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Author Topic: FGW 1st Class - ongoing discussion of the benefits and their apparent reduction  (Read 430881 times)
johoare
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« Reply #255 on: February 25, 2014, 22:39:55 »

Hmm - assuming we're talking HSTs (High Speed Train) here now, I think it's ok - it's not as if there isn't a buffet (buffer) between Standard & 1st for any overflow.

Its those that set off for the doors at the front in readiness for alighting at PAD» (Paddington (London) - next trains) that annoy me - especially when they start traipsing through just after leaving Reading sometimes....

So you'll like it when First Class becomes 1 1/2 carriages at most then?  Smiley
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ChrisB
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« Reply #256 on: February 26, 2014, 10:22:10 »

The buffets will still be there....I suspect they may rejig the sets so that it still features between the two...
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johoare
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« Reply #257 on: February 26, 2014, 21:29:00 »

If 1st class ends up as 1 1/2 carriages.. where would do you envisage the buffet would be in that formation?  Smiley
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SDS
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« Reply #258 on: February 26, 2014, 22:50:00 »

If 1st class ends up as 1 1/2 carriages.. where would do you envisage the buffet would be in that formation?  Smiley

A trolley?
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I do not work for FGW (First Great Western) and posts should not be assumed and do not imply they are statements, unless explicitly stated that they are, from any TOC (Train Operating Company) including First Great Western.
johoare
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« Reply #259 on: February 27, 2014, 09:03:25 »

Not quite so much of the buffer ChrisB was hoping for then  Roll Eyes
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Rhydgaled
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« Reply #260 on: February 27, 2014, 09:31:08 »

If 1st class ends up as 1 1/2 carriages.. where would do you envisage the buffet would be in that formation?  Smiley
Well, if 1st is to be 1.5 carriages, then I would suspect the formation would be:
43 + FO + BuffetFirst + TSO (The Stationary Office (now OPSI)) + TSO + TSO + TSO + TSO + TGS + 43

Rather more awkward if first class was to be two full carriages, as then the seats in the buffet car would have to be standard class if you want to ensure the buffet is between first and standard.
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Don't DOO (Driver-Only Operation (that is, trains which operate without carrying a guard)) it, keep the guard (but it probably wouldn't be a bad idea if the driver unlocked the doors on arrival at calling points).
broadgage
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« Reply #261 on: February 27, 2014, 10:00:56 »

Placing the buffet vehicle in the train the other way around, with the servery and kitchen at the first class end is simple, as is replacing the first class seats with steerage ones.

IMHO (in my humble opinion) FGW (First Great Western) are trying to discourage first class travel by making it unduly expensive.
Historicly IIRC (if I recall/remember/read correctly) first was priced at about one and a half times the second class fare.
Now it is about twice, or off peak over four times as much.

First class should be a seperate product and should of ourse cost appreciably more, but I wonder if the present differential is excessive ?

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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
NickB
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« Reply #262 on: February 27, 2014, 10:51:24 »

Do the changes mean that all of First Class will be shouty-phone carriages, and my beloved quiet carriage will be removed?

Can I request keeping the quiet carriage and ditching the ra-ra carriage?   Cheesy
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ChrisB
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« Reply #263 on: February 27, 2014, 10:55:44 »

Interesting - don't know the answer to that one.
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broadgage
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« Reply #264 on: February 27, 2014, 11:38:58 »

Do the changes mean that all of First Class will be shouty-phone carriages, and my beloved quiet carriage will be removed?

Can I request keeping the quiet carriage and ditching the ra-ra carriage?   Cheesy

Whichever they choose will annoy significant numbers of first class passengers and thereby accelerate the decline of first class provision.

If the remaining first class cariage is declared to be a quiet carriage, then that will upset those who wish to use cellphones or other noise makers.


If on the other hand cellphones etc are allowed then that will upset those seeking peace and quiet.
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
Rhydgaled
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« Reply #265 on: February 27, 2014, 11:46:01 »

Placing the buffet vehicle in the train the other way around, with the servery and kitchen at the first class end is simple, as is replacing the first class seats with steerage ones.
Indeed it is relatively simple, but it would require work done on the buffets and would mean first class passengers wouldn't have the option of sitting in the buffet car.
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Don't DOO (Driver-Only Operation (that is, trains which operate without carrying a guard)) it, keep the guard (but it probably wouldn't be a bad idea if the driver unlocked the doors on arrival at calling points).
Jason
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« Reply #266 on: February 27, 2014, 11:48:10 »

East Coast have a 1/2 carriage 1st class quiet zone (annoyingly with no charging sockets), the remaining full coaches are all non-quiet.
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broadgage
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« Reply #267 on: February 27, 2014, 12:39:33 »

Placing the buffet vehicle in the train the other way around, with the servery and kitchen at the first class end is simple, as is replacing the first class seats with steerage ones.
Indeed it is relatively simple, but it would require work done on the buffets and would mean first class passengers wouldn't have the option of sitting in the buffet car.

Buffets are very last year, removal would provide more of the famous "thousands of extra seats"

People much prefer a trolley to a proper buffet "surveys show it" After all who wants hot coffee, and cold beer from a buffet when they could have both lukewarm from a trolley ? and who wants a hot snack when they could have a packet of crisps from a trolley ?


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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
ChrisB
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« Reply #268 on: February 27, 2014, 13:55:15 »

Surveys of takings from Trolleys vs buffets show more takings if pax don't have to leave their seats unfortunately.
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Umberleigh
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« Reply #269 on: February 27, 2014, 16:38:27 »

Surveys of takings from Trolleys vs buffets show more takings if pax don't have to leave their seats unfortunately.

In a theoretical world where the trolley makes regular visits, perhaps so. The reality is that the trolley attendant sits out the journey in a vestibule, as witnessed on Cross - Country and SWT (South West Trains). Inevitably, I have to get out of my seat and go find them, which rather defeats the purpose of them.

Also, not sure how you could cook a steak baguette on a trolley, not to mention a Pullman dinner.
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