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Palfers
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« Reply #855 on: July 24, 2015, 16:08:30 » |
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someone jokingly said to me a few weeks ago why don't they use a steam loco for the sleeper. I know it's not a realistic idea but I wonder would a steam loco be more reliable? and wouldn't it be nice to see a West Country loco hauling the sleeper I wonder if passenger numbers would increase to
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broadgage
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« Reply #856 on: July 24, 2015, 16:30:22 » |
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I doubt that many more people would use the sleeper if a steamer was used, the idea of the sleeper is to sleep  and for most of the year it is dark for most of the trip. A well maintained steamer might be a bit more reliable than the diesels used now, but that is not saying much ! I would hope for reliable diesels, old or new for the sleeper, and the odd daytime steam special. |
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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▸ is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
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JayMac
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« Reply #857 on: July 24, 2015, 19:30:55 » |
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If you used steam, you'd need a generator carriage too for hotel power.
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"A clear conscience laughs at a false accusation."
"Treat everyone the same until you find out they're an idiot."
"Moral indignation is a technique used to endow the idiot with dignity."
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bobm
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« Reply #858 on: July 24, 2015, 20:09:05 » |
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..and a few water stops.
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Palfers
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« Reply #859 on: July 24, 2015, 20:41:06 » |
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and where would you turn the loco around at pz and padd also stocking up on coal
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grahame
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« Reply #860 on: July 24, 2015, 21:40:06 » |
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and where would you turn the loco around at pz and padd also stocking up on coal
Where there's a will ... St Blazey, via Greenford and Southall. But I don't think there should be a way taken except for a very rare historic celebration ... |
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Coffee Shop Admin, Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, TravelWatch SouthWest Board Member
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Palfers
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« Reply #861 on: August 16, 2015, 21:46:03 » |
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 no buffet on up sleeper tonight! due to a crew shortage I don't know if this will be for the entire journey. but where am I supposed to get a cup of aero hot chocolate to now? I do like the aero hot chocolate a lot!
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bobm
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« Reply #862 on: August 16, 2015, 21:50:07 » |
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Usually the same person works the buffet throughout the whole journey so I fear you may be out of luck. The last time that happened to me they did at least announce it before departure from Penzance so there was time to rush to the shops for supplies. Hopefully anyone joining further up the line will have seen your post and be prepared.  |
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Palfers
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« Reply #863 on: August 16, 2015, 21:56:13 » |
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luckily I bought some food before hand if I known the buffet was shut I would have got a coffee beforehand but I was to late for that  |
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bobm
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« Reply #864 on: August 16, 2015, 22:05:37 » |
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Busiest night of the week on the up too. Hopefully it won't stop you getting a hot drink in the morning - although there is always the first class lounge at Paddington.
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Palfers
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« Reply #865 on: August 16, 2015, 22:14:33 » |
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luckily I'm only going as far as plymouth. I normally get a drink to try and stay awake which I struggle with after a busy weekend. I just feel sorry for everyone else who's going all the way.
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Umberleigh
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« Reply #866 on: August 17, 2015, 12:43:02 » |
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It's three years or so since I was a weekly user of the sleeper, so I may be behind the times, but there always seemed to be a minimum of two crew working the buffet..?
Also have to say this would never happen in the hotel sector, someone would jump in and takeover rather than have the bar closed and turn away paying customers. All seems a bit British Rail tbh.
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TaplowGreen
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« Reply #867 on: August 18, 2015, 08:27:07 » |
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Down sleeper failed last night, everyone chucked off at Newton Abbot for buses to Penzance, failed train blocked the line too which didn't help this morning's Westcountry services
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bobm
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« Reply #868 on: August 18, 2015, 09:55:48 » |
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I think the delays to other services were more due to a problem with the signalling in the Totnes area. The sleeper was terminated in one of the three platforms at Newton Abbot which may have incurred minor delays until it was moved to Laira by two back to back HST▸ power cars.
I don't know which loco was involved this morning, but the previous night's up sleeper was delayed at Penzance while an oil leak was fixed on 57602 Restormel Castle.
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