Avocet Line - Exeter to Exmouth - incidents and events; services, stock and related improvements

[whole diary]

[FlyingDutchman]

Yes that may be one way of solving the problem.

But far as I am aware more choaches you have the higher the cost of running the services. I might be wrong.

I still like to see the station upgraded.

I would expect the 15 minute service to run only at peak times.

It would be nice if the newer rolling stock like 159 which are three car units

[devon_metro]

Yes that may be one way of solving the problem.

But far as I am aware more choaches you have the higher the cost of running the services. I might be wrong.

I still like to see the station upgraded.

I would expect the 15 minute service to run only at peak times.

It would be nice if the newer rolling stock like 159 which are three car units

Cheaper to run a 4 car train than 2 2 car trains.

1 x 4 car train offers the following benefits:
*Lower track access charges etc
*Half the number of crew involved
*Back up in case of unit failure
*Not to mention the fact that a 4 car can mop up a crowded platform instead of a 2 car only taking half.

[FlyingDutchman]

I can't see them allowing anything new down here. Here is some I found


I found plenty of three car units

3 Car Units
159,165,166,168,172/2 or 172/3,175/1, 185


4 Car units
168,171/8,185

[FlyingDutchman]

When are we going to get some newer rolling stock. The Two car 142 can't cope with the number of passengers.

[marky7890]

This year we are should be getting a load of 150s once London Midland receive their new Class 172s. However I think the hired Arriva 150s and Northern Rail 142s will be handed back, so no extra capacity.

[devon_metro]

There is the slight benefit of a 150 having more room than a 142, otherwise we will continue to suffer at the hands of short formed trains.

[grahame]

The word is that it's broadly a replacement of a certain number of carriages by a very similar number.  I note that the outgoing and incoming deals are on different contracts, and should one of them fall through we could have a very interesting scenario. Starting with "take every train that's capable of being cut into sections, and cut it into sections ...."

[marky7890]

Starting with "take every train that's capable of being cut into sections, and cut it into sections ...."

Like the 3 car 158s being shortened to 2 car ones ... again?

[Branch Line Connor]

Its not nice being crushed onto a little pacer, that bounces around everywhere, in boiling heat! 'Im sorry to announce this service has been reported as full and standing'

[FlyingDutchman]

The train I was on this morning was only two car 142 and people had to stand.

On the way home it was a 142 and  153

[Timmer]

Like the 3 car 158s being shortened to 2 car ones ... again?

Yep something like that though FGW^▸ (First Great Western)/Dft would never get away with it now because even 3 car 158s are rammed at times. The local media would have a field day.

What a shame the order for 4 carriage 172s or something like them was cancelled because of electrification that is some years off which means a long wait before more diesel rolling stock can be cascaded down to the Cardiff-Portsmouth line from the Thames area. Can't say I am looking forward to 165/166s replacing the 158s that operated on this line which are good trains IMHO^▸ (in my humble opinion)

Mind you, knowing how much Dft/government change their minds regarding all things rail, who knows what we might end up rolling stock wise over the next few years.

[The Grecian]

The 150s were probably the best units for the Avocet^▸ (Branch line from Exeter to Exmouth) line as they had more doors than the 158s so could load and unload quicker, keeping to time.

[Super Guard]

The 150s were probably the best units for the Avocet^▸ (Branch line from Exeter to Exmouth) line as they had more doors than the 158s so could load and unload quicker, keeping to time.

Definately... and has been noted a 150 will fit more people than a 142.

However, I thought the new 172s were already delayed which could make things interesting if the Arriva & Northern stock has to go.

[devon_metro]

172001 is currently being tested at Derby

[Bob_Blakey]

Exeter City Council, and partners, have commenced formal consultation on the proposed new development in the Newcourt area of the city.

More information is available at http://www.exeter.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=12378&detailid=12384

The good news is that there is an absolute commitment to the provision of a public transport 'hub' in the centre of the site which will include a railway station on the Exeter-Exmouth 'Avocet^▸ (Branch line from Exeter to Exmouth)' branch line.

The intention seems to be to try and provide the enhanced rail service without much in the way of infrastructure improvements; personally I think that the Topsham loop should be extended as far north as possible, and preferably all the way to Exmouth Junction, to give the greatest operational flexibility.