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

[whole diary]

[TaplowGreen]

An inspiration..…………..

[Bmblbzzz]

The table seats seem much less cramped than on HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) as well - not sure if anyone has done the measurements to compare?

I haven't sat at a table seat on an IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) but it seemed to me that there is generally a bit more leg room, although the legs that support the seat in front of you are slightly inconveniently placed.

I rather hope they don't fit padded seats. I find the IET seats very comfortable. Supportive, not squishy, plenty wide enough. Some of the best train seats I've sat on, for comfort.

I shall put this as delicately as possible...

You must be carrying a lot more "personal padding" around than I am...

On a trip from Chippenham to Paddington I find myself uncomfortable and fidgeting well before we get to Didcot. In my view the description "ironing boards" is well-deserved.

Unfortunately you're probably correct.  Although I don't actually think this works the way you imply.

[CMRail]

I’m sorry, but our off all the issues faults and controversy on the 800s Hopwood is happy about his sticker agreement with Hitachi? Seats and Catering were the main complaints, maybe Mark will post about his dream railway network?

He hides behind a bush and his spokesmen do a good job, especially Dan Panes who replied to my tweet regarding reliability.

[TonyK]

An inspiration..…………..

Too bad that Comical Ali was snapped up by MetroBust in Bristol.

[TaplowGreen]

An inspiration..…………..

Too bad that Comical Ali was snapped up by MetroBust in Bristol.

......there's a lot of them about.

[JayMac]

An IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) is currently on its way to Pembroke Dock.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/F53958/2018/11/12/advanced

On test tonight.

[rogerw]

There appear to be at least 4 diagrams short formed today

[SandTEngineer]

Here is the list of current recurring faults on IETs^▸ (Intercity Express Train) as quoted by an insider on the WNXX^▸ (Stored Unserviceable, Mainline Locos HQ All Classes) Forum:

Brakes, OTMR^▸ (On Train Monitoring Recorder), TMS, power controller failures, doors sticking open, air conditioning units catching fire, engines shutting down, leaking door seals......

[JayMac]

18 sets apparently running on diesel only today too.

[IndustryInsider]

18 sets apparently running on diesel only today too.

Yes, many of those are quite able to run on electric, but need to be tested on depot if maintenance has been done on them.

So, AIUI^▸ (as I understand it), if for example a set needs a new carbon strip on the pantograph, then Stoke Gifford can do the work, but the depot OHLE is still being tested so it has to be put on diesel only restriction until it can be tested at North Pole!  Not an effecient way of doing things, but as so much of the introduction has been a bit of a botch job due to lots of different reasons, perhaps not surprising.

Things will hopefully get a bit more organised as we go into 2019, and GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) and Hitachi will learn to collaborate better, and the niggling faults (which is what they almost all are) will be ironed out.

[Clan Line]

Here is the list of current recurring faults on IETs^▸ (Intercity Express Train) as quoted by an insider on the WNXX^▸ (Stored Unserviceable, Mainline Locos HQ All Classes) Forum:
................... air conditioning units catching fire, ........................

But they thought of that - by building in an automatic water flood fire suppression system - successfully demonstrated on the first public run (16th Oct last year) 

[1st fan]

I rather hope they don't fit padded seats. I find the IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) seats very comfortable. Supportive, not squishy, plenty wide enough. Some of the best train seats I've sat on, for comfort. But they are filthy already – I don't know if that's down to the colour or fabric, maybe both, but it also applies to the carpets.

Seat covers on the newly accepted trains are now of a much darker colour and have a pattern which also improves the interior look and feel.  Carpets will all need replacing shortly.  Whoever was in charge of those two decisions really should know better, especially given the seat covers are a similar shade to those installed on a HST^▸ (High Speed Train) and Turbo, well before the first IET was fitted out and which soon became badly stained as well.

I concur with the comfort of the seats, every time I use one it becomes more comfortable.  The table seats seem much less cramped than on HSTs as well - not sure if anyone has done the measurements to compare?

Whoever decided on the new fabric in 1st obviously had durability over comfort in mind. I noticed when picking an item off the floor that the carpet was considerably softer than the seat fabric. Maybe the two were mixed up and we've got the carpet on the seats. It's the only explanation that makes sense because you wouldn't deliberately pick that fabric to sit on, especially with the hardness of the seats.

The position of the table leg is not great. You can't get out of the seat easily if the aisle seat is 'reclined' the gap is tiny.

[sikejsudjek3]

I've only had two trips on an IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train). The first was a brand new unit, and the second had obviously been in service a few months. I was shocked at how badly the seats had stained and degraded. The seats were still rock hard and not at all comfortable for a long journey. This is a definite downgrade on a HST^▸ (High Speed Train) where you could sit back and relax. I even prefer a Voyager seat to this - albeit on Crosscountry its difficult to actually find a spare seat....

[Jason]

Is this strictly necessary, or is there a risk of getting lost inside?

[JayMac]

I suppose it can help gents 'point' in the right direction.

Although a sign saying the following would be just as helpful:

"We aim to please. Will you aim too, please."