ATW Class 121, still running?

[Temple Meads]

Hey guys, does anyone if the Arriva Trains Wales Class 121 is still running on the Cardiff Bay shuttles?
And if so, is it in operation regularly?

Thanks in advance, Tim.

 

[PHILIPE]

Hey guys, does anyone if the Arriva Trains Wales Class 121 is still running on the Cardiff Bay shuttles?
And if so, is it in operation regularly?

Thanks in advance, Tim.

It is still in use on Cardiff Bay but you cannot depend on it operating if planning to travel on any particular day. Was 153 yesterday when I saw it.

 

[noddy1878]

Was out today on the shuttles.

 

[ValleyLines142]

I haven't seen Bubbles on the line for ages. It's been stored in Canton depot for god knows how long.

 

[Temple Meads]

you cannot depend on it operating if planning to travel on any particular day.

That's the problem, the trip wouldn't specifically be for the 121, but it is an aspect..

 

[PHILIPE]

I haven't seen Bubbles on the line for ages. It's been stored in Canton depot for god knows how long.

Bubbles is not in store. As you will see from the thread it is working, although perhaps not every day. It was stopped in November 2010 for a long period and resumed early last Summer (2011)

 

[ValleyLines142]

Bubbles is not in store. As you will see from the thread it is working, although perhaps not every day. It was stopped in November 2010 for a long period and resumed early last Summer (2011)

I meant just in the garage :L

 

[Ivo]

I've never known it to be called "Bubbles" before hock:

I take it we have no definite indication of how long she has left?

[cue massive argument about use of the word "she"]

 

[ValleyLines142]

I've never known it to be called "Bubbles" before hock:

I take it we have no definite indication of how long she has left?

[cue massive argument about use of the word "she"]

She is a she indeed.

She's () called Bubbles because she literally does look like a Bubble waving along the Bay Line :P

She is an old bint, but I'm sure she's still going strong

 

[causton]

Are all trains female, or are some less curvy, more angular trains (with beards?) classed as male?

 

[ValleyLines142]

Are all trains female, or are some less curvy, more angular trains (with beards?) classed as male?

The Voyagers look as if they have a beard when they take the ol' pigeon out and it dangles unceremoniously!!

 

[Ivo]

Are all trains female, or are some less curvy, more angular trains (with beards?) classed as male?

I suspect a 317 may find itself called a male with that kind of description

 

[glenbogle]

Are all trains female, or are some less curvy, more angular trains (with beards?) classed as male?

No you still get Mail trains

 

[ValleyLines142]

I suspect a 317 may find itself called a male with that kind of description

Indeed!

Actually, I stumbled across a thread with someone saying that the 365 are called 'Happy Trains', and I thought to myself 'yes of course, they sound happy when they depart with that immense electric noise', and then I found out that the grill forms a smiley face!!

 

[Temple Meads]

then I found out that the grill forms a smiley face!!

I see it as gurning rather than smiling myself

 

[ValleyLines142]

I see it as gurning rather than smiling myself

Haha you could say that!

 

[causton]

Nice to see it's not just me that sees the smile in the front of the 365s... also the smile on my face when I see one as opposed to a 317/321

 

[WelshBluebird]

I haven't seen Bubbles on the line for ages. It's been stored in Canton depot for god knows how long.

Certainly was in use last week (passed it at Cardiff Queen Street).

 

[ValleyLines142]

Certainly was in use last week (passed it at Cardiff Queen Street).

Haven't been to Queen Street for a while now, I change at Central instead.

 

[Matt Taylor]

Bubble was on duty today much to my satisfaction seeing as I had travelled from London for it (plus the WAG).

 

[tom1649]

I read that Bubbles suffers from poor health because of gearbox wear. Apparently this is thanks to the constant short runs between Queen Street and Cardiff Bay.

It's a shame the unit can't stretch its legs a bit out on the main line.

 

[ValleyLines142]

I read that Bubbles suffers from poor health because of gearbox wear. Apparently this is thanks to the constant short runs between Queen Street and Cardiff Bay.

It's a shame the unit can't stretch its legs a bit out on the main line.

True, but it's just too small for the Valley Lines, such a busy network. I think it would be good if it could run to Central instead of just to Queen Street.

 

[150222]

True, but it's just too small for the Valley Lines, such a busy network. I think it would be good if it could run to Central instead of just to Queen Street.

They could use it for the sunday City Line service that you so desire.

 

[a1a.a1a]

anyone [know] if the Arriva Trains Wales Class 121 is still running on the Cardiff Bay shuttles?.

It has eluded me EVERY TIME i have tried for it but a colleague mentioned its been out Today (Tuesday).... good luck

 

[Temple Meads]

It has eluded me EVERY TIME i have tried for it but a colleague mentioned its been out Today (Tuesday).... good luck

Oooh, I'm going to Cardiff tomorrow, so fingers crossed!

 

[anthony263]

It does get used everyone know and again for route learning etc. I did manage to get a shot of it at Bridgend sitting in platform 1A.

I certainly wouldnt mind it being used on longer services perhaps a service on the cityline on a sunday would be good however I doubt they will be able to get permission to use it on the mainline.

It has been out the majority of the time I have been out and about, hopefully I may be able to see it as I pass under the cardiff bay branch on my train to Bristol on friday morning If I can log on here I will make a post.

 

[ValleyLines142]

They could use it for the sunday City Line service that you so desire.

The City Line needs to be a bit busier than that!!

 

[PHILIPE]

Bubbles is only allowed to work the Bay and between Cardiff Central and Queen St in passenger service. If I say burocracy, I need say no more.

 

[noddy1878]

It's out again today.

 

[Temple Meads]

And it was indeed out yesterday, really enjoyed my ride on it