Goodbye GNER, Hello NX East Coast

[Metroland]

they cant afford a new website, they spent all the money on re panting the trains

I reckon they are saving all the chocolate pennies for the much bigger coach cleaning bill that will be required with the new livery.

 

[voyagerdude220]

Not as bad (in terms of date) as the Lincoln specials on LDB. They showed up as CT!

Just out of interest, what wesite is that print screen taken from, as i've never seen it before, and it looks far better than the NRES LDB's.

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I've personally only had two journeys on GNER before:

1) Between 16:33 Edinburgh and Inverness, which I enjoyed both 43111's brilliant clag, the service provided in the restaurant car, and the stunning views of Scotland.

2) 14:51 Aberdeen to Edinburgh Waverley, where the staff provided me with an excellent at-seat service, and again I was highly impressed with the HST clag.

Although my journeys on GNER were very limited, I didn't really meet any rude/arrogant onboard staff. Having said that, I've never travelled south of Edinburgh on GNER before, let alone in/out of Kings Cross. (I had the pleasure of Hull Trains for my trip out of Kings Cross)

I have however, been treated in an unpleasant manner by the two members of GNER staff who were in the FC lounge at Leeds the time I used it, about the validity of my FDS.

I wouldn't have bothered going in it, if i knew before hand what a bad state it was in, and also how long I had to stand in the queue just to get in.. (Never had to wait like that at any other TOCs FC lounge)

Also changed over night, are the joint Virgin/ Arriva Cross Country services in some parts of the XC network. The 09:15 Bristol to Manchester Picc, appears to have done Cheltenham to Birmingham in just 36 minutes this morning. (Probably greatly helped by no services getting in its way around Barnt Green/Selly Oak etc)

TPE have also started their new Manchester to Edinburgh/Glasgow services this morning. I wonder how busy these 185's will be, and if they'll cope with the passenger demand?

 

[Jordy]

Just out of interest, what wesite is that print screen taken from, as i've never seen it before, and it looks far better than the NRES LDB's.

I presume its something Coxster can access at work??

 

[Jim]

Just out of interest, what wesite is that print screen taken from, as i've never seen it before, and it looks far better than the NRES LDB's.

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I've personally only had two journeys on GNER before:

1) Between 16:33 Edinburgh and Inverness, which I enjoyed both 43111's brilliant clag, the service provided in the restaurant car, and the stunning views of Scotland.

2) 14:51 Aberdeen to Edinburgh Waverley, where the staff provided me with an excellent at-seat service, and again I was highly impressed with the HST clag.

Although my journeys on GNER were very limited, I didn't really meet any rude/arrogant onboard staff. Having said that, I've never travelled south of Edinburgh on GNER before, let alone in/out of Kings Cross. (I had the pleasure of Hull Trains for my trip out of Kings Cross)

I have however, been treated in an unpleasant manner by the two members of GNER staff who were in the FC lounge at Leeds the time I used it, about the validity of my FDS.

I wouldn't have bothered going in it, if i knew before hand what a bad state it was in, and also how long I had to stand in the queue just to get in.. (Never had to wait like that at any other TOCs FC lounge)

Also changed over night, are the joint Virgin/ Arriva Cross Country services in some parts of the XC network. The 09:15 Bristol to Manchester Picc, appears to have done Cheltenham to Birmingham in just 36 minutes this morning. (Probably greatly helped by no services getting in its way around Barnt Green/Selly Oak etc)

TPE have also started their new Manchester to Edinburgh/Glasgow services this morning. I wonder how busy these 185's will be, and if they'll cope with the passenger demand?

Hope you weren't digesting HST clag, it is not as good for you as vomit clag, which I am sure you love!

 

[don24]

The website is running very slowly, looking at the booking system you can now purchase tickets using a solo card. Very happy with that to be honest.

 

[adambro]

I presume it's slow due to high traffic.

 

[rail-britain]

Some nice pics of the priv launch HST in National Express livery
Operating today as 3F00
43300
43238

http://dh-meld.fotopic.net/c1399996_49.html

This one is excellent
Also note the black border around the windows on the Buffet car (3rd coach in on the set)
http://steven-crozier.fotopic.net/p47138759.html

 

[me123]

Not as bad as I'd have imagined. It'll take some getting used to, but it looks alright on the HST.

 

[W14Fishbourne]

Some nice pics of the priv launch HST in National Express livery
Operating today as 3F00
43300
43238

http://dh-meld.fotopic.net/c1399996_49.html

I suppose it matches the grey sky and also the "nothingy" image of National Express. Are they going to get John Major to do the official launch?

 

[richa2002]

Hate it, GNER livery is so much better and smarter.

 

[Jordy]

Personally I really like it

 

[cliffocco]

I would say that, approximately half the time I travelled on GNER, the staff were ignorant, rude and appeared to resent my presence somewhat. That's me and the other Motherwell/Glasgow passengers. I hope NXEC tackle this opinion amongst their staff, which is probably only existent in some.

The only time I have travelled on GNER from Queen Street was in the evening peak when many Motherwell commuters appeared to be attempting to travel without paying the fare. This might account for the attitude of staff...not, I hasten to add, that I am implying the the poster to whom I reply was guilty of this behaviour

 

[Jord]

I love it, much better than GNER

 

[adambro]

Surprised to see a train already branded as NXEC. Looks great, nice and smart and not too fussy.

 

[Guinness]

Hello to another "let's monopolise" everything TOC! How will this take before everyone will hate it?..

