Yes I can’t understand, nor can anyone local to the Cambrian. Not only that but everyone local to the Cambrian doesn’t believe we will actually see them this year, but it’s certainly being pushed by the 197 team it seems.
Perhaps it is something to do with that , can’t see much else really.
Until the 756's are fully in service and possibly the 398's on the Valleys, the 231's will still be seen on the Valleys alongside 150's and a few 153's. If the Cambrian 197's enter service soon, I can see TFW postponing the Cambrian for as long as possible so those 197's can be used in the South until the 231's move to Ebbw Vale and Maesteg - Cheltenham.
My understanding is that they are currently planning to introduce the hourly service after the 197’s have entered service.As a passenger on the Cambrian, I honestly don't care whether we get 197s at all, as long as it's not what the consistent hourly service depends on. Give us that & I'll be perfectly happy to keep the 158s here
Another thought I have had last night, is TFW are currently trying to reduce their operating costs without reducing any provided service / get more people on the trains to make more money.
Interestingly today the diagram is a pair of 153s all day, yesterday a 197 did the first Manchester trip.
Longer platforms, additional depot space and, most of all, upgraded ERTMS would still come in useful some day when the 158s are eventually replaced by something.
If I recall correctly, the leasing (and possibly running) costs of a 158 in ATW days were considerably lower than a 2-car 175, so the 158s are probably cheaper to lease than 197s (on the basis that newer stock seemed to have higher leasing costs, at least in ATW days), but I've no idea what the lease rate for the 197s is.
Both are planned to be mark 4 once HD01-HD07 are all available though aren't they (going by the fact they are advertised as having 1st class accomodation in TfW's PDF timetable booklet for CDF-MAN)?
Simple economics from the boardroom. The 197s were ordered to entirely replace the 158s, so they will not be wanting to pay for two different fleets to cover one lot of diagrams any more than they have to,.
Even and odd hours from where? Assuming you mean from Manchester there are no odd hours 67 departures from there in the June timetable - and nor are there ever likely to be given you need 5 sets to run a full 2 hourly service Manchester - Cardiff and 1 daily Holyhead - Cardiff. You also run into difficulties as 3 of the odd hours services are worked by Shrewsbury drivers who don't sign 67s.
Yes they would, they’re nice upgrades too, but if the 158’s were staying, that money would not be getting spent. It is all only being spent to accommodate the 197’s.
Not sure if they have to pay for the 197’s until they’re in service ? Surely something like that in the agreement with CAF.
Heard elsewhere 197116 was available yesterday, but not used.
Are the 197s leased or has TfW bought them with the £800m they got from WAG? If they are leased which company is it? Doesn’t seem right they are assembled in Wales then given straight to an external hire firm?
They’re definitely leased. According to wiki (yes, I know) they're owned by SMBC Leasing.
Indeed, I had the misfortune to be on 1V44 from Cardiff, formed of 150284. Over crowded and I heard several people complaining. At least it was almost on time.
I experienced a shrinking 197 yesterday.They have invented shrinking 197s now:
This one arrives as 197108 https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:C01151/2024-02-29/detailed#allox_id=0
Then goes off to Carmarthen as a 197018: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:P63984/2024-02-29/detailed
Its obviously a typo but will be nice when it works the other way
116 currently outside Chester depot behind 115
It'll be swapped off that diagram, they aren't cleared for the line. This isn't the first time it's happened.
Oh I see.
I think it'll swap at Carmarthen with the service inbound from Pembroke.
Yes swapped for a pair of 153s