HSTs in Mexico - news and progress updates

[HST2FIT]

Thank you for this. I'm stuggling to buy tickets on that link though.

Which services are operated by HSTs - all of them? I am tempted to drop by Mexico in January.

Yes, you can come without any worries plenty of seats Will be available almost every day; two classes Economic and Business available. (Two runs per day, 7:00 hrs from Coatzacoalcos to Salina Cruz 14:30 hrs, and from Salina Cruz 14:00 hrs to Coatzacoalcos 20:30 hrs)

First try to use a simple webpage translator the page is pretty straightforward. You can't buy tickets with several day of anticipation.

Second there's no guarantee about if you will have the luck to catch the HST or the American loco and coaches (the ex go-rail and Amtrak).

My best advice will be come right to the station before the 7 hrs and see for yourself if the HST is at the station getting ready, otherwise it'll be the flip of a coin for you the train you will get as both equipment will be in service (the British and the American).

The webpage has local phone numbers the country code is +52 then the 10 digit number. Not sure if they speak English

Coatzacoalcos and Salina Cruz are major cities and Coatzacoalcos has a domestic airport with at least 2 flights per day to and fro Mexico city.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Dec 2023 ==

Interesting consist. Are they 3x TGS or 3x TSD in the middle, or a combination?

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I'd say it's a combo I could see 3x TSD at the rear and not sure if the rest are TGS or if there's a TF as well

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Dec 2023 ==

Typo. 2 TSD

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Dec 2023 ==

Yes, you can come without any worries plenty of seats Will be available almost every day; two classes Economic and Business available. (Two runs per day, 7:00 hrs from Coatzacoalcos to Salina Cruz 14:30 hrs, and from Salina Cruz 14:00 hrs to Coatzacoalcos 20:30 hrs)

First try to use a simple webpage translator the page is pretty straightforward. You can't buy tickets with several day of anticipation.

Second there's no guarantee about if you will have the luck to catch the HST or the American loco and coaches (the ex go-rail and Amtrak).

My best advice will be come right to the station before the 7 hrs and see for yourself if the HST is at the station getting ready, otherwise it'll be the flip of a coin for you the train you will get as both equipment will be in service (the British and the American).

The webpage has local phone numbers the country code is +52 then the 10 digit number. Not sure if they speak English

Coatzacoalcos and Salina Cruz are major cities and Coatzacoalcos has a domestic airport with at least 2 flights per day to and fro Mexico city.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Dec 2023 ==


Here's another view of the set config

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I'd say it's a combo I could see 3x TSD at the rear and not sure if the rest are TGS or if there's a TF as well

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Dec 2023 ==

Typo. 2 TSD

https://fb.watch/p4ETcEdn22/?mibextid=Nif5oz

 

[Alfonso]

Yes, you can come without any worries plenty of seats Will be available almost every day; two classes Economic and Business available. (Two runs per day, 7:00 hrs from Coatzacoalcos to Salina Cruz 14:30 hrs, and from Salina Cruz 14:00 hrs to Coatzacoalcos 20:30 hrs)

First try to use a simple webpage translator the page is pretty straightforward. You can't buy tickets with several day of anticipation.

Second there's no guarantee about if you will have the luck to catch the HST or the American loco and coaches (the ex go-rail and Amtrak).

My best advice will be come right to the station before the 7 hrs and see for yourself if the HST is at the station getting ready, otherwise it'll be the flip of a coin for you the train you will get as both equipment will be in service (the British and the American).

The webpage has local phone numbers the country code is +52 then the 10 digit number. Not sure if they speak English

Coatzacoalcos and Salina Cruz are major cities and Coatzacoalcos has a domestic airport with at least 2 flights per day to and fro Mexico city.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Dec 2023 ==


Here's another view of the set config

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See posts, photos and more on Facebook.

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I'd say it's a combo I could see 3x TSD at the rear and not sure if the rest are TGS or if there's a TF as well

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Dec 2023 ==

Typo. 2 TSD

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Dec 2023 ==

https://fb.watch/p4ETcEdn22/?mibextid=Nif5oz

You could of course go to somewhere in the middle and then get whichever is the hst. This could be quite an adventure

 

[Killingworth]

You could of course go to somewhere in the middle and then get whichever is the hst. This could be quite an adventure

The rail enthusiasts equivalent of big game hunting! This month Mexico, next month Nigeria.

