XC HSTs

[whole diary]

[Btline]

I know this is:

(a) A little off topic for a FGW^▸ (First Great Western) board and

(b) Perhaps a little bit similar to a previous post,

but when are the XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) going to be ready? One source says "in time for the December timetable," another says "in time for the spring."

What about the holiday HSTs, which/whose HST sets are these going to be using?

And, as there will be a trolley station in each coach, I take it that the 8 coaches do not consist of a buffet car.

The source that talked about the trolley also said that FGW was going to switich to trolleys! Surely this can't be true after what happened?

Many thanks,

Btline

[swlines]

HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) are supposedly starting in the timetable change to allow for additional capacity.

The holiday HSTs IIRC^▸ (if I recall/remember/read correctly) I believe are 2 NXEC^▸ (National Express East Coast) sets and 2 XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) sets (someone can probably correct me).

A buffet car will be in operation on the holiday HSTs.

[oooooo]

> To provide more seats, especially during busy periods on Thursdays,
> Fridays and Mondays, CrossCountry is returning five High Speed Trains to
> its routes. In tandem with the Voyager refresh programme, which will see
> an extra 842 seats across the fleet and an increase in luggage space, the
> HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) will provide a timely boost to capacity. Once refurbished each set,
> formed 2+8, will offer 550 seats and ample luggage space and be deployed
> on Edinburgh-Plymouth services. This in turn will allow some
> Voyager-operated services to run as twin sets once their refurbishment is
> complete, and will help alleviate crowding on some XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) services. The first
> refurbished power cars are due to enter service in July, followed by the
> first complete set in September.
>
> The first non-refurbished XC HSTs will enter service on Saturday 17 May on
> the 0850 Edinburgh-Penzance, and will also be used on Sundays on the same
> service and the 1025 Plymouth-Glasgow. From Monday 19 May they will be
> used on selected weekday services to make more seats available on the
> following services:
>
> Mondays 0830 Penzance-Dundee;
> Thursdays 0641 Dunbar-Glasgow,
> 0900 Glasgow-Penzance;
> Fridays 0830 Penzance-Dundee,
> 1205 Edinburgh-Plymouth.
>
> HSTs will also be used on the Summer Saturday services on 24 and 31 May
> and from 5 July through to 6 September. The four diagrams will be covered
> by a combination of XC and National Express East Coast HSTs. The two XC
> sets will be formed 2+7, with NXEC^▸ (National Express East Coast) providing two 2+9 sets. ^On hire to
> CrossCountry^ labels will be displayed in the NXEC sets. It is intended
> that each train will leave Birmingham with the TGS, the part of the train
> providing luggage storage, leading. There will be two additional members
> of staff at Newquay to help with the turnaround and loading. There will
> also be one additional member of staff on board to assist with luggage
> management for each Newquay starter. The other services will have an
> additional crew member between Bristol and Plymouth. Prior to
> refurbishment, the XC HST services will have at-seat trolley catering,
> with up to three catering staff on board over the core routes. The buffets
> on the NXEC sets will be in use.
>
> The two XC sets will be used on the 0941 Newcastle-Newquay, 1955
> Newquay-Plymouth, 0653 Plymouth-Newquay and the 0940 Newquay-Newcastle
> services.
>
> The NXEC sets will be used on the 0735 Bristol-Paignton, 1032
> Paignton-Newcastle, 0724 Manchester-Newquay and the 1522 return.
>
> All trains operate under CrossCountry^s safety case and track access
> agreement, staffed by CrossCountry traincrew. Travelling fitters will be
> on board most services to rectify any problems which may arise. A
> refurbishment programme is under way to completely overhaul the HST power
> cars and carriages. The power cars are being fitted with new MTU^▸ (Motor Traction Unit) engines,
> and all five trainsets will be painted in the distinctive CrossCountry
> livery. Three of the sets are being worked on now, with the other two
> being used on Summer Saturday services. As the refurbished sets enter
> service the two non-refurbished sets will go into works for a complete
> overhaul. As part of the overhaul the HSTs will be fitted with at-seat
> power points for mobile phones and laptops. CrossCountry is working with
> company council and RSM coaches to develop the at-seat service and design
> work on the new catering area is now at an advanced stage.
>
> From the December 2008 timetable change it is planned to use the newly
> refurbished XC HSTs on the following services:
>
> 0611 Leeds-Plymouth,
> 1225 Plymouth-Glasgow,
> 0638 Dundee-Plymouth,
> 1725 Plymouth-Leeds,
> 0628 Derby-Plymouth,
> 1125 Plymouth-Dundee,
> 0610 Edinburgh-Plymouth,
> 1525 Plymouth-York.

[Conner]

The un refurbished XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) HST^▸ (High Speed Train)'s should be Midland Mainline sets with Valenta engines.

[Jim]

The un refurbished XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) HST^▸ (High Speed Train)'s should be Midland Mainline sets with Valenta engines.

I belive the correct term is "Hellfire"?

[swlines]

No, it's absolutely dreadful.

