Apparently there's enough for 2 x sets formed of a 67, 3 x standard Mk3's, 1 x first Mk3 and a DVT.....
I would guess it is a driver training run. Arriva definitely have 2 first class and 6 standard class mark 3s so it does beg the question why was the BR liveried vehicle in the formation.
Interesting.
Maybe the claim on
this topic on another forum that ATW have three full rakes is true after all, with one rake being unrefurbished.
There are certainly three 67s and three DVTs in ATW colours, unless somebody's been photoshoping the numbers on Flickr. It seems a bit odd that there's only two rakes of coaches to go with them.
Hopefully training more drivers to make better use of this coaching stock on Holyhead - Cardiff? There's no reason why 2 x sets can't be running up and down the Marches instead of sitting in the depot!
If there are only two rakes of coaches, as all information I've seen online (other than the above link) seems to suggest, then you can't really expect them to diagram both in the same day can you? That'd be asking for 100% availability and 100% reliability from the coaches (you'd still have a spare loco and DVT though, given ATW seem to have 3 of each).
If there is a third set, then yes, two diagrams daily please (including weekends), if 2/3 availability is reasonable. However, in that case existing Holyhead-Cardiff workings is NOT where I'd put the second set (the current Gerald can stay). I would like to see a reverse express (northbound breakfast and southbound dinner) but that's no longer the highest priority in my opinion.
Instead, I'd put the second set on either a Manchester - Llandudno/Holyhead diagram or Manchester - Swansea workings. In either case, I'd be looking to cascade a 3-car 175 to take over one of the 2-car Manchester - S.Wales diagrams. The released 2-car 175 would then either work the Fishguard day boat train, plus a 17:55ish Cardiff-Pembs express via the Swansea District Line or (prefrablly) release a 158 for those runs.
