Class 175s to GWR

[REVUpminster]

If you look on Open trains right now it's sitting Plymouth in the unumbered platform off platform 4 to the east due to depart as 5D05 at 1301

 

[brad465]

A loco move from Derby to Ely has appeared for tomorrow, so will be interesting to see if another Wolverton drag is imminent:

Realtime Trains | 5L46 0838 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings | 11/08/2025

Real-time train running information for 5L46 0838 departure from Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings on 11/08/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[BillStampy]

A loco move from Derby to Ely has appeared for tomorrow, so will be interesting to see if another Wolverton drag is imminent:

Realtime Trains | 5L46 0838 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings | 11/08/2025

Real-time train running information for 5L46 0838 departure from Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings on 11/08/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

I'm hoping for one to come out of Wolverton soon, but getting more units there is still a good thing!

 

[REVUpminster]

GWR must be thinking of replacing the HST's in one go.
They also have to be thinking how to release a 150 or two for the increased Newquay service in December. Will there be enough 175s ready for Okehampton/Barnstaple which are growth areas?
Newquay should be a growth area for passengers with an hourly service even more if it goes eventually to half hour. It did wonders for Paignton going half hourly also abetted by the growth in jobs at Exeter.

 

[BillStampy]

GWR must be thinking of replacing the HST's in one go.

As far as I know, the previous HST diagrams are being removed from the December timetable. If the 175s are in service or ready for service by then then I suspect that the HSTs will just silently fade away.

 

[brad465]

A loco move from Derby to Ely has appeared for tomorrow, so will be interesting to see if another Wolverton drag is imminent:

Realtime Trains | 5L46 0838 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings | 11/08/2025

Real-time train running information for 5L46 0838 departure from Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings on 11/08/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Now been cancelled and no drag diagram has appeared, so looks like no imminent move.

 

[83G/84D]

GWR must be thinking of replacing the HST's in one go.
They also have to be thinking how to release a 150 or two for the increased Newquay service in December. Will there be enough 175s ready for Okehampton/Barnstaple which are growth areas?
Newquay should be a growth area for passengers with an hourly service even more if it goes eventually to half hour. It did wonders for Paignton going half hourly also abetted by the growth in jobs at Exeter.

The increased Newquay service from December has not yet been confirmed and service levels may remain as they are until Spring 2026.

 

[Deepgreen]

Considering how badly that went, and to a lesser extent the 700s, I'm glad that there isn't a DFT rolling stock plan.

One of the worst elements of privatisation has been the lack of a strategic rolling stock plan - it is essential for an efficient railway, but it needs to be done properly.

 

[RPI]

The increased Newquay service from December has not yet been confirmed and service levels may remain as they are until Spring 2026.

Looks as though the loop and second platform are being commissioned next month (from a wishy-washy source though), could have done with them this past week with Boardmasters! Particularly yesterday when the service went up the spout after the stock for the first London came in 45 late and left 52 late (despite having a reasonable turnaround in the timetable)

 

[Express380]

The increased Newquay service from December has not yet been confirmed and service levels may remain as they are until Spring 2026.

Suprise,suprise

 

[irish_rail]

Looks as though the loop and second platform are being commissioned next month (from a wishy-washy source though), could have done with them this past week with Boardmasters! Particularly yesterday when the service went up the spout after the stock for the first London came in 45 late and left 52 late (despite having a reasonable turnaround in the timetable)

16th September. Nothing wishy washy about that date I assure you.

 

[Snow1964]

Looks as though the loop and second platform are being commissioned next month (from a wishy-washy source though), could have done with them this past week with Boardmasters! Particularly yesterday when the service went up the spout after the stock for the first London came in 45 late and left 52 late (despite having a reasonable turnaround in the timetable)

Seem to have line completely closed from Wednesday 10 Sept to Sunday 14 September per Engineering works calendar.

Its shoulder peak holiday season, not off season which rather suggests couldn't wait until quieter winter months. Maybe a fluke, but rather suggests needs to be in place at least 12 weeks before December timetable change.

