GwR HSTs to be stood down

[Whistler40145]

Apologies if this isn’t meant to be public, and if the mods deem it to need to be removed, so be it c but this was found with a very simple google search:
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/members-updates/withdrawal-of-hst-24-rolling-stock-gwr120723/

This seems to suggest the withdrawal has been put on hold, and we could be seeing HSTs remain running for as much as 2 more years. It sounds like the problem is finally at least being acknowledged. In does have to wonder what the timeframe means, obviously GWR expect something to appear or change so they can finally remove them.

Isn’t there currently an issue with ASLEF and HSTs?

 

[Ashley Hill]

Isn’t there currently an issue with ASLEF and HSTs?

Maybe in Scotland.

 

[class397tpe]

Apologies if this isn’t meant to be public, and if the mods deem it to need to be removed, so be it c but this was found with a very simple google search:
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/members-updates/withdrawal-of-hst-24-rolling-stock-gwr120723/

This seems to suggest the withdrawal has been put on hold, and we could be seeing HSTs remain running for as much as 2 more years. It sounds like the problem is finally at least being acknowledged. In does have to wonder what the timeframe means, obviously GWR expect something to appear or change so they can finally remove them.

Too late to stop the withdrawal on XC though I guess?

 

[irish_rail]

I think the plan is for a few sets to carry on a couple of years, probably just in the far west.

 

[Snow1964]

Apologies if this isn’t meant to be public, and if the mods deem it to need to be removed, so be it c but this was found with a very simple google search:
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/members-updates/withdrawal-of-hst-24-rolling-stock-gwr120723/

This seems to suggest the withdrawal has been put on hold, and we could be seeing HSTs remain running for as much as 2 more years. It sounds like the problem is finally at least being acknowledged. In does have to wonder what the timeframe means, obviously GWR expect something to appear or change so they can finally remove them.

It's open to public to view (don't need to login to see it)

GWR are between a rock and a hard place, they have simply run out of rolling stock, mix in passenger growth in South west, combined with aging DMU fleet (its 31-36 years old), and struggle to increase availability of IETs (due to DfT specified maintenance contract). Daily they are muddling through with multiple short forms (which has its own thread)

In blunt terms if offload the remaining HSTs, then will almost certainly have to chop some services, so becomes balancing act of least worst option.

My own feeling is the HST services will be cut back, and in future be limited to services south of Bristol.

 

[irish_rail]

My own feeling is the HST services will be cut back, and in future be limited to services south of Bristol

I've heard more likely Exeter to Penzance only. Once you keep Bristol in the equation you still need every man and his dog signing them , whereas just the south west and it will be depots Exeter (inclusive) westwards.
Still I'm not sure anyone has a definitive plan yet , though I'd say its a safe assumption they will be centered on Laira.

 

[Annetts key]

The RMT circular referenced in post #755 relates ONLY to 2+4 HST sets on GWR.

One of this issues hinted at, is where the remaining 2+4 HSTs will be serviced and maintained. Laira Depot is supposed to be become a maintenance facility for IET 80X trains.

So it’s possible that the remaining 2+4 HSTs may be maintained at Bristol SPM.

 

[yorksrob]

Well, it's certainly spot of good news in a very bleak era if they do stick around a bit longer.

 

[irish_rail]

The RMT circular referenced in post #755 relates ONLY to 2+4 HST sets on GWR.

One of this issues hinted at, is where the remaining 2+4 HSTs will be serviced and maintained. Laira Depot is supposed to be become a maintenance facility for IET 80X trains.

So it’s possible that the remaining 2+4 HSTs may be maintained at Bristol SPM.

But I'm pretty sure Laira do anything close to heavier work on them nowadays, don't SPM just do basic stuff now like fuelling etc. You'd be losing all that expertise at Laira . Id be shocked if they get based at PM, if they do, then its because of the spotter fraternity at Swindon who want to keep them local, but thankfully I don't think that will happen.

 

[Annetts key]

But I'm pretty sure Laira do anything close to heavier work on them nowadays, don't SPM just do basic stuff now like fuelling etc. You'd be losing all that expertise at Laira . Id be shocked if they get based at PM, if they do, then its because of the spotter fraternity at Swindon who want to keep them local, but thankfully I don't think that will happen.

Well, that’s the reason that the RMT are concerned. We just don’t know. If the 2+4 HSTs were to be completely withdrawn, you may loose expertise at Laira anyway.

