Idea: Could HSTs be converted to hotel-sleepers for electrification teams?

[GRALISTAIR]

I was lying awake and thought that a big inefficiency in electrification work is mobilizing people to site. I was thinking that for say Transpennine (if-when it gets the go ahead) is so remote in places it would be very efficient if a HST was converted to have showers and beds and restaurant etc and even extra fuel and generators. Is this feasible or would the BCR be way too low for a project of this nature?

 

[route:oxford]

I was lying awake and thought that a big inefficiency in electrification work is mobilizing people to site. I was thinking that for say Transpennine (if-when it gets the go ahead) is so remote in places it would be very efficient if a HST was converted to have showers and beds and restaurant etc and even extra fuel and generators. Is this feasible or would the BCR be way too low for a project of this nature?

It's not *that* remote.

Don't forget people have families and responsibilities outside of work.

 

[gingertom]

I was lying awake and thought that a big inefficiency in electrification work is mobilizing people to site. I was thinking that for say Transpennine (if-when it gets the go ahead) is so remote in places it would be very efficient if a HST was converted to have showers and beds and restaurant etc and even extra fuel and generators. Is this feasible or would the BCR be way too low for a project of this nature?

CS will have a few MK3 sleepers going spare once the MK5s arrive and enter service. BCR has to be higher than NR high output electrification train

 

[GRALISTAIR]

It's not *that* remote.

Don't forget people have families and responsibilities outside of work.

I was thinking 1 week on one week off with shift payments and unsociable hours payments (even though salaried) - I was thinking would be more efficient.

CS will have a few MK3 sleepers going spare once the MK5s arrive and enter service. BCR has to be higher than NR high output electrification train

Hauled by 67 or 68s I assume - do they have the necessary ETS ? I assume they must.

 

[Ploughman]

Between Standedge tunnel West end and Paddock west of Huddersfield it is possible to drive trackside, not continuously as you need to change sides, but access is relatively easy.Unsure about the situation West of the tunnel though.
Trackside access between Huddersfield and Deighton is more restricted.
Deighton to Heaton Lodge is easy access.
Elsewhere nowhere is more than about 1/2 mile from an access.
Mirfield tunnel will be the longest stretch of no access but not really a problem.
I used to regularly do my 10 hours on site and still comply with 12 hours max including travel.

So, to my mind no reason for providing sleeper coaches.

Now if it was on the S+C possibly but even there access points are available.

 

[gingertom]

what about for the Highland Mainline Perth-Inverness? Goes through some pretty remote places.

 

[Scotrail84]

CS will have a few MK3 sleepers going spare once the MK5s arrive and enter service. BCR has to be higher than NR high output electrification train

They're all going back to Porterbrook.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Between Standedge tunnel West end and Paddock west of Huddersfield it is possible to drive trackside, not continuously as you need to change sides, but access is relatively easy.Unsure about the situation West of the tunnel though.
Trackside access between Huddersfield and Deighton is more restricted.
Deighton to Heaton Lodge is easy access.
Elsewhere nowhere is more than about 1/2 mile from an access.
Mirfield tunnel will be the longest stretch of no access but not really a problem.
I used to regularly do my 10 hours on site and still comply with 12 hours max including travel.

So, to my mind no reason for providing sleeper coaches.

Now if it was on the S+C possibly but even there access points are available.

Mirfield tunnel? I presume you mean Morley?

 

[JohnMcL7]

They're all going back to Porterbrook.

What is likely to happen to them in future?

 

[Scotrail84]

What is likely to happen to them in future?

I guess thats up to the leasing company. Serco own the MK2's and have already sold some and they will move on when the new stock starts as well.

 

[43096]

What is likely to happen to them in future?

Scrap is most likely.

 

[PYROOGOBBO]

Scrap, Some preserved. some stored

 

[Indigo Soup]

what about for the Highland Mainline Perth-Inverness? Goes through some pretty remote places.

Not that remote; the Beauly-Denny transmission lines went up just fine without a need for expensive mobile accommodation at the job site. If we ever get around to electrifying Rannoch Moor then it might be worth thinking about. But even then, it probably doesn't make any sense. Just put the workers up in local hotels/B&Bs and take them to the job site in minibuses.

 

[CosherB]

I was lying awake and thought that a big inefficiency in electrification work is mobilizing people to site. I was thinking that for say Transpennine (if-when it gets the go ahead) is so remote in places it would be very efficient if a HST was converted to have showers and beds and restaurant etc and even extra fuel and generators. Is this feasible or would the BCR be way too low for a project of this nature?

Have you heard of Premier Inn?

 

[GusB]

Let's not forget that when any infrastructure works are taking place, it can give a significant and steady income boost to small hotels and B&Bs, especially in the months where tourist income would be expected to drop. My local regularly accommodates parties of workers who are working on various projects such as refurbishment of MOD premises, wind-farm construction etc. The construction of the distillery at Roseisle was a fairly long term project, and I got chatting to a couple of guys from Network Rail who were in the area doing some upgrade work (GSM-R, I think). That's a guaranteed fixed allowance for accommodation and food per person, plus whatever cash passes over the bar in the evening.

 

[TheSeeker]

Here in Belgium Infrabel, the rail infrastructure operator has something similar. From the pictures they look pretty cool inside.

https://www.warsco.eu/realisaties/leeftrein-infrabel

 

[Bletchleyite]

I was lying awake and thought that a big inefficiency in electrification work is mobilizing people to site. I was thinking that for say Transpennine (if-when it gets the go ahead) is so remote in places it would be very efficient if a HST was converted to have showers and beds and restaurant etc and even extra fuel and generators. Is this feasible or would the BCR be way too low for a project of this nature?

It'd be a lot easier and cheaper to acquire the old Caledonian Sleeper Mk3s for that purpose than convert non-sleeper coaches to sleeper coaches.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

It'd be a lot easier and cheaper to acquire the old Caledonian Sleeper Mk3s for that purpose than convert non-sleeper coaches to sleeper coaches.

And then be able to use any loco fitted with ETH of whatever it is called these days Electric Train Supply? I suppose HSTs are a solution waiting for a problem?