Scotrail Class 385 Discussion

[Hercules]

There's a 385 running to Grantshouse UPL as we speak. Hardly grounded.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/M14317/2018/03/20/advanced

There seems to be missing information about the windscreen issues that have been discussed... This is very much still an ongoing problem, and something about software issues?

 

[43096]

Pair of glasses bolted on the front to allow for a flat window in essentially the same frame like those Skoda locomotives in Czechia?

Would be pig-ugly but the things are hardly pretty to begin with.

Czech Skoda built locomotive with "a pair of glasses" for the windscreen, looking a bit like a Minion or something.

Or "goggles" as they are more normally known.

 

[hexagon789]

Pair of glasses bolted on the front to allow for a flat window in essentially the same frame like those Skoda locomotives in Czechia?

Would be pig-ugly but the things are hardly pretty to begin with.

Czech Skoda built locomotive with "a pair of glasses" for the windscreen, looking a bit like a Minion or something.

I actually quite like the look of those, funnily enough!

 

[hexagon789]

All aboard the 'minion' train

Will bananas be available from the refreshment trolley?

 

[Mordac]

Thanks very much for clarifying the situation.

Regarding the Springburn - What's it called? Cumbernauld section, will the frequency be every 30 minutes (Mon-Sat) Dumbarton Central - Springburn via Bellgrove, with alternate trains extending to Cumbernauld every 60 minutes? The Glasgow QS - Falkirk Grahamston runs every 60 minutes (Mon-Sat), and is roughly 10 minutes or so behind one of the electric trains. Connections from the electric trains could be made at Springburn, and would maintain the present 30 minute frequency to Cumbernauld.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's seen that.

 

[Chris225]

A 3 car 385 just went by the back of my house in Linlithgow, so hardly grounded. If the windscreen issue was so bad why are DB Cargo drivers still seemingly happy to test them?

 

[hexagon789]

A 3 car 385 just went by the back of my house in Linlithgow, so hardly grounded. If the windscreen issue was so bad why are DB Cargo drivers still seemingly happy to test them?

I doubt many would be happy driving such ugly trains to be honest

 

[Chris225]

I doubt many would be happy driving such ugly trains to be honest

Well , very true

Still if it’s such an issue why are they being used at all and in the dark when the issue is worse.

 

[SR001]

None of the information posted was commercially sensitive. I am merely offering you the perspective of the challenges faced from the opposite side and options which are being looked at in order to minimise disruption to passengers.

In terms of the CL365 options being explored, there would not be an official announcement until this was “set in stone” as such. Rest assured, other options are also being looked at; however as many will be aware, SR are limited with what we can implement.

 

[hexagon789]

Still if it’s such an issue why are they being used at all and in the dark when the issue is worse.

It does beg the question, especially as there are issues with some bolts on them as well.

 

[Class465fan]

I doubt many would be happy driving such ugly trains to be honest

With a lack of view in the cab due to the ridiculously small windows.

 

[hexagon789]

With a lack of view in the cab due to the ridiculously small windows.

That too!

 

[Domh245]

Well , very true

Still if it’s such an issue why are they being used at all and in the dark when the issue is worse.

AIUI it's only an issue on certain signals (or positions of), and it may be the case that the route they're being tested on at the moment doesn't have any. As for the "why", even if the windscreen needs redoing and replacing in the near future, the last thing you want is any further delay to the programme so if they can get all of the fault free running done now, they won't have to do it once the windscreen issue has been fixed, they can (hopefully) receive the modifications, and get signed off for passenger use ASAP rather than spending another length of time trying to fix software faults or whatever.

 

[Chris225]

AIUI it's only an issue on certain signals (or positions of), and it may be the case that the route they're being tested on at the moment doesn't have any.

Well should be fine then as it’s the E&G line I just saw it running on. Currently on a return to Queen st from Waverley.

Due past me again in about 30 minutes http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/M20071/2018/03/20/advanced

Makes sense though to get as much testing done as possible when they can. Just seems odd to me that it’s fine for testing. If it was as serious a safety flaw as witnessed by the ScotRail managers, then why are some DB Cargo drivers still driving them now and not report anything despite some being tested in this country for nearly a year?

 

[TRAX]

If they can at least test some more stuff while they wait for a fix...

 

[hexagon789]

If they can at least test some more stuff while they wait for a fix...

Aye well, it's definitely better than nothing.

 

[Chrism20]

So what has happened in the space of circa five hours to unground these trains and allow testing to recommence?

If that’s the turnaround time for bolts I expect a new windscreen by Thursday week.

 

[47271]

If we get 365s, however briefly, can we be sure that the interiors are given some sort of proper attention?

Without exception the worst value for money comfort I've experienced in quite a few years is a near on £40 off peak single from King's Cross to Cambridge in a filthy threadbare litter infested 365. Scotrail beware.

 

[Bletchleyite]

If we get 365s, however briefly, can we be sure that the interiors are given some sort of proper attention?

Without exception the worst value for money comfort I've experienced in quite a few years is a near on £40 off peak single from King's Cross to Cambridge in a filthy threadbare litter infested 365. Scotrail beware.

I think at the moment people would take a filthy, threadbare litter infested seat over being unable to board, to be fair. Niceties (e.g. Saltire seat covers) can be sorted later if they're going to stay for any length of time.

