Scotrail Franchise - Abellio

[Clansman]

Out of curiosity, the Fife Circle loco hauled train is due to end soon what's the likelihood of it being extended?
Or is this the end for it.
Sam

I imagine the end of their operations is dependent on sufficient numbers of 170s being freed up when 380s start to displace them on EG services - which is due to start in May apparently.

Unless EGIP is pegged back, we can expect the end of the loco hauled services most likely.

 

[route101]

I imagine the end of their operations is dependent on sufficient numbers of 170s being freed up when 380s start to displace them on EG services - which is due to start in May apparently.

Unless EGIP is pegged back, we can expect the end of the loco hauled services most likely.

Better get a trip in before they go if its that soon

 

[Blindtraveler]

I can see an extention of the LHCS til at least the December TT change. The Haymarket 158sneed a complete strip out and refit to TS Spec, the 170s that are staying are in need of refreshes and fitment of sockets and we are coming into the main tourist season with things like Edinburgh Festival extras to be covered by a DMU fleat that has Im told no slack.

Whilst the LHCs are doubtless somewhat of an expensive trat for loco bashers I doubt even the grumpiest Fife commuter could fail to notice their croud swallowing skills at somewhere like South Gyle.

 

[92002]

I'm sure this was discussed on another thread. I always believed that the 170s would first replace 158s on the Dunblane and Alloa routes, allowing the latter to go for major refurbishment. At some point a number will go down south, but I don't know when that's meant to happen.

And apologies to reb0118 for using the EDI airport code. I also post on that subject, and my tablet autocompletes. Since very few posters use station codes, I'll try to stick to full names!

Think the plan is for the 170s to go to Borders. Releasing 158s for refurbishment.

Most Dunblane and Alloa services currently use 170s but any 158s there can be similarly replaced.

 

[380101]

I imagine the end of their operations is dependent on sufficient numbers of 170s being freed up when 380s start to displace them on EG services - which is due to start in May apparently.

Unless EGIP is pegged back, we can expect the end of the loco hauled services most likely.

There is only going to be 4 x 380 units operating on the E-G. 2 x 380/0 and 2 x 380/1 units. These should be operating as 2 x 7 car units. Only planned for 22 or 24 electric services per day till the 385s go into service in December 2017.

 

[Clansman]

There is only going to be 4 x 380 units operating on the E-G. 2 x 380/0 and 2 x 380/1 units. These should be operating as 2 x 7 car units. Only planned for 22 or 24 electric services per day till the 385s go into service in December 2017.

That's still 4 Class 170s per day though?

A lot of the time on EG services, the same 6-car set works return services continuously throughout the day - or for a large proportion of it anyway. So in theory, it wouldn't be hard for Scotrail to use them to replace the loco hauls. But come to think of it, as highlighted already, the 170s will probably displace more 158s to be refurbished, so chances are that the loco hauls could stay.

Just a case of wait and see.

 

[BlueGrey]

I'm sorry I didn't have a link but I read an article recently about Scotrail's new stock and the plans for their fleet going forward. I think it said they were planning to keep the loco hauled sets till December 2019. Apologies if I'm wrong. Hopefully somebody else might have seen the article.

 

[GrimShady]

What are the loco services, I need to get a trip on them!

 

[PHILIPE]

What are the loco services, I need to get a trip on them!

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=1478941

 

[GrimShady]

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=1478941

Thank you Philipe!

I hope they will be in service a wee while longer!

What is the traveling public opinion of them?

 

[route101]

Took a trip on the loco hauled service today . The 1707 from Waverley , being good friday it was quieter . There was a second set after this too .
Thought i seen a 380 head west after Edinburgh Park though could of been a 334

 

[Blindtraveler]

I'll confess to not knowing what the average punters opinion of these is as whenever I ride them im up front in executive basher class AKA the front vestibule and the first bay of seats if riding for longer.

Maybe REB or some other kind person knows?

As Iv said before though despite their downsides e.g slam doors and whatever they certainly swallow a nice load of pax without showing the strain. The opperations by DRS are generally good with the stock nicely turned out and on the odd occasion iv come into to contact with one nice drivers who dont seam to mind a load of enthusiasts riding their train.

