FGW losing a 180?

[Doctor Fegg]

I'm told (from a knowledgeable source) that one of FGW's five 180s is possibly to be taken away from them this year - i.e. well before IEP introduction - and given to "East Coast", though I wonder if the latter actually means Grand Central.

Anyone have any further info? Bad news for FGW if true.

 

[7Pinza]

No idea - but there was discussion elsewhere about EC getting a 180 to serve its Lincoln service (where the current HST is too long for the station...), this idea might be resurrected?

 

[D60]

I have some vague memory from reading the FGW HST 1st class conversion thread a few months ago, that upon completion of the programme, FGW would have enough carriages and power cars in hand to make up 2 additional sets..? This may or may not be correct as of now.. but maybe herein lies the answer..?

 

[dk1]

No idea - but there was discussion elsewhere about EC getting a 180 to serve its Lincoln service (where the current HST is too long for the station...), this idea might be resurrected?

I'm not saying it won't happen but would seem a very expensive option for such a short time.

 

[northwichcat]

and given to "East Coast", though I wonder if the latter actually means Grand Central.

Maybe East Coast would take on the 180 and sublease it to GC with GC subleasing a HST to EC for fleet consistency?

 

[richw]

Maybe East Coast would take on the 180 and sublease it to GC with GC subleasing a HST to EC for fleet consistency?

HSTs are too long for the required route, for which this is a solution,

 

[northwichcat]

HSTs are too long for the required route, for which this is a solution,

With HSTs you can easily change the number of carriages, with a 180 it's either 5 carriages or doubled up as 10 carriages.

 

[Rich McLean]

If a 180 was removed from FGW, one of the 180 diagrams would become a Class 16x diagram, which will result in a short formation of another 16x diagram. A HST however, could run in its place, but only if worked by London (HSS/LTV), Oxford LTV & Bristol HSS

I haven't been officially informed of this, but I will ask one of the managers to see if he has any more info, and if I am allowed to post it on an open forum.

Regardless, FGW have 5 of them on lease. Until that lease runs out, the only way I can see FGW letting one go is if FGW get something like an extra HST in return (very unlikely), as the 5 x 180s are a franchise requirement. Dft would have to sign it off for starters with FGW losing a set.

 

[D365]

HSTs are too long for the required route, for which this is a solution.

GC's HSTs are 6+2 rather than EC's 9+2 formation. Whether or not the power cars will cause a problem, I'm not sure however.

 

[Rich McLean]

I have PM'd the OP. Interesting on where this info came from as the person I will ask will ask me

 

[cjmillsnun]

HSTs are too long for the required route, for which this is a solution,

GC's HSTs are 2+6, rather than the 2+9 that EC's HSTs generally are.

 

[CosherB]

GC's HSTs are 2+6, rather than the 2+9 that EC's HSTs generally are.

Is there an echo in here?!

 

[ECML180]

Is there an echo in here?!

I dunno but GC HSTs are 2+6 and EC HSTs are 2+9 usually.

 

[Suraggu]

No idea - but there was discussion elsewhere about EC getting a 180 to serve its Lincoln service (where the current HST is too long for the station...), this idea might be resurrected?

Not for EC. The new MD has said to local MP's and the local rag that due to a lack of rolling stock VTEC cannot introduce more Lincoln direct services until IEP has started to be introduced around 2019 but will continue to look into the issue.

VTEC will not be getting a class 180.

 

[Rich McLean]

Not for EC. The new MD has said to local MP's and the local rag that due to a lack of rolling stock VTEC cannot introduce more Lincoln direct services until IEP has started to be introduced around 2019 but will continue to look into the issue.

VTEC will not be getting a class 180.

I couldn't understand this either. So far from what I know so far, this is a load of BS.

 

[Doctor Fegg]

Given the source I think a blanket dismissal as "BS" is unlikely. But thanks all for the comments.

Incidentally, could anyone clarify for me the formation of GC and EC HSTs?

 

[pdeaves]

Lots of answers regarding East Coast and/or Grand Central.

What about Hull Trains? Runs on the East Coast main line, uses 180s, part of First Group? Could they be a recipient?

(I don't know, I'm just asking the question!).

 

[CosherB]

Given the source I think a blanket dismissal as "BS" is unlikely. But thanks all for the comments.

Incidentally, could anyone clarify for me the formation of GC and EC HSTs?

