TfW 175 shortages

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Somewhat of a ridiculous situation re. the 1549 Cardiff Central (ex Milford Haven) to Crewe service which was allocated 6 coaches from Cardiff.

The additional set (175102) arrived on Platform 1a (Manchester end) from the depot long before 175110 arrived from Milford. It sat there until 1552, then reversed back out towards Canton, where it had just come from.

175110 arrived into Platform 1a, where 102 had been, about seven or eight minutes after departure time and took on passengers.

About five minutes later, 175102 reappeared, this time on 1b, and coupled to 175110. Another five minutes later, it detached again and 110 went on its own. 102 went back to Canton, where it really needn’t have left at all.

Of course, Cardiff Central has the most miserable dispatchers in Wales, and they’re about as helpful as a chocolate teapot at telling customers where to go.

 

[Techniquest]

I'm happy to report some positive news, and that is that I enjoyed a smooth journey on 175108 this morning on the 0856 from Hereford (started in Carmarthen I think but I didn't look at when) to Manchester Piccadilly. I'm typing this live from 175105 on the 1730 from Manchester Piccadilly, which has become much more civilised after Nantwich and especially so after Shrewsbury.

I may never get a chance to do a 175 to Manchester again, what with the changes to circumstances. So just in case that is indeed the case, I've sure enjoyed my 175 action. I'll be doing more for a 175 farewell soon enough, but I'm not expecting to be in Manchester again for a few months at the least.

Attached is a selfie from a surprisingly quiet 175108 this morning

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Attached is a selfie from a surprisingly quiet 175108 this morning

Welcome to the 175 selfie club
(If I look miserable it’s because I was )

 

[Jez]

I'm happy to report some positive news, and that is that I enjoyed a smooth journey on 175108 this morning on the 0856 from Hereford (started in Carmarthen I think but I didn't look at when) to Manchester Piccadilly. I'm typing this live from 175105 on the 1730 from Manchester Piccadilly, which has become much more civilised after Nantwich and especially so after Shrewsbury.

I may never get a chance to do a 175 to Manchester again, what with the changes to circumstances. So just in case that is indeed the case, I've sure enjoyed my 175 action. I'll be doing more for a 175 farewell soon enough, but I'm not expecting to be in Manchester again for a few months at the least.

Attached is a selfie from a surprisingly quiet 175108 this morning

Well done! A 175 on the 1730 is very rare now. I noticed that one when I checked RTT. I have probably been on my final Manchester-South Wales 175 but hopefully I will get a few more local journeys before they finally go.

 

[Topological]

Not adding a picture, but am on a very quiet 175/1 from Shrewsbury to Cardiff. This should have been the 19:30 from Manchester so it seems like there have been a few 175/1s on Manchester today. No idea why it is not from Manchester tonight though.

When I was checking to see if the nominally 18:30 from Manchester was delayed it was a 150 but running out of service to start at Shrewsbury.

I will definitely miss the 175s, it has been a while and I remember why they were much more suited to this route than the 150s we are enduring most of the time.

 

[Jez]

Not adding a picture, but am on a very quiet 175/1 from Shrewsbury to Cardiff. This should have been the 19:30 from Manchester so it seems like there have been a few 175/1s on Manchester today. No idea why it is not from Manchester tonight though.

When I was checking to see if the nominally 18:30 from Manchester was delayed it was a 150 but running out of service to start at Shrewsbury.

I will definitely miss the 175s, it has been a while and I remember why they were much more suited to this route than the 150s we are enduring most of the time.

Some of the Manchester's have started from Crewe or Shrewsbury today due to the industrial action even though TFW are not involved. Something to do with having no staff dispatching trains from Manchester.

Yes whilst I got used to the 150s after a while of having them on so many services having the 175s back again just highlighted how much better they are.

 

[Topological]

Some of the Manchester's have started from Crewe or Shrewsbury today due to the industrial action even though TFW are not involved. Something to do with having no staff dispatching trains from Manchester.

Yes whilst I got used to the 150s after a while of having them on so many services having the 175s back again just highlighted how much better they are.

Thanks. Saw the other thread where it was explained what had happened at the English stations.

TfW have provided something of a lifeline today as they meant there were trains from Birmingham to Shrewsbury and Shrewsbury ultimately back to Swansea. Having missed the last South Wales GWR due to a flight delay I am very grateful for this. Would have even been happy with the Northern 150*.

 

[Techniquest]

What other thread was that, explaining about the reasons why TfW were affected? I must have missed it.

Mr TT, wow you do look bored and fed up with life there!

Having not had a 175 in a good long while, it was a nice change to have one again today. The difference in seat comfort to a 197 was rather significant, I hadn't realised quite how comfortable the 175s are!

Attached are photos of 175108 and 175105 at Manchester Piccadilly today. Chances are, next time it'll be something completely different!

 

[Topological]

Link to thread discussing the despatch arrangements at Manchester Piccadilly and the early finish for TfW trains: Latest post at time of posting

 

[Techniquest]

Link to thread discussing the despatch arrangements at Manchester Piccadilly and the early finish for TfW trains: Latest post at time of posting

Thanks That all makes sense now as to why there was a much better service south of Shrewsbury to South Wales tonight.

 

[anthony263]

I'm booked on the 0603 to Manchester piccadilly from Pyle on Monday morning so hopefully a 175 will turn up or sone with working power sockets.

