Butts Oban Jaunt

[sprinterguy]

A mere short hop.....

Are these apart from Pacers the worst rolling stock left in the UK ? - Surely they were designed for short outings ?

Why are the seats so uncomfortable and the interior so spartan

The class 156s were built for regional services through rural areas. They're still reliably performing the duties they were built to perform, and have ably served the West Highland line for over twenty five years. Class 150s, which are suburban units designed for short hops and of which Scotrail used to have a few used around the Central Belt back in National Express days, can be much worse. With Northern Rail the 156s are pure luxury compared to much of the stock that they operate; as mentioned above, regular patrons of Scotrail services have been spoilt.

I have no problem with the seats fitted to Scotrail's 156 units, but they are showing their age, and there are more ergonomic and comfortable designs available (such as those fitted or being fitted to the class 158 units which will ply the West Highland line route in a few years time).

Suddenly Scottish Citylink Coaches are starting to look like an appealing prospect compared to these "cattle trucks"

I admit that I prefer to take the Citylink bus over this route as the vehicles are much more modern, the seats more comfortable and between Fort William and Glasgow the journey time is shorter and the scenery better north of Crianlarich (although further south the tedious fiddle along the shores of Loch Lomond remains a pain!).

 

[Techniquest]

I used to despise 156s 11 years ago myself, when I had one turn up on a Heart of England rover move I would go via Shrewsbury to Birmingham instead. Looking back, I shake my head and wonder what I was on, as I love the beasts now.

The seats aren't the best on the Scottish 156s, that's for sure. I will tolerate them though, getting up regularly (every 30 minutes or so) when on a long journey on one so as to stretch the legs etc. At least it's better than a MK2 table seat with those fixed armrests, quite difficult for a bloke my size to get in/out of those! Comfort wise I of course prefer a MK2!

 

[Polarbear]

I'm looking forward to hearing Butts' trip report about the quality catering & comfortable first class seating...

Oh, hang on - wrong thread!

Hope your Oban trip goes well & that you don't get too saddle-sore! 156's aren't too bad, but having done a March - Manchester Piccadilly move on one throughout many years ago, I do empathise about being on them for the better part of a day.

 

[Butts]

I'm looking forward to hearing Butts' trip report about the quality catering & comfortable first class seating...

Oh, hang on - wrong thread!

Hope your Oban trip goes well & that you don't get too saddle-sore! 156's aren't too bad, but having done a March - Manchester Piccadilly move on one throughout many years ago, I do empathise about being on them for the better part of a day.

Ho Ho .....what a joker

Seriously I defy anyone to suggest that a 156 is a suitable mode of transport for conveying people in comfort for more than 10 mins....

Well here goes ..got a "4" to myself for the whole journey which made it just about bearable. Anyone over 3 feet tall would struggle if this service was fully loaded. The back of the seats are really short obviously designed for Snow Whites associates.

Most saps piled into the "reserved coach" so the other one I was in was virtually empty.

First moan some bright spark at Scotrail has decided to replace the CLUB 50 Freebie Coffee with an Orange juice and an Iced cake which don't go well together.:cry: I bought a couple of Coffees along the way as well not bad at £1.70 each (compared to Flybe at £2.50)

I was on the 1037 out of Glasgow which ended up over an hour late into Oban. The Guard was urging people to claim on delay repay so all credit to him.

We had to wait for the Southbound Service which was running late before joining the Single Line. Then the toilet on the train went u/s which resulted in a Toilet Break at Crianlarich. We had to wait there for nearly 40 mins as another Southbound Service was due.

However this was a bright spot in the proceedings as a lot of people piled off the train at Crianlarich and had a "fag break" - including Scotrail Staff. Seems Abellios "anti-smoking tirade" does not count for much in the Highlands , thankfully. To me this redeemed the whole journey. Unfortunately for them The Station Cafe is closed on Thursdays or they would have made a bomb.

Returned today on the 0857 ex Oban which was fairly well loaded . Got a "4" to myself again for what it's worth. Scheduled 10 min stop at Crianlarich resulted in another Fag Break. They wait for the Mallaig/Oban service to come in from Glasgow and some of the crew swap over - really weird.

Bonus got off the service in Glasgow and jumped on the 1224 to FKG - yes you guessed it a 156 :cry:

I seriously don't think I can face a five hour plus Glasgow to Mallaig on one these cattle trucks on Sunday.

May get the earlier Oban Service, rest up in Crianlarich for a couple of hours and than join the next service to Fort William / Mallaig. It has a booked layover in FW for 10 or 15 mins for going on to Mallaig so there is a potential fag break.

 

[Polarbear]

Sorry for the leg pull I'm more used to reading your reports on your first class trips on east coast.