Gives 4 months to get some 175s in service if Cornwall Metro hourly trains do start December (although might be months later)

 

[GBM]

Looks as though the loop and second platform are being commissioned next month (from a wishy-washy source though), could have done with them this past week with Boardmasters! Particularly yesterday when the service went up the spout after the stock for the first London came in 45 late and left 52 late (despite having a reasonable turnaround in the timetable)

It seemed the passing loop was in use over the Boardmasters weekend (on viewing RTT). A few 9 cars passing each other.
Sunday was a hash with the late running. Monday seemed much better time-wise.

 

[berneyarms]

It seemed the passing loop was in use over the Boardmasters weekend (on viewing RTT). A few 9 cars passing each other.
Sunday was a hash with the late running. Monday seemed much better time-wise.

The poster you’re quoting is talking about the new passing loop that’s being added on the line at Goss Moor.

The trains were passing using the existing loop at Goonbarrow Junction which is most definitely in normal operational service.

 

[GBM]

The poster you’re quoting is talking about the new passing loop that’s being added on the line at Goss Moor.

The trains were passing using the existing loop at Goonbarrow Junction which is most definitely in normal operational service.

Ah, thank you. Hadn't realised there are now two loops.

 

[Wyrleybart]

I suppose it just difficult trying to figure out what the overall plan is because of several elements. Firstly the majority of "Castles" have been withdrawn prior to replacement, which presumably means existing DMUs and 8xx are covering diagrams currently which will eventually be subsumed by the 26 175s. This presumably means that when the 175s are all up and running (expectantly) the Penzance-Cardiffs will return, their previously intended "intercity" disgrams etc and maybe the Cardiff-Portsmouth service will get its 2+3 formations.

But............ when that day comes, will the existing pre Churchward fleet of DMUs still be entire? Or might we see odd units be stood down long term due to condition ? In theory all the 150/2s should have pretty healthy reduced rot bodyshells, and the aluminium 158s are theoretically OK. But what about their underpinnings Presumably there will be enough engines and gearboxes alternatirs etc but these are 35 yesrs old and counting, and how are the bodyshells on the 16x ?

Just wondering if "Coradiaisation is going to clash with Project Churchward, even in a penny numbers way

 

[REVUpminster]

I suppose it just difficult trying to figure out what the overall plan is because of several elements. Firstly the majority of "Castles" have been withdrawn prior to replacement, which presumably means existing DMUs and 8xx are covering diagrams currently which will eventually be subsumed by the 26 175s. This presumably means that when the 175s are all up and running (expectantly) the Penzance-Cardiffs will return, their previously intended "intercity" disgrams etc and maybe the Cardiff-Portsmouth service will get its 2+3 formations.

But............ when that day comes, will the existing pre Churchward fleet of DMUs still be entire? Or might we see odd units be stood down long term due to condition ? In theory all the 150/2s should have pretty healthy reduced rot bodyshells, and the aluminium 158s are theoretically OK. But what about their underpinnings Presumably there will be enough engines and gearboxes alternatirs etc but these are 35 yesrs old and counting, and how are the bodyshells on the 16x ?

Just wondering if "Coradiaisation is going to clash with Project Churchward, even in a penny numbers way

Cardiff-Portsmouth will get the 158s displaced from Exeter. The space at Exeter taken up by overnight stablers of 175s, 166/165s and maybe that "brand new" lifting road at Exeter might actually get used for bogie exchange which I don't think Laira can do.

 

[Xavi]

Cardiff-Portsmouth will get the 158s displaced from Exeter. The space at Exeter taken up by overnight stablers of 175s, 166/165s and maybe that "brand new" lifting road at Exeter might actually get used for bogie exchange which I don't think Laira can do.

Laira HST shed is having a rebuild including new jacks.

