elese has been said about that station in particular most likely it might get scrapped too.

 

[brad465]

I am sure GWR will maintain them better than TfW.


Its unknown because nothing else has been said about that station in particular most likely it might get scrapped too.

What gets said in Parliament by Ministers is subject to serious scrutiny and lies/false statements made in parliament have consequences. The Chancellor is on record saying the following:

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2024-07-29/debates/45E1221B-F210-4132-8A8E-711B96F4D503/details#contribution-5C0162A1-6983-432D-A2D8-E19368A9D5FC

"I can fully understand why the hon. Gentleman’s constituents are so angry with the previous Government for leaving this mess and making unfunded commitments. I assure him that projects that have already started, such as the station he mentions, will go ahead."

If the station is scrapped, the Chancellor will have to correct the record in Parliament at the earliest opportunity (even worse if she lied as she could be subject to a parliamentary investigation and potential suspension). This will be embarrassing and therefore until I see otherwise, I will consider the above statement in parliament to mean it's going ahead.

 

[John R]

Why do GWR need to split the Cardiff Penzance service at Exeter, following Class 175 introduction? Surely the fleet is big enough to serve the entire route?

It does seem a bit ironic that the introduction of more rolling stock results in a degradation in service by removing a through service offering. I have no insight on whether the through services have improved passenger flows, but I can see the attraction of a service from South Wales to the South West that doesn't involve changing onto a crowded Voyager, albeit that journey times may be a little longer.

 

[David Bullock]

It does seem a bit ironic that the introduction of more rolling stock results in a degradation in service by removing a through service offering. I have no insight on whether the through services have improved passenger flows, but I can see the attraction of a service from South Wales to the South West that doesn't involve changing onto a crowded Voyager, albeit that journey times may be a little longer.

If it does happen then my guess would be that it’s to reduce delay transmission.