IETs into passenger service from 16 Oct 2017 and subsequent performance issues

[whole diary]

[ChrisB]

There are posters at Welsh stations showing a standard format of 2x5car IETs^▸ (Intercity Express Train).

1st class is at the London end of each set, so very end of Eastern end and in the middle.

So no 2.5 coach areas with no STD seating exists

[grahame]

1st class is at the London end of each set, so very end of Eastern end and in the middle.

So no 2.5 coach areas with no STD seating exists

Is that guaranteed, or just "in the normal run of events".   Very much aware that first class is at the London ends of HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) ... except when it isn't.

[ChrisB]

One assumes that this formation is what's in the contract with Hitachi? So would need GWRs^▸ (Great Western Railway) agreement to turn them out otherwise

[stuving]

One assumes that this formation is what's in the contract with Hitachi? So would need GWRs^▸ (Great Western Railway) agreement to turn them out otherwise

You think so? Do they have some machinery we've not heard about in their depots for turning units round if they come in the wrong way round?

[grahame]

Do they have some machinery we've not heard about in their depots for turning units round if they come in the wrong way round"

Probably have a bigger version of this

[IndustryInsider]

One assumes that this formation is what's in the contract with Hitachi? So would need GWRs^▸ (Great Western Railway) agreement to turn them out otherwise

I’ve definitely seen one with a 1st both in the middle configuration in passenger service.  As long as that is only going to happen on very rare occasions then that’s ok.

[ChrisB]

If it were oikely to be a regular occurance, would they bother putting out posters saying the opposite?

[stuving]

If it were oikely to be a regular occurance, would they bother putting out posters saying the opposite?

You're assuming all he relevant people and parts of GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) understand the importance of unit orientation in a 5+5 train, and that they understand the same as each other. I suspect a lot of that has been worked out after they started running, and they still have a way to go.

[broadgage]

Putting both bits of first in the middle would have the merit that any unplanned or unexpected reversals would still leave first class at the middle.
If first class was at the London end of each unit, then any diversion that required reversing would result in it being at the country end.

The same argument would of course apply to putting first class at the outer ends, either policy would in my view be acceptable provided that it was applied consistently.

[grahame]

Putting both bits of first in the middle would have the merit that any unplanned or unexpected reversals would still leave first class at the middle.
If first class was at the London end of each unit, then any diversion that required reversing would result in it being at the country end.

Where is First Class going to be in the 9 car units and will people know at intermediate stations whether a 9 or a 5+5 is expected; one expects the 9s on workings that don't divide, and 5+5s on ones that have onward portions to Pembroke, Newquay or Weymouth (will classes 800 and 802 come in long and short swing link flavours?)

[Timmer]

Weymouth Graham? Do you know something we don’t?

[grahame]

Weymouth Graham? Do you know something we don’t?

No, just being slightly naughty in my ask - HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) have ended up at some pretty unexpected places (Exmouth and Falmouth come to mind) and perhaps 80x could at some time. 

[Timmer]

Never say never as they say. As long as they get clearance no reason why an IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) couldn’t make it down to Weymouth in the future.

[IndustryInsider]

Seats look a different colour on the later units being currently delivered.

[1st fan]

Weymouth Graham? Do you know something we don’t?

No, just being slightly naughty in my ask - HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) have ended up at some pretty unexpected places (Exmouth and Falmouth come to mind) and perhaps 80x could at some time. 

One made it almost to Minehead when they wanted to do an evacuation test many years ago.