You did well to get a bay of four & for what it's worth, I agree that the 156's aren't the best train for the Oban or Mallaig routes.

Hopefully, you'll be able to make use of the (rather good) facilities at Crianlarich on your next West Highland adventure. I've done Mallaig - Glasgow on a 2 car 156 so I do know what you're going through!

 

[Butts]

Sorry for the leg pull I'm more used to reading your reports on your first class trips on east coast.

You did well to get a bay of four & for what it's worth, I agree that the 156's aren't the best train for the Oban or Mallaig routes.

Hopefully, you'll be able to make use of the (rather good) facilities at Crianlarich on your next West Highland adventure. I've done Mallaig - Glasgow on a 2 car 156 so I do know what you're going through!

Indeed, Class 156 Trains should only be seen at the NRM in York

Is it possible to put a 170 Turbostar on instead ?

 

[30907]

Indeed, Class 156 Trains should only be seen at the NRM in York

Is it possible to put a 170 Turbostar on instead ?

Only if you can find one with RETB fitted, sorry. See post 27.

BTW I like the low backed seats, gives you a decent view.

 

[Blindtraveler]

IMO the 170 would be equally unsuitable.

Last year I did Glasgow Oban then later in the same day Fortbill Nallaig fortbill in 1 day using the bus between Oban and Fortbill and home on the seated sleaper. Great for my track coverage, not so for my back.

Sounds like a nice time none the less, although cant understand why a coffee has been replaced by an OJ on the club 50, youd think OJ would cost more?

I found the instant coffee on the WHL trolleys far and away nicer than the too strong offering from flasks on the turbostar routes.

 

[Butts]

Only if you can find one with RETB fitted, sorry. See post 27.

BTW I like the low backed seats, gives you a decent view.

Shame that if you are over three feet tall your legs are crushed simultaneously

Seriously five hours in one of these - what is the rationale ? If they were transporting sheep the SSPCA would be right on their case :roll:
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

IMO the 170 would be equally unsuitable.

Last year I did Glasgow Oban then later in the same day Fortbill Nallaig fortbill in 1 day using the bus between Oban and Fortbill and home on the seated sleaper. Great for my track coverage, not so for my back.

Sounds like a nice time none the less, although cant understand why a coffee has been replaced by an OJ on the club 50, youd think OJ would cost more?

I found the instant coffee on the WHL trolleys far and away nicer than the too strong offering from flasks on the turbostar routes.

I thought it was just for the summer - mind you the tightwads used to give you a smaller sized cup (same one as 1st Class on Scotrail)

Regarding the 170 - you cannot be serious it's like a Limousine compared to the 156 "Midget Mobile"

 

[Techniquest]

You must like the droning 170s make then! Me and Blindtraveller share the opinion 170s are to be avoided if at all possible!

Glad you survived the trip though!

 

[Butts]

You must like the droning 170s make then! Me and Blindtraveller share the opinion 170s are to be avoided if at all possible!

Glad you survived the trip though!

TQ/BT are you really being serious. All joking aside if I was sat in a "2" my knees would be rammed up against the back of the seat in front of me. With respect are you both "vertically challenged"

On a 170 you have CD'S seats at the end of the carriages that are like an exit seat on an aeroplane. I often blag one going to work from FKG to EDP.

Lord I noticed a herd of cows being led into milking on an adjacent lane to the track overtaking us at one point.

As bashing experts perhaps you can assist me - I am half thinking of pulling the plug on my Glasgow to Mallaig trip on Sunday.

Departs GQS at 1220 and gets into Mallaig at 1743 - Five Hours 23 minutes.
However it is booked for a 12 minute layover in Crianlarich (while they split it ?) are you always able to sneak a tab at that point.

Also booked for a 10 minute layover in Fort William does that present a further tab break.

Was my experience of being able to nip off for a fag a one off or is it a regular occurrence ?

Believe it or not I am coming back from Mallaig on the same train at 1815 - at least I should get a tab there. Staying overnight at TL FW.

The ticket has cost me £1 Return so I want to have a pleasant experience

 

[Techniquest]

Certainly not short are we, around 5 foot 10 which is not short or "vertically challenged"!

I have too much 170 mileage, can't stand the infernal things these days. I had more than enough 170 action last week as it was, to then endure BHM-SMD-BHM-HFD on 170s on Wednesday was less than appealing!

I believe the nicotine break is regular at Crianlarich, but a more local basher/crew member would be able to confirm. Fort William, I've not been there since 2005 so I can't comment. I really want to go back to that part of the world...

 

[Blindtraveler]

In all honesty take the coach unless your really bothered about doing the line.

Your smoke breaks will all work fine as you observed it not just the pax who take advantage.

I do indeed think your mad!

 

[Butts]

Certainly not short are we, around 5 foot 10 which is not short or "vertically challenged"!

