Bicester line to transfer to Chiltern Railways

[MidnightFlyer]

http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=5239

From May 22, Chiltern Railways will take over the operation of the current Oxford-Bicester shuttles, as part of the greater improvements along the line from 2013.

 

[Cherry_Picker]

And of course the whole thing gets ripped up in September(?) so Chiltern will have probably spent longer training drivers to learn the route than they will spend actually running trains over it.
When the improved line opens in a couple of years it will be a completely new railway so Chiltern will have to train everybody over the route again.

 

[The Planner]

I can't imagine it is a hugely difficult line to learn, slow, sod all in the way of signalling, just lots of level crossings.

 

[Cherry_Picker]

Probably not, but training an entire depot takes quite a while. It's not like you can release more than one or two drivers at a time is it?

 

[spacehopper]

It says that you can buy tickets on the train.....

Chiltern undoing DOO? (More likely have dedicated revenue grade on board?)

 

[lm321412]

I took the opportunity to ride this line under FGW power and to clear a line that is extremely slow and dull (Islip still has FGW Link posters).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/photography_by_tom/5628818804/in/photostream/


For a Saturday it was very busy with Bicester shoppers and by the looks of it, First Class is a bit of a Free-for-all as no guard and virtually nobody buying a First Class ticket for it (I certainly wouldn't!)

I think the line has potential to do brilliant and I cannot wait to see the London Marylebone - Oxford service running.

 

[Cherry_Picker]

It could be a goldmine for Chiltern. Water Eaton Parkway - Marylebone is probably a more attractive journey than Oxford - Paddington for Oxford's sizeable London commute, certainly in the peaks. Nigh on identical journey time, and not having to deal with the horrible traffic in central Oxford during rush hour? Sign me up.

 

[jopsuk]

what will happen to the stock currently used- stay with the route or stay with FGW?

 

[lm321412]

what will happen to the stock currently used- stay with the route or stay with FGW?

Its only one unit, so will boost up the mainline services.

 

[mindfeeder]

I can't imagine it is a hugely difficult line to learn, slow, sod all in the way of signalling, just lots of level crossings.

There is a wooden bridge on the line however, it passes over the River Ray, I think the limit over this particular bridge is 25MPH.

 

[route:oxford]

Would love to see the "spare" 121 doing the off-peak duties on the Bicester-Oxford route.

Even better... One diagram a day between Aylesbury and Oxford via Calvert.

 

[Daimler]

Would love to see the "spare" 121 doing the off-peak duties on the Bicester-Oxford route.

Might this be part of a plan? Chiltern are very short of stock, after all...

Or am I just dreaming?

 

[TEW]

what will happen to the stock currently used- stay with the route or stay with FGW?

Will be used to allow the FGW Turbo refurbishment programme to be speeded up slightly.

 

[Cherry_Picker]

Might this be part of a plan? Chiltern are very short of stock, after all...

Or am I just dreaming?

Just dreaming. Banbury drivers will work the route, Aylesbury drivers drive the bubble.

 

[oversteer]

.

Even better... One diagram a day between Aylesbury and Oxford via Calvert.

That's an interesting one, I guess it just needs a new curve at Calvert

Evergreen 4?

 

[Mojo]

Or just do what the many freight trains going that way do, switch ends at Claydon L&NE Junction

 

[Daimler]

Just dreaming. Banbury drivers will work the route, Aylesbury drivers drive the bubble.

Ah, right - thanks.

What's the idea behind the second bubble car, then? Just so they can have a spare to use if need be in the peaks?

 

[Cherry_Picker]

I'm not entirely sure, but I think it is something as simple as the first bubble is knackered.

 

[fgwrich]

Will be used to allow the FGW Turbo refurbishment programme to be speeded up slightly.

Mind you, it won't make that much of a difference to the Turbo Refresh program - all the 165s are done, now it's the turn of the 166s...

On the other hand, itll allow a 166 operated service to be worked by a 165 - though itll probably be more likely used to extend additional 165 operated services...

 

[tbtc]

itll allow a 166 operated service to be worked by a 165 - though itll probably be more likely used to extend additional 165 operated services...

Do any/many Turbos currently get doubled up?

 

[TEW]

Quite a few in the peaks and on the Oxford fast trains.

 

[anthony263]

I'm not entirely sure, but I think it is something as simple as the first bubble is knackered.

The green class 121 is to be used to allow for the blue class 121 to have a overhaul. After it is back in service the shuttle service will go over to class 121 operation all day and not just during peak hour's

 

[justinsteam]

The green class 121 is to be used to allow for the blue class 121 to have a overhaul. After it is back in service the shuttle service will go over to class 121 operation all day and not just during peak hour's

I like the sound of that!

 

[route:oxford]

Do any/many Turbos currently get doubled up?

Not just doubled up.

It's not uncommon to see them tripled up

 

[N Levers]

Not just doubled up.

It's not uncommon to see them tripled up

I like it when the down relief line is closed and you have an eight/nine car turbo with the rear five/six coaches locked out of use