[devon_metro]

With the failure of 43166 (Beast!) a few weeks back on GC^» (Great Central Railway - link to heritage line), this summer might be interesting. Drags anyone 

[Jim]

With the failure of 43166 (Beast!) a few weeks back on GC^» (Great Central Railway - link to heritage line), this summer might be interesting. Drags anyone 

Bugger off did 166 expire?!?!?!

[devon_metro]

Did they give it a new paintjob then?

http://ruston165.fotopic.net/p49773762.html

[Jim]

Did they give it a new paintjob then?

http://ruston165.fotopic.net/p49773762.html

Eeeeek

[smithy]

Did they give it a new paintjob then?

http://ruston165.fotopic.net/p49773762.html

turbo blower failiure throwing all oil out.

our power cars were always doing it when the old paxmans were still fitted.

not a major job to change couple of days out of service providing parts are available.

[Btline]

> To provide more seats, especially during busy periods on Thursdays,
> Fridays and Mondays, CrossCountry is returning five High Speed Trains to
> its routes. In tandem with the Voyager refresh programme, which will see
> an extra 842 seats across the fleet and an increase in luggage space, the
> HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) will provide a timely boost to capacity. Once refurbished each set,
> formed 2+8, will offer 550 seats and ample luggage space and be deployed
> on Edinburgh-Plymouth services. This in turn will allow some
> Voyager-operated services to run as twin sets once their refurbishment is
> complete, and will help alleviate crowding on some XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) services. The first
> refurbished power cars are due to enter service in July, followed by the
> first complete set in September.
>
> The first non-refurbished XC HSTs will enter service on Saturday 17 May on
> the 0850 Edinburgh-Penzance, and will also be used on Sundays on the same
> service and the 1025 Plymouth-Glasgow. From Monday 19 May they will be
> used on selected weekday services to make more seats available on the
> following services:
>
> Mondays 0830 Penzance-Dundee;
> Thursdays 0641 Dunbar-Glasgow,
> 0900 Glasgow-Penzance;
> Fridays 0830 Penzance-Dundee,
> 1205 Edinburgh-Plymouth.
>
> HSTs will also be used on the Summer Saturday services on 24 and 31 May
> and from 5 July through to 6 September. The four diagrams will be covered
> by a combination of XC and National Express East Coast HSTs. The two XC
> sets will be formed 2+7, with NXEC^▸ (National Express East Coast) providing two 2+9 sets. ^On hire to
> CrossCountry^ labels will be displayed in the NXEC sets. It is intended
> that each train will leave Birmingham with the TGS, the part of the train
> providing luggage storage, leading. There will be two additional members
> of staff at Newquay to help with the turnaround and loading. There will
> also be one additional member of staff on board to assist with luggage
> management for each Newquay starter. The other services will have an
> additional crew member between Bristol and Plymouth. Prior to
> refurbishment, the XC HST services will have at-seat trolley catering,
> with up to three catering staff on board over the core routes. The buffets
> on the NXEC sets will be in use.
>
> The two XC sets will be used on the 0941 Newcastle-Newquay, 1955
> Newquay-Plymouth, 0653 Plymouth-Newquay and the 0940 Newquay-Newcastle
> services.
>
> The NXEC sets will be used on the 0735 Bristol-Paignton, 1032
> Paignton-Newcastle, 0724 Manchester-Newquay and the 1522 return.
>
> All trains operate under CrossCountry^s safety case and track access
> agreement, staffed by CrossCountry traincrew. Travelling fitters will be
> on board most services to rectify any problems which may arise. A
> refurbishment programme is under way to completely overhaul the HST power
> cars and carriages. The power cars are being fitted with new MTU^▸ (Motor Traction Unit) engines,
> and all five trainsets will be painted in the distinctive CrossCountry
> livery. Three of the sets are being worked on now, with the other two
> being used on Summer Saturday services. As the refurbished sets enter
> service the two non-refurbished sets will go into works for a complete
> overhaul. As part of the overhaul the HSTs will be fitted with at-seat
> power points for mobile phones and laptops. CrossCountry is working with
> company council and RSM coaches to develop the at-seat service and design
> work on the new catering area is now at an advanced stage.
>
> From the December 2008 timetable change it is planned to use the newly
> refurbished XC HSTs on the following services:
>
> 0611 Leeds-Plymouth,
> 1225 Plymouth-Glasgow,
> 0638 Dundee-Plymouth,
> 1725 Plymouth-Leeds,
> 0628 Derby-Plymouth,
> 1125 Plymouth-Dundee,
> 0610 Edinburgh-Plymouth,
> 1525 Plymouth-York.

Thanks for all this! Everything is cleared up.

One thing - what will be catering after all the reburbs come in? You talk about a "new catering area" above.

Does anybody know anything about the Voyager refurb? Are they ripping out the shop/toilets or not (apparently they have been told not to by the leasing company, and the work would be too difficult)? I find it quite difficult to imagine a Voyager with lots more seats and lots more luggage space (perhaps less legroom and less tables)!

