Great Western Coffee Shop

Hi all,

My name is Lewis, I'm 16 and I'm from Essex. Now, I know Essex is no where near First Great Western territory but I am a train enthusiast and FGW are my favourite company purely because they have my all time favourite type of train: the HST and because they operate in my favourite parts of the country: Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and The Cotswolds. I ride around on FGW trains a lot and pay regular visits to London Paddington station: the gateway to the South West. Really, I joined this site to keep up with the comings and going at FGW, particularly the trains, routes and service. Being a train enthusiast hopefully I can provide some useful information about train operation, times or absolutely anything to do with FGW. Although I like FGW, I'm not to sure I'm liking the InterCity Express Programme trains. They look okay but I don't think they will come anywhere near to the high standards provided by the HST workhorse. Along with the IEP, there is electrification which I suppose is good for the environment but the masts and wires will look incredibly ugly and ruin the beautiful landscape of the London-Bristol/South Wales route which has some stunning scenery and countryside. Anyway, I look forward to using the forum for FGW,

Kind regards,

Lewis  :)

A warm welcome to the forum Lewis, from another unashamed lover of the HSTs!

Although I think its time they are gracefully retired. And I'm looking forward to the IEP.  ;)

Thanks for the warm welcome  :) I suppose; they are 40 years old now. But to be honest they do have very nice interiors with very comfortable seats. I am sort of looking forward to IEP but the new trains will have no buffet service, just a trolley service and most are bi-mode and 5 cars. The thing I can't get my head round is why the DFT have decided to replace an 8 car HST with a 5 car train and when I wrote to them their response was "there is no need for an 8 car train during off-peak." But there is no intention to operate the new Super Express trains on London Paddington-Taunton/Plymouth/Penzance routes therefore HST's will continue to operate these services.

Hi Lewis I was your age when I first travelled on the HST prototype  :o  and a year one from that I was working on them as an apprentice

 ;D

..but you have worn so well Electric Train and not been refurbished as often as the HSTs!  ;D

Seriously though they are still my favourite form of travel although I do lament the increased seating and subsequent lack of legroom in standard class but we all know why it was done.

And welcome from me too Lewis ;) From someone who regularly crosses the FGW/GreaterAnglia Borders! Tickets Please! ;D

Hi Lewis. A warm welcome indeed!