I have too much 170 mileage, can't stand the infernal things these days. I had more than enough 170 action last week as it was, to then endure BHM-SMD-BHM-HFD on 170s on Wednesday was less than appealing!

I believe the nicotine break is regular at Crianlarich, but a more local basher/crew member would be able to confirm. Fort William, I've not been there since 2005 so I can't comment. I really want to go back to that part of the world...

Birmingham to Stamford to Birmingham to Hereford I won't ask why

Honestly would you have preferred a 156 - do those 170 variants not have the extra legroom seats I described on the Scotrail ones ?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

In all honesty take the coach unless your really bothered about doing the line.

Your smoke breaks will all work fine as you observed it not just the pax who take advantage.

I do indeed think your mad!

That goes without saying, I think you missed the £1 return cost of my ticket from Falkirk to Mallaig.

Glad to hear about the SB's that will break it up - better not say anymore or I will attract the attention of the "softy southerners" from the metropolitan elite who will tut tut at such proletarian behaviour

 

[Techniquest]

Too late, already got the stiff upper lip going on, as well as the finger pointing and tutting at you!

I would have preferred a 156 on those journeys I made recently, yes. The reason for a trip to Stamford on Wednesday was to go to a funeral. It's not a place I would choose to visit otherwise!

 

[Butts]

Too late, already got the stiff upper lip going on, as well as the finger pointing and tutting at you!

I would have preferred a 156 on those journeys I made recently, yes. The reason for a trip to Stamford on Wednesday was to go to a funeral. It's not a place I would choose to visit otherwise!

Well each to their own - I seem to remember you prefer a Q400 to an Embraer

 

[Techniquest]

I like Embraers, but for thrash value a Dash 8 is superior!

 

[Butts]

Standby everyone, I am doing the dreaded deed tomorrow....7 Hours plus on a class 156....aagh

Catching the 1220 from Glasgow Queen Street to Mallaig arrive 1743..better get those fag breaks at Crianlarich and Fort William on the way up.

Then returning the same night from Mallaig to Fort William on the 1815 arriving into Fort William at 1937.

Overnight at FW Travelodge £27.50 !!!!

On the way up as the train splits at Crianlarich I suppose it doesn't really matter which set you are in as long as you swap to the correct one in Crianlarich. Which is likelier to be busier the Oban or Fort William set of 2 ?

A bargain rail fare for £1 return is to much to resist :cry:

 

[Techniquest]

Ah you'll be fine, a wee dram or 15 will have you not caring about the 156!

 

[Butts]

Ah you'll be fine, a wee dram or 15 will have you not caring about the 156!

Make that 31 - a bottle

Can you believe it has cost me £1 return !!!

 

[Kite159]

I can't believe you got the Travelodge for £27.50!

Fort William isn't the cheapest place to stay overnight

 

[Butts]

I can't believe you got the Travelodge for £27.50!

Fort William isn't the cheapest place to stay overnight

Booked it a while ago with a 15% off discount code. Could have had the Premier Inn for about a tenner more. Remember it is a Sunday Night - often the cheapest to book at any TL/PI. (Free freeloader Tip)

I will certainly need the bed after 7 hours in a 156

 

[Chrism20]

On the way up as the train splits at Crianlarich I suppose it doesn't really matter which set you are in as long as you swap to the correct one in Crianlarich. Which is likelier to be busier the Oban or Fort William set of 2 ? :

I'd hazard a guess and say the Fort William & Mallaig set will be the busier of the two portions.

There is an Oban at 0956 whereas the 1220 is the first one for Mallaig.

 

[Butts]

I'd hazard a guess and say the Fort William & Mallaig set will be the busier of the two portions.

There is an Oban at 0956 whereas the 1220 is the first one for Mallaig.

I'm hoping it will not be that busy as people going home after the w/e will probably be travelling into rather than out of Glasgow.

Hopefully a lot of people will get off at Fort william as well.

Will try and blag a "4" by the door where the trolley dolly normally has her coat on one side and gear on the other.

 

[Techniquest]

Make that 31 - a bottle

Can you believe it has cost me £1 return !!!

I cannot believe how cheap you got that! Makes the amazing views all that much better! Gosh darn it I want to go up the WHL again...

 

[cambsy]

Last month I did the West Highland line in far superior comfort to a rubbish 156 dross, did it in a mk 1 first class carriage, 2x 37 hauled dining land cruise train , though ended up having cooked breakfast whilst train sat in Fort William station because line blocked by freight train, was over 6 hrs late leaving, would not do it on a 156 dross unit.

 

[cf111]

I can't believe you got the Travelodge for £27.50!

Fort William isn't the cheapest place to stay overnight

In the winter it costs next to nothing, I've had 5 nights in the Travelodge for ~£100.

