Great Western Coffee Shop

I remember a few years back, that FGW tried a TV carriage. It involved taking out all the table and fitting just airline seats in a carriage ( ;D !). Then, customers would be charged for earphones and for the content which would be viewed on the seat back.

Since the trial ended, I have heard nothing. I take it the project was axed, and the carriage was refreshed. FGW never said.

Did anyone here ever go on said carriage?

Does anyone think they were a good idea (I was not convinced myself!)?

Never went onto it - horrendous idea - would go back to the car.

I want some space in front of me to work (refreshed SC on a HST is okay - JUST) - I dont care about cruddy TV/Musak someone else has chosen

Put it this way, it wasn't a success.  ;D

I personally the idea it has been discontinued is best, money can be spent better elsewhere really.

If you look at your pitcures - they didnt take out ALL the tables - some were left - now that might be a reaasonable compromise - but I still cant see (especially in the age of ipods etc) why anyone would want someone elses choice of musak or tv

So ironically, there were more table in a Volo carriage, than a refurbed HST!

I went in the carraige but only after the TV's had gone- the seats were so uncomfortable, Richmond's or very similar IIRC.

the seats look quite similar to the ones in the 180s

But very uncomfortable compared to 180's.

I can assure you 180 seats are at least 3times better!

Wouldn't work with me- I'm one of those unfortunate souls who often get travel-sick if I read while in a moving car or train......

I get travel sick in car or bus if reading - but not train!

Also, the FGW network passes through some of the most fantastic scenery in this country - why watch TV and miss the wonderful views?

And your sure about that are you???

I find the view as Boring as hell at Night!

Only travelled on the Volo carriage once all the screens were tied up with plastic wraps so out of use.

The Volo carriage run around for months still advertising the "Volo Service" after the trial was wound up, it's Illegal to advertise a service thats not available.

I'm only as sure as my sources can tell me. Even if within FGW it has been said it was a 'success', the proof in the pudding is really that it hasn't been rolled out among more trains.

(posting on board a unrefurbished Mk3 HST on NXEC to Newcastle)

Yet..............................

FGW spending money??  ;D ;D ;D

I could see it rolling out partially - but not to one carriage in every train. More likely one carriage in each low density refurb I would say. I know that it was 'approved', so to speak, upon by passengers but I believe revenue flow had difficulties and it had to be revised before rolling out among more trains.

Well I suppose if you could prove that you only bought your ticket on the back of knowing you were going to have a Volo service then maybe you might have a point, but otherwise don't think there's anything wrong (let alone illegal) with what FGW were doing keeping the coach in service.

I take it the carriage finally went (ad livery and seats) in the refurb- or was it before?

Pretty sure it went to refurb, but as one of the first carriages to be done.

I travelled it once whilst it was up and runnning and free - can't remember what TV program was on but it was something like Dad's Army....the only thing that interested me was the "driver's view" camera but that wasn't working on that day.

The drivers view camera was an idea, and wasn't physically implemented hence not being available.

Driver's view wouldn't be ideal if you ask me. Would you really want to be watching driver's view when involved in a fatality?

Yeah, I was thinking that after I posted it - all very well until you see something you really shouldn't - it's terrible enough that the drivers might have to experience it, let alone all the passengers...

The refurbished class 153s are fitted with forward facing cameras..... But not for the purpose of volo!!

Not being spied on by management I hope  ::)

Nope, apparently they can't be used for "P45's" yet!