Caledonian Sleeper discussion

[cf111]

Excellent . I'm so excited, can't wait. This all started because I picked up a Caledonian Sleeper 1st Class comfort kit in a charity shop yesterday. I was telling myself that's the nearest I'm going to get to the Caledonian Sleeper experience, but then I impulsively started looking online, and the rest...

A lounge car is also attached to the Fort William portion at Edinburgh, the one shared between Euston and Edinburgh goes up to Aberdeen, so you have one all the way.

It's a nice experience, I've done the sleeper (only between Inverness/Aberdeen and London sadly) many times and I still far prefer it to the plane; there's a certain romance to it.

I recommend the haggis for dinner and the cheeseboard to follow, if you're a drinker then a bottle of the Chaniti goes down well with that pairing. I normally have the smoked salmon and scrambled egg for breakfast, ask the attendant to have this in the lounge car rather than in your berth.

I hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[47271]

Just out of interest, does anyone know what last night's 1M16 20:44 Inverness to Euston sleeper service, between Inverness and Aviemore? It left Inverness on time, but arrived and departed Aviemore 105 minutes late.

Trust is quite vague, it says the delay is down to "signaller."

Other trains between Aviemore and Inverness appear to have been heavily delayed last night, including 1H53 18:11 Glasgow QS to Inverness which sat there for 2 hours 18 minutes.

Frozen points at Carrbridge, the sleeper got stuck behind the preceding Inverness-Glasgow which was the first on the scene.

Aside from delays, it was hauled Inverness-Edinburgh by a single 67 last night. A wee trip down memory lane.

 

[signallerscot]

It was a signalling failure followed by a points run through at Carrbridge.

 

[Scotrail84]

Thank you. So W is presumably the furthest from the Lounge etc? No worries, I probably won't want to spend time in it anyway.

W coach will be closest to the lounge to/from Edinburgh.

 

[Scotrail84]

Frozen points at Carrbridge, the sleeper got stuck behind the preceding Inverness-Glasgow which was the first on the scene.

Aside from delays, it was hauled Inverness-Edinburgh by a single 67 last night. A wee trip down memory lane.

As was 1S25 this morning, that 67 will be around for a while.

 

[TimboM]

Aside from delays, it was hauled Inverness-Edinburgh by a single 67 last night. A wee trip down memory lane.

Not just any old 67 either - 67010 which USED to be one of the two 67s in CS livery (although it's now DB red).

 

[AlterEgo]

Any idea what's hauling tonight's Highland, up to Inverness?

 

[BestWestern]

Apologies if this has already been covered, but what's happening with the 73s currently? Recent observations show 66 haulage with the 73 tucked behind, presumably on train supply duties. Is this only if there's a defect with the ED, or have they stopped using them for haulage purposes?

 

[Caleb2010]

How many modified MK2 brake coaches are there with light dim switches, alarm systems, 31 specially designed reclining seats are there kicking about spare? There are 10 owned by Serco. 9800-9810, 9804 is gubbed. They need 9 per night. The Rivera coaches are a disgrace and not suited to ONS services and that's why they don't appear on any of the southbound services except the one cock up I mentioned previously.

AFAIK the MK5 coaches will only operate on 1C11/1M11/1S26 and 1B26 for at least the first 3 months of traffic, this is to ensure they end up at either Polmadie or Wembley each day incase there is anything which would not be able to be resolved if they end up at ft William, Aberdeen or Inverness.

So, if this is the case, what happens to the maintenance schedule for the mk2/3 stock, has the 8 day cycle been abolished or are they planning something else.
iiuc the stock it maintained at Polmade, if only mk5 stock ends up there, Wembley is going to be busy!!

 

[BestWestern]

Serco don't own any (Eversholt do) and they have 11, of which 9804 is knackered.

Ideally they need 9 per night, but can use a standard Mark 2 BSO on the Fort Bill if required - indeed it was the last time I did it.

This explains the ropey Virgin-liveried example currently in use then, presumably? Is it not perhaps likely that, if there is spare capacity of one, a non-Cally spec BSO may find its way into regular use as a spare, with 9804 possibly cannibalised?

 

[trainophile]

A lounge car is also attached to the Fort William portion at Edinburgh, the one shared between Euston and Edinburgh goes up to Aberdeen, so you have one all the way.

