Grand Central Discussion

[BOSCH]

Its not just route clearance,the majority,if not all, of the Bradford crews dont sign Hst's at all

 

[Failed Unit]

You are correct about them not being cleared, but I've wondered why myself. There must be other places with tight clearances/sharp curves that Mk IIIs are allowed on.

I guess we need to have a look into the history books,

Doncaster - Wakefield Kirkgate has been used by HST (although not stopping) in the past, Bradford Interchange used to have HST's before the ECML electrification moved them to Forster Square. Most of the other routes have 23m DMU's on them (Not sure about Brighouse route) so I doubt it would be that difficult to clear them.

However why bother, the route hasn't as yet got the demand, should this happen then deal with the clearance and the driver training.

 

[wensley]

Also the HSTs are too long for some platforms (as are 180s) but are not fitted with SDO. This may change though...

 

[4SRKT]

Also the HSTs are too long for some platforms (as are 180s) but are not fitted with SDO. This may change though...

Which platforms? Brighouse?

 

[wensley]

Couldn't tell you off the top of my head as I haven't actually done the route yet (That shall soon be corrected) or seen the instructions regarding the use of SDO on the 180s over the route. I believe Brighouse is short but don't know about everywhere else. This is the reason 180s are now turned with the First Class nearest the North end. This means the disabled facilities are alongside the platforms even in short stations (Thanks for claering that mystery up Dick )

Also as I mentioned above rumour has is the coaches currently at Kilmarnock for re-furb are being fitted with the MK III variant of SDO. I don't think that this is, neccessarily, an inidcation that HSTs will work the Bradford's after refurb (just in case the froth was about to start flying )

 

[Crossforth]

Couldn't tell you off the top of my head as I haven't actually done the route yet (That shall soon be corrected) or seen the instructions regarding the use of SDO on the 180s over the route. I believe Brighouse is short but don't know about everywhere else. This is the reason 180s are now turned with the First Class nearest the North end. This means the disabled facilities are alongside the platforms even in short stations (Thanks for claering that mystery up Dick )

Also as I mentioned above rumour has is the coaches currently at Kilmarnock for re-furb are being fitted with the MK III variant of SDO. I don't think that this is, neccessarily, an inidcation that HSTs will work the Bradford's after refurb (just in case the froth was about to start flying )

Pontefract is also waaaaaaaay too short

 

[Aictos]

Also as I mentioned above rumour has is the coaches currently at Kilmarnock for re-furb are being fitted with the MK III variant of SDO. I don't think that this is, neccessarily, an inidcation that HSTs will work the Bradford's after refurb (just in case the froth was about to start flying )

Do you mean SDO like the FGW HSTs have where as the guard can either open all the doors on that side, all the doors in front of his current position or all doors behind his current position?

Sorry if I'm getting too technical, it comes from having too much time spare reading up on various First operating manuals

 

[wensley]

I don't know but I would imagine so as I believe that is the only variant of SDO fitted to Mk3 HST stock. I was just told this in passing but will post as soon as there is more info available.

 

[BOSCH]

The SDO will be the same as the FGW Hst's

 

[devon_metro]

The SDO will be the same as the FGW Hst's

Enjoy the riots then

It's a right farce as you need to plan ahead as to which panel you are going to use. However I suspect it's less of a problem on a 5 car rake.

 

[wensley]

Enjoy the riots then

It's a right farce as you need to plan ahead as to which panel you are going to use. However I suspect it's less of a problem on a 5 car rake.

Can't see it causing too many problems but we shall see
SDO isn't needed at all on the Sunderland Route except for Sunderland itself with the ongoing re-furb meaning part of the train isn't platformed. Instead of SDO the conductor merely uses the PA system to inform passengers to move down the train to those coaches that are berthed prior to alighting.

 

[Failed Unit]

Can't see it causing too many problems but we shall see
SDO isn't needed at all on the Sunderland Route except for Sunderland itself with the ongoing re-furb meaning part of the train isn't platformed. Instead of SDO the conductor merely uses the PA system to inform passengers to move down the train to those coaches that are berthed prior to alighting.

I suspect the Sunderland route has Grand-Father rights for HST's not fitting platforms, in the days of the Cleveland Exectutive did the 8 car HST's fit on the platforms at Hartlepool and Sunderland? I know Market Rasen could only cope with 2 coaches and a power car, no-one fell out the train during the 12 years it operated.

 

[s'land]

could anyone tell me if the tyne tees day rover is valid on grand central services at all ?

 

[paul1609]

As I understand it, once a train is Sdo fitted all grandfather rights are lost and a train can only use a short platform if Sdo is active

 

[scotsman]

Do you mean SDO like the FGW HSTs have where as the guard can either open all the doors on that side, all the doors in front of his current position or all doors behind his current position?

Sorry if I'm getting too technical, it comes from having too much time spare reading up on various First operating manuals

I learnt that from looking at a Guard's control panel as we arrived into a station on a Mark IV set! (and I'll be damned if I can remember which one)

 

[142094]

could anyone tell me if the tyne tees day rover is valid on grand central services at all ?

The leaflets from Northern say no, although I have heard that people have been allowed. Best to ask the conductor before you get on.

 

[Darandio]

could anyone tell me if the tyne tees day rover is valid on grand central services at all ?

