Grand Central rolling stock

[schmoo_smith]

are grand central's trains ready then? are they still on for 10/1th sept?

 

[rail-britain]

Well, yes and no...
Four of the HST Power Cars have been completed at DML, a further one is almost complete, and another two are due to be completed next week
Two have been transported to (undisclosed location), another two will be moved next week

12 of the HST Mk3 coaches completed, enough to make two operational sets
However, a slight problem has been found with the Mk3 coaches

Furthermore, GCT will struggle to get two sets ready for 09 September, but it is possible

A decision is going to be made at 11:00 on Friday 07 September, however it does look at this stage that the service launch will be suspended until 09 December

 

[ChrisCooper]

They really arn't doing well. Then again I'm very glad they are refurbishing the HSTs before putting them into service, most TOCs would have taken them out of store and put them into service still in the old livery with the branding off, in generally poor condition and breaking down constantly. I think it is better for them to take their time and delay and make sure everything is 100% for the launch, and anyway, when you consider how much it's been delayed now, another month isn't that significant.

 

[rail-britain]

The entire project has been dogged by problems and delays

Firstly there were loads of objections as it was the first application by a "real" competitor to quite a lucrative route (the company that originally setup Hull Trains was invited to do so by GNER and the SRA)
However, all of these objections were met, except that of GNER

Once the Track Access was approved in principle, there was the problem of suitable rolling stock
The original plan was for HSTs, but those were no longer available
This caused a delay while other suitable rolling stock was sourced, seeing a proposal based on Class 67s and Mk3 coaches, until new Class 22x units were ordered and delivered
As a result, a revised Track Access application was submitted
Again, GNER objected, and at this stage the East Coast franchise renewal complicated matters

Once that had been resolved, EWS advised that they could no longer supply Class 67s, and GCT had to think out of the box about what rolling stock to use
The best alternative was to purchase their own, use it for 3 years whilst awaiting new rolling stock
That is stage GCT are now at, but the timetable for that was tight, VERY tight!

With a surplus of Mk3a/b coaches available, the best solution was to convert these to HST standard, with a reliable fleet of HST Power Cars
Once the new rolling stock arrived, these could then be cascaded to a new route

 

[schmoo_smith]

anyone got pics of the completed power cars and coaches?

 

[djw1981]

Is the undisclosed location the same one that GC mention in their Press Releases? If so, it is Toton, if not then sorry. For some reason they were wanting to move them Devonport to Toton by Road and then To Heaton by rail.

Mind GC do at least stand a chance on service etc when up against NX. their only benefit over GNER was lack of having to change and thus journey times.

 

[rail-britain]

No, it's no longer Toton
I had to put undisclosed location, on the request of GCT Directors
They are currently going into storage, and then a short period of testing on a private railway

I am waiting for approval to publish photos, once received I will post photos

I'll post more when I know exactly what is going on, as their office was rather busy when I contacted them just after 11:00 to find out what was going on!

 

[djw1981]

Would you include an electrified test track as a private railway, or more like a nice long run, not far from their home turf, and heading up into teesdale / weardale?

 

[rail-britain]

GCT are currently not permitted access to the railway, except within the terms of their s17 declaration
This expires on 09 December, and allows them to operate their services within the timetables specified by Network Rail

If GCT want to test their HSTs they would need to apply to the ORR for a temporary licence, and their most recent one has just expired (04 September) which allowed the use of Class 47s and Mark 3 coaches
They don't have any pending documents, so the only available option is to use the temporary facility

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

Interesting. I'm hoping the power cars will come past my front door! (no doubt when I'm down in York or up in Newcastel!!)

 

[voyagerdude220]

Is there possibly a way of being informed once the date has been set in stone, and when tickets are open for these services?

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

Er, Grand Central Website???

 

[rail-britain]

GCT have until 09 December to launch their service
If they do not operate their public service on or before this date, their licence will be nul and void

The Press Launch planned for Sunday 09 September was cancelled about two weeks ago
The public service would then start from Monday 10 September

Originally I was told the launch date had changed from 09 September to 23 September, but to keep the tickets they issued me with
I assume this date is still going ahead as the accomodation is still booked for the Saturday night

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

m8internet, what is your involvement with GC? You seem very well informed, too well informed perhaps

 

[voyagerdude220]

m8internet, what is your involvement with GC? You seem very well informed, too well informed perhaps

That's exactly what i've been thinking!

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

And I work for GC!!!

 

[voyagerdude220]

And I work for GC!!!

ROFL!

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

We are looking forward to seeing the first power car as it will mean we are that much closer to a launch, and we just want to get going! The two weeks with the DRS train was great, just a shame it had to end!

 

[schmoo_smith]

So anyone know whats happening?

 

[matt]

43084 is now at Toton (info from s345)

 

[schmoo_smith]

any pics? when are they looking to launch services

 

[rail-britain]

As above, Press Launch was planned for 09 September and this has now been postponed to 23 September
First public service will operate on the following Monday (24 September)

 

[Spaceflower]

Theyre advertising on tv now.

 

[rail-britain]

m8internet, what is your involvement with GC? You seem very well informed, too well informed perhaps

I have been following GCT from the setup and know one of the non-Executive Directors who is keeping me informed
I have also been invited to the Press Launch and will be assisting in demonstrating their onboard WiFi to passengers

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

24th Sept? I think someone's pulling your leg m8internet!
The TV ad is being broadcast, there are posters on the rear of busses, and on some billboards, but they haven't given a definate start date.

 

[rail-britain]

I already have my tickets for the Press Launch, dated 09 September
Office phoned me on 24 August and advised me it was postponed to 23 September
I've also had the accomodation confirmed as changed
If it changes, they will contact me on or before 14 September...
Still waiting

GCT have until 09 December, to operate a revenue earning service, after that date their licence expires if they have not done so

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

We will be operational by the 9th December, of that I'm confident, besides, that's still three months away!
It won't be long now, only a matter of a couple or more weeks

 

[rail-britain]

Even when I spoke to my contact at GCT in July, he admitted the 09 September launch was looking doubtful
Again only 4 weeks ago, even the end of September was looking doubtful

GCT had planned the DRS training at the end of last year, the amended track access agreement had to be submitted before the end of January

 

[djw1981]

How can they offer advance bookings when the dates aren't known? a Taxi + GNER?

 

[andel]

How can they offer advance bookings when the dates aren't known? a Taxi + GNER?

A wing and a prayer