Class 142 Pacers in service on Devon branch lines, 2007 to 2011 - merged topic

[whole diary]

[Shazz]

that would bring the total to what, 9?

[Shazz]

After travelling on Loco-Hauled Ex-Virgin MK2's a couple of weeks ago in cornwall I say it would brilliant to bring loco-hauled MK2's back, theres plenty of DVT^‡(resolve)'s and 47's around so why not use them on Portsmouth-Cardiff, would work brilliantly. At table seating, lots of luggage space, just as high speed, no overcrowding and it would solve the problem of stock shortage on the west fleet.

The adelantes are rumoured to be coming back in 2009 to FGW^▸ (First Great Western), after whats called "extensive" modifications, so maybe they're for cardiff > PM?

[Timmer]

The adelantes are rumoured to be coming back in 2009 to FGW^▸ (First Great Western), after whats called "extensive" modifications, so maybe they're for cardiff > PM?

2009...we need then now!

Extensive modifications? Wonder if thats removing the seats in 1st class and replacing them with standard class seats? Am I right in saying that 180s can only run as a complete 5 car set and that you cannot remove any carriages?

[vacman]

Exactly.

ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company))) 142s are not bad for the journeys they do, a 142 has bus seats and timekeeping between Exeter and Torquay will ne appauling if accleration is like anything I have heard...

for all of the negative points of a 142, they are quite quick at accellerating, more so than a 153 anyway!

[vacman]

Who said the following in November 2005?

"We^ve put in a stunning bid for Greater Western. I^d be gobsmacked if we don^t win it, but I guess somebody might have come in with a crazy bid."

It was said at the time that National Express walked away from continued negoiations over this franchise. Hmmmm I wonder why???

First HAD to keep this franchise and appeared to have been willing to pay any price for it. GW^▸ (Great Western) was their jewel in the crown as it was their only IC^▸ (Inter City) London line (i.e Profitable!) in their franchise portfolio at the time and had to take on the Wessex part as it was an all or nothing deal. Of course as well all know its the Wessex part of this franchise that causes most of FGW^▸ (First Great Western)'s problems and where they thought they could make the biggest cuts because its the loss making part of the franchise. And yes, for all you London commuters I know your Thames services ain't too great either.

NX didn't walk away from the franchise neither did Stagecoach, all bids were submitted and First won, no behind the scene scandal, no DFT^▸ (Department for Transport) throwing toys out of prams etc etc...

[John R]

I suggested removal of 1 car on the "Indefenceoffirstgreatwestern" website, and Insider confirmed that they have to run as 5 cars. Though I guess "extensive modification" could change that.

[Timmer]

I suggested removal of 1 car on the "Indefenceoffirstgreatwestern" website, and Insider confirmed that they have to run as 5 cars. Though I guess "extensive modification" could change that.

I thought that was the case.

[Shazz]

The adelantes are rumoured to be coming back in 2009 to FGW^▸ (First Great Western), after whats called "extensive" modifications, so maybe they're for cardiff > PM?

2009...we need then now!

Extensive modifications? Wonder if thats removing the seats in 1st class and replacing them with standard class seats? Am I right in saying that 180s can only run as a complete 5 car set and that you cannot remove any carriages?

I believe thats the case, maybe that could be what the modifications are for? binning 1 of the cars to make them 4 cars, so they can do every station down the line? (unsure what the station max length is on cardiff > pompey)

I'm sure ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company))) would happily take on the carriges, as iirc they're interchangeable

[mada]

After travelling on Loco-Hauled Ex-Virgin MK2's a couple of weeks ago in cornwall I say it would brilliant to bring loco-hauled MK2's back, theres plenty of DVT^‡(resolve)'s and 47's around so why not use them on Portsmouth-Cardiff, would work brilliantly. At table seating, lots of luggage space, just as high speed, no overcrowding and it would solve the problem of stock shortage on the west fleet.

The adelantes are rumoured to be coming back in 2009 to FGW^▸ (First Great Western), after whats called "extensive" modifications, so maybe they're for cardiff > PM?

Where is this rumour from? Word of mouth or a blog?

[Shazz]

wikipedia page on the adelante

Thats what i read it as anyway, wikipedia does tend to be fairly reliable for Rail things

[TJ]

As far as I could see in the evening gloom there were 6 x 142s on Exeter depot Sunday. One by the fuelling point, one inside the depot and four nearer to the station.

TJ

[Timmer]

I believe thats the case, maybe that could be what the modifications are for? binning 1 of the cars to make them 4 cars, so they can do every station down the line? (unsure what the station max length is on cardiff > pompey)

I'm sure ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company))) would happily take on the carriges, as iirc they're interchangeable

All stations on the Cardiff-Pompey should be able to accomodate five car trains (not Dilton Marsh of course) as that was the normal length when the 33s and Mk1s operated along this route.

[vacman]

I believe thats the case, maybe that could be what the modifications are for? binning 1 of the cars to make them 4 cars, so they can do every station down the line? (unsure what the station max length is on cardiff > pompey)

I'm sure ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company))) would happily take on the carriges, as iirc they're interchangeable

All stations on the Cardiff-Pompey should be able to accomodate five car trains (not Dilton Marsh of course) as that was the normal length when the 33s and Mk1s operated along this route.

Don't think it really matters for Adelantes as they have SDO^▸ (Selective Door Opening) don't they??

[devon_metro]

Who said the following in November 2005?

"We^ve put in a stunning bid for Greater Western. I^d be gobsmacked if we don^t win it, but I guess somebody might have come in with a crazy bid."

It was said at the time that National Express walked away from continued negoiations over this franchise. Hmmmm I wonder why???

First HAD to keep this franchise and appeared to have been willing to pay any price for it. GW^▸ (Great Western) was their jewel in the crown as it was their only IC^▸ (Inter City) London line (i.e Profitable!) in their franchise portfolio at the time and had to take on the Wessex part as it was an all or nothing deal. Of course as well all know its the Wessex part of this franchise that causes most of FGW^▸ (First Great Western)'s problems and where they thought they could make the biggest cuts because its the loss making part of the franchise. And yes, for all you London commuters I know your Thames services ain't too great either.

NX didn't walk away from the franchise neither did Stagecoach, all bids were submitted and First won, no behind the scene scandal, no DFT^▸ (Department for Transport) throwing toys out of prams etc etc...

The one day that the DafT weren't actually throwing their toy trains out of the pram across a map of the UK^▸ (United Kingdom) then?

[devon_metro]

To remove a car on the 180s would probably require a massive rewrite of the computer. 1 less engine etc and generally new trains use computers for such silly things.