Strictly speaking, going by the rules, no. However, it isn't uncommon to be allowed, just ask before you get on. The staff generally know from the nature of your ticket that you are out for a ride out and not strictly looking to get from a to b for nothing.

I am sometimes allowed, it all depends but also have absolutely no qualms about paying for my journey for an HST ride if the ticket is refused as it is only a £6.00 single from Sunderland to Northallerton anyway, or at least it was last time.

 

[wensley]

HST is sticking to diagram and is about a minute late on 1A60
Have just seen 180114 arrive into Plat 8 at KGX ready to form 1N25

 

[142094]

Strictly speaking, going by the rules, no. However, it isn't uncommon to be allowed, just ask before you get on. The staff generally know from the nature of your ticket that you are out for a ride out and not strictly looking to get from a to b for nothing.

I am sometimes allowed, it all depends but also have absolutely no qualms about paying for my journey for an HST ride if the ticket is refused as it is only a £6.00 single from Sunderland to Northallerton anyway, or at least it was last time.

The thing about that ticket is we don't actually know how the money collected is split between the operators. So if Northern, East Coast, TPE and XC get a slice, but GC don't then GC will be losing money from allowing people on board. However if GC do get a slice but then say you can't use it, that is bad practise.

 

[yorkie]

The thing about that ticket is we don't actually know how the money collected is split between the operators. So if Northern, East Coast, TPE and XC get a slice, but GC don't then GC will be losing money from allowing people on board. However if GC do get a slice but then say you can't use it, that is bad practise.

Revenue doesn't in any way determine validity though.

EC could claim they 'lose money' by letting people on board their services who have a Huntingdon-London season + a point-to-point ticket from Huntingdon to Peterborough who decide, after work, to go straight to Peterborough on a non-stop train and have an evening in Peterborough before returning to work.

EC recieve no money for that, yet are obliged to accept it. That's just the way it is.

Equally, a train that is overtaken gains no ORCATS revenue, yet the operator has to accept passengers.

NXEA won't get revenue for Peterborough-London tickets, so if someone goes the long way round, NXEA could say they are "losing" money, but again they are compelled to accept the ticket.

If they want to accept ORCATS revenue, they have to accept valid tickets even if they get no money from them whatsoever.

 

[wensley]

EXCITING NEWS

Word is that 2 HST sets will be in operation tomorrow for the first time in some weeks. 43084 amd 43123 will continue their booked diagram working off lodge. 43065 is back following traction motor repairs and 43067 should be back off exam in time to be formed up into a 5-car set.

This means HSTs should be on all of the following trains tomorrow:

1A60/2/3
1N25/6/8

This will also allow some mad bashes at the weekend for those who want all 4 Valent PCs in one day. Saturday's diagram currently looks like this (but may change):

43084 & 43123
1A60/1N25/1A63

43065 & 43067
1N25/1A62/1N28

More news as and when...

 

[yorkie]

If anyone wants a ride on a very lightly loaded train from London for £15, promotional fares are available through this website:

http://www.mobitix.thetrainline.com/GC/advancePurchase.aspx


This train is booked via Hambleton Junction and Church Fenton, and the number of passengers on it is unlikely to reach 3 figures.

Roughly 50% chance of getting a HST, 50% chance of getting an Adelante.

Although the offer is advertised as only being available for the 0818 from London, in typical Grand Central style, the website suggests you can use any train:

http://www.mobitix.thetrainline.com/GC/mobitix_terms.aspx

Section 2: Terms and Conditions specific to train companies.

Grand Central: Single journey must be on the date on the ticket and completed by the following day. Outward and Return portions of a return ticket can be made within one calendar month. Reservations are not essential but are recommended for longer journeys. The outward portion of a Standard Open Return ticket is valid only in conjunction with the unused return portion.

In the event of a conflict between the train company and the general terms and conditions, the train company terms and conditions apply.

 

[BOSCH]

Hey,not bad Yorkie,2 digs in 2 separate threads

 

[4SRKT]

Hey,not bad Yorkie,2 digs in 2 separate threads

Hehehe!

 

[yorkie]

Dig? More of a plug!

Anyway the 1730 SUN - KGX, which is formed of a rattling toy train plasticy mid-range DMU, (yes, that is a dig! ) is currently at a stand near Doncaster. Due to a 'door interlock problem', every time a train passes the other way the emergency brakes come on!!

Edit: Now on the move. ETA 21:45, but that seems optimistic...

Edit: Stopped again for the 18:40 Newcastle. There is then the 18:50, 19:00, 19:03....
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Now being terminated @ Grantham.

The idea of stopping about 20 times before London was never really going to work!

 

[Lampshade]

 

[wensley]

GNERman and I back at GC for the next 2 weeks

May see some of you about although I doubt any sane bashers out for the Sunderland Air Show Weekend!!

Should be on 1A60 Weds this week and 1N26 return, 1N25 and 1A63 this fri,
1N25 and 1A62 next Sunday, 1A60 and 1D73 week on Tues.

May see some of you about, looks like a good couple of weeks

 

[theblackwatch]

What do they employ children to do?

 

[yorkie]

Perhaps they could replace the pricing manager. They'd probably do a better job (well they couldn't do any worse!)

 

[theblackwatch]

I thought they just used a dartboard!