Great Western Railway Heathrow Express Class 387 Refittment and Service Updates

[James James]

-Televisions in the coaches
.

Oh no

The televisions with their stupid repetitive noisy and unwanted announcements make me regret stepping onto the HEX every time I've taken it.

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

Short term once the IETs take over the Bedwyns in the coming weeks and the 769s come into service over the summer that will free up Turbos in 6 car guise to go back onto carefully selected main line suburban diagrams to reduce the number of 387s required in service even further. Crossrail will then massively reshuffle the pack when it introduces its Reading services; and the 387 service requirement will drop to the high 20s, leaving several units to strengthen more semi-fast services to 12 car.

Really?! What I’m hearing is that December might be ambitious, let alone this summer. AIUI there’s only one 769 unit in existence so far?

 

[Trailfinder]

Paddington is in the sticks, it's not a business travel destination.

I assume you haven't been outside on the north side of the station by the canal.

I also suggest if you want a taxi, the best place to go is to the rank outside the Hilton at the top of the ramp on Praed Street

 

[hwl]

Really?! What I’m hearing is that December might be ambitious, let alone this summer. AIUI there’s only one 769 unit in existence so far?

Nearer units 9+10 in conversion AIUI
4 have escaped Brush so far
GWR also have a 319 for initial familiarisation at Reading.

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

Nearer units 9+10 in conversion AIUI
4 have escaped Brush so far
GWR also have a 319 for initial familiarisation at Reading.

There’s also the slight minor detail that a 769 cannot keep the timings operated currently on the North Downs route. Between Reading and Gatwick we’re talking about a 3-4 minute shortfall on the fast service, and up to 7-8 minutes on the all-stations Redhill services. (The skip-stop workings are somewhere in between.) The electric sections are short and not in the ‘hilly’ areas, so there is little/no clawback of time compared to that lost under diesel running.

Network Rail is not likely to agree to a major timetable rewrite at short notice, as-per current industry stance regarding risk, workload and readiness.

If a 769 operates on the current timetable this side of December I will eat the GBTT, without ketchup.

 

[Clarence Yard]

That’s what Railsys says but there has been considerable doubt expressed by all potential operators about what is being said by that system as regards point to points on diesel. People are expecting something akin to a cl.150 or in the case of the north downs, a cl.165/0.

This is beginning to look like a rerun of the class 66 timing saga so getting hold of a unit and doing some proper timing trials looks like the best way for sorting it in the long term.

However, for planning purposes, in the absence of hard info, NR, GWR and others are having to stick to the Railsys figures. Not helped either by having to revert to 2 TPH late in the December 2019 bidding process either.

 

[Non Multi]

The thread for GWR 769 discussion:
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/gwr-class-319-769-information-discussion.174866/

 

[387star]

If Gatwick gets a stand alone franchise again I would imagine this refurb could be copied

 

[northernbelle]

Because this is, in effect, using up the "spare" 387s freed by the pause on the Oxford (and presumable Basingstoke?) Electrification. There will also be slack in the fleet once Crossrail gets up and running to Reading, which will take over the Thames Valley Stoppers from GWR.

They would surely have accounted for Crossrail already when the 387s were ordered. Crossrail and it’s extension to Reading were confirmed way before the 387s.

Not quite the full story - the spare 387s are being freed up by a combination of:

• Pause in Basingstoke, Oxford & TV branches electrification (use of Turbos/769s/802s instead)
• Additional order of 7 Class 802s permitting use of 800s on through Paddington-Newbury-Bedwyn services (instead of split service of 387s to Newbury + Turbo shuttles)
• New order of 769s replacing a mixture of Turbo and 387 operated services

Crossrail stoppers had always been factored into the numbers.

 

[swt_passenger]

Not quite the full story - the spare 387s are being freed up by a combination of:

• Pause in Basingstoke, Oxford & TV branches electrification (use of Turbos/769s/802s instead)
• Additional order of 7 Class 802s permitting use of 800s on through Paddington-Newbury-Bedwyn services (instead of split service of 387s to Newbury + Turbo shuttles)
• New order of 769s replacing a mixture of Turbo and 387 operated services

Crossrail stoppers had always been factored into the numbers.

But then again, hadn’t the 387 fleet numbers already changed from the original number in the franchise agreement to account for both the altered Newbury/Bedwyn traction policy and the removal of all the intended 365s?

But I think most of us agree that Crossrail must have been accounted for, rather than being treated as a surprise bonus...

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

Thanks Clarence Yard for the useful insight.

Of all the things Crossrail could be described as, 'surprise bonus' isn't one of them!

 

[3973EXL]

387131 being hauled to Ilford by 37608

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K97295/2019/05/12/advanced

Ilford - Reading CAPED
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O05137/2019/05/12/advanced
Or light to Leicester RUNS
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R50183/2019/05/12/advanced

 

[Class455]

Any idea when the first unit will be released?

 

[JN114]

Any idea when the first unit will be released?

December EIS is the current plan.

The first pair (130/140) have had their cosmetic/interior works done at Ilford, and are awaiting a (new) path back to Reading. ETCS fitment should be done over the summer with testing and driver training late summer into Autumn.

 

[Deepgreen]

This is the area updates or commentary can be posted regarding the class 387s of GWR but specifically the HeX refurbishment process and the nature of the layout etc and eventually the introduction into service of these units.

Confirmed:
-New Wi-Fi
-Televisions in the coaches
-2+2 Standard with 1+2 First (implied non-ironing board config.)
-Extra luggage rack space
-Generally more luxurious details.