 

[Alfonso]

The rail enthusiasts equivalent of big game hunting! This month Mexico, next month Nigeria.

There are lots of obvious touristy things relatively nearby...cultural stuff in Oaxaca, package holiday type beaches in Huatulco, backpackery beaches around Zipolite etc...but the middle of the isthmus is not a touristy area, and if you're up for an adventure likely to discovery friendly people, tasty food, cheap beer, and likely some relatively unknown attractions with a bit of time and persistence.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

The rail enthusiasts equivalent of big game hunting! This month Mexico, next month Nigeria.

If only that could be confirmed!

 

[43096]

Yes, you can come without any worries plenty of seats Will be available almost every day; two classes Economic and Business available. (Two runs per day, 7:00 hrs from Coatzacoalcos to Salina Cruz 14:30 hrs, and from Salina Cruz 14:00 hrs to Coatzacoalcos 20:30 hrs)

First try to use a simple webpage translator the page is pretty straightforward. You can't buy tickets with several day of anticipation.

Second there's no guarantee about if you will have the luck to catch the HST or the American loco and coaches (the ex go-rail and Amtrak).

My best advice will be come right to the station before the 7 hrs and see for yourself if the HST is at the station getting ready, otherwise it'll be the flip of a coin for you the train you will get as both equipment will be in service (the British and the American).

The webpage has local phone numbers the country code is +52 then the 10 digit number. Not sure if they speak English

Coatzacoalcos and Salina Cruz are major cities and Coatzacoalcos has a domestic airport with at least 2 flights per day to and fro Mexico city.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Dec 2023 ==


Here's another view of the set config

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See posts, photos and more on Facebook.

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I'd say it's a combo I could see 3x TSD at the rear and not sure if the rest are TGS or if there's a TF as well

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Dec 2023 ==

Typo. 2 TSD

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Dec 2023 ==

https://fb.watch/p4ETcEdn22/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Have additional vehicles been modified to TSD since being exported, then? As the exports were 1 x TF, 1 x TFD, 5 x TS and 4 x TGS.

 

[StephenHunter]

I've just seen a video - are they all slam door stock?

 

[FormerBritInMe]

In Mexico the Tren Maya has also begun a limited operation, between San Francisco de Campeche and Cancun.

 

[eldomtom2]

In Mexico the Tren Maya has also begun a limited operation, between San Francisco de Campeche and Cancun.

That's all new rolling stock though.
From what I've read the operation is extremely limited - to get an early opening date they are essentially selling tickets for rides on test trains.

 

[HST2FIT]

Have additional vehicles been modified to TSD since being exported, then? As the exports were 1 x TF, 1 x TFD, 5 x TS and 4 x TGS.

I don't think so.

My mistake,
Sorry.

Today is the first day of passenger service of the HST, from Coatzacoalcos to Salina Cruz.

the 2+6 coaches of today possibly as follows

161203 TS?
161202 TS?
161201 TS?
161204 TGS?
161104 TS?
161103 TS?

The numbers above are not the original numbers. They received new ones for the FIT



The isthmian radio station "Hits 97.7 FM" shared this fb live earlier of the journey
(station, passengers and coaches from inside)

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[Gag Halfrunt]

Here's a video of a test run with five coaches from October.

 

[HST2FIT]

I've just seen a video - are they all slam door stock?

As far as I now, here (in Mexico), they just only received a paint job over the old LNER&GwR livery and not sure if notice/warning/info stickers were translated into Spanish in England.
I don't know if they still were stock when they left service

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Dec 2023 ==

That's all new rolling stock though.
From what I've read the operation is extremely limited - to get an early opening date they are essentially selling tickets for rides on test trains.

Well that situation is better than the interoceanic as they have more runs per day. They've got more speed it's been reported up to 100 kph.

With the FIT (Interoceanic), they have a mean speed of 50 kph and the single rail way is shared with freight trains as well

 

[43096]

I've just seen a video - are they all slam door stock?

Yes, for now. The next export batch will likely have some sliding door stock included.

 

[Killingworth]

Yes, for now. The next export batch will likely have some sliding door stock included.

