GWR Class 800

[168lover]

Don't they also need to be tested from Banbury down to Marylebone just in case of future diversions?

 

[jimm]

Don't they also need to be tested from Banbury down to Marylebone just in case of future diversions?

The Chiltern Line is not covered by the route clearance programme the DfT is funding as part of the IEP project - though Oxford-Banbury is, so that's another section of line to be added to the 'yet-to-be-visited by a Class 800' list.

That's not to say the Chiltern routes via Bicester and Banbury may not be cleared in future, but the expectation is probably that once all the GWML modernisation work is out of the way, the need to shut all four lines at the same time between Paddington and Reading or Didcot is likely to be very limited, so fewer diversions will be needed.

If GWR (or a post-2019 successor) does need to divert some services to another London terminus, Waterloo is a better bet for coming years. Clearance of the route via Ascot is being funded by DfT and the SWML could probably also be cleared between Basingstoke and London without too much difficulty if required.

In the case of the Chiltern route, the Old Oak Common-Northolt line will be severed while HS2 construction work is under way (and maybe permanently), preventing access to Paddington, while any use of Marylebone by GWR services requires a thinning-out of Chiltern services, due to pathing constraints on the route and the limited number of platforms at Marylebone.

Maps of the GW and EC area routes to be cleared, at least back in 2011 (extra checks/alterations will be needed in the East Coast area to allow for Virgin's new services to Huddersfield and Middlesbrough), and long and detailed lists are on this pdf https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/4888/dft-f0008119.pdf

 

[D1009]

Some positive local news coverage of last Thursday's run to Penzance.

http://www.cornwalllive.com/cornwal...hat-happened/story-30404789-detail/story.html

Penzance turned out in force this morning to welcome Great Western Railway's new and advanced 'bullet' train on its maiden journey to Cornwall.

GWR's new 10-carriage Intercity Express Train promises to bring passengers more seats, more services and reduced journey times with the special journey from London to Cornwall hoping to highlight the benefits.

"We know how important the railway is to the economies and communities of the South West", said GWR Commercial Development director Matthew Golton.

"Today's event marks another milestone in delivering the improvements we know our passengers wish to see.

"These trains will help us deliver faster, more frequent services into the South West, providing up to a fifth more seats per train."

From 2017 this new fleet of Intercity Express Trains will connect London Paddington to Bristol and South Wales and from 2018 they will connect London Paddington to Exeter, Plymouth, Penzance and many more communities.

Excited visitors to Penzance Railway Station, from stakeholders and movers-and-shakers in Penzance to the general public of all ages, watched as it shot into the station.

They soon had the opportunity to go inside, after speeches were given by GWR and Cornwall Council. Half an hour before the train glided into the station crowds had gathered, some pressed against the railings and others peering over the top decking.

"It's very posh," said one resident. "I wasn't really sure what to expect, what with all the money spent, but you can tell they've done a good job.

"The seats are very comfy and it seems very spacious – roll on 2018."

A mini-exhibition was hosted before the train arrived, showing a replica of the new sleeper service and a video regarding all the investment going on in the area.

The new rolling stock replaces the 40-year-old trains currently serving this key intercity route. This will mean additional seats into and out of the South West and improved journey times from London by five minutes (to Exeter), six minutes (Plymouth) and 14 minutes (Penzance).

The 93-train fleet is fitted with bi-mode technology, allowing trains to use both diesel and electric power, and passengers to enjoy the benefits of new trains as soon as possible.

Made in Italy, they harness Hitachi's pioneering Japanese bullet train technology, celebrated for its quality and reliability.

Ahead of the fleet of trains arriving in the South West, Network Rail has invested £47million to prepare the railway for the new Intercity Express Trains.

Route managing director of Network Rail, Mark Langman, believes that improving the signalling, upgrading stations and preparing the railway for the train will mark a "real milestone" in the modernisation of the railways.

He added: "Passengers, communities and the local economy will feel real benefits with extra services, more seats, greater comfort and a more reliable railway in Devon and Cornwall."

The Intercity Express Train is designed to withstand the region's variable weather conditions, including routes along the Dawlish coast.

As well as the first visit from an IET, those in attendance will also be able to look at a new and improved Night Riviera sleeper berth.

The Night Riviera service is being modernised and will include a new seated carriage, a cocktail bar and refreshed berths with hotel style keyless door entry, USB charging ports and a host of other improvements.

Scores of people could be seen admiring the train and many clapped as it headed off into the distance. Later a small buffet was hosted in the station lounge, giving people a chance to reflect on their opinions while enjoying local produce.

Newly re-elected Conservative MPs, Steve Double and Derek Thomas, were among the hoards that congratulated all involved on their work and applauded the "fantastic" service the trains look to offer.

