Class 387 coming to Thames Valley - ongoing discussion

[whole diary]

[IndustryInsider]

Isn't it just the one?

It's none really as Platform 5 has been there all along.  "Reopening the lengthened Platform 5" would have been rather more accurate.   

[DaveHarries]

I am unsure if GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) have commenced to transfer some of the Class 165s and 166s westward as a result of the introduction of these new Class 387s but I drove past St. Philips Marsh depot (Bristol) this morning and found Class 166 no. 166215 parked up.

Photo (taken from the public side of a wire fence):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/14103794@N04/32144043335/in/dateposted-public/

HTIOI,
Dave

[paul7575]

I am unsure if GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) have commenced to transfer some of the Class 165s and 166s westward...

It's the first complete* unit to move for initial depot staff familiarisation, and probably driver trainers will get involved at some stage.  The move was reported a few days ago in a number of other forums.   

(* I believe they also have half of a damaged two car unit at the moment as well while the oterhe end gets repaired up north somewhere.)

Paul

[Gordon the Blue Engine]

I was initially surprised that GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) release a 2-car 165 from the Greenford service but send a 3-car 166 to Bristol, but I suppose that for familiarisation purposes St Philip’s Marsh needs a set that has everything eg air-con, trailer car non-driving car etc.

[Gordon the Blue Engine]

There may be some physical obstacles that need resolving

I think one Ground Position Signal has had to be physically removed for the time being, but suspect that 'Electric Train' is correct in that it's mostly just waiting to get the paperwork signed.  There's no reason why the all-day service in January can't operate with the current restrictions as long as the new bay platform and crossover at Hayes are commissioned by then, though it would be nice if the restriction of calling at Hanwell could be sorted out by then as well.  A more frequent service would be really useful there as there's lots of growth potential that the current 30-minute interval service is stifling.

I notice that the Class 387 Paddington – Hayes shuttles are still not calling at Hanwell.  Is this because of the outstanding gauging issues - I presume platform height and/or stepping gap?

[stuving]

... Is this because of the outstanding gouging issues ...

I hope it's not that far out of gauge!

[IndustryInsider]

I think it's a station lighting issue which means it doesn't meet standards regarding despatch for trains of that length.  It might also be a case of the performance risk of another station call on a fairly intensive service with quite tight turnaround times.  A shame, as Hanwell does warrant a 15-minute interval service in my opinion.

[Gordon the Blue Engine]

The lighting issue sounds a plausible explanation, I presume that Crossrail will be upgrading it in due course.   In the current climate I can understand that any TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company) introducing DOO^▸ (Driver-Only Operation (that is, trains which operate without carrying a guard)) trains will be careful to fully comply with the relevant standards.

Hanwell is I think busier than Acton Main Line, so the latter would logically be the stop to leave out if necessary to maintain a reliable 30 minute service with 2 trains.

[Electric train]

There may be some physical obstacles that need resolving

I think one Ground Position Signal has had to be physically removed for the time being, but suspect that 'Electric Train' is correct in that it's mostly just waiting to get the paperwork signed.  There's no reason why the all-day service in January can't operate with the current restrictions as long as the new bay platform and crossover at Hayes are commissioned by then, though it would be nice if the restriction of calling at Hanwell could be sorted out by then as well.  A more frequent service would be really useful there as there's lots of growth potential that the current 30-minute interval service is stifling.

I notice that the Class 387 Paddington – Hayes shuttles are still not calling at Hanwell.  Is this because of the outstanding gauging issues - I presume platform height and/or stepping gap?

Doubt it will be gauging as that would prevent the trains running or mean a low speed in which case they may as well stop, it could be train / platform stepping or the platforms are not long enough for 8 car trains and the SDO^▸ (Selective Door Opening) has yet to be fitted; ultimately the 387 are not destined to serve Hanwell once cross rail is operational so there is no urgency to fit SDO.

Also Hanwell although a GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) station its served by Heathrow Connect so there could be some franchise / revenue issues perhaps

[IndustryInsider]

The SDO^▸ (Selective Door Opening) is fitted and working and needed at most other stations.  Like I said, I think it's a lighting and/or pathing issue.

[Thatcham Crossing]

That's good as (from what I reading on other fora about platforms to be extended, or not), it's definitely going to be needed at places like Midgham and Aldermaston in my locale.

[DidcotPunter]

It is reported elsewhere that the new EMU^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) sidings at West Ealing are now being used by the 387s and that the contract with Hitachi for the use of North Pole depot ends this month. It looks like a number of units will be dragged to/from Reading Traincare Depot.

Also, next Sunday a night of testing is scheduled for a 387 unit between Reading TCD and Didcot on the electrified test section. This is the first time the 387s will have ventured west of Reading under their own power and is a proving run to assess how the units perform under the new OLE^▸ (Overhead Line Equipment, more often "OHLE") (there have been electrical interference issues with with IEPs^▸ (Intercity Express Program / Project.) apparently).

(Didcot Parkway - next trains)/2017/02/05/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt" target="_blank">http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/DID/2017/02/05/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt

This is apparently a precursor to driver training starting over the test section.

[Thatcham Crossing]

It is reported elsewhere that the new EMU^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) sidings at West Ealing are now being used by the 387s

I came out of PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains) on a fairly late train last Thurs evening (26/1) and I think there was at least one 387 parked there.

[Oxonhutch]

I see that the first unit has been vandalised in the West Ealing sidings overnight. I do wish that the punishments for this type of crime would act as a suitable deterrent to these criminals. 

[lordgoata]

Oh - you saying that just reminded me, I saw (I assume the same unit just outside of H&H) early last Saturday morning on my way to Paddington, and it was covered in graffiti