What do we know about any further export batch/es?

Were those on a ship to Nigeria off loaded there?

 

[Gag Halfrunt]

Here's a video showing the HST with eight passenger cars. There's nothing to say when it was filmed, but it was uploaded today (less than half an hour ago).

Video shows a walk past the full length of the train, followed by a big American locomotive shunting the train forwards and backwards. The power cars now have AAR couplers, allowing any Mexican locomotive to rescue the train.

 

[XCTurbostar]

43170 is now Mexican FIT3007
43022 is now Mexican FIT3008

These are the only two that are currently repainted.

 

[HST2FIT]

43170 is now Mexican FIT3007
43022 is now Mexican FIT3008

These are the only two that are currently repainted.

I haven't seen the 43157 in a while even at the workshop. She must be covered so is not easy to see her from outside (is storaged in Coatzacoalcos).

I'm a little bit far away from the railway line and the stations to have a look at the cab and confirm that info but the only other possiblity is 43170 - 3008 and the 43022 - 3008.

I was trying to compare recent pictures taken in England with the newer ones to look for any particular marks, details, indentations, etcetera to figure it out their identities but nothing yet

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Dec 2023 ==

I haven't see the 43157 in a while even at the workshop. She must be covered so is not easy to see her from outside (is storaged in Coatzacoalcos).

I'm a little bit far away from the railway line and the stations to have a look at the cab confirm that info but the only other possiblity is 43170 - 3008 and the 43022 - 3008.

I was trying to compare recent pictures taken in England with the newer ones to look for any particular marks, details, indentations, etcetera to figure it out their identities but nothing yet

Again it's a shame they got their castle nameplates ripped off. Their only surviving plates are the "BRUSH TRACTION" ones

 

[XCTurbostar]

I was trying to compare recent pictures taken in England with the newer ones to look for any particular marks, details, indentations, etcetera to figure it out their identities but nothing yet

My conclusions are 100% correct. There IS damage on the roof of both from the UK which is still shown and confirms this..

Assuming the side engine grill hasn't been repaired, 43158 is missing one of the slats. 43170 was the only other in the country at the time FIT3007 was shown.

 

[Gag Halfrunt]

Short video of the HST passing a level crossing. The crossing is guarded by armed soldiers.

 

[yorksrob]

Long live InterCity 125 !

 

[WSnook37025]

Is there any data on the renumbered coaches yet and their former identities? TIA

 

[brad465]

Here's a video of a test run with five coaches from October.

If that guy at the end filming out the back cab while moving did that in the UK, that would be an RAIB investigation and a tea and biscuits meeting before the footage could be uploaded.

 

[RichJF]

Here's a video showing the HST with eight passenger cars. There's nothing to say when it was filmed, but it was uploaded today (less than half an hour ago).

Video shows a walk past the full length of the train, followed by a big American locomotive shunting the train forwards and backwards. The power cars now have AAR couplers, allowing any Mexican locomotive to rescue the train.

Looks like one of their SD70s.

 

[AlterEgo]

Still completely unable to buy tickets for this - no dates seem available. A bit mad. It is definitely running though.

 

[43096]

Looks like one of their SD70s.

A former Union Pacific SD70M, I believe.

 

[StephenHunter]

If that guy at the end filming out the back cab while moving did that in the UK, that would be an RAIB investigation and a tea and biscuits meeting before the footage could be uploaded.

"Tea and biscuits meeting"? In the British Army, they call that an "interview without coffee".

 

[eldomtom2]

Don't believe this was posted here, here's a thirty-minute Mexican review (with English subtitles):

 

[Geoff DC]

They look very good inside & out.
Something similar would be perfect for Penzance/Paddington

 

[takno]

They look very good inside & out.
Something similar would be perfect for Penzance/Paddington

That one in particular looked like it would be extremely comfortable for Inverness and Aberdeen to London.

Weird that they haven't pulled out the seat reservation indicators. My memory of them was that they were designed to be easy to just rip out and replace when the batteries ran out.

 

[Speed43125]

Saw this on Facebook of the second batch of Mexican HST stock arriving late last month. Unloading was at least partly at night and they have been sent off for repair and repaint so seem to have slipped away from most cameras so far.

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