IEP luggage racks

[whole diary]

[Cruithne3753]

Had my first trip on one of the new IEP^▸ (Intercity Express Program / Project.) trains the other day.  I had my foldy bike with me, but some joker decided to make the shelves on the luggage racks too close together to get it in, so I had to stand with it in the vestibule. Only a minor inconveniency as it was only a short trip, but this is going to be an issue on longer journeys.

[IndustryInsider]

Depending on how foldy it is, it might be worth trying the overhead racks which are very deep and roomy.

[TaplowGreen]

Depending on how foldy it is, it might be worth trying the overhead racks which are very deep and roomy.

Doesn't sound very safe.....a bag falling on one's head is bad enough.....but a Brompton style bike? Not sure overhead racks are really the place for these......unless GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) will issue hard hats? ☺

[stuving]

Had my first trip on one of the new IEP^▸ (Intercity Express Program / Project.) trains the other day.  I had my foldy bike with me, but some joker decided to make the shelves on the luggage racks too close together to get it in, so I had to stand with it in the vestibule. Only a minor inconveniency as it was only a short trip, but this is going to be an issue on longer journeys.

This is what was required for luggage storage in the IEP:

6.2.4 Luggage Stowage

TS1265 IEP Vehicles must incorporate a range of luggage stowage solutions. Each solution must ensure that the luggage is securely and safely stowed. The solution design must facilitate the ease of loading and unloading the luggage for the User Population.

TS1664 Luggage stowage solutions must maximise the ability of passengers to view their luggage while seated to address their concerns about the security of their luggage.

TS1665 Luggage stowage solutions must ensure that items cannot be concealed and that their presence can be easily identified by train crew.

TS1666 Luggage stowage solutions and their application must ensure that the following additional factors are achieved;
  • minimise the use of interior space and hence maximise the available seating capacity;
  • maximise the available luggage stowage capacity within the available interior space;
  • minimise station dwell times though suitable design and location; and
  • shall not obstruct the movement of passengers or train crew during normal or emergency service conditions.

TS1667 The range of luggage stowage solutions must accommodate the following luggage types;
  Luggage Type   Size & Definition
     Small Bag      300x345x420mm
     Large Bag      800x570x300 mm
     Bicycle           Full size ‘road’ bicycle with 25inch frame
     Pushchair       Full size single foldable pushchair 950x500x300mm (folded)

N083 Provision must be made for an excess luggage storage area which, as a minimum, is capable of accommodating two bicycles or luggage up to a minimum total volume of 2m3.

N043 Provision must be made for the storage of a Small Bag (as defined in TS1667) for each seated passenger, within 1.5m of the seat.

N044 The IEP Train must be capable of being configured with different levels of provision for larger luggage,

Note that the tiers of provision are: near the seat, in the carriage, and in the "bulk and bike" rooms which are for excess luggage, and by implication for oversize luggage, but not for large bags as defined above.

But look what's not there! I don't know how much folded bikes vary, but Brompton quote 585mm high x 565mm long x 270mm wide. That appears to be OK if (like luggage in general) "up" can be redefined, but otherwise will be a problem.

[froome]

Depending on how foldy it is, it might be worth trying the overhead racks which are very deep and roomy.

Doesn't sound very safe.....a bag falling on one's head is bad enough.....but a Brompton style bike? Not sure overhead racks are really the place for these......unless GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) will issue hard hats? ☺

A hard hat won't protect you from a Brompton falling on your head. 

More seriously, I've not yet travelled on one of these trains, but if this is true, it is appalling. The use of folding bikes is now very common on trains, especially services like Bristol to London, and my understanding (as someone who rides a Brompton as my main means of transport) is that Brompton had quite detailed discussions with the rail industry when they first drew up their designs. Storing it in the vestibule is neither safe or acceptable, and certainly makes the announcements of always keeping an eye on your luggage a complete joke.

[JayMac]

A Brompton fits the overhead racks and can be safely stowed.

One falling on your bonce would injure, but then, so would a similar weight hardshell case.

[Chris from Nailsea]

On the other hand (or on another head?), a hardshell suitcase wouldn't have all the sticky-outy-sharp bits of a folded Brompton. 

[froome]

A Brompton fits the overhead racks and can be safely stowed.

Sorry, this is completely unrealistic. I couldn't lift my Brompton up to the overhead rack, and nor can my partner (we have both tried). They are heavy, and their sticky out bits make them awkward to handle.

What actually happens in the real world when boarding a train is that those without heavy luggage get on and many of those with more awkward luggage wait until last to get on (as they know they will otherwise be blocking the aisle). They then need to find a seat, which will mean leaving their luggage behind in the doorway if it is something that can't easily be taken down the aisle, such as a Brompton. Assuming they find a seat, they then need to get their luggage, by which time the train is moving. Putting an awkward item onto the overhead rack then becomes impossible with the train moving around.

Even worse is trying to retrieve set item if it has been put in the overhead rack. You have to lean over other passengers while the train is rocking around, and often sticky out bits get caught somewhere mysterious in the rack and it won't budge. I've had this happen with simple luggage items like a backpack or an umbrella, and panic then begins to set in when you realise people are starting to get on the train and you haven't yet got your luggage ready to get off.

[Bmblbzzz]

If a Brompton folds down to "585mm high x 565mm long x 270mm wide" then surely it will fit in the space for "Large Bag      800x570x300 mm". Other makes, such as Dahon, tend not to fold down as small, so might be a problem. But a folded bike is smaller than a large suitcase so it seems to me I must have missed something here; I agree that lifting a bike on to or down from an overhead rack is tricky for all the reasons given, but why can't it go in the general luggage rack?

As an aside: "Bicycle           Full size ‘road’ bicycle with 25inch frame" it's rather anachronistic to see bike frames quoted in inches nowadays! Certainly not bike industry standard practice.

[TaplowGreen]

On the other hand (or on another head?), a hardshell suitcase wouldn't have all the sticky-outy-sharp bits of a folded Brompton. 

..............or water, mud and oil dripping off it onto those sitting below on a rainy day?

[grahame]

..............or water, mud and oil dripping off it onto those sitting below on a rainy day?

Think the luggage racks may be 'enclosed' so that nothing drips.   In fact I wonder how long the transparent (glass?) section in the middle will remain clean - but I'm sure they have a maintenance plan.   Of course, anything overhanging or on its way up / down could drip.

[JayMac]

As could a wheelie case that's been wheeled on a rainy day.

I was once sat on a Class 150 and complained to the TE that water was dripping from the roof onto me. Turned out it was my damp wheelie case!

[TaplowGreen]

As could a wheelie case that's been wheeled on a rainy day.

I was once sat on a Class 150 and complained to the TE that water was dripping from the roof onto me. Turned out it was my damp wheelie case!

Taking this into account and the free showers provided thanks to dodgy aircon, perhaps some complimentary on board umbrellas are in order?