HSTs - main line operational into the future

[whole diary]

[johnneyw]

Maybe we could have a quick poll set up. I quite like it actually.

Please go ahead ... any member can set a poll up 

Ah ha, I didn't know that. Might have a go later if I can work out the mechanics (so no-one hold your breath there please).

[Western Pathfinder]

I've allways liked Nanking Blue,much better than what replaced it.

[broadgage]

Locomotive services have confirmed the livery of their first HST^▸ (High Speed Train)

For me, a HST just doesn't look 'right' without some yellow on the front.

I agree.
To me however liveries of new OR heritage trains are of relatively low importance. I am more interested in comfort and facilities than in the external livery that can hardly be seen once aboard.

Train length/capacity.
Seat spacing/comfort.
Catering.
Toilet availability.
Reservation reliability.
Heating/air conditioning.
Lighting quality.
And internal decor.

Are ALL to me of much greater significance than external livery.

[Ralph Ayres]

It's true that you don't see it while travelling, but on the basis that trains need painting anyway and if livery variations aren't excessively expensive it might as well look good as well. I find a good livery puts me in a better frame of mind for the journey, but yes the inside also needs to play its part!

[MVR S&T]

Looks like all over white soon, if the train operating companies are disolved by the government.

[Jamsdad]

I rather like that blue livery- it looks lie the old Bristol Pullman!

[grahame]

Rail Advent also reports

LSL^‡(resolve) HST^▸ (High Speed Train) set for Pullman Blue Livery as new railtour announced

LSL for Locomotive Services Ltd ... although in front of HST I am used to it as "Long Swing Link".

[PhilWakely]

I rather like that blue livery- it looks lie the old Bristol Pullman!

It is actually meant to resemble the original 'Midland Pullman' (and will have the 'Midland Pullman' markings).

[rower40]

It is actually meant to resemble the original 'Midland Pullman' (and will have the 'Midland Pullman' markings).

If only it could still use its original route via Matlock, Monsal Dale, and Buxton.

[martyjon]

Was'nt the Midland Pullman an all 1st class service at launch becoming 1st and 2nd class later. On electrification the two 6 car sets transferred to the WR with the two sets coupled running as the up morning and down evening Bristol Pullman's with the sets being split at Padd to form the midday service to Bristol and return with the second set operating a return Padd to Oxford service. WR had 8 car sets which operated the South Wales Pullman, the Birmingham Pullman and the Bristol Pullman. I travelled on it a few times to get home for a weekend but never partook in food or refreshments as the cost was more than the single fare and 5/- (five shillings) Pullman supplementary fare. In the back of my mind I do recall the Blue Pullman set displaced by the transfer of the 2 X 6 cars Midland Pullman sets to the WR and used on the Bristol Pullman was utilised on a Plymouth Pullman but that service didn't last long. Any forum poster able to add further to my comments here as my memory is a bit rusty on this matter although I do clearly remember watching the Farewell Pullman Railtour traversing Westerleigh Junction on its way to Birmingham. I also remember the Bristol Pullman set being on a Bristol to Leeds service on a Saturday carrying the Bristol City Football Club players and Directors and Officials and supporters who could afford the extortionate fare which did include breakfast outbound and dinner returning for an FA Cup match. I had to be content with a seat on one of the other 6 football specials run for the match that day which City lost.

[infoman]

Interesting about the football special,could I ask approx date/year that was?

[martyjon]

Interesting about the football special,could I ask approx date/year that was?

FA Cup Round 5 9th March 1967.

[martyjon]

Preston FC^‡(resolve) also chartered a Blue Pullman to convey team to Wembly for a Cup Final and West Bromwich did likewise I think for the 1969/70 season final.

[martyjon]

I seem to recall that one Christmas Eve the then spare Blue Pullman stock was used as a relief service to Plymouth from Padd returning as a relief from Plymouth after the hol. Traction Inspectors were concerned that with a full load of pax with luggage the set would not make it over the South Devon Banks and instructed that a Western be attached at Exeter to pilot the train to Plymouth and a similar arrangement be put in place for the return after the Christmas Break.

[Andy]

I seem to recall that one Christmas Eve the then spare Blue Pullman stock was used as a relief service to Plymouth from Padd returning as a relief from Plymouth after the hol. Traction Inspectors were concerned that with a full load of pax with luggage the set would not make it over the South Devon Banks and instructed that a Western be attached at Exeter to pilot the train to Plymouth and a similar arrangement be put in place for the return after the Christmas Break.

A photo of that train exists, with the Western on the front. Can't think which book I have seen it in, though.