Class 175 future speculation

[Anonymous10]

There are several still at Landore, I saw them yesterday, although hard to say how many due to the vegetation obscuring the view.

I think I've counted 4 or 5 mainly 3 carriage units.

I'm passing for the 7th time in 3 weeks on Wednesday so will check then.

 

[BillStampy]

There's still a few in Crewe South Yard, saw them passing last Sunday.

Still a few 37s to see then

There are several still at Landore, I saw them yesterday, although hard to say how many due to the vegetation obscuring the view.

Unsurprised, a few I know are there is 114, 111 and a few more still to head off to Ely Papworth. Probably either next week or the week after the two mentioned will go as they may still be in the unbranding process.

 

[geoffk]

Will be good news to those suffering short-formed trains, especially here on the Exmouth line (although the door layout on 150s is still the best option).

 

[Western 52]

If 175s are to work Cardiff to Penzance, presumably those trains will be standard class only, unless they convert any areas to first class. The IETs used at the moment have first class, and yesterday appeared to be quite well used on the trains I used between Bristol and Worle.

 

[Diedinium]

Will they also get the 175 sim from TfW then? It's still there in the Chester training centre at the moment, it's a proper full cab simulator, although quite old.

 

[Sporty60]

What will the projected timescale be to get them introduced into service be please?
I've no idea how long driver, maintenance training will take.
Also will they be put to use before they have all been rebranded as GWR?

 

[michael74]

If 175s are to work Cardiff to Penzance, presumably those trains will be standard class only, unless they convert any areas to first class. The IETs used at the moment have first class, and yesterday appeared to be quite well used on the trains I used between Bristol and Worle.

The first class on the Penzance - Cardiff IET isn't a full offer, there is no catering in those services and the 1st class tickets are cheaper, also the First class sections are very empty on a number of services (I don't regularly work them so can only tell you what I have noticed) so I would be very surprised if GWR did this.

 

[Rhydgaled]

If 175s are to work Cardiff to Penzance, presumably those trains will be standard class only, unless they convert any areas to first class. The IETs used at the moment have first class, and yesterday appeared to be quite well used on the trains I used between Bristol and Worle.

Wasn't Cardiff-Penzance supposed to be worked by the Castle HSTs, which don't have any first class provision if I recall correctly, before DaFT had them dropped? As a result, I'm surprised first is even offered on the journey planner for that service - I'd have thought it would be declassified when an IET works it.

Will they also get the 175 sim from TfW then? It's still there in the Chester training centre at the moment, it's a proper full cab simulator, although quite old.

Isn't there one in Cardiff as well? I certainly remember there being two simulators when I had a tour of the driver training facility behind Cardiff Central (a Railfuture visit) and I think it was one 150 simulator and one 175 simulator.

 

[Snow1964]

The first class on the Penzance - Cardiff IET isn't a full offer, there is no catering in those services and the 1st class tickets are cheaper, also the First class sections are very empty on a number of services (I don't regularly work them so can only tell you what I have noticed) so I would be very surprised if GWR did this.

GWR First class provision is very inconsistent, and they are quite happy to mix trains with First class and no First class on sections like Bath-Bristol, or from Bristol area to Cardiff. The catering provision is selective depending on route too, and bears no relation to end to end journey time.

The 166s are running with declassified first (but they kept 2+2 seating alongside 3+2 in same carriage). They could potentially do similar quick bodge declassifcation with the 175s

 

[Lurcheroo]

They could potentially do similar quick bodge declassifcation with the 175s

There was no 1st class provision on them at TFW so a section would need stripping and refitting.

I would think that GWR will just be happy to take them as they are and get that extra capacity.
Perhaps they will diagram some Cardiff - Penzance journeys as 175’s and some as IET’s. Perhaps there are some services that are less busy that could run as a 3 car 175 and be sufficient ?

