GNER & Hull Trains discussion/debate

[Tom]

Doubt what?

That 442s are returning?

Oh they're returning.

Your sig also makes no sense. Your sig implies that you hate Mk3 based traction - while loving HSTs. Makes no sense really!!!

 

[djw1981]

I doubt that sincerely...

What is the logic in hating Hull Trains, just because they have 222s? Or because they chose 222's over HST's at that time? And is your hatred of GNER based on the re-engining of HST's or something more prosaic?

I'm just idly wondering as it's 3am and I have only done half the video editing I have to do and am waiting for another fun video to render to DVD and thus posting on here is all that keeps me sane and awake.

 

[Dennis]

posting on here is all that keeps me sane and awake.

hock: and

 

[Juniper Driver]

Let me reprase this.I don't think 442's will be coming back to SWT.They got rid of the Bournemouth fitters who maintained them.Can't be doing them a lot of good storing them in Eastleigh for 6 months.

 

[Techniquest]

What is the logic in hating Hull Trains, just because they have 222s? Or because they chose 222's over HST's at that time? And is your hatred of GNER based on the re-engining of HST's or something more prosaic?

I'm just idly wondering as it's 3am and I have only done half the video editing I have to do and am waiting for another fun video to render to DVD and thus posting on here is all that keeps me sane and awake.

First of all, video editing at 3am?! Crikey, must be a big project.

Hating Hull Trains, that's purely based on my experiences of their inability to run a train on time. Arrives Doncaster on time, leaves several minutes late and stays that late throughout. That and their rolling stock leaves a lot to be desired IMO as well as their on-board service being dreadful. All from experience.

Hatred of GNER? You're opening a can of worms now...So here are several reasons:

- Moronic/idiotic/unknowledgeable staff

- Severe inability to ever, ever run on time in my experiences with them. Even with shedloads of slack...

- Pathetic buffet car service that doesn't even sell anything bar prawn sandwiches on a Inverness - London service (well, crisps and chocolate bars as well as coffee and tea, but that's no good when you need a meal on a 8-hour journey)

- Complete failure to advertise their own catering services properly (not advertising the restaurant on a Friday KGX - INV service until departure from Perth is pathetic. Would have used it if I had known...)

- Advertising a service which didn't exist that day or ever!

- Their whole 'We're better than you. We only like First Class passengers, and even then only when we feel like it' attitude of the whole company. I've yet to find a decent staff member with the TOC.

- Their livery

- Mallard MK4s

- Mallardising the HSTs

If I remember anything else, I'll let you know. That's the basics at least.

 

[Tom]

I quite like the Mallard HSTs TBH.... rather plush.

 

[Techniquest]

Bah, says you...

 

[djw1981]

I'm now tired (very having been on the go since 7am Thursday, so apologies at the start for any absence of humour etc in my post, it is meant as lighthearted banter....

I happen to like the GNER refurbs, although I used to quite like the old HST carriages. Wat I don't like is the bits they added trying to make then like Virgin plastic (sadly I fear these features are part of the current DDA kit...read the Modern Railways (Oct 07) article by the guy from Porterbrook about trains interior design for a mythbusting trip through why seats are getting harder and less comfortable.

I have spent the best part of ten years doing NCL-EDB, NCL-GLC and other ranmdom trips in between and have to say that the GNER staff have always been nicer than the Virgin ones. Most were obviously Edinburgh or Newcastle crews, and IME this makes a difference. Most of the time I was on YPR in standard and they were good about missed trains and such like.

The Buffet issue is a real PITA, especially because if EDB or GLC is the end of the service, then the buffet shuts 30-40minutes before that time, or doesn't open until 30min after departure.

I think their livery is the best of any TOC... just shows we have different taste I guess

The attitude towards other companies is again something I haven;t really come across. There have been odd occassions when given advice by the (VWC) Travel Centre at GLC which onboard teams have disagreed with, but have had the same problems on Virgin relating to the EDB & NCL travel centres (GNER).

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

I agree with the inability to run trains on time.. On time off KGX, 2 mins down at P'bro (1st stop), 7mins at York (2nd stop, and for me, a change of trains), this meaning that I missed the 1626 TPE to M'bro and ended up sitting on the floor in the doorway of the 1658 TPE to NCL. IF we had been on time into York, then I would have made the 1626, and been home earlier.
Also, you try working for the competition, GNER staff can be VERY unhelpful, even going so far as blatantly lying (YES, no bull), even though TRUST would prove otherwise...

 

[devon_metro]

GNER aren't alone then. Most FGW trains are incapable of leaving Reading on time

 

[yorkie]

But how many of these delays are the TOCs fault?

In the case of FGW at Reading - that's down to the infrastructure not being up to it (the new plan for Reading will fix that), however FGW do seem to have problems with not enough train crew, units, etc - which is within their control (let's not forget it was FGW who said the 31s were surplus to requirements, which had released units to strengthen other services back in the days of Wessex trains).

But it's rare that GNER delays are due to reasons within GNERs control.

As for Hull Trains - not having enough units is something they are responsible for, however they do get some sympathy from me due to their circumstances. But they have to sort something out before too long or the sympathy will run out.

 

[Tom]

No - the problems at Reading aren't with infrastructure. It's FGW despatch staff being too flipping slow ... I've watched a Penzance HST be delayed by 3 minutes because they were not helping anyone get bikes on...

 

[devon_metro]

Readings a diffiult one.

Quite simply everthing is wrong with it!

 

[Techniquest]

Agreed there Liam! Reading's a dump! Mind, there's been more than enough times when I've had to rely on FGW's slow dispatching at Reading to hold my next move behind the one I don't want until I can get over there for it!

 

[me123]

Hatred of GNER? You're opening a can of worms now...So here are several reasons:

- Moronic/idiotic/unknowledgeable staff

- Severe inability to ever, ever run on time in my experiences with them. Even with shedloads of slack...

No offence to staff intended, but I do agree with you. I frequently use(d) GNER to run from Motherwell to Edinburgh (my cheapest and fastest link to the Scottish Capital, although not the most frequent). The staff seem to hate all passengers from Glasgow, and can be extremely rude at times. Don't know what they're like elsewhere, but I've heard that the service improves for passengers between Edinburgh and KX.

The timing issue is also crazy. I have not yet caught a GNER that hasn't been delayed by at least 5 minutes.

I do like the Mallards though. They're nice and comfy.
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Readings a diffiult one.

Quite simply everthing is wrong with it!

Is it similar to Glasgow Central, where trains have to cross over each other's tracks to get on the correct line causing sandstills and delays?

At Glasgow, Platforms 1+2 are usually IC servicesand have to cross to the Fast Lines, whilst Whifflet trains are held up by departing GNERs (not for a while now, of course) and, to add to the confusion, some Pendos can hold up Ayrshire trains due to a similar problem over the other side of the station.