FSR Caledonian Sleeper

[rail-britain]

With all this talk over Mark 3 coaches...
I've now heard two rumours from normally reliable sources
ScotRail are currently inspecting 16 Mark 3 coaches for use on the Caledonian Sleeper from the end of 2008, to replace the Mark 2 coaches
Engineers have already visited all the stations to carry out measurements to make sure the trains will fit
Ironically, in the past not all the sleepers fitted into stations en-route, but apparently this is now an issue!

 

[First ScotRail]

It was going to come one day. Will mean a wider range of meals from the lounge and more seated seats! However no leather sofas, what a shame! lol!

 

[86242]

I hope the seated Mk3s are refurbished in the same way the Mk2s were as then Mk3s will be an improvement without the brake sound waking you up all the time...

 

[Daniel]

AWWW, I rather like those sofas.

 

[37402]

I hope the seated Mk3s are refurbished in the same way the Mk2s were as then Mk3s will be an improvement without the brake sound waking you up all the time...

No, maybe not, but you will have the constant bang bang of flats on the wheels... :roll:
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

With all this talk over Mark 3 coaches...
I've now heard two rumours from normally reliable sources
ScotRail are currently inspecting 16 Mark 3 coaches for use on the Caledonian Sleeper from the end of 2008, to replace the Mark 2 coaches
Engineers have already visited all the stations to carry out measurements to make sure the trains will fit
Ironically, in the past not all the sleepers fitted into stations en-route, but apparently this is now an issue!

I'd be interested to know how they are planning to get round the issue of no platforms at London Euston being long enough for a complete train of Mk3s...?

 

[rail-britain]

I hope the seated Mk3s are refurbished in the same way the Mk2s were as then Mk3s will be an improvement without the brake sound waking you up all the time...

Looks like there are two options :
RLBO + UO
or
RLB + BUO

There would be no need for a BUO, so presumably they are looking at converting FO coaches into UO
Very little work would be required, and since that is the cheapest option probably the preferred option

As for the Lounge Car, a little more work would be required depending on what coaches were used as the base for this
If a RFM is used, then the seating would be limited, the buffet area shortened, and a brake area built in the remaining space
It's tight, but possible
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

No, maybe not, but you will have the constant bang bang of flats on the wheels... :roll:
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I'd be interested to know how they are planning to get round the issue of no platforms at London Euston being long enough for a complete train of Mk3s...?

The Glasgow / Edinburgh is :
2 x Five sleepers, lounge car, seats
Total 14 coaches

The Inverness / Fort William / Aberdeen is :
Five sleepers, lounge car, seats
Four sleepers, lounge car, seats
Two sleepers
Total 15 coaches

Even converting this over to 16 Mark 3 coaches, the train will fit in to Platforms one and two

 

[37402]

Even converting this over to 16 Mark 3 coaches, the train will fit in to Platforms one and two

I'm still not convinced.

It seems you have forgotten to include the loco on the blocks (which will always be there) in your calculations.

Also, take a look at AT THIS which I found to illustrate. With Mk2 coaches in formation and the train only just fits (this is taken off P2, P1 is slightly shorter). Note the proximity of the signal to the loco also. With the longer Mk3s then this will take it over the end of the platform and past the signal.

HSE (or whatever they're called today) rules state that unless grandfather rights exist or the train is fitted with SDO, the complete train MUST be on the platform (loco's included).

Maybe I'm just being pessimistic but I also can't really see the expense of converting a significant number of non brake vehicles to brake vehicles being authorised either, especially when suitable vehicles already exist.

 

[Dreadnought]

In reply to M8internet, I thought the formations were 6 sleepers+RLO+BUO giving a total of 16 coaches. Well at least the Inv/Abd/FW appears to be when it runs through Rugby at night.

Secondly, FSR would need to convert RFM's for the majority of their extra vehicles as a recent article I read stated that Porterbrook have allocated all bar two of the FO's and TSO's now.

 

[Ascot]

Highland is 16 coaches but 15 in low demand.
2x BUO
2x RLB
7x SLEP
5x SLE

Lowland is 14 again subject to demand
2x BUO
2x RLB
4x SLEP
6x SLE

At Euston Platform
1 is 398m
2 is 378m
15 is 402m

Can't use more than 16 coaches due to Platforms.

Number of coaches x coach length + number of coaches
16 * 23 = 368 + 16 = 384m

OR if you wanna be really accurate then add 22570 for Over Panel measurements or 23000mm for Gangways in coupled POS.

But you got to add a 910 at the front on arrival and another one to come onto the back (now front).

Works with 185s as well as 3 cars are 71 n a bit metres hock:

 

[Tom]

Since when did the sleeper get hauled by a 91!?!

 

[Ascot]

Since when did the sleeper get hauled by a 91!?!

Doesn't, was a typo on a numeric keypad

Edit: Edited correctly

 

[southy39]

any more news about this or is it still just a rumour....

 

[rail-britain]

It's only been three weeks, sadly the railway industry doesn't move that fast
I wouldn't expect to hear anything official until at least March or April, at the same time should get info from Transport Scotland on what their plans are for EMUs from 2010 to 2012