Class 175 future

[ValleyLines142]

While other trains run in multiple without corridor connectors, I don't think this should be done unless the units are coupled for the full length of the service (ie. no splitting to serve different destonations or leaving some coaches behind with the others continuing over less-busy sections of the route). That avoids problems with passengers accedentally (or because the train is about to leave) boarding the wrong unit, since both units go to all the same places. There will also have to be duplicated revenue protection (although if all the stations on the route are gated you don't need this) and catering staff.

The Manchester services wouldn't be 'splitting' services anyway so that meets your point about units being coupled for the full length of the service. I can see the point for the Cambrian Line services as these split, but not on the Welsh Marches Line as such. The way to resolve the problem regarding boarding the wrong portion is to arrive at the station early :P

 

[northwichcat]

I have to ask, what exactly is the issue with 175s not having corridor connectors? Its not a huge problem and there are loads of trains that run in multiple and don't have these. It still works so isn't absolutely essential in my eyes.

Both myself and Greenback have already pointed out issues in this thread.

Some of them may not be an issue for you e.g. ticket inspection made more difficult or if you don't buy from the catering trolley you probably prefer it if it comes through less often due to being in the other portion half the time. However, from the operator's point of view the lack of them could be losing them money, with the ATW and TPE routes probably being the worse for that happening.

It's also less of an issue on short distance services and where longer trains are used e.g. 2 x 4 car trains.

 

[Rhydgaled]

The Manchester services wouldn't be 'splitting' services anyway so that meets your point about units being coupled for the full length of the service.

While they don't currently split to serve different destonations, many of the posters who suggested using 4-car 158s on the Manchesters (both the Milford/Carmarthens and the Llandudnos) suggested leaving 2-coaches behind (at Swansea/Carmarthen on the Milfords and at Chester (or spliting at Llandudno Junction with a portion for Holyhead) on the Llandudnos). That would introduce the 'wrong portion' problem and hence puts me against the idea. If ATW could afford the extra staffing (without increasing fares or subsidy) to run 2x class 175 all the way from Manchester to Milford/Llandudno (ie. no splitting) then your idea might be workable if enough extra trains can be found to release the 175s to be doubled-up. Since the cheapest (since ATW own much of the necessary stock and wouldn't have to lease it) and most likely source of additional stock quickly is probably mrk2 LHCS then you might as well form your 4-car trains from that and not bother doubling the 175s anyway (saving the extra staffing costs).

 

[ValleyLines142]

Both myself and Greenback have already pointed out issues in this thread.

Some of them may not be an issue for you e.g. ticket inspection made more difficult or if you don't buy from the catering trolley you probably prefer it if it comes through less often due to being in the other portion half the time. However, from the operator's point of view the lack of them could be losing them money, with the ATW and TPE routes probably being the worse for that happening.

It's also less of an issue on short distance services and where longer trains are used e.g. 2 x 4 car trains.

To be honest I don't care what happens as long as 175s stay on the Cardiff-Manchester route!!

 

[jones_bangor]

To be honest I don't care what happens as long as 175s stay on the Cardiff-Manchester route!!

I thought that was where the problem was!

 

[ValleyLines142]

I thought that was where the problem was!

There's never been a problem, just suggestions!!

 

[Philip]

Have to say the refurbished 158s run the 175s close for comfort and ambience in the carriage. 158 ride quality is better than that of a 175 and the fact that 175s can do 100mph isn't much of an advantage given that most of the 175 routes don't go above 90. I don't think it would be a bad idea changing a couple each of the Manchester/Holyhead-South Wales diagrams to booked 158 traction. Then these spare 175s could be used to strengthen a couple of the busier Marches or North Wales inter-urban services. The 10:34 Manchester Piccadilly to Milford Haven for example was booked as a 158 up until a full year after ATW received the 11 extra 175s from TPE.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Slightly off topic but did 175s have new, quieter horns fitted a few years back? Just that I remember them being very loud and similar in style to the Pendolino horn but they seem rather quiet and of a different style whenever I hear them now. Or have the drivers been instructed to use the 'quiet tone' (if there is one?)?

Also did these work the Chester-Birmingham's much prior to the '08 timetable change?

 

[Pacerpilot]

Yes new horns were fitted 2 - 3 years ago. They were absolutely deafening in the cabs and left the roof panels rattling afterwards.

 

[Philip]

Yes new horns were fitted 2 - 3 years ago. They were absolutely deafening in the cabs and left the roof panels rattling afterwards.

As a non-driver I found it quite an awesome horn to hear, however I can appreciate why it was replaced. Class 185s have fairly loud horns as well when the loud tone is used, at least from the passenger's perspective!

175s also looked a lot smarter in the FNW livery, although 110 and 008 had a nice version of Arriva for the brief few years that they had it.

 

[northwichcat]

There's never been a problem, just suggestions!!

I thought that was where the problem was!

There was me thinking some of the trains were very overcrowded between Manchester and Crewe but apparently overcrowding isn't a problem!

 

[ValleyLines142]

There was me thinking some of the trains were very overcrowded between Manchester and Crewe but apparently overcrowding isn't a problem!

Thank heavens for Northern's stoppers and Virgin services to Manchester to help this!

 

[150222]

Thank heavens for Northern's stoppers and Virgin services to Manchester to help this!

I believe jcollins was being sarcastic!

 

[northwichcat]

Thank heavens for Northern's stoppers and Virgin services to Manchester to help this!

The Northern stoppers are also overcrowded at peak times and they take around an hour to do Crewe-Manchester opposed to ATW's 35 minutes. Virgin only run one Crewe-Manchester train per hour which is roughly half an hour after ATW's service. Do you not think that is done purposely so the people travelling between Manchester and Crewe take either the Virgin or the ATW service and the people wanting the intermediate stations use the stoppers?

On your reasoning any overcrowding between Cardiff and Abergavenny isn't an issue because there are other services running between those two places.