Expect a class 185 style revamp that could look nice with wood/chrome accenting. There is so much space for creativity in train interiors. Mood lighting is a good idea and for HeX is a realistic proposition given the lighting in the 332s.
Since the HeX is the UK’s most expensive train per mile and the least used by regular passengers, I can understand if there is a lack of interest for it on here but I thought I would add the obligatory 387 status update page.

So far: 387 unit 140 is confirmed at Ilford in old green livery undergoing the refurbishment.

"Televisions"?? Why on earth are these thought necessary for such a short journey?

 

[Kite159]

"Televisions"?? Why on earth are these thought necessary for such a short journey?

It will probably be like the TVs fitted to the current stock which play adverts & display useful information

 

[superalbs]

I've just seen a picture of the livery, but it looks a bit odd.

Not sure if I like it. Quite dull.

Here is the link to the image from Facebook (no account needed):
https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=fa7d5935316742f10b697b4b1b4a94c7&oe=5D62C89B

And the original post (account needed):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/300842016662071/permalink/2322515961161323/

 

[fgwrich]

They could have painted the cab roof! It does look a little bizarre leaving that in green. On the whole thought, it doesn't look too bad.

 

[cactustwirly]

Personally I prefer the current livery on the 332s

How many units are expected to be completed before the December timetable change?
Surely GWR can't release all 10 units without shortforms in the Thames Valley?
There are barely enough units for 8 car operation atm.

 

[causton]

Surely GWR can't release all 10 units without shortforms in the Thames Valley?
There are barely enough units for 8 car operation atm.

This has already been covered in post #28.

 

[cactustwirly]

This has already been covered in post #28.

Hmm I remain unconvinced.
Well if we have loads of 4 car 387s running around, then I hope GWR is held to account.
If there truly was enough slack in the fleet, then we wouldn't have rammed 4 car units running around (there's about 3 booked 4 car diagrams atm, that really ought to be 8 car)

 

[JN114]

Theres plenty of slack in the diagrams. There’s routinely 3 or even 4 spare units per day. Unit availability isn’t the only reason for running 4 car trains.

Unit requirements drop from 39 to 36 from next week, freeing up another 3 sets for mods. Mostly by introducing a 6 car Turbo onto off peak mainline suburban duties; but efficiencies have been gleaned elsewhere.

 

[TRAX]

They could have painted the cab roof! It does look a little bizarre leaving that in green. On the whole thought, it doesn't look too bad.

It does look pretty good and classy yes.
And I’m sure the remaining green bit will be removed.

 

[Kite159]

Looks odd seeing a HEX unit without it being covered with adverts for some communications company

 

[700007]

Theres plenty of slack in the diagrams. There’s routinely 3 or even 4 spare units per day. Unit availability isn’t the only reason for running 4 car trains.

Unit requirements drop from 39 to 36 from next week, freeing up another 3 sets for mods. Mostly by introducing a 6 car Turbo onto off peak mainline suburban duties; but efficiencies have been gleaned elsewhere.

Slightly off topic but not enough to warrant a new thread, what's the diagram for the 6-Turbo?

 

[Reliablebeam]

Slightly off topic but not enough to warrant a new thread, what's the diagram for the 6-Turbo?

I'd be interested to know which diagrams myself, so I can avoid the 'pleasure', got quite used to the superior 387's. I'm a bit astonished we're losing new electric trains to be backfilled by the old noisy diesel junk I'd hoped we were shot of. This should not be allowed.

 

[JN114]

I'd be interested to know which diagrams myself, so I can avoid the 'pleasure', got quite used to the superior 387's. I'm a bit astonished we're losing new electric trains to be backfilled by the old noisy diesel junk I'd hoped we were shot of. This should not be allowed.

It’s only short term until December when Crossrail takes over the Readings, seating capacity is theoretically almost the same between a 6 car 165 and an 8 car 387.

Turbo should be on:-
0712 Reading - Paddington
0821 Paddington - Didcot
1003 Didcot - Paddington
1142 Paddington - Reading
1248 Reading - Paddington
1357 Paddington - Didcot
1532 Didcot - Paddington
1712 Paddington - Reading

The current PM Peak Turbo stopper (1755 Paddington - Reading) goes over to 8 car 387 operation.

 

[cactustwirly]

It’s only short term until December when Crossrail takes over the Readings, seating capacity is theoretically almost the same between a 6 car 165 and an 8 car 387.

Turbo should be on:-
0712 Reading - Paddington
0821 Paddington - Didcot
1003 Didcot - Paddington
1142 Paddington - Reading
1248 Reading - Paddington
1357 Paddington - Didcot
1532 Didcot - Paddington
1712 Paddington - Reading

The current PM Peak Turbo stopper (1755 Paddington - Reading) goes over to 8 car 387 operation.

The big question is, will it actually be a 6 car unit in practice?
Noticed that a few Oxford and Gatwick Airport services have been 2 car vice 3 car lately

 

[JN114]

The big question is, will it actually be a 6 car unit in practice?
Noticed that a few Oxford and Gatwick Airport services have been 2 car vice 3 car lately

It’s scheduled to be a 6 car (2x3) - with no Bedwyns the Turbo fleet should have an easier time of things from next week. 2 vice 3 happens occasionally; but really not as often as you’re inferring.

 

[TEW]

It’s scheduled to be a 6 car (2x3) - with no Bedwyns the Turbo fleet should have an easier time of things from next week. 2 vice 3 happens occasionally; but really not as often as you’re inferring.

I'd agree with that, bar the booked Sunday 2 car it is pretty unusual to see one on the North Downs.