GWR short train lengths

[MasterPhillips]

As I have said many times, it was either the choice of long sets for the south west and no Cornish half hourly service (possibly for ever) or 5 cars and the Cornish half hourly, with the possibility that you could extend to 9 when the passenger revenue justified it. The latter was chosen.

There was no way you could have got both 9 cars and the Cornish half hourly authorised at the same time - the money and the (all year round) passenger numbers didn’t justify it. I tried to do it but it just didn’t work.

But yet we have both now?

 

[Clarence Yard]

Because the units are now there to do it, thanks to the super fasts getting binned and formation changes on shoulder peak workings. The fleet can be rebalanced to push more 9 cars into Cornwall.

The problem before was justifying the cost of the extra cars for the total GWR 802 fleet. Not a problem now, until those punters come back on the other services.

 

[Krokodil]

But yet we have both now?

Nothing is certain.

 

[Snow1964]

Because the units are now there to do it, thanks to the super fasts getting binned and formation changes on shoulder peak workings. The fleet can be rebalanced to push more 9 cars into Cornwall.

The problem before was justifying the cost of the extra cars for the total GWR 802 fleet. Not a problem now, until those punters come back on the other services.

GWR is probably stuck with the IET fleet size it got and (very) unlikely to get extra cars.

They have lost the Bristol superfasts and few odd workings, but a lot of growth and crowding (based on observations and comments), is on bits they didn't expect. Cornwall main line, Cardiff-Frome/Warminster, Cotswold line etc.

To some extent the current 5car and 9car mix (and non IET regional fleet) is miles away from being split needed for current traffic levels.

 

[michael74]

3-car 165 on Exmouth - Paignton excellent refurbishment on the inside but failed in service this morning. Well done GWR for replacing with 2-car 150 at Exeter and minimal disruption, though crush loaded on departure.

Extra 150 / 158 from TfW to ease maintenance burden can’t come soon enough. Operation Churchward needs to go ahead too.

Likely the same Turbo that's failed nearly every day..... Every day short forms, every day staff getting stick from rightly so disgruntled pax.... Holiday makers left behind on platforms....

 

[VP185]

Considering the length of time 150202 has been at Wolverton for extensive corrosion repairs I‘m guessing the 150’s haven‘t got many years left in them.

 

[REVUpminster]

No shortforms in Devon and Cornwall local service today. Somehow 17/19 150s are running.