 

[brad465]

I hope GWR have a strong recruitment drive planned to go with the introduction of the 175s, if today's apparent lack of train crew (with many cancellations in the West Country) is anything to go by there seems to be a shortfall even without them.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

They’ll be doing Devon and Cornwall routes as has been listed many times before.

I don't think the implied "duh" is fair seeing as there's never been an official announcement made. Sure, plenty of talk about Cardiff Penzances and Barnstaples have been made, including from drivers and revenue in the area, but it seems reasonable to look forward to official confirmation of which routes they'll be on.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jul 2024 ==

Also will they be put to use before they have all been rebranded as GWR?

With how dire the stock situation is, I'd be surprised if they waited to entirely "green and silver" them before they entered service.

 

[Express380]

I don't think the implied "duh" is fair seeing as there's never been an official announcement made. Sure, plenty of talk about Cardiff Penzances and Barnstaples have been made, including from drivers and revenue in the area, but it seems reasonable to look forward to official confirmation of which routes they'll be on.

Exactly what I was implying thank you for seeing my point

 

[BillStampy]

With how dire the stock situation is, I'd be surprised if they waited to entirely "green and silver" them before they entered service.

I wouldn't be surprised if they just stuck a few logos on there, maybe change the door colour and then chuck them straight on, as it does seem to take GWR a long time to rebrand stuff...

I'd assume they'd get an interior redesign to fit though.

 

[HamworthyGoods]

Exactly what I was implying thank you for seeing my point

So, assuming the paperwork is all competed without hiccup I understand the current planned roll out of 175s on GW firstly sees them focussed in Cornwall allowing phasing out of the Castle HST.

Increased usage as driver training continues sees them take over further services in Devon and Cornwall releasing some 80x and also on the Okehampton/Barnstaple branches releasing the 3 car 158s to the Bristol area for use on Portsmouth to Cardiff.

Further stages are supposedly under evaluation but the outcomes from the project is to see less 80x on regional services, replace the Castle HSTs, boost formations once again on the Portsmouths and provide rolling stock for the Cornish Metro and next stages of Metro West (Bristol) schemes.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

So, assuming the paperwork is all competed without hiccup the current planned roll out of 175s on GW firstly sees them focussed in Cornwall allowing phasing out of the Castle HST.

Increased usage as driver training continues sees them take over further services in Devon and Cornwall releasing some 80x and then on the Okehampton and Barnstaple branches to release the 3 car 158s to the Bristol area for use on Portsmouth to Cardiff.

Further stages are still under evaluation.

I know it makes operational sense, but after three years of Turbos on four hour uni commutes from Fratton to Cardiff every semester, it’s so bittersweet to think of 175s being selected for Okehampton of all routes.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jul 2024 ==

I wouldn't be surprised if they just stuck a few logos on there, maybe change the door colour and then chuck them straight on, as it does seem to take GWR a long time to rebrand stuff...

I'd assume they'd get an interior redesign to fit though.

Honestly as I've said before simply replacing the red paint on the cabs and doors with GWR green would be much simpler yet still get them on brand, so I wonder if they'll consider that approach.

 

[Express380]

So, assuming the paperwork is all competed without hiccup the current planned roll out of 175s on GW firstly sees them focussed in Cornwall allowing phasing out of the Castle HST.

Increased usage as driver training continues sees them take over further services in Devon and Cornwall releasing some 80x and then on the Okehampton and Barnstaple branches to release the 3 car 158s to the Bristol area for use on Portsmouth to Cardiff.

Further stages are still under evaluation.

Very helpful answer thank you being in Truro this will be a welcomed addition to the service variety down here hopefully we will see them transferred to Laira soon and get them into passenger service. Is the plan to see them begin on the timetable beginning next June or is that yet to be decided?

 

[HamworthyGoods]

I know it makes operational sense, but after three years of Turbos on four hour uni commutes from Fratton to Cardiff every semester, it’s so bittersweet to think of 175s being selected for Okehampton of all routes.

