Grand Central Discussion

[jon0844]

Have they done anything to the interior of their 180s? From the outside, the livery is absolutely stunning.

One day I will find a reason to travel with them, even if it's just to York. The wife loved it there, so I am sure we'll go back soon. The problem is, EC offers cheaper deals - and also let us board at Stevenage instead of going from Hatfield to KGX and back out.

 

[MCR247]

Have they done anything to the interior of their 180s? From the outside, the livery is absolutely stunning.

The same as they were with first

 

[sprinterguy]

One of the Grand Central 180 has now had an interior refurbishment as well as an exterior repaint. It now has Wifi and at seat power points that were not previously fitted to the 180s in original First condition. I expect the interior decor is similar to the GC HSTs. The unit is 180114, which is the second to be painted into Grand Central black, the first being 180112 "James Herriot", which still has it's original First interior, as do the the unbranded First group ones.

I agree the Grand Central livery on the 180s looks fantastic, shame they couldn't have come up with something decent on the HSTs.

Travelling Grand Central from York to Sunderland next Wednesday, first class as well

 

[BOSCH]

I agree the Grand Central livery on the 180s looks fantastic, shame they couldn't have come up with something decent on the HSTs.

Watch this space my friend !!

 

[spoony]

Having a dodge to York on the 9.29 out of Sunderland this Saturday. Looking forward to it. Hope its either one of the HST, or a repainted 180

Twas a 180, and I must say the liverly is absolutely superb.

 

[Royston Vasey]

Watch this space my friend !!

I hear Brush do paint jobs as well as re-engineering

 

[DaveNewcastle]

I understand that the precise timing for GC's Bradford serices are now in TRUST from 24th May. Some of you will have access to the details. Here's a summary-

1A71 Bradford 6:51 - Kings Cross 10:04
1A73 Bradford 10:22 - Kings Cross 13:44
1A74 Bradford 15:22 - Kings Cross 18:43
1D73 Kings Cross 10:50 - Bradford 13:54
1D75 Kings Cross 14:20 - Bradford 17:39
1D77 Kings Cross 19:48 - Bradford 23:12

 

[GNERman]

eek, the first train off london is 1050!!!

 

[Aictos]

Been in TRUST since last month, still trying to plan a trip over the Doncaster to Bradford section via Wakefield Kirkgate as I've never been though there.

Come to think of it, what would be their first stop after London?

 

[DaveNewcastle]

Stops are Doncaster, Pontefract, Wakefield Kirkgate, Brighouse, Halifax and Bradford (except 1D73 which goes via Crofton Junction and so no stop at Pontefract)

Overnight stabling in the north involves going back through Halifax, Brighouse and Wakefiled to Crofton.

 

[OMGitsDAVE]

One of the services cancelled tomorrow from London to Sunderland (Northbound) has now been reinstated between York & Sunderland.

Additional service now running on Monday 29th March 2010An additional Grand Central service will now run on Monday 29th March from York to Sunderland, departing York at 1014.

This service will connect with the 0800 East Coast service from London Kings Cross which arrives at York at 0953. Please note you will need a ticket valid for East Coast services if travelling between Kings Cross and York on the 0800 service.

The first Grand Central departure from Kings Cross to York and Sunderland will depart Kings Cross at 1127.



Additional service times:


York 1014
Thirsk 1030
Northallerton 1039
Eaglescliffe 1059
Hartlepool 1124
Sunderland Arrive 1152

http://www.grandcentralrail.co.uk/monday-29-march-2010

 

[Crossforth]

I understand that the precise timing for GC's Bradford serices are now in TRUST from 24th May. Some of you will have access to the details. Here's a summary-

1A71 Bradford 6:51 - Kings Cross 10:04
1A73 Bradford 10:22 - Kings Cross 13:44
1A74 Bradford 15:22 - Kings Cross 18:43
1D73 Kings Cross 10:50 - Bradford 13:54
1D75 Kings Cross 14:20 - Bradford 17:39
1D77 Kings Cross 19:48 - Bradford 23:12

National says that it is starting on the 22nd of May (That's by searching Grand Central services direct from BDI - KGX)

Is there going to be an official launch at Bradford for this?