Interesting read Butts, I have been meaning to do the WHL but I've never quite got round to it.

 

[Butts]

Ok folks standby your beds time for my "7 Hour + Mallaig Horror" on Sunday/Monday.

A rather uninspiring start saw my having to leg it up to Falkirk High and catch a Coach RRS to Glasgow Queen Street. Originally it was supposed to be a Bus from FKG to FKK and the train to GQS - bloody Glasgow to Edinburgh Upgrade !

Upon entering GQS my attention was drawn to the fact it was a 6 Coach Service to Oban/Mallaig but only the back 2 were for the latter. Unfortunately all 165's

Having said that I got a "4" to myself all the way to the end of the line in the 1st/Last coach. Prior to boarding I had purchased a copy of The Sunday Times in order to alleviate the boredom of some of the less scenic stages of the journey.

As expected the detatchment at Crianlarich provided a smoking opportunity for myself and other addicts. One thing I noticed about the seating on 165's is to watch out for the heating boxes underneath the seat opposite which can restrict the already minimal legroom.

For me the real journey now began and their were some wonderful sights between Crianlarich and Fort William. The wildness and beauty around Rannoch is quite breathtaking. Another thing that impressed me is how a lot of the old station buildings at stops along the way have been adapted for various uses including cafes pubs and small businesses.

Arriving into Fort William the West Coast Steam Service was in situ ready for a more than £1 jaunt to Mallaig or wherever - engine puffing away. Fort William afforded another smoko ( good idea these layovers). The Sleeper was also in Fort William ready to go down to London later on in the Evening.

The final leg from Fort William to Mallaig had Glenfinnan of course but due to the clock change it was almost dark when we came upon her.We finally rolled into Mallaig at 1743 so I had about 30 minutes before returning to FW on the same train.

Mallaig is not exactly a hive of activity on a Sunday Night at the end of October. However the co-op opposite the station was open and I got some reduced price items for my tea. They don't do hot drinks but Butts quickly sourced a Cappo at the Spar just up the hill for £1.29.

The return journey to Fort William did not tax the Guard unduly as there were a total of five passengers including me. On arrival in Fort William it was a straight 10 min walk to The Travelodge right up the High Street. The Wetherspoons below the TL was strangely empty for a Sunday Evening only three or four patrons visible from the street.

I guzzled my "Mallaig Co-op Cheapies" whilst watching the new series of Humans on C4 in my cosy well appointed TL Room. Hit the sack after a quick smoko outside.

Up early in the Morning and hit the station via McDonalds for a quich cappo to take onboard the 0744 to GQS. I thought it would be busy but it was empty again - a "4" to myself. Bumped into the sleeper at Rannoch (I think) on it's way up to FW.

I had already decided to get off at Crianlarich at 0931 and join the 1014 Oban to Glasgow service. This was to stretch my legs and for the obligatory smoko. The station cafe was also open so I availed my self of a Cappo and bit of home made cake from there- delicious

On boarding the 1014 to Glasgow my luck finally ran out it was far more heavily patronised than any of the preceeding legs of my adventure. However I got a "2" to myself - wow :cry: Once I got into Glasgow it was on to another 165 back to Falkirk.

So I enjoyed the trip mainly due to having a "4" to myself most of the time and the "unscheduled smokos" - without them on a full train it would have been unbearable even with the scenery.

 

[Techniquest]

See, you survived just fine after all!

Not sure how a 165 got all the way to the West Highlands, let alone more than one of them You've also managed to do something I've never done, a 156 between Fort William and Mallaig. I've had a steam loco up there, 61994 comes to mind, but never a 156. As it was raining on my visit, I would like to return to do the line on a 156, clear some of the shacks and to see it in better conditions!

 

[Butts]

See, you survived just fine after all!

Not sure how a 165 got all the way to the West Highlands, let alone more than one of them You've also managed to do something I've never done, a 156 between Fort William and Mallaig. I've had a steam loco up there, 61994 comes to mind, but never a 156. As it was raining on my visit, I would like to return to do the line on a 156, clear some of the shacks and to see it in better conditions!

I don't even know what a 165 is - thanks for pointing out the clanger!!

Believe me you were probably better in the steam loco unless it was "The Rocket" from the 1830's.

To me the smoke breaks were the saving grace of the whole trip. I know that will sound crazy to non-smokers, but 6 hours is too long for me without a tab.

It seems Abellios ludicrous policy of forbidding smoking on open platforms is totally ignored in the Highlands. To see staff joining travellers for a fly puff was all the endorsement I needed.

One thing I forgot to mention on my Oban Trip, does anyone know what the Old Rail Carriage is in a siding at Loch Awe - looks like it may have been a Restaurant at one time.