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

[whole diary]

[stuving]

I have concerns over luggage space too.  Hopefully the 802s will have more, reflecting their usage on the Cornish routes.

Is there any reason, or rumour, for thinking they will?

If so, the most obvious way to do it would be to replace (some of) those windowless seats across the aisle from a luggage rack by more racks - though they'd probably be the same design.

[IndustryInsider]

There’s something in the back of my mind about more luggage space, but that might be tied up with the buffet that was being considered before being dropped.

[martyjon]

IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train)'s splitting at Reading now ;-


13:00 London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads due 14:43

Facilities on the 13:00 London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads due 14:43.

Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 10 between Reading and Bristol Temple Meads. Will divide at Reading, front 5 coaches only for Bristol Temple Meads via Swindon.

Additional Facilities Information

This train will divide at Reading today, the front 5 coaches only continue to Bristol Temple Meads.

[grahame]

13:00 London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads due 14:43

Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 10 between Reading and Bristol Temple Meads. Will divide at Reading, front 5 coaches only for Bristol Temple Meads via Swindon.

Many times something that's intended as a one-off illustrates what could be done on a regular basis. Certain evening peak services from London are rammed to Reading then quieter beyond.

Why not take train like the 17:06 and 18:06 and drop 5 at Reading, coming back on an "opposite" service and then providing a further extra 5 cars out of Paddington some 90 minutes later?

Or how would the Cheltenham Spa and Bedwyn (or Westbury or regional train via Taunton) combine to use only one London - Reading slot during the day, with portion working beyond?

[charles_uk]

I've now lost my IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) virginity. As I only travel a single stop along the Cotswold Line - and as I sit most of the day at work - I choose to stand. The vestibule areas seem much smaller than on HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) and 180s; it felt especially cramped with just six or seven standing today. The problem is increased since passengers for stations with short platforms are concentrated in just a couple of coaches. Early days, I know, but there is a sense of disappointment.

[welshman]

MY first IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) today.  CDF^» (Cardiff - next trains) to PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains) by HST^▸ (High Speed Train) and the reverse by IET so a chance to compare. 

Going (07:59) was mostly empty even though we added the cancelled 08:00 Paignton passengers.

Returning (15:45) was full so had to stand (with two others in the (small) vestibule until Reading.  The slightest movement triggered the automatic doors so I had to keep really still.  Got a seat then.  As is said, thin and hard but not uncomfortable although I felt a bit close to the bloke sitting next to me.  Better legroom than the Mk 3 airline seating.

Ride comfort seemed fairly comparable but perhaps not quite as good as a Mk 3.  The switch from volts to diesel caused a slight thump but apart from that was seamless.  The only obvious difference was some increase in vibration felt through the floor.  From outside, the IET sounds like a Voyager taking off but inside are a lot quieter.

The train manager's announcements were mostly inaudible, which was a nuisance as we were affected by a defect in the Down Main at Didcot but no-one could hear what was being said about it.  I had to rely on Journey Check.  I mentioned it politely to the TM^‡(resolve) when he checked the tickets but he didn't improve.

As we slowed down for Cardiff, he made the first audible announcement, which was a new one on me:

Some of the toilets are out of toilet paper.  Please check before you use the toilet.  We will replenish the supply when we get to Swansea.

No, don't.   

[IndustryInsider]

Returning (15:45) was full so had to stand (with two others in the (small) vestibule until Reading.  The slightest movement triggered the automatic doors so I had to keep really still.  Got a seat then.

I think I said in my review a couple of months ago that I was surprised floor sensors had been fitted for that very reason.  One of the big faults with the HST^▸ (High Speed Train) Mk III’s is when somebody is constantly activating the doors when stood in the vestibule, especially (as is often the case) if they are taking a mobile phone call, or chatting to a friend at what they think is an appropriate level due to the noise in the vestibule, but of course it’s not for anyone sat in the saloon area!

It’s a much less intrusive problem on IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train)’s though as the vestibule area is almost as quiet as the saloon area and the doors open almost silently compared with a huge ‘whoosh’ on many of the Mk III doors.

[welshman]

I'm not sure that there are floor sensors.  Isn't there an overhead sensor just above the door?   I tested and it seemed to me that arm-waving had the effect of opening the door.

[Thatcham Crossing]

Other fora suggesting there is going to be some sort of IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) journey time record attempt between PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains) and RDG^‡(resolve) this morning, the 1045 to Swansea being the train in question. Apparently 20 mins is the target and the sets involved are 800013 and 800021.

Only what I have read elsewhere so don't shoot the messenger etc.....worth watching on RTT^» (Real Time Trains - website) etc though to see what actually happens.

[a-driver]

Be interesting to see if they hold it back a minute to ensure the HEx has time to clear airport junction then it’s a 10 minute gap. The train in front being the 1035 to Paignton

[bobm]

the 1045 to Swansea being the train in question.

That should shake the orange juice up in the Pullman then.... 

[GBM]

Other fora suggesting there is going to be some sort of IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) journey time record attempt between PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains) and RDG^‡(resolve) this morning,

Does this mean it/they would be drawing more power from the wires for that burst of energy?  Or am I just being too simplistic.  Only a limited amount of juice to be shared around surely.  Don't want to turn my PC and monitor off fearing a power surge!  

[IndustryInsider]

I'm not sure that there are floor sensors.  Isn't there an overhead sensor just above the door?   I tested and it seemed to me that arm-waving had the effect of opening the door.

Could be - not button operated though which has been the norm for new fleets recently.

[patch38]

Be interesting to see if they hold it back a minute to ensure the HEx has time to clear airport junction then it’s a 10 minute gap. The train in front being the 1035 to Paignton

Actually left 1/2 minute early if RTT^» (Real Time Trains - website) is to be believed

[Thatcham Crossing]

Other fora suggesting there is going to be some sort of IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) journey time record attempt between PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains) and RDG^‡(resolve) this morning

Unconfirmed at 21 mins. Seems this was to show what can be achieved within permitted line speeds.

It's going to feature in the next series of the Paddington "fly-on-the-wall" documentary, apparently.