 

[47444]

Noted numbers I have were 48113, 49101, 48101, 48103. Hope this helps.

Many thanks.

I note that all four coaches are owned by First rather than leased from Angel or Porterbrook.

Seeing the storage of various coaches from different nominal formations begs the question as to whether there is an updated list of the trailer formations still in service - can anyone help?

TIA

 

[ainsworth74]

Please see this thread for more discussion of HSTs being exported to Mexico.

 

[Poyntz]

Noted numbers I have were 48113, 49101, 48101, 48103. Hope this helps.

So, as they weren't exported, what's their future?

 

[winsaw]

These should be the weekday castle turns from 11 September, 2 sets based out for Bristol 1 set based out of Plymouth,

2C11 1015 Plymouth-Penzance
2U24 1250 Penzance-Cardiff
2C89 1900 Cardiff-Plymouth

2C05 0540 Bristol-Penzance
2U20 1050 Penzance-Cardiff
2C85 1700 Cardiff-Taunton
2U30 1914 Taunton-Cardiff
2C95 2200 Cardiff-Bristol

2C09 0650 Bristol-Penzance
2P13 1150 Penzance-Plymouth
2C27 1418 Plymouth-Penzance
2U32 1650 Penzance-Cardiff
2C96 2230 Cardiff-Bristol

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 1 Sep 2023 ==

Worth noting that after 43040 being retired last week , 43010 is being quoted as being retired next week so one to keep a look out for if interested in a last run on it

 

[150249]

Heard that 43009 is going too

 

[Dan G]

How many power cars are left at GWR now?

 

[irish_rail]

Believe 43192 also finished two days ago

 

[Techniquest]

Wow they're all finishing quite quickly! Just to clarify, the diagrams posted yesterday, is that absolutely all of the booked workings as of 11th September? I haven't made as much use of the GTi sets as expected, but to be fair the summer wasn't what I expected either, although I have got my eyes set on a possible little trip in Devon soon. It needs finalising yet of course!

 

[irish_rail]

I cannot see how there won't be HST vice IET for a while yet , I reckon it'll be 3 diagrams minimum from 11th Sept.

 

[150249]

GWR Power Cars (as of 20th October)

43004
43005
43009
43010
43016
43022 (exported to Mexico)
43027
43029
43040
43041
43042
43088
43092
43093
43094
43097
43098
43122
43153
43154
43155
43156
43158 (exported to Mexico)
43160
43162
43170 (exported to Mexico)
43171
43172
43186
43187
43188
43189
43192
43194
43198

Bold indicates that the power car is still in service

Please tell me about any mistakes I have made

 

[fgwrich]

Believe 43192 also finished two days ago

Currently in Handback procedure at Laira.

 

[43096]

GWR Power Cars (as of 2nd September)

43004
43005
43009 (due to be stood down before 11/09)
43010 (due to be stood down before 11/09)
43016
43022 (exported to Mexico)
43027
43029
43040
43041
43042
43088
43092
43093
43094
43097
43098
43122
43153
43154
43155
43156
43158 (exported to Mexico)
43160
43161
43162
43170 (exported to Mexico)
43171
43172
43186
43187
43188
43189
43192
43194
43198

Bold indicates that the power car is still in service

Please tell me about any mistakes I have made

43161 is not a Castle power car.

 

[43096]

Currently in Handback procedure at Laira.

Stopped as due G exam. Likewise 040 stopped as due F exam.

 

[150249]

43161 is not a Castle power car.

Post amended. Thank you.

 

[The_Train]

Anybody know when 43040 was stood down (approx. obviously fine) please?

 

[150249]

I think it was stood down once it reached Laira on 29th August.

 

[The_Train]

I think it was stood down once it reached Laira on 29th August.

Thank you

 

[83G/84D]

Reports from GWR staff member on a private chat site that one GWR HST is going into storage on the West Somerset Railway next week (Monday was mentioned) and another to follow at a later date. One is to be stored at Bishops Lydeard and the other at Minehead.

 

[adc82140]

Reports from GWR staff member on a private chat site that one GWR HST is going into storage on the West Somerset Railway next week (Monday was mentioned) and another to follow at a later date. One is to be stored at Bishops Lydeard and the other at Minehead.

I guess these would be the franchise assets rather than Angel owned examples?

 

[83G/84D]

I guess these would be the franchise assets rather than Angel owned examples?

Not sure what sets, only know that 2 are for store on the West Somerset Railway.