tfw756rider
On Moderation
That's because it won't have been a year until tomorrow
Although the driver manager training didn't start until the 23/6/25, which is only just over 5 months ago.
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Class 175s to GWR
- Thread starter GEC465
- Start date
Although the driver manager training didn't start until the 23/6/25, which is only just over 5 months ago.
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REVUpminster
Established Member
I can't believe a 175 has been at Laira for a year; more like six months at the most?
tfw756rider
On Moderation
Definitely will be a year tomorrow.
REVUpminster
Established Member
Your right. I've checked. Why is everything so drawn out not only in the railways but industry in general. Too many obstructors and not enough facilitators.
Falcon1200
Established Member
It can seem that way, but OTOH how do you arrange Driver and Guard training on a new type when those staff are also required to operate the daily service?
Snow1964
Established Member
That's an HR failure, not leaving enough slack to do any training, might not be needed every day, but not allowing for training every few years is just shortsighted.
In the same way, would expect to factor in lots of training for crews in Bristol, Westbury, Thames Valley etc on BEMUs in 2029-2032 and staff it appropriately to allow that to happen.
Traincrew establishments have been kept too low at many TOCs for many years, with no cushion to absorb the impact of additional pressures (increases in retirements, release for traction and route). Clearly, a conscious decision has been made to let these fleet introductions become very drawn out by not putting the proper resources in place in a timely manner, presumably to save money.
REVUpminster
Established Member
Strangely on the Devon metro today there are no 158s. Seven turbos (one 2 car) operating. One two car 150 cancelled from Paignton. Two 150s being used on the busiest train from Barnstaple; probably holds more than a 158 or turbo.
Roll on the 175s
Roll on the 175s
Railperf
Established Member
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Chime Whistle Publishing on X
"From senior source at GWR "There is no chance at all of the 175s coming in the West Country any time soon".
"From senior source at GWR "There is no chance at all of the 175s coming in the West Country any time soon".
northernbelle
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I'll be blunt - this is absolute nonsense - subject to any unforeseen circumstances.
Suppose it depends on the definition of “soon”.
northernbelle
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And also your definition of "no chance". There's every likelihood that we'll see 175s carrying GWR passengers before Christmas.
Otherwise we wouldn’t be this far into the training…
As others have mentioned, it’ll be limited diagrams to start with, but it certainly won’t be as per “the industry source told me none will be in traffic”…
brad465
Veteran Member
Chime later replied to someone in that post with "in a terrible state", is what I'm told."
Wyrleybart
Established Member
Sound out of context to me given 175s are going PLY-PNZ-NTA-PLY on training runs.
Where is "the West Country" ?
If it is regarded as east of Exeter then maybe you could sort of agree
northernbelle
Member
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There's no doubt they're taking more work to get them back into traffic than is either ideal or foreseen, but progress is definitely being made.
Looking through the poster's other content it seems they're a bit prone to the hyperbole and things seem to be based on hear say rather than anything particularly official or substantial.
Snow1964
Established Member
Looks like they have reverted to route via Bath tomorrow, rather than Newbury.Realtime Trains | 5V84 1022 Wolverton Centre Sidings to Laira T.& R.S.M.D. | 28/11/2025
Real-time train running information for 5V84 1022 departure from Wolverton Centre Sidings to Laira T.& R.S.M.D. on 28/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.www.realtimetrains.co.uk
Another move from Wolverton for this Friday.
Is there any significance in the header to being described as Empty, non-passenger stock. Why non-passenger ?
Realtime Trains | 5V84 1022 Wolverton Centre Sidings to Laira T.& R.S.M.D. | 28/11/2025
Real-time train running information for 5V84 1022 departure from Wolverton Centre Sidings to Laira T.& R.S.M.D. on 28/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
Because it is neither about to nor has just work(ed) a passenger train - nor can it. Can’t be pressed into service however great the meltdown. Only suggestions…Looks like they have reverted to route via Bath tomorrow, rather than Newbury.
Is there any significance in the header to being described as Empty, non-passenger stock. Why non-passenger ?
Realtime Trains | 5V84 1022 Wolverton Centre Sidings to Laira T.& R.S.M.D. | 28/11/2025
Real-time train running information for 5V84 1022 departure from Wolverton Centre Sidings to Laira T.& R.S.M.D. on 28/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.
Falcon1200
Established Member
What do those extra staff needed for training every few years do when they are not required to cover training?!! Having said that, there should of course be some contingency in staffing levels, but that does has to be paid for....
BillStampy
Established Member
I'm thinking the same. Just gives me the vibes of utter nonsense. Especially when taking a look at other posts. It could just be me, though...
If we had a proper rolling stock programme, the need for training and staff to do/receive it would be almost constant. But no - we prefer boom and bust.
Falcon1200
Established Member
How often does the stock worked by any particular depot, eg Plymouth in this topic, actually get replaced - Not constantly, or anything like it!
irish_rail
On Moderation
I'd say there is more than a shred of truth in this rumour. The stats speak for themselves. Approx 10 drivers trained up at Plymouth thus far, that includes 4 (?) "depot only " drivers, plus "lead drivers" and instructors (ie drivers who won't actually be rostered to drive the trains in service as they will be released for training). Par have as far as I know 3 drivers who have been passed competent on 175s (again primarily assessors etc).
I can't see how they are going to be in service in three weeks time in all honesty, the training is taking longer than expected. Just because some on here don't want to believe it, the reality is things are looking far from rosey come December 14th.
I can't see how they are going to be in service in three weeks time in all honesty, the training is taking longer than expected. Just because some on here don't want to believe it, the reality is things are looking far from rosey come December 14th.
grecian ern
Member
Todays 175 delivery Wolverton to Laira cancelled, seems to be par for the course.
Indeed. How many drivers would be needed in total to cover the 3 Castle diagrammes?
irish_rail
On Moderation
Zero chance of driver managers getting anywhere near driving them alone in service! The lead drivers and assessors will be needed for continuing training needs , so they also are unlikely candidates. Cancellations and short forms unfortunately are where we are headed.
Rich McLean
Established Member
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Class 150 units free'd up from splitting Exeter area 4 car workings will be able to cover diagrams on a short term basis. It's better than nothing.
Well that will go down a treat with the festive shopping period approaching and the Exeter Christmas market drawing people in.
Rich McLean
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Yes, it won't be popular, but we are where we are. DfT said no to an extended stay of execution for the Castle Sets. More Turbos also appear to be covering diagrams around Exeter as well of late.