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BerkshireBugsy
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« on: July 20, 2017, 10:33:02 » |
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In recent months I have been commuting daily between Reading and the Bristol area (either Temple Meads or Parkway)
My journey times outbound in the morning tend to be fairly consistent by my journey back varies both in route and time.
It does seem to me that quite a few HST▸ carriages are suffering with problematic air conditioning. Is this because the units are inherently unreliable, the age of the units, the maintenance program for the stock or something else?
On most days it's not a major issue but if our summer ever makes a reappearance that could change!
Thoughts from others are appreciated.
Regards
Dave
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ChrisB
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« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2017, 10:38:25 » |
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Suspect it's a case of door windows being left open & the aircon trying to cool the UK▸ ....
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BerkshireBugsy
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« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2017, 10:41:21 » |
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Suspect it's a case of door windows being left open & the aircon trying to cool the UK▸ ....
I like the theory but quite often the TM‡ will come on and say something like "the A/c in coaches D and E is faulty please feel free to move to another coach where it is working normally. |
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ChrisB
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« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2017, 11:19:32 » |
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Each coach I suspect has its own unit. Therefore windows open in D will likely affect that coaches' unit, and maybe the one next door.
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Timmer
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« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2017, 11:19:51 » |
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Suspect it's a case of door windows being left open & the aircon trying to cool the UK▸ ....
I like the theory but quite often the TM‡ will come on and say something like "the A/c in coaches D and E is faulty please feel free to move to another coach where it is working normally. Yes they become faulty because of the door windows being left open in the vestibule area as ChrisB says trying to cool the UK. You cannot leave windows open and expect air con to work...especially when its 40 years old. |
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grahame
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« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2017, 12:27:32 » |
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I have had the problem explained to me that the ventilation system in these vehicles related back to the days when half of each carriage was smoking, so that they start off with a disadvantage in that the air flow is designed for previous not current conditions. Always in at one end, through the carriage, and out at the other end.
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Coffee Shop Admin, Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, TravelWatch SouthWest Board Member
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broadgage
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« Reply #6 on: July 20, 2017, 15:10:07 » |
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A cynic like me might suspect that maintenance standards are being deliberately reduced and stock being deliberately allowed to become run down.
Then when the new DMUs▸ come into use they can say "observe how wonderful these new trains are, reliable air conditioning, WiFi, power outlets etc" After all they can not advertise the improved buffet ! nor the reduced journey times, and probably best to keep silent about improved capacity until ALL busy services are actually 9/10 car without any single 5 car units in the peak.
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU▸ is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
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ChrisB
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« Reply #7 on: July 20, 2017, 15:29:19 » |
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Indeed, and if they are HSTs▸ destined for elsewhere, their are unlikely to invest in new equipment if the units are shot. Repair maybe....
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Tim
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« Reply #8 on: July 20, 2017, 15:45:44 » |
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I have had the problem explained to me that the ventilation system in these vehicles related back to the days when half of each carriage was smoking, so that they start off with a disadvantage in that the air flow is designed for previous not current conditions. Always in at one end, through the carriage, and out at the other end.
I recall watching a BTF about the new 125s which promoted the air conditioning as keeping the air clean of smoke, illustrated with a shot of cigarette smoke spiralling up to an air vent. Apparently it was one of the design criteria that smoke would be removed. |
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IndustryInsider
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« Reply #9 on: July 20, 2017, 16:02:45 » |
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A cynic like me might suspect that maintenance standards are being deliberately reduced and stock being deliberately allowed to become run down.
Then when the new DMUs▸ come into use they can say "observe how wonderful these new trains are, reliable air conditioning, WiFi, power outlets etc" After all they can not advertise the improved buffet ! nor the reduced journey times, and probably best to keep silent about improved capacity until ALL busy services are actually 9/10 car without any single 5 car units in the peak.
As ChrisB says, maintenance is being wound down. Nothing to do with providing a better comparison with new trains, just that it doesn't make financial sense in holding large supplies of spares or undertaking much comprehensive work such as replacing airconditioning units and doing much more than just keeping the train safe for service. |
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To view my GWML▸ Electrification cab video 'before and after' video comparison, as well as other videos of the new layout at Reading and 'before and after' comparisons of the Cotswold Line Redoubling scheme, see: http://www.dailymotion.com/user/IndustryInsider/ |
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bobm
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« Reply #10 on: July 20, 2017, 20:04:11 » |
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I also understand, from a member of train crew, that if the aircon fails while the train is in service there is very little the on board staff can do by way of resetting it as the controls are only accessible when the train is in a depot. With other rolling stock they can try to get it going from an interior control panel.
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TaplowGreen
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« Reply #11 on: July 20, 2017, 20:31:54 » |
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"More trains than usual needing repairs"?  A lot of the Turbos (in my experience the majority) are exactly the same, like ovens when the temperature rises........I guess not using the aircon keeps the running costs down...............thank God the 387s are cool! |
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johoare
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« Reply #12 on: July 20, 2017, 22:13:11 » |
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I agree TaplowGreen. And sorry to be a bit controversial to previous posts but hopefully they won't try and blame ALL air con failures on people leaving windows open..That's a bit of a get out clause if so..and very unfair..
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PhilWakely
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« Reply #13 on: July 21, 2017, 08:32:42 » |
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I agree TaplowGreen. And sorry to be a bit controversial to previous posts but hopefully they won't try and blame ALL air con failures on people leaving windows open..That's a bit of a get out clause if so..and very unfair..
Sad person that I am, I spent my entire journey from Totnes to Newton Abbot a week or so back walking the length of the train attempting to close open windows. It is safe to say that of those that were open (about 50%), the vast majority actually would not close properly (ie as soon as pulled up, they would slip back open again), so it is a tad unfair to blame all open windows on pax actions (or inactions). |
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bobm
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« Reply #14 on: July 21, 2017, 08:41:52 » |
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I frequently close doors on an HST▸ as I walk along the platform after getting off and I also find a fair few with faulty windows, which either slip back down or need the strength of Samson to raise them.
It makes you wonder how they survive the carriage wash.
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