Full and standing..

tramway

Hero Member

Posts: 617

Full and standing..

« on: April 30, 2008, 10:44:28 »

..on the 4 car 158 07.58 Trowbridge to Cardiff.

I'm not sure what happended to the 07.23 Warminster - Great Malvern but thankfully the 07.58 was 4 car and was literally packed all the way to Bristol.

Journey was lightened a little as I bumped into an old acquaintance who was on his way to Swindon for Guard training who thought he might miss his conection at Bath. He had already noted the crap direct service so I suggested he should mention it when he got there. Grin


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Graz

Hero Member

Posts: 444

Re: Full and standing..

« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2008, 13:10:31 »

I know exactly what the problem was Wink

What should happen is the early morning train from Bristol Temple M to Westbury which I get at Oldfield Park (leaves Bath Spa 07:00 ) arrives at Westbury at 07:25, and couples with the train arriving from Warminster to form a 4 car service to Great Malvern departing Westbury 07:38. Usually this runs like clockwork.

Today the one down from Bristol was a class 143 pacer. (Varies- often a 150, but sometimes a 158, 143 or 150/1). Lovely journey down and arrived Westbury early, but there was a problem coupling it with the 150 up from Warminster. The door unlocking system wasn't working properly despite repeated re-coupling attempts (the problem was with the 143 apparently) and after the 07:52 left, the 143+150 left Westbury empty, not sure where it went after that. I have seen 143s couple properly before, so I'm not sure what happened today.

Lots of platform alterations at Westbury because of this!


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tramway

Hero Member

Posts: 617

Re: Full and standing..

« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2008, 14:45:11 »

Quote from: Graz on April 30, 2008, 13:10:31

I know exactly what the problem was Wink

The door unlocking system wasn't working properly despite repeated re-coupling attempts (the problem was with the 143 apparently) and after the 07:52 left, the 143+150 left Westbury empty, not sure where it went after that. I have seen 143s couple properly before, so I'm not sure what happened today.

Someone obviously didn't know the kicking the door trick, Wink

which usually sorts out any problems with brakes being applied inadvertantly on 143's.

As I didn't have time this morning to look at the departure board at Trowbridge it wasn't clear whether the 07.44 had been cancelled or not, it's usually a neat idea if it shows 'delayed' and the first arrival then gets jammed, to wait for the following which is then empty, just a few mins late that's all. There were plenty at Bradford who chose not to board knowing that they would get a nice journey to work. (Ok if you are flexible)

Would hate to think what would have happened if there had been a problem in Fratton and it had turned up as a 2 car. Shocked

, 18 months ago this scenario was a regular occurence leading to zero space after Bradford, so I have every sympathy with passengers at Bath/Oldfield/Keynsham who at the time were regularly watching 2 car trains passing them already full from Trowbridge, if TonyA hadn't done something then someone else would have.


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Jim

Hero Member

Posts: 1186

Re: Full and standing..

« Reply #3 on: April 30, 2008, 15:08:20 »

Quote from: tramway on April 30, 2008, 14:45:11

Would hate to think what would have happened if there had been a problem in Fratton and it had turned up as a 2 car. Shocked

Well, his "Pretend not to pay tactics" certainally do the trick it would seem!


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Cheers
Jim

AG's most famous quote "It'll be better next week"

Graz

Hero Member

Posts: 444

Re: Full and standing..

« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2008, 15:43:51 »

Quote from: tramway on April 30, 2008, 14:45:11

Quote from: Graz on April 30, 2008, 13:10:31

I know exactly what the problem was Wink

Someone obviously didn't know the kicking the door trick, Wink

which usually sorts out any problems with brakes being applied inadvertantly on 143's.

Actually, the conductor did try that on the 143 on every door -- but no luck!! Grin


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dog box

Hero Member

Posts: 653

Re: Full and standing..

« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2008, 18:29:17 »

Pacers are known for this problem, i know ATW^▸ keep some coupled permanently because of this, think Exeter keep some 142s like this as well


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All postings reflect my own personal views and opinions and are not intended to be, nor should be taken as official statements of first great western or first group policy

smithy

Hero Member

Posts: 471

Re: Full and standing..

« Reply #6 on: April 30, 2008, 23:01:52 »

Quote from: dog box on April 30, 2008, 18:29:17

Pacers are known for this problem, i know ATW^▸ keep some coupled permanently because of this, think Exeter keep some 142s like this as well

it is because the couplers are old and worn,plus pacers should only couple to pacers they do not like being attached to sprinters due to one being axle vehicle with coil spring suspension the other being bogie vehicle with air bag suspension.


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tramway

Hero Member

Posts: 617

Re: Full and standing..

« Reply #7 on: April 30, 2008, 23:15:39 »

158 + 143 not uncommon between Trowbridge and Bristol.


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BPWuser

Full Member

Posts: 38

Re: Full and standing..

« Reply #8 on: April 30, 2008, 23:20:38 »

The 17.47 from BPW^» to Westbury was a 143+150 today. They looked like they were attached to each other! Although unusual to see a 143 on this service.


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Jim

Hero Member

Posts: 1186

Re: Full and standing..

« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2008, 06:45:34 »

Quote from: BPWuser on April 30, 2008, 23:20:38

The 17.47 from BPW^» to Westbury was a 143+150 today. They looked like they were attached to each other! Although unusual to see a 143 on this service.

Booked for 3 car isn't it?


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Cheers
Jim

AG's most famous quote "It'll be better next week"

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