Cardiff-Portsmouth 5 Coach trains this week?

[whole diary]

[Toiletdriver]

Problem with 153 shunts at Southampton is either finding a Fratton man who signs 153s or using a Westbury driver. Not very productive for a driver is it?
And with the 5 coach comment, not really possible between Bristol and Cardiff due to being over length at Filton, and possibly platform 4 at Severn Tunnel. (New platforms since 198x regulations.)

[tramway]

On the assumption that FGW^▸ (First Great Western) are fairly content with the change to the cascade, if the rumour is in fact true anyway, I'm sure they have done the sums on how they want to utilise them. I take it it doesn't change the overall number of coaches, and they could always just use them as 155s again I suppose, there have been a few 153 pairings running around recently. So watch this space then.

Without trawling all the relevant threads is there likely to be a date when FGW will have a settled fleet in the area, after giving all the borrowed stuff back? I was under the impression that this would happen as the cascade progressed, but can't remember when this was to be completed. It can only be in FGWs interest to reduce the rental bill on others stock compared with the arrangements likely to be in place for the long term lease from a ROSCO^» (Rolling Stock Owning Company - about).

[Toiletdriver]

On the assumption that FGW^▸ (First Great Western) are fairly content with the change to the cascade, if the rumour is in fact true anyway, I'm sure they have done the sums on how they want to utilise them. I take it it doesn't change the overall number of coaches, and they could always just use them as 155s again I suppose, there have been a few 153 pairings running around recently. So watch this space then.

Not possible due to toilet tank modifications, I've checked my books. 
I have an idea for 153s which will given to management when back in work Wednesday, but it's dependant on unit cascade.

[devon_metro]

I was under the impression that the ladders on the small end cab of the 153s fouled the tunnel under Southampton!

[tramway]

Apologies TD I should have been a bit more specific with the 155 comment, and should have added a couple of these.  It was only due to the fact I'd seen 153 pairs around Bristol and if what was rumoured elsewhere that 2 car 150's weren't being cascaded it really wouldn't make much difference if the equivalent number of 153's turned up, albeit they were limited to the Bristol side of Southampton. There must be several 150 diagrams that a 2 x 153 could happily do. Whether that happens I suppose depends on whether FGW^▸ (First Great Western) think they would be better off with the flexibility that the single cars would provide, and I'm not forgetting Melksham here either. All speculation of course until it actually happens.

If I'd remembered the 153 limitations in the first place I wouldn't have gone to the lengths I did wondering if a 153 cascade would 'allow' a complete 4 car Portsmouth/Cardiff enhancement, that will have to await shuffling the 158's again I would guess. AFAIK^▸ (as far as I know) this requires another 2 off 158/7 to give the required number of vehicles, and I don't see those appearing from outside FGW, and to take them from other services would clearly reduce the standard there.

Mmmmm what about those 2 sad examples someone mentioned the other day that Arriva seem not to care about very much. I'm sure they would be far happier going to the seaside at Portsmouth.