GC's HSTs are 2+6, rather than the 2+9 that EC's HSTs generally are ....... possibly. Maybe others can clarify.

 

[ainsworth74]

GC's HSTs are 2+6, rather than the 2+9 that EC's HSTs generally are ....... possibly. Maybe others can clarify.

I've been told, can't remember where now, that they're usually 2+6 and 2+9 respectively. So I think you're spot on with that.

What about Hull Trains? Runs on the East Coast main line, uses 180s, part of First Group? Could they be a recipient?

It's possible, though, as far as I'm aware HT have got their 180s to be quite reliable now so there's less need for spares. Unless their planning on doing more doubled up services and want a bit more flex in the fleet?

 

[D365]

Lots of answers regarding East Coast and/or Grand Central.

What about Hull Trains? Runs on the East Coast main line, uses 180s, part of First Group? Could they be a recipient?

(I don't know, I'm just asking the question!).

From what I know, Hull Trains are hoping to get their electrification scheme for the last stretch to their titular destination underway, and haven't a need for any more diesels in the meantime.

And as you might be aware of, Grand Central stated an intention to claim the 5 180s which are soon to be displaced from GW by IEP.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I've been told, can't remember where now, that they're usually 2+6 and 2+9 respectively. So I think you're spot on with that.

You might have heard it earlier in the thread today

 

[Rich McLean]

Given the source I think a blanket dismissal as "BS" is unlikely. But thanks all for the comments.

Incidentally, could anyone clarify for me the formation of GC and EC HSTs?

Fair enough. I haven't had an answer yet (and I drive the things), but should get an answer at somepoint

 

[Clarence Yard]

It isn't BS. The word on the tracks is that GC have secured the entire GW 180 fleet on expiry of the current lease but will be sub leasing 4 sets back until released by IEP deliveries. They need the fifth set to cover for a mods programme.

Confirmation or otherwise and the actual release date of each of the sets will presumably have to wait until we find out about the GW Direct Award. But the fifth set will presumably be with GW for a time yet.

 

[Rich McLean]

It isn't BS. The word on the tracks is that GC have secured the entire GW 180 fleet on expiry of the current lease but will be sub leasing 4 sets back until released by IEP deliveries. They need the fifth set to cover for a mods programme.

Confirmation or otherwise and the actual release date of each of the sets will presumably have to wait until we find out about the GW Direct Award. But the fifth set will presumably be with GW for a time yet.

Many Thanks

 

[TomJ93]

 

[TEW]

I imagine thst may be the diagram for the EMT HST hire in.

 

[jimm]

I have heard hints that improved HST availability after the overhaul programme is complete could result in the return of an HST in place of the overcrowded 180 on the Mon-Fri 15.52 Paddington-Worcester - so if that entire diagram went over to an HST then FGW probably would be in position to make a 180 available to GC. But when I'm not sure. Anyone know when the work at Wabtec in Kilmarnock is due to finish?

 

[BantamMenace]

I imagine thst may be the diagram for the EMT HST hire in.

Would make sense as the 5:05 from Leeds would come straight from Neville Hill where EMT maintain their HSTs

 

[SprinterMan]

XC have some spare HST Mark 3s, perhaps they could be hired in and added into the supposed ex-GC HST, because I believe no one so far has addressed the elephant in the room that GC HSTs are 2+6, whereas EC HSTs are 2+9 :P

Adam

 

[Rich McLean]

XC have some spare HST Mark 3s, perhaps they could be hired in and added into the supposed ex-GC HST, because I believe no one so far has addressed the elephant in the room that GC HSTs are 2+6, whereas EC HSTs are 2+9 :P

Adam

As it stands, on a normal week for XC, the following are spare

Mondays - 1 on maintenance at EC
Tuedays, Wednesdays & Thursdays - as above, as well as a spare set at EC
Fridays - 1 on maintenance at EC
Saturdays - as Friday, plus a spare at NL, and another spare at LA
Sundays - 1 on maintenance at EC

In the Summer, Saturday see's 4 sets out with the 5th unavailable for use

There is not a spare set on a Monday to Friday basis. Only 4 out of 5 sets are available for use on any given day

 

[Suraggu]

Actually that service is from 01/03/15 will be an EC HST whilst the Mk.4's undergo the VTEC Refresh.
The EMT set is being used on the Hull as I have previously stated on many different threads.