Unfortunately we were not allowed to photograph the train from the inside as finishing touches are still being made, but we assure you - it's worth the wait.

You can watch the full arrival and speeches below via our Facebook page:

 

[ijmad]

Some positive local news coverage of last Thursday's run to Penzance.

That's good I guess. Now all Devon & Cornwall need is a railway route that doesn't get washed away in to the sea from time to time.

Hopefully the industry has learned its lessons from when the Voyagers used to come a cropper if they got hit by a wave and salt water short circuited their electrical systems... 802's could do with some testing in similar conditions.

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

That's good I guess. Now all Devon & Cornwall need is a railway route that doesn't get washed away in to the sea from time to time.

Hopefully the industry has learned its lessons from when the Voyagers used to come a cropper if they got hit by a wave and salt water short circuited their electrical systems... 802's could do with some testing in similar conditions.

I believe the engineering specification has tackled this issue in advance.

 

[RichmondCommu]

That's good I guess. Now all Devon & Cornwall need is a railway route that doesn't get washed away in to the sea from time to time.

Hopefully the industry has learned its lessons from when the Voyagers used to come a cropper if they got hit by a wave and salt water short circuited their electrical systems... 802's could do with some testing in similar conditions.

"The seats are very comfy" says one local resident. One or two forum members are going to be having a hissy fit reading this!

 

[gareth950]

The Vale has been done.

When was the Vale of Glamorgan line done? It's a shame I didn't know about this, it's my local line so I could've gone to see it passing through my local station

 

[Clip]

"The seats are very comfy" says one local resident. One or two forum members are going to be having a hissy fit reading this!

Ahh yes the great RailUK seat debate that will never find consensus

 

[Firesprite]

"The seats are very comfy" says one local resident. One or two forum members are going to be having a hissy fit reading this!

Sitting for a few minutes does not give a true impression of comfort, A trip from Penzance to Plymouth or further would give a true impression of whether a seat was comfortable or not.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Sitting for a few minutes does not give a true impression of comfort, A trip from Penzance to Plymouth or further would give a true impression of whether a seat was comfortable or not.

Maybe, maybe not. Nevertheless the signs are looking positive

 

[yorksrob]

I notice that some of the trains visit the Yorkshire area on occasion. Will we get the chance to try out the interior in Leeds before they come on line I wonder?

 

[cb00]

I've been looking at the stats for the 800s/802s and they don't appear to have a speed advantage over the current HSTs. Presumably they are quicker at accelerating up to speed?

One aspect of the HSTs I enjoy is the near total absence of engine noise and the sheer smoothness of the ride compared with other rolling stock.

 

[najaB]

I've been looking at the stats for the 800s/802s and they don't appear to have a speed advantage over the current HSTs.

HST top speed is 125mph as compared to Class 800/801 top speed of 140mph.

 

[JN114]

When was the Vale of Glamorgan line done? It's a shame I didn't know about this, it's my local line so I could've gone to see it passing through my local station

One of the overnight platform validation runs a few weeks ago returned from Newport to Maliphant via the Vale

 

[Clansman]

Scores of people could be seen admiring the train and many clapped as it headed off into the distance. Later a small buffet was hosted in the station lounge, giving people a chance to reflect on their opinions while enjoying local produce.

The irony.

Although the article does make for positive reading for the Voyager lynch mob.

 

[Mordac]

HST top speed is 125mph as compared to Class 800/801 top speed of 140mph.

Although of course they won't be able to get to that speed because ETCS fitment has been kicked into the long grass again... :roll:

 

[Rich McLean]

The timings saved will be by shorter dwell times and faster off the mark, especially in Cornwall. However that 14 min reduction depends on resignalling and news on when that starts has been very quiet.

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

In terms of performance on the West of England route the sectional running times on diesel operation will equal an HST but no better. The time savings will be as much by revised stopping patterns (e.g. hourly Padd-Plymouth all being fast from Reading-Taunton) with additional semi-fast services filling in the gaps.

 

[455driver]

The timings saved will be by shorter dwell times and faster off the mark, especially in Cornwall. However that 14 min reduction depends on resignalling and news on when that starts has been very quiet.

How much quicker would the HSTs be with the same signalling improvements took place?

 

[fgwrich]

Unfortunately we were not allowed to photograph the train from the inside as finishing touches are still being made, but we assure you - it's worth the wait.

"The seats are very comfy" says one local resident. One or two forum members are going to be having a hissy fit reading this!

Sitting for a few minutes does not give a true impression of comfort, A trip from Penzance to Plymouth or further would give a true impression of whether a seat was comfortable or not.

I noticed this line when I first saw the article the other day. Does anyone else find this a little odd? We'll open the train up to the public, let them have a look around and sit in a seat for a few seconds or so, but we wont let the cameras inside unless it's on 'Official Press Duties' as per the Royal trip last week?

