FGW Class 143- Bristol

[GWRtom]

Having seen FGW 143's in the Bristol area, does anyone know what services are most likely to be 143 operated, going up tomorrow so would be handy to know.

Thanks, Tom.

 

[bnm]

You won't find a 143 in the Bristol area any more.

Stock cascades mean that the 143's have moved downed to Devon (based at Exeter depot, replacing 142s that went back to Northern) and the services that were formally operated by 143's in the Bristol area are now operated by 150, 153 or 158.

 

[louis97]

First Great Western 143s no longer have booked passenger workings in the Bristol area - they tend to operate in the Exeter area.

 

[CC 72100]

First Great Western 143s no longer have booked passenger workings in the Bristol area - they tend to operate in the Exeter area.

Yep, all seem to be down with us in Devon these days. I think they're fine for the work they do, although Barnstaple & Okehampton can be a bit of an experience on a pacer. I tried (and succeeded) in drinking a cup of tea on a pacer on that line... didn't really think that one through very well!

 

[Martin_1981]

They operate from Exeter Depot and in conjunction with classes 150 and 153, work the following services:-

Exmouth-Exeter-Paignton
Exmouth-Exeter-Barnstaple
St James Park (Exeter)- Okehampton (Summer Sundays only)

 

[GWRtom]

Thanks

That must be recent when i went up in June i saw a couple of 143's

 

[PHILIPE]

Are you sure you saw them in June. They have been confined to the Exeter area since last December's Timetable change.

 

[TEW]

Still make it to St Phillips Marsh from time to time for heavy maintenance. Presumably many of the crew in the Bristol area will have lost or soon lose 143 traction knowledge which will limit use of 143s a lot. Like the 142s were, I believe 143 work is now confined to Exeter depot. That does mean they could still be crewed from Cardiff-Penzance, but it just wouldn't be very easy.