It's a nice experience, I've done the sleeper (only between Inverness/Aberdeen and London sadly) many times and I still far prefer it to the plane; there's a certain romance to it.

I recommend the haggis for dinner and the cheeseboard to follow, if you're a drinker then a bottle of the Chaniti goes down well with that pairing. I normally have the smoked salmon and scrambled egg for breakfast, ask the attendant to have this in the lounge car rather than in your berth.

I hope you enjoy your trip!

Thank you . I guess you have to be careful to be in the right place at Edinburgh, or you could end up at the wrong destination? I'm assuming the train divides - sorry I'm not at all au fait with the operational set-up.

I have pre-ordered the smoked salmon & scrambled eggs for breakfast both ways. I didn't pre-book dinner, as I will have a few hours to kill in Euston before boarding so planned to get something substantial there.

One little question that has occurred to me... is it acceptable to pad down the corridor to the loo in (respectable) nightwear and slippers if nature calls during the night, or are people expected to put day clothes on? I don't suppose robes are supplied?

 

[najaB]

Thank you . I guess you have to be careful to be in the right place at Edinburgh, or you could end up at the wrong destination? I'm assuming the train divides - sorry I'm not at all au fait with the operational set-up.

You'll be booked into the correct part of the train at Euston. You'll probably not be awake when they divide the train at Edinburgh as it happens around 3 in the morning.

One little question that has occurred to me... is it acceptable to pad down the corridor to the loo in (respectable) nightwear and slippers if nature calls during the night, or are people expected to put day clothes on? I don't suppose robes are supplied?

As long as the nightware covers the necessary it's acceptable. Though it would be quite a coincidence for anyone else to be in the corridor anyway. Nope, no robes supplied.

 

[PaxVobiscum]

One little question that has occurred to me... is it acceptable to pad down the corridor to the loo in (respectable) nightwear and slippers if nature calls during the night, or are people expected to put day clothes on? I don't suppose robes are supplied?

Yes – perfectly acceptable, but don't overlook the possibility that the train may slowly pass through (or even stop at) a station while you are in the corridor. For that reason going commando is NOT recommended.

I have encountered some strange sights in corridors but etiquette requires that you concentrate on the business of allowing opposing traffic to pass efficiently (a là single track roads) and don't react at all to whatever assails your eyes.

 

[trainophile]

Thanks everyone. I'm really looking forward to this trip, as it combines two of the things I love most - trains and Scotland!

 

[43096]

Apologies if this has already been covered, but what's happening with the 73s currently? Recent observations show 66 haulage with the 73 tucked behind, presumably on train supply duties. Is this only if there's a defect with the ED, or have they stopped using them for haulage purposes?

I'm sure it's covered elsewhere, but...

There is a defect with the alternators as delivered on the 73s which means they are not being used to provide traction power on the sleepers, so are generally train supply only.
Status of the 73s:
73966 - in service, train supply only.
73967 - at Brush for modification.
73968 - modified & in service. No idea why it isn't being used solo yet.
73969 - at Brush for modification & collision damage repair.
73970 - at Brush for modification.
73971 - in service, train supply only. Apparently part modified?

 

[BestWestern]

I'm sure it's covered elsewhere, but...

There is a defect with the alternators as delivered on the 73s which means they are not being used to provide traction power on the sleepers, so are generally train supply only.
Status of the 73s:
73966 - in service, train supply only.
73967 - at Brush for modification.
73968 - modified & in service. No idea why it isn't being used solo yet.
73969 - at Brush for modification & collision damage repair.
73970 - at Brush for modification.
73971 - in service, train supply only. Apparently part modified?

Ah, thank you!

Collision damage?!

 

[najaB]

Collision damage?!

Shunting incident at Craigentinny.

 

[BestWestern]

Shunting incident at Craigentinny.

Ah! Woops.

 

[theironroad]

Thank you . I guess you have to be careful to be in the right place at Edinburgh, or you could end up at the wrong destination? I'm assuming the train divides - sorry I'm not at all au fait with the operational set-up.

I have pre-ordered the smoked salmon & scrambled eggs for breakfast both ways. I didn't pre-book dinner, as I will have a few hours to kill in Euston before boarding so planned to get something substantial there.

One little question that has occurred to me... is it acceptable to pad down the corridor to the loo in (respectable) nightwear and slippers if nature calls during the night, or are people expected to put day clothes on? I don't suppose robes are supplied?