 

[43096]

Cardiff-Portsmouth will get the 158s displaced from Exeter. The space at Exeter taken up by overnight stablers of 175s, 166/165s and maybe that "brand new" lifting road at Exeter might actually get used for bogie exchange which I don't think Laira can do.

Laira has been doing heavy overhauls on HST power cars and trailers for around 30 years - so they definitely can do bogie changes!

 

[RPI]

16th September. Nothing wishy washy about that date I assure you.

I said my source was wishy washy

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Aug 2025 ==

It seemed the passing loop was in use over the Boardmasters weekend (on viewing RTT). A few 9 cars passing each other.
Sunday was a hash with the late running. Monday seemed much better time-wise.

Definitely wasn't, the signals have bags over them lol.

 

[Sporty60]

Do we know the current status of the Class 175 driver simulators please?

 

[berneyarms]

Ah, thank you. Hadn't realised there are now two loops.

No problem - the new loop at Goss Moor cannot be used until after the blockade to commission the new signalling is completed.

 

[Robin Edwards]

There's a 37 arrived at Ely today from Derby meaning there may be more 175s moving to Wolverton tomorrow? Or otherwise could be something else - tbc

 

[BillStampy]

There's a 37 arrived at Ely today from Derby meaning there may be more 175s moving to Wolverton tomorrow? Or otherwise could be something else - tbc

Shunting stuff, nothing related to a Wolverton move. It heads back to Derby on Friday.

 

[Robin Edwards]

Shunting stuff, nothing related to a Wolverton move. It heads back to Derby on Friday.

Ah, that will be it then.
I'm old enough to remember when everywhere had their own shunter(s) for doing these sort of things.

 

[brad465]

Ah, that will be it then.
I'm old enough to remember when everywhere had their own shunter(s) for doing these sort of things.

I doubt Ely is active enough to justify having its own shunter, unlike quarries, docks, etc.

 

[tfw756rider]

Just to be clear (obviously it's not my home region) I understand that the Great Western Railway 175s will be used on the following services:

• Combined South Devon and Cornish Main Line services (between Exeter St Davids and Penzance, via Plymouth)
• Cornish Main Line-only services (between Plymouth and Penzance)
• South Devon Main Line-only services (between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth)
• Tarka Line services (between Exeter Central and Barnstaple)
• Dartmoor Line services (between Exeter Central and Okehampton)

=========================

Someone has asked me if the 175s will also be used on:

• Riveria Line services (between Exeter St Davids and Paignton)
• Avocet Line services (between Exeter St Davids and Exmouth)

or will these services continue to use only other unit classes?

 

[Harpo]

One of the worst elements of privatisation has been the lack of a strategic rolling stock plan - it is essential for an efficient railway

Yes. There should never have been serviceable fleets being stood down without an immediate plan for re-use. But then a myriad of vehicle types with little commonality is part of the same issue.

 

[Class15]

One of the worst elements of privatisation has been the lack of a strategic rolling stock plan - it is essential for an efficient railway, but it needs to be done properly.

To be fair, the 175s, 379s, 707s and 68/Mk5a sets have all been or are about to be cascaded. The main losses have been the 332s and 365s.

 

[REVUpminster]

Just to be clear (obviously it's not my home region) I understand that the Great Western Railway 175s will be used on the following services:

• Combined South Devon and Cornish Main Line services (between Exeter St Davids and Penzance, via Plymouth)
• Cornish Main Line-only services (between Plymouth and Penzance)
• South Devon Main Line-only services (between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth)
• Tarka Line services (between Exeter Central and Barnstaple)
• Dartmoor Line services (between Exeter Central and Okehampton)

=========================

Someone has asked me if the 175s will also be used on:

• Riveria Line services (between Exeter St Davids and Paignton)
• Avocet Line services (between Exeter St Davids and Exmouth)

or will these services continue to use only other unit classes?

I would say it's inevitable one will turn up on Exmouth-Paignton just as the 158s do now and turbos and 150s end up on Barnstaple and Okehampton. The timetable does it now. Will one also go to Barnstaple (1631hrs) -Axminster.