 

[hexagon789]

If we get 365s, however briefly, can we be sure that the interiors are given some sort of proper attention?

Without exception the worst value for money comfort I've experienced in quite a few years is a near on £40 off peak single from King's Cross to Cambridge in a filthy threadbare litter infested 365. Scotrail beware.

Some of the 170s are getting a bit threadbare, so I'm not sure it matters

 

[43096]

If we get 365s, however briefly, can we be sure that the interiors are given some sort of proper attention?

Without exception the worst value for money comfort I've experienced in quite a few years is a near on £40 off peak single from King's Cross to Cambridge in a filthy threadbare litter infested 365. Scotrail beware.

Not sure what 365 you've been on, but that doesn't describe the units post their last refurb.

They are more than fit for purpose for ScotRail - the seats are really a neutral colour (blue) so don't need anything doing to them.

 

[hexagon789]

Not sure what 365 you've been on, but that doesn't describe the units post their last refurb.

They are more than fit for purpose for ScotRail - the seats are really a neutral colour (blue) so don't need anything doing to them.

As long as they run, I think we should take them, things are getting a bit desperate of late.

 

[James James]

If we get 365s, however briefly, can we be sure that the interiors are given some sort of proper attention?

Without exception the worst value for money comfort I've experienced in quite a few years is a near on £40 off peak single from King's Cross to Cambridge in a filthy threadbare litter infested 365. Scotrail beware.

You're forgetting the sewage smell in the middle carriages!

 

[Mingulay]

None of the information posted was commercially sensitive. I am merely offering you the perspective of the challenges faced from the opposite side and options which are being looked at in order to minimise disruption to passengers.

In terms of the CL365 options being explored, there would not be an official announcement until this was “set in stone” as such. Rest assured, other options are also being looked at; however as many will be aware, SR are limited with what we can implement.

As I said earlier , there is no limitation on SR doing the decent thing to say sorry to those affected as reducing fares on the affected routes till the service is consistent with the goals.SR apologies for "inconvenience " is heard hourly on trains and in stations, it loses it relevance and meaning . Reduce the fares and you will buy some much needed patience.

 

[Northhighland]

Not sure what 365 you've been on, but that doesn't describe the units post their last refurb.

They are more than fit for purpose for ScotRail - the seats are really a neutral colour (blue) so don't need anything doing to them.

Think people need to remember the journey time on the EG route. Not exactly a long journey. 365 would work as a stop gaps seat on a 365 is better than a stand on a 170, or a 158.

 

[47271]

Fair enough on the refurbed 365s then, it's not a type of train I use very often so I must be out of date.

The one that I was on around three years ago was absolutely bogging and way worse than anything on Scotrail - seat covers worn right through, years of filth on the floor and walls, and an unidentified liquid sloshing amongst a sea of litter around my feet. I'm not saying that the litter would still be there when it came north, but you never know...

 

[Bletchleyite]

As I said earlier , there is no limitation on SR doing the decent thing to say sorry to those affected as reducing fares on the affected routes till the service is consistent with the goals.SR apologies for "inconvenience " is heard hourly on trains and in stations, it loses it relevance and meaning . Reduce the fares and you will buy some much needed patience.

Reducing fares would not be sensible as it would increase demand.

They have reduced fares on the alternative route to encourage people to take that.

 

[Christmas]

The message from the ScotRail manager, although lengthy, didn't actually say much at all. The issue of additional traction must be addressed NOW, not 9 months away in December. There are 315s in storage now so get them out on Inverclyde routes immediately, or at the very least May.
The manager says no other 170s are going to leave their fleet until December, yet on other threads this is contradicted. Then there are the 10 class 156s that are going too.
A quick fix is to have loco hauled coaches on full Fife diagrams to release diesel units for E&G. This can happen in days, not months. DRS can provide additional coaches if need be.

 

[43096]

The message from the ScotRail manager, although lengthy, didn't actually say much at all. The issue of additional traction must be addressed NOW, not 9 months away in December. There are 315s in storage now so get them out on Inverclyde routes immediately, or at the very least May.
The manager says no other 170s are going to leave their fleet until December, yet on other threads this is contradicted. Then there are the 10 class 156s that are going too.
A quick fix is to have loco hauled coaches on full Fife diagrams to release diesel units for E&G. This can happen in days, not months. DRS can provide additional coaches if need be.

That is nothing more than scratching the surface. How many 380s would 315s release? There is still the issue of getting the 380s to/from Shields for maintenance.

And I don’t see how using the loco-hauled sets off-peak helps the bigger issue of finding enough sets to cover the peak.

 

[Christmas]

That is nothing more than scratching the surface. How many 380s would 315s release? There is still the issue of getting the 380s to/from Shields for maintenance.

And I don’t see how using the loco-hauled sets off-peak helps the bigger issue of finding enough sets to cover the peak.

If even four 380s are released to operate E&G that's better than none at all, allowing more DMUs to fill gaps elsewhere.
Additional loco hauled coaches would allow DMUs to go to Haymarket off peak for maintenance.
Additional electric traction is available NOW yet ScotRail are adopting a wait and see approach which will inevitably lead to further crisis.