And having sat in the equivalent seat used as the FC seats in the 700s, I really don't agree to them being comfortable for Padd-Penzance journey's - I know seat comfort is a personal preference thing, but I really cant find anyway comfortable to sit on those seats in the 700s, actually preferring the Ironing board seats in standard. It's all down to the pitch - and the way it tells you how to sit in the seat. So I'm very much with you on this one Firesprite. Like the rest of the units, it'll all be down to a case of 'Wait and See', although my bar is set pretty low at the moment unfortunately.

 

[43096]

"The seats are very comfy" says one local resident. One or two forum members are going to be having a hissy fit reading this!

Nah, anyone sensible will try them out themselves and make a judgement on that basis. Simpleton normals - who think anything new automatically = good - sitting in one for two minutes is utterly irrelevant.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Nah, anyone sensible will try them out themselves and make a judgement on that basis. Simpleton normals - who think anything new automatically = good - sitting in one for two minutes is utterly irrelevant.

Not that you're being condescending or anything like that.

If you are suggesting that "normals" are not rail enthusiasts why are they any more of a simpleton than anyone who takes an interest in trains?

And how do you know that they were sat in one of those seats for two minutes? For all any of us know they might have been sat in those seats for as a long a period as a certain journalist from Modern Railways.

 

[fgwrich]

Nah, anyone sensible will try them out themselves and make a judgement on that basis. Simpleton normals - who think anything new automatically = good - sitting in one for two minutes is utterly irrelevant.

Coupled with an at best average Media Outlet which apart from the fact they keep calling them GWRs new Bullet Trains, will pretty much say anything and everything from the GWR Positive Spin outlet.

 

[RichmondCommu]

I noticed this line when I first saw the article the other day. Does anyone else find this a little odd? We'll open the train up to the public, let them have a look around and sit in a seat for a few seconds or so, but we wont let the cameras inside unless it's on 'Official Press Duties' as per the Royal trip last week?

And having sat in the equivalent seat used as the FC seats in the 700s, I really don't agree to them being comfortable for Padd-Penzance journey's - I know seat comfort is a personal preference thing, but I really cant find anyway comfortable to sit on those seats in the 700s, actually preferring the Ironing board seats in standard. It's all down to the pitch - and the way it tells you how to sit in the seat. So I'm very much with you on this one Firesprite. Like the rest of the units, it'll all be down to a case of 'Wait and See', although my bar is set pretty low at the moment unfortunately.

So that local resident is wrong and you are right?

 

[RichmondCommu]

Coupled with an at best average Media Outlet which apart from the fact they keep calling them GWRs new Bullet Trains, will pretty much say anything and everything from the GWR Positive Spin outlet.

Whats wrong with calling them Bullet Trains? This seems to be a very bad case of RailUK Forum snobbery which I think is a shame.

 

[fgwrich]

So that local resident is wrong and you are right?

Like I said, comfort is a matter of personal opinion. But having had a rather uncomfortable journey from St Pancras to Haywards Heath and back I feel those seats are not comfortable let alone for First Class use in a suburban unit, to a high speed train whose routes cover journeys anywhere up to 8 hours. Some people may find them fine, I don't. Whether they are right or wrong for having sat in virtually the same seat for a few seconds or minutes vs me for an hour is another matter, but again as I said, in my opinion they are not and my bar is set fairly low until we actually get a chance to try them out over an actual distance.

And fine, call them Bullets if you want to, but while they make have some origins in the Shinkansen family, they are as much of a Bullet train to the uk as the Cygnet was to fast Aston Martins. The 395 is technically a bullet - electrically operated High Speed 140MPH train.

 

[RichmondCommu]

And fine, call them Bullets if you want to, but while they make have some origins in the Shinkansen family, they are as much of a Bullet train to the uk as the Cygnet was to fast Aston Martins. The 395 is technically a bullet - electrically operated High Speed 140MPH train.

Do you think that the average traveler really cares whether a class 395 is technically a bullet but a class 800 / 801 / 802 isn't? They couldn't careless in my opinion.

 

[Goldfish62]

The timings saved will be by shorter dwell times and faster off the mark, especially in Cornwall. However that 14 min reduction depends on resignalling and news on when that starts has been very quiet.

If you mean the breaking up of some of the longer block sections in Cornwall, the contract has been awarded, with completion due by December 2018.

 

[yorksrob]

Do you think that the average traveler really cares whether a class 395 is technically a bullet but a class 800 / 801 / 802 isn't? They couldn't careless in my opinion.

The average passenger will care if their bum hurts after three hours.

 

[MatthewRead]

The average passenger will care if their bum hurts after three hours.

I hope these new trains are better than the GWR HST's in terms of comfort because those seats give a nasty backache and are not suited for long journeys.