While that makes sense, it doesn't explain why, given it's the same traction system and management system controlling it, they couldn't have configured it such that if a unit with the reduced performance was coupled, the two couldn't harmonise to the lower performance setting. That's just wilfully ignorant on Hitchi's part. It was clearly never deemed a requirement, so they didn't code for it. Who told them it would never be required, I wonder?
Well they could talk, but they'd argue.
The section of the A30 which was blocked is on high ground over Bodmin Moor which is why it was badly affected.
Ha ha! Needs like button.
Which makes me wonder if Hitachi has almost purposefully made them different so they cannot talk without a (probably simple) modification = more cash for them.
Well, 1A71 failed at Westbury this morning, causing 2hr+ delays to several services stuck behind it (over 3 hrs for one). Was that an IET or HST?
HST, another HST set came on 1A72 and propelled it into Westbury, blocking Down Main platform 2 as two HST’s foul the points.
It's Absolutely ludicrous. Its 2019 and we seem to be going backwards? The WR has gone from having one fleet of practically identical HST's which can basically work all the GW Inter-City routes in all weathers with practically no fuss, to two different fleets of practically the same design of train that can't work together. This will cause all sorts of headaches for the operator e.g. Stepping up of diagrams when needed at Paddington (800's can not be contractually "out of place" at the end of the day or exceed allowed milage and now it seems, go west of Exeter when the sea is rough at Dawlish) where as the 802 is declared as "Dawlish Proof" and can more or less work any WR Inter-City diagram. For me, The blame solely lies with the DfT for forcing the IEP on GWR and now LNER, along with its very expensive and complex operating and maintenance agreement that goes with it. The DfT should have kept their ore out of this and allowed the operators to procure their own universal fleet of trains as they see fit, which best fits their operating requirements and passenger needs. The IEP has been a "balls up" from start to delivery and beyond. What ever happened to common sense in the Railway Industry?
Definitely just a software upload, there is so much contractually behind the scenes ( as you CY must be aware ) that common sense and railwaymen could sort out. I have no doubt there will be further changes to contracts and working practices, it is a huge change for all involved and day by day there are discussions and improvements to cross company working, although, as with any new contract, there is the occasional setback.
It would, of course, be possible to build a train that is 100% Dawlish proof, the cost of that, is another matter. Any train with underslung engines is going to be more susceptible to water ingress issues than a HST with its engine enclosed and at a higher level.
I agree, the procurement and management of these trains has made them the most expensive train in the world (as confirmed on ITV's TONIGHT programme a few weeks ago) - Yes they are a soundly designed concept/train, but sadly its the interior that lets them down ( The DFT is to blame there!) a friend of mine travelled in standard class on a 800 for the first time last week. I asked them of their opinion of the interior and he amusingly said, with the teak style tables and coach ends and all the grey that it was like travelling in a casket or coffinIt still exists in the TOCs that are choosing to order those units now the DfT has done the dirty work for them
They aren't a bad train (after all they're basically just a longer, bi-mode version of the Javelin EMUs), but the procurement exercise was an expensive joke.
he said it needs more colour, more imagination and I agree.And what are those contractual reasons?
Relaxed performance settings to reduce wear and thus allow for longer intervals between maintenance, I believe.
I agree, the procurement and management of these trains has made them the most expensive train in the world (as confirmed on ITV's TONIGHT programme a few weeks ago) - Yes they are a soundly designed concept/train, but sadly its the interior that lets them down ( The DFT is to blame there!) a friend of mine travelled in standard class on a 800 for the first time last week. I asked them of their opinion of the interior and he amusingly said, with the teak style tables and coach ends and all the grey that it was like travelling in a casket or coffin
Out of idle interest should there be some future need to increase capacity due to demand is it feasible to add extra seats or is there some technical/performance reason why this is not not possible?
Agreed re the seat spacing. It was however a wasted opportunity not fitting a reclining mechanism (these seats do have that option) as is widespread on new trains across Europe these days. It would have mitigated the discomfort for those of us who don't like sitting bolt upright for any length of time.
Nooooooooo!!! No extra seats, the seat spacing is about the one thing from the passenger perspective that is right about these trains!
Now let's await the politicians answer on how this is a good thing and no doubt in the bad old days this would of been 23 cancellations.......
