Just mileage accumulation, Colas don't do the manager training.Is it mileage accumulation or training the DM's?
Just mileage accumulation, Colas don't do the manager training.Is it mileage accumulation or training the DM's?
I assume any training isn't likely until the IR issues are resolved anyway?Just mileage accumulation, Colas don't do the manager training.
769935 is out on test today.
Mileage accumulation is a form of test.Just mileage accumulation runs, there’s no testing.
In the first few posts on this thread, it was suggested that 319s would be used for staff training, before the first 769s were available. However that was over three years ago.hello
Can someone explain what the 319s will be used for?
Indeed - I wonder how they'll do when fully loaded (if they ever get that far).They are underpowered in diesel but the sectional running times reflect that. Unfortunately 319's don't get away that well on DC so can't make it back on the juice either.
5Q70 37510 769927 37601ROG STP 20/04 0448 Derby - Long Marston
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K04837/2022-04-20/detailed
ROG STP 20/04 1135 Long Marston - Wolverton
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K04836/2022-04-20/detailed
Confirmed through Dorridge on time earlier on with two barrier vehicles either side of the unit for support.5Q70 37510 769927 37601
There are some unusual Maidenhead to Swindon and back runs scheduled today, e.g. this one.
Realtime Trains | 523Y 0751 Maidenhead to Swindon | 27/04/2022
Real-time train running information for 523Y 0751 departure from Maidenhead to Swindon on 27/04/2022. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.www.realtimetrains.co.uk
I was surprised to see a 769 go past…
It isn't exactly GWR's decision to make. The DfT are likely to be decision makers on whether to give up with 769s, and that either needs service cuts or alternative stock to be sourced for west services.I'm surprised GWR haven't given up with the 769s yet..
Or simply keep the HSTs. That may well be cheaper than wasting any more time or money on the 769s.It isn't exactly GWR's decision to make. The DfT are likely to be decision makers on whether to give up with 769s, and that either needs service cuts or alternative stock to be sourced for west services.
Or simply keep the HSTs. That may well be cheaper than wasting any more time or money on the 769s.
Thanks for your detailed reply. The 442s were binned after £45 million was wasted on them so it wouldn't be a first. Given the problems with the other 769 fleets, I cannot see that putting them on the Gatwick line will be anything other than a PR disaster. TfW has diverted the 231s off the main line to the Rhymney line to bin off the 769s ASAP.I think it’s more future west enhancements currently rely on Turbos being released from the Thames Valley, than Turbos seeing off the HSTs; but the two are related.
Keeping the HSTs and staving off the Turbo cascade doesn’t fix that - the West ultimately needs a larger fleet on the whole to achieve its ambitions.
A (much) enlarged 158 fleet may trigger enough of an internal cascade of 158s relegating Turbos off Portsmouth duties in equivalent 4/5/6 car formations, Turbos released then doing Bristol/Exeter Metro enhancements freeing up 150s for Cornish branch line enhancements - but those 158s would need to come from somewhere and would likely come at a £££££ price tag as they’re in demand from several operators. Thames Valley could then soldier on for a few years more with Turbos until minds are made up on Oxford/Basing/Redhill/Branches electrification and all of that would dispense with the need for 769s. It’s a fair wedge of cash into the bin if the 769s are abandoned though with an expensive replacement and would only be done if there was definitely something else available.
I suspect the saga will drag on but the internal dissenting voices are coming in unison from many sides now.
Thats how GWR will solve its capacity problems imo not with the 769's unless ASLEF are going to agree to operate them. Given the IR issues that look inevitable across the industry this year I doubt they will be in collaborative mood for a while yet.How soon are the extra units required in the west for enhancements? TfW will have 150/158/175s coming off lease in the next 12 months or so.
or hold out for tfw stock to be available theres a large fleet of 15x and 175 trains all prm compliant and WORKINGOr simply keep the HSTs. That may well be cheaper than wasting any more time or money on the 769s.
Basingstoke and the branches are flatter and probably more suitable shorter term. And if wired, along with Didcot to Oxford, they could spend most of their lives on ac electric until more class 387sbeccome available. Whilst conductor rails along the Wokingham to Reigate stretch should sort that too!!I think it’s more future west enhancements currently rely on Turbos being released from the Thames Valley, than Turbos seeing off the HSTs; but the two are related.
Keeping the HSTs and staving off the Turbo cascade doesn’t fix that - the West ultimately needs a larger fleet on the whole to achieve its ambitions.
A (much) enlarged 158 fleet may trigger enough of an internal cascade of 158s relegating Turbos off Portsmouth duties in equivalent 4/5/6 car formations, Turbos released then doing Bristol/Exeter Metro enhancements freeing up 150s for Cornish branch line enhancements - but those 158s would need to come from somewhere and would likely come at a £££££ price tag as they’re in demand from several operators. Thames Valley could then soldier on for a few years more with Turbos until minds are made up on Oxford/Basing/Redhill/Branches electrification and all of that would dispense with the need for 769s. It’s a fair wedge of cash into the bin if the 769s are abandoned though with an expensive replacement and would only be done if there was definitely something else available.
I suspect the saga will drag on but the internal dissenting voices are coming in unison from many sides now.
They have to do some miles on AC as part of the testing/acceptance programme.Why are they running tests to Swindon if they won't operate there?
If- and this is a big if - the 769s eventually settle down into being actually reliable trains, they could be sent elsewhere on the network
and the North Downs go over to 387s.