Class 158 on The Marches line

[strettonarms96]

The 0834 from church stretton (ex Cardiff) was a class 158 instead of the usual class 175 this morning. Is this permanent after the timetable change or just a replacement. Also, any other recent sightings of 158s or 153s or 150s on the marches. Especially between shrewsbury and Hereford.

 

[Gareth Marston]

The 0834 from church stretton (ex Cardiff) was a class 158 instead of the usual class 175 this morning. Is this permanent after the timetable change or just a replacement. Also, any other recent sightings of 158s or 153s or 150s on the marches. Especially between shrewsbury and Hereford.

A clutch of 175 failures recently have been reported elsewhere on forum

 

[ValleyLines142]

I saw this depart Cardiff at 0650, it was 158818.

But in answer to your question, the answer is no, it's not permanent. However this did used to booked for a 158 before the May 2013 (or even December 2012) timetable change.

It is all 175s (supposed to be).

It is also ex-Carmarthen, not Cardiff.

EDIT - 20TH MAY:
Actually saying that it might be permanent after all, as it's a 158 again this morning.

 

[Greenback]

I don't think it's permanent. I expect it has to with the failures that Gareth has referred to.

That said, 158's have always popped up occasionally!

 

[ValleyLines142]

I don't think it's permanent. I expect it has to with the failures that Gareth has referred to.

Well neither did I in fairness, but for the same service to be a 158 instead of a 175 twice in a row seems to be a bit of a coincidence!

 

[strettonarms96]

Yes, I was on it again yesterday morning. Don't know about today as I I drove in to shrewsbury because train was 25mins late.

 

[ValleyLines142]

Yes, I was on it again yesterday morning. Don't know about today as I I drove in to shrewsbury because train was 25mins late.

I'll be able to tell as it will be passing my house in about forty minutes, so I'll let you know if it was. Unless there was a unit swap.

Edit: It was a 175 actually today.

Although the 0600 Milford Haven to Manchester is a 158 today!

Although I much prefer the 175s, the 158s have plug sockets which are quite handy. Hoping 175s can have plugs soon! Especially for the length of the journeys they do!