Will be a long day for me as ive got a busy weekend. Last ever 404 bus from pontypridd to Porthcawl on Saturday then I'm back driving the 600/89 bus on Sunday from pontypridd to Aberdare and onto Merthyr Tydfil via prince Charles hospital

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

175003 - Manchester Milford
175102 - Holyhead Cardiff
175105 - Holyhead Cardiff
175108 - Manchester Milford
175112 - Manchester Milford
175113 - Manchester Milford

Those six look like all that’s out today.

 

[sd0733]

Of the ones not in use at the moment:
175001 has fire system faults, stabled at Holyhead long term
175004 has battery issues, now at Chester
175101 is having testing after being reformed at Chester but has issues.
175103 has an isolated middle car engine and compressor issues at Canton
175115 has damaged wiring in a cab, waiting parts and should be repaired early August.
175116 has engine and brake issues.

The fleet is now officially 19 units, 6 2s cars and 13 3s but not sure which of the 3s are actually gone.

 

[Anonymous10]

Of the ones not in use at the moment:
175001 has fire system faults, stabled at Holyhead long term
175004 has battery issues, now at Chester
175101 is having testing after being reformed at Chester but has issues.
175103 has an isolated middle car engine and compressor issues at Canton
175115 has damaged wiring in a cab, waiting parts and should be repaired early August.
175116 has engine and brake issues.

The fleet is now officially 19 units, 6 2s cars and 13 3s but not sure which of the 3s are actually gone.

Sounds like the fleet really are having a rough time of it.

 

[Jez]

I think 103 and 116 were 2 of the regular ones in service recently but even they are having problems now. I bet TFW cant wait to get rid of the entire fleet once the 197s take over.

 

[animationmilo]

Of the ones not in use at the moment:
175001 has fire system faults, stabled at Holyhead long term
175004 has battery issues, now at Chester
175101 is having testing after being reformed at Chester but has issues.
175103 has an isolated middle car engine and compressor issues at Canton
175115 has damaged wiring in a cab, waiting parts and should be repaired early August.
175116 has engine and brake issues.

The fleet is now officially 19 units, 6 2s cars and 13 3s but not sure which of the 3s are actually gone.

002, 005, 007 at Landore
008 is the burnt end of 101 and 008 so not being used
111 was still a parts doner
so thats 5 sets

 

[SuperLuke2334]

002, 005, 007 at Landore
008 is the burnt end of 101 and 008 so not being used
111 was still a parts doner
so thats 5 sets

006 also at Landore.

 

[Techniquest]

175003 seemed to have no real issues coming down from Manchester on the 1730 today, apart from someone causing a blockage in the lavatories. That can't have been fun to be on!

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

There cannot be many 175s available today as 153s are everywhere. We have just had seventeen 153s through Cardiff in the past two hours…

153329+153382+153926 on Manchester Cardiff
153353+153367+153921 on Cardiff Carmarthen
153318+153968 on Cardiff Fishguard
153325+153361 on Milford Manchester
153369+153935 on Maesteg Cheltenham
153327+153914 on Cardiff Ebbw Vale
153910 on City line
153922 on City line
(I don’t know what the third City line 153 is)
All seen with my own eyes…

…and this morning 153333+153362+153913 terminated in from the Marches line!

The Crewe service just gone was a 150+158.

 

[Jez]

I think 7 in service in total today - 3 x 2 car and 4 x 3 car. Although a pair of the 2 cars I think were doubled up on one diagram. Far too many Sprinters still on the long distance routes to Manchester.

 

[Caaardiff]

Some interesting formations yesterday. I'm guessing to do with extra capacity needed to cope with other TOCs being on strike.

 

[Anonymous10]

Some interesting formations today. I'm guessing to do with extra capacity needed to cope with other TOCs being on strike.

Where are they wouldn't mind a look on rtt.

 

[Western 52]

1124 Milford Haven to Manchester is 175112 + 175010 at the moment. RTT showing it working throughout.

 

[Jez]

On Sundays they often double up 175s and have some longer formations. I think its to do with less services overall on a Sunday.

And HOWL services being replaced by road transport this weekend probably explains there being so many 153s both on longer distance services to Manchester and local journeys around Cardiff. Good increase in capacity where needed.

 

[Caaardiff]

Where are they wouldn't mind a look on rtt.

Sorry meant yesterday!
A couple of 3x 153's. 150+158. 2 175's.

 

[sd0733]

Few odd ones out today too, 1V16 150+153+153+153+153 from Shrewsbury!

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Few odd ones out today too, 1V16 150+153+153+153+153 from Shrewsbury!

Due to joining/splitting and turning around it's made a massive list.

 

[MP393]

Few odd ones out today too, 1V16 150+153+153+153+153 from Shrewsbury!

Meanwhile, Crewe - Shrewsbury locals treated to 175009 today.

Back on the sidings at Shrewsbury now but later allocated to 2G38 22:24 Shrewsbury - Wolves and back empty stock. Calls at all stations, been a while I imagine since the likes of Bilbrook had a 175 call!

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Few odd ones out today too, 1V16 150+153+153+153+153 from Shrewsbury!

Surely that didn’t run like that? I saw pictures of four 153s, but surely not with the 150 as well later. Isn’t that too many cabs?

 

[sd0733]

Surely that didn’t run like that? I saw pictures of four 153s, but surely not with the 150 as well later. Isn’t that too many cabs?

Certainly between Shrewsbury and Cardiff it did. With 153s involved that's at or at least near the max amount of cabs