If you're male, a pair of shorts minimum, a T-shirt probably good too. Footwear depends on how brave you are taking into consideration the corridor carpet but the uncarpeted and possibly 'splash prone' uncarpeted toilet.

 

[cf111]

Worth noting that if you're in first class the amenity kit provides a pair of socks.

 

[fgwrich]

As was 1S25 this morning, that 67 will be around for a while.

Spoke too soon!

67010 on 1M16 has gone bang at Dalwhinnie. Now showing as to be hauled 'Dead Only'. Colas Rail to the rescue, Duffs back on the beds!

Was also reported as having a severe fuel leak this morning upon arrival at Inverness. 67s living up to their usual reputations again!

 

[AlterEgo]

Thank you . I guess you have to be careful to be in the right place at Edinburgh, or you could end up at the wrong destination? I'm assuming the train divides - sorry I'm not at all au fait with the operational set-up.

I have pre-ordered the smoked salmon & scrambled eggs for breakfast both ways. I didn't pre-book dinner, as I will have a few hours to kill in Euston before boarding so planned to get something substantial there.

One little question that has occurred to me... is it acceptable to pad down the corridor to the loo in (respectable) nightwear and slippers if nature calls during the night, or are people expected to put day clothes on? I don't suppose robes are supplied?

I am actually sending this from the sleeper at Stafford...!

Would recommend prebooking dinner if you can. It's good value. £10 is a fixed fee and also includes a can of beer or quarter bottle of wine. I got £14.50 worth of dinner and drink on a £10 prebooking.

You can bimble about to the loo in PJs, no need to get fully dressed!

 

[Scotrail84]

Spoke too soon!



67010 on 1M16 has gone bang at Dalwhinnie. Now showing as to be hauled 'Dead Only'. Colas Rail to the rescue, Duffs back on the beds!



Was also reported as having a severe fuel leak this morning upon arrival at Inverness. 67s living up to their usual reputations again!

Currently 312 late at Pitlochry

 

[gsnedders]

Spoke too soon!

67010 on 1M16 has gone bang at Dalwhinnie. Now showing as to be hauled 'Dead Only'. Colas Rail to the rescue, Duffs back on the beds!

Was also reported as having a severe fuel leak this morning upon arrival at Inverness. 67s living up to their usual reputations again!

But the 67s were great, they never had any problems! We need to get rid of these flaky 73s!

 

[Clansman]

Just off the Highland at Perth, having got on at Crewe.

For anyone wondering, I can confirm that the locomotives were;

90042 Freightliner (to Edinburgh)
67013 DB Cargo (to Inverness)

No idea how we incurred a small delay but it managed to skip stop Stirling, Dunblane, and Gleneagles to catch up - unfortunately denying me a lie in!

 

[cambsy]

Was on 1M16 20.44 Inverness-Euston 01.02.17, an eventful journey, 67010 burst between Kinguussie and Dalwhinnie with Crank Case pressure problem, 67003 had to come up from Mossend to rescue train and dead loco, arrived Edinburgh 06.00 pretty much 5 hours late, on 06.26 Virgin East Coast HST to London along with all other passengers and sleeper crew, am in 1st class along with sleeper crew, I woke up about 3.30am to find out from realtime trains that we were 519 minutes late. Having bad time with sleepers this week, what with being 90 minutes on Monday 30.01.17 due to signaling problems, think due to burst in Inverness tonite

 

[43096]

But the 67s were great, they never had any problems! We need to get rid of these flaky 73s!

Yeah. Funny how those wanting 67s back on the sleepers have gone quiet all of a sudden...

 

[leomartin125]

I was about to say, I've seen the sleepers bad recently, but last night's timings were unforgivable...

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C74102/2017/02/01/advanced

Took 5 1/2 hours to get from Kingussie to Dalwhinnie.

 

[47271]

Oh dear, that is pretty grim.

I suppose it was better than getting to Aviemore, breaking down, try to get back to Inverness, getting stuck at Slochd... Sorry to bring that one up again.

So they'll need to put two 67s on the Inverness section every night again just in case!

 

[BRX]

Would recommend prebooking dinner if you can. It's good value. £10 is a fixed fee and also includes a can of beer or quarter bottle of wine. I got £14.50 worth of dinner and drink on a £10 prebooking.

Didn't know this... will remember for my next trip! Always have dinner but have never prebooked it.