[r james]

Surely if they rip out the toilet and shop as discussed, the seats in those positions will not have any windows?

http://www.therailwaycentre.com/News%20April%202008/140408_Voyager.html The article here seems to suggest Bombardier will carry out the Voyager changes??

Are the HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) getting a voyager style refurb do we think??

Will also be nice to see the 170s without the old MMs Bar in the, which takes up half a carraige, and can now be replaced with seating! 

[Btline]

The shop/toilets would be the train's luggage space. Then you can rip out all luggage racks in the carriages and cram them full of seats.

[smithy]

> To provide more seats, especially during busy periods on Thursdays,
> Fridays and Mondays, CrossCountry is returning five High Speed Trains to
> its routes. In tandem with the Voyager refresh programme, which will see
> an extra 842 seats across the fleet and an increase in luggage space, the
> HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) will provide a timely boost to capacity. Once refurbished each set,
> formed 2+8, will offer 550 seats and ample luggage space and be deployed
> on Edinburgh-Plymouth services. This in turn will allow some
> Voyager-operated services to run as twin sets once their refurbishment is
> complete, and will help alleviate crowding on some XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) services. The first
> refurbished power cars are due to enter service in July, followed by the
> first complete set in September.
>
> The first non-refurbished XC HSTs will enter service on Saturday 17 May on
> the 0850 Edinburgh-Penzance, and will also be used on Sundays on the same
> service and the 1025 Plymouth-Glasgow. From Monday 19 May they will be
> used on selected weekday services to make more seats available on the
> following services:
>
> Mondays 0830 Penzance-Dundee;
> Thursdays 0641 Dunbar-Glasgow,
> 0900 Glasgow-Penzance;
> Fridays 0830 Penzance-Dundee,
> 1205 Edinburgh-Plymouth.
>
> HSTs will also be used on the Summer Saturday services on 24 and 31 May
> and from 5 July through to 6 September. The four diagrams will be covered
> by a combination of XC and National Express East Coast HSTs. The two XC
> sets will be formed 2+7, with NXEC^▸ (National Express East Coast) providing two 2+9 sets. ^On hire to
> CrossCountry^ labels will be displayed in the NXEC sets. It is intended
> that each train will leave Birmingham with the TGS, the part of the train
> providing luggage storage, leading. There will be two additional members
> of staff at Newquay to help with the turnaround and loading. There will
> also be one additional member of staff on board to assist with luggage
> management for each Newquay starter. The other services will have an
> additional crew member between Bristol and Plymouth. Prior to
> refurbishment, the XC HST services will have at-seat trolley catering,
> with up to three catering staff on board over the core routes. The buffets
> on the NXEC sets will be in use.
>
> The two XC sets will be used on the 0941 Newcastle-Newquay, 1955
> Newquay-Plymouth, 0653 Plymouth-Newquay and the 0940 Newquay-Newcastle
> services.
>
> The NXEC sets will be used on the 0735 Bristol-Paignton, 1032
> Paignton-Newcastle, 0724 Manchester-Newquay and the 1522 return.
>
> All trains operate under CrossCountry^s safety case and track access
> agreement, staffed by CrossCountry traincrew. Travelling fitters will be
> on board most services to rectify any problems which may arise. A
> refurbishment programme is under way to completely overhaul the HST power
> cars and carriages. The power cars are being fitted with new MTU^▸ (Motor Traction Unit) engines,
> and all five trainsets will be painted in the distinctive CrossCountry
> livery. Three of the sets are being worked on now, with the other two
> being used on Summer Saturday services. As the refurbished sets enter
> service the two non-refurbished sets will go into works for a complete
> overhaul. As part of the overhaul the HSTs will be fitted with at-seat
> power points for mobile phones and laptops. CrossCountry is working with
> company council and RSM coaches to develop the at-seat service and design
> work on the new catering area is now at an advanced stage.
>
> From the December 2008 timetable change it is planned to use the newly
> refurbished XC HSTs on the following services:
>
> 0611 Leeds-Plymouth,
> 1225 Plymouth-Glasgow,
> 0638 Dundee-Plymouth,
> 1725 Plymouth-Leeds,
> 0628 Derby-Plymouth,
> 1125 Plymouth-Dundee,
> 0610 Edinburgh-Plymouth,
> 1525 Plymouth-York.

Thanks for all this! Everything is cleared up.

One thing - what will be catering after all the reburbs come in? You talk about a "new catering area" above.

Does anybody know anything about the Voyager refurb? Are they ripping out the shop/toilets or not (apparently they have been told not to by the leasing company, and the work would be too difficult)? I find it quite difficult to imagine a Voyager with lots more seats and lots more luggage space (perhaps less legroom and less tables)!

i heard the "REFRESH" on the voyagers is just that a bit of vinyl on exterior,new seat covers and carpets and aclean of interior panelling.
they are not allowed to remove the shop the lease company and atoc opposed it for some reason.plus i dont suppose passenger groups liked the idea of no shop on trains that go from the south west to scotland or north east in one hit.
one thing they could remove on "REFRESH" is the smell of sh1t in every carriage it is rather offensive when you are stuck on the damn things for more than 30 seconds!