Livery is good but will suffer at the hands of Exhaust and Brake dust so will eventually go grey all over. I can't see NXG affording to send it through the washer every few weeks....

Website is slow at the moment although at least it's working, just.

 

[ChrisCooper]

Well that's awful, and will look even worse when it's dirty (especially if NX do as good a job with train cleaning as they have on most of their other franchises, and that includes the "brilliant" MML). Even with MTUs the roof dome isn't going to stay that colour for long. What's worse is that it will be replacing what IMHO are two of the best liveries on the network at the moment (yes, I do like the one livery, even if only in comparison to a lot of the poor excuses for liveries these days). At least one livery is bright and colourful, without being too over the top and fancy, this is just dull and boring.

 

[1D53]

Was that you bellowing at me at Doncaster by any chance?

Aye and me!

Very few photographers about. You'll appreciate, therefore, if I do not post my pictures. They're going off to the magazines!

You are having a giraffe! They were many spotters and photos taken on train and on EVERY single station we left from!

 

[Demps]

Hi guys, the Set does look better all in view, but the power cars in silver look like 60's prototypes rejuvenated, Does anybody know anytimes for her? Would love to have a go

 

[Metroland]

Hate it, GNER livery is so much better and smarter.

Don't worry..That's just the undercoat...isn't it?

 

[W14Fishbourne]

Aye and me!



You are having a giraffe! They were many spotters and photos taken on train and on EVERY single station we left from!

Not just my impression - one of the writers for a certain magazine shared it as well. Such as a lone photographer at York, a bunch of three or four at Peterborough (see here - hardly looks a crowd!), no-one visible as we passed through Grantham, three photographers at King's Cross (one with a mobile phone).

 

[1D53]

There were a couple at Grantham on the south side of the station bottom end. There were plenty at Kings X, I spent about 5 minutes at the top end and there were at least 20 other people coming up for phots.

Mind you lineside photography would have been absolutely impossible and bloody cold, I think the vast majority would have grabbed a few quick snaps on arrival at their leaving station.

I'd still bet it was more than most other TOC's have seen out!

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

was on the 0855 ex NCL yesterday as far as York! Did anyone pick up the brochure about NXEC? If you did, look closely at the coach behind the dvt!
Livery looks awful!

 

[First ScotRail]

Really like the livery! Better than 1 colour.

 

[don24]

Looking at what NXEC will be offering during the duration of the franchise, I see that 5 sets from ONE will be used to enhance their services. But what will replace the 5 sets used on the ONE mainline routes?

 

[Craig]

Looking at what NXEC will be offering during the duration of the franchise, I see that 5 sets from ONE will be used to enhance their services. But what will replace the 5 sets used on the ONE mainline routes?

*Sigh* Discussed muchly and for the last time, they are getting stored mk3 trailers, DVTs and 90s. Not from ONE!

 

[gner_man]

Just like to say a fond farewell to GNER , I was working on board Leeds/Kings Cross middle part of this year and in my opinion its a sad loss to the train industry this year . Just the name GNER felt so much part of train history in this country, i just hope Nat Exp can carry on where GNER left off . Enjoyed my time on board very much .......

Just a quick question guys , im not a fully fleged train buff , but always been fascinated by the railways since a lad ..these franchises that are offered for so many years , is this the way foward in the rail industry in this country ? I mean look at Nat Exp from day one their time is ticking isnt it ...... Just wondered what anyone else thought ?

 

[rail-britain]

Originally the franchises were only going to be awarded for between 4 and 7 years
The problem with that is by the company has settled in, and they have identified any short-comings or changes in customer demands, it doesn't leave much time for investment
Also the investment plans were more likely in the second half of a franchise
Later it was decided to increase the length of franchises
This allows more time for the company to settle in

If take NatEx and East Coast as an example
They were preparing to take over in the months leading up to December
At the same time there was a timetable change and NatEx had some input into this
This also allows them to plan ahead to the next tmetable change in March 2008
Prior to taking over they were also able to concentrate on other future investments and changes planned for the franchise, some of which take place in the next 12 months
Towards the end of this franchise they will also be being involved in the IEP

 

[Tom]

This also allows them to plan ahead to the next tmetable change in March 2008

I do wonder what you're on at times ...

The next major timetable change is in May!

 

[Driver74]

I really don't get why National Express have gone for the bus livery look all round. Coach travel has never been a pull for business travellers or many rail travellers for that matter (unless you count the weekends - don't we love that!). I just don't see how the brand is relevant...

According to one magazine each carriage is costing £100,000 to rebrand...is this really money well spent considering that GNER was a respected brand, who was kicked out because they didn't deliver enough premium payments to HM Government?

Lets get down to what the railway really needs: Longer trains, better signalling, some re-openings and electrification. The constant re-brandings are a farce as is a distraction from much more pressing wider issues. Smacks of New Labour all over....

What a scandal this waste of money is when all train fares have just risen yet again. Better signalling would increase rail traffic thus offering more trains. Forcing traffic back onto the roads has to be one of the most mindless moves ever? Talk about letting the people eat cake syndrome. This whole procedure takes the cake and the biscuit.
No one gives a dam what their coach looks like outside when it’s the inside that matters most. So long as it arrives and is clean inside. Lets get our priorities in order first.

 

[W14Fishbourne]

I do wonder what you're on at times ...

The next major timetable change is in May!

Correction: the next major timetable change is in December 2008. The May one is only an interim change, the main purpose of which is to include summer-only services.