 

[GNERman]

dunno, they may just let it roll in and get it started...

 

[DescendingSadly]

There will be a launch date for Bradford, everything is going to plan and everything is on time.

I shall see you on the trains

 

[Jordy]

According to National Rail, if the forthcoming strike goes ahead GC will be going to Newcastle vice Sunderland

 

[northernrail2009]

According to National Rail, if the forthcoming strike goes ahead GC will be going to Newcastle vice Sunderland

if they are going from Newcastle would they stop at Durham and Darlington?

 

[43167]

National says that it is starting on the 22nd of May (That's by searching Grand Central serivces direct from DBI - KGX)

Is there going to be an official launch at Bradford for this?

Hopefully wont be working that day, or at least the morning to cover the 1st service.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

if they are going from Newcastle would they stop at Durham and Darlington?

Darlington mentioned.

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

not being privvy to any planning, but MY educated GUESS would be a stop at Darlo to pick up Hartlepool and Eaglescliffe pax who will have been bussed/taxied in. Doubt any other pax will be allowed to board, but again, that is just MY guess.

 

[jopsuk]

I though GC and Hull were being allowed to run through to Kings Cross tduring the Hitchin works- what with being Diesel trains. I see this weekend they're terminating at Peterborough? Is this down to a lack of paths during this particular weekend's works?

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

think it is more to do with the actual junction at hitchin being relaid, bit tricky to run trains if there's a gap in the track!!

 

[jopsuk]

FCC and East Coast are running through services. Less services, but though services nonetheless.

 

[Kingfisher200262]

Just seen two Class 180s working northbound in multiple through Peterborough, a GC liveried one leading (I wasn't quick enough to get the painted numbers) with an old FGW liveried one following.

Does anybody know what that was? Extra GC carriages for Easter maybe, or empty stock positioning for the weekend Hitchin disruption?

 

[142094]

I was told that there was severe disruption down that end today, by two GC guards on an EC train. Supposedly they got stopped at Grantham and then again due to some problem (think it could have been overhead wires, not sure) and were stuck for 4 hours.

 

[jon0844]

It's nice when TOCs work together for the 'greater good'.

 

[Aictos]

Yes but they're not TOCs but rather Open Access Operators which is why it good to see teamwork, all that aside though it is good to see co-operation between all parties.

Same with me, I have no hesitatation in assisting on any train where needed, even if it's just basic customer service.

 

[Kingfisher200262]

I think there would be more co-operation between operators if there were more technical compatibility of rolling stock couplings and controls.

It seems perfectly natural that if you are faced with a failed train in front and can couple to it to help the other party (and yourself) to keep the railway moving, you would do.

If either a Class 91 / Mk IV set or an HST set had approached the rear of the failed 180, they would have been unable to do anything due to non-compatibility of equipment.

The sooner the industry starts to standardise on couplings and controls, the better and more reliable the system will become.

Sorry, this is a rolling-stock related rant, but it affects the operators just as much.

 

[tynesider]

Completely agree

May also be worth mentioning that when a East Coast 91 came to a stand in the 'dead' section at Hitchin, a GC HST (buffer fitted) provided assistance from the rear.

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

just me being ignorant, but did the GC pax get on the HT unit? 105 must have been driven down, with the HT unit at the back doing all the work...

 

[wensley]

GC passenger were de-trained at Hitchin of 180105 the HT unit was in the section behind so coupled to the rear and then led the formation back to KGX. Hope that helps.

1A60 set to be HST today I think...

 

[tynesider]

GC passenger were de-trained at Hitchin of 180105 the HT unit was in the section behind so coupled to the rear and then led the formation back to KGX. Hope that helps.

1A60 set to be HST today I think...

GC pax were de-trained at Grantham, not Hitchin