The idea is most Portsmouths become pairs of 158s which is what everyone is always asking for on that route.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jul 2024 ==

Very helpful answer thank you being in Truro this will be a welcomed addition to the service variety down here hopefully we will see them transferred to Laira soon and get them into passenger service. Is the plan to see them begin on the timetable beginning next June or is that yet to be decided?

The phase in plan will be dependent on when the actual last bits of paperwork are signed off but these are believe to be formalities.

The expectations would be to see 175s entering traffic during 2025.

 

[RPI]

Chatting to a manager the other day, they were of the opinion that these units will be drip fed into service as they become available and crew training is complete.

 

[brad465]

Increased usage as driver training continues sees them take over further services in Devon and Cornwall releasing some 80x and then on the Okehampton and Barnstaple branches to release the 3 car 158s to the Bristol area for use on Portsmouth to Cardiff.

What local services do 80xs appear on apart from Cardiff-Penzance (as an amalgamation of multiple local routes) and a few other odd services (like Plymouth-Gloucester in the evening or that Frome-Westbury service formed by the unit that's come down from London in the peak)?

 

[Kite159]

What local services do 80xs appear on apart from Cardiff-Penzance (as an amalgamation of multiple local routes) and a few other odd services (like Plymouth-Gloucester in the evening or that Frome-Westbury service formed by the unit that's come down from London in the peak)?

The ones booked to work some of the Bristol to Worcester services.

 

[REVUpminster]

I can see a two car 175 being used at Okehampton because in the morning most passengers will be getting on even at Crediton and visa versa in the evening. Barnstaple already has the 158s so they would be used to end doors.

I can see a five car coming up from Laira in the morning splitting at St David's to Barnstaple and Okehampton.

A similar thing happens at Truro when a 4 car 150 come from Penzance and divides to make up the two train service to Falmouth.

 

[The exile]

The ones booked to work some of the Bristol to Worcester services.

And associated oddities like the 06.57 Bath - Bristol all stations (when it runs).

 

[RPI]

What local services do 80xs appear on apart from Cardiff-Penzance (as an amalgamation of multiple local routes) and a few other odd services (like Plymouth-Gloucester in the evening or that Frome-Westbury service formed by the unit that's come down from London in the peak)?

There is the odd Plymouth Penzance and VV too

 

[83G/84D]

Despite having a dig around through several publications etc I cannot ascertain what routes are cleared for Class 175 operation in the West Country, anyone know please?

 

[HamworthyGoods]

Despite having a dig around through several publications etc I cannot ascertain what routes are cleared for Class 175 operation in the West Country, anyone know please?

Currently none, route clearance will start once the last bits of paperwork are complete.

 

[Sly Old Fox]

There’s still nothing official on this. I wonder if the gun has been jumped somewhat in this thread.

 

[michael74]

Currently none, route clearance will start once the last bits of paperwork are complete.

One of the drivers noticed the old platform at Bow (Okehampton line) has been uncovered (was lost under vegetation), I wonder if this is in preparation for gauging runs?

 

[The exile]

There’s still nothing official on this. I wonder if the gun has been jumped somewhat in this thread.

Presumably nothing can be announced until everything is signed and sealed. After all, nothing is going to happen that will benefit the general public for months, so there is no hurry to make an official announcement which would probably only be greeted with comments about “jam tomorrow”.

 

[fgwrich]

There’s still nothing official on this. I wonder if the gun has been jumped somewhat in this thread.

Not really, It's been known for some time that GW required additional units to operate some of the extra services it will be running, plus to cater for ever growing demand. That pointed either to waiting for 158s to potentially be released from either Wales (the last to be replaced and already behind schedule) or 158s from East Mids following the proposed Turbostar cascade (now not happening as they're keeping them). As @claranceyard once said, the DMU musical chairs are slowing down and all that's left are the 175s. Then with everything else that has been going on behind the scenes, plus a snap Election, no announcement will have yet been made. All in good time as they say.

Though I'd still rather have had them at Bristol for Cardiff Portsmouth but that's a different matter.