 

[GrimShady]

I'll confess to not knowing what the average punters opinion of these is as whenever I ride them im up front in executive basher class AKA the front vestibule and the first bay of seats if riding for longer.

Maybe REB or some other kind person knows?

As Iv said before though despite their downsides e.g slam doors and whatever they certainly swallow a nice load of pax without showing the strain. The opperations by DRS are generally good with the stock nicely turned out and on the odd occasion iv come into to contact with one nice drivers who dont seam to mind a load of enthusiasts riding their train.

What are the MK2 internals like?

 

[Blindtraveler]

Old but fine for what they do.

 

[GrimShady]

If the E&G route had en electrified in the late 80s we may have had Class 90s + Mk3 to replace the shove duffs when they went!

That would have been nice!

 

[47271]

If the E&G route had en electrified in the late 80s we may have had Class 90s + Mk3 to replace the shove duffs when they went!

That would have been nice!

In that era of extreme cheapness, more likely a special Scottish batch of 2-car Class 323s. [emoji38]

 

[GrimShady]

Have ScotRail finally made their minds up with regards to the fabled WHL 158 fleet?

I pray we won't have to suffer the 156s for much longer, 25 years is enough.

 

[clc]

I travelled on the 1549 Edinburgh-Glasgow via Carstairs service today. Four carriage class 380, loads of spare seats, very pleasant 1hr 10m journey to Central where I caught my connection to the south side.

I'm puzzled as to why this line doesn't attract more end to end passengers.

 

[Clansman]

I travelled on the 1549 Edinburgh-Glasgow via Carstairs service today. Four carriage class 380, loads of spare seats, very pleasant 1hr 10m journey to Central where I caught my connection to the south side.

I'm puzzled as to why this line doesn't attract more end to end passengers.

Most folk just want to get from A to B in the quickest and most efficient time. There's a half an hour difference in the times of the service you were on and a Queen Street service before it, so it's little wonder.

 

[clc]

Most folk just want to get from A to B in the quickest and most efficient time. There's a half an hour difference in the times of the service you were on and a Queen Street service before it, so it's little wonder.

Allowing for transfer time between Queen St and Central the journey time via Carstairs is around 9 mins longer. However, I prefer it because but its a less crowded service, there's no rumbling underfloor engines and I don't have to make the walk between stations.

 

[Blindtraveler]

I too value the lack of station to station transfer but some via Motherwell services have the hell of a long wate at Carstairs! Iv suggested to Scotrail more than once that a coffee machine be installed there for the punters wating in said sleapy backwater for the magic green light onto the WCML.

On the up side if you need any tickets that the guard cant sell e.g Strathclyde daytrippers or advances the booking office there is generally helpful

 

[Butts]

Allowing for transfer time between Queen St and Central the journey time via Carstairs is around 9 mins longer. However, I prefer it because but its a less crowded service, there's no rumbling underfloor engines and I don't have to make the walk between stations.

You could always take the free bus transfer between the two

 

[Scotrail88]

Slightly off topic - does anybody have details of all the stages of engineering works and what improvements are being done across the weekends Lanarkshire blockade

 

[380101]

Have ScotRail finally made their minds up with regards to the fabled WHL 158 fleet?

I pray we won't have to suffer the 156s for much longer, 25 years is enough.

The 156 is staying on the WHL as there are concerns the 158 will struggle with the gradients and also door clearance issues. There are major issues with 158s on the Borders line struggling up the climbs due to overheating. A programme is in place for upgrading the radiators to alleviate the issue. You should start seeing improvements with the 156 as more have been refurbished. WiFi and new seats should begin to be fitted from this month onwards.

 

[PHILIPE]

The 156 is staying on the WHL as there are concerns the 158 will struggle with the gradients and also door clearance issues. There are major issues with 158s on the Borders line struggling up the climbs due to overheating. A programme is in place for upgrading the radiators to alleviate the issue. You should start seeing improvements with the 156 as more have been refurbished. WiFi and new seats should begin to be fitted from this month onwards.

Difficult to understand why 158s struggle with the gradients on the Borders Line. ATW 158s have to tackle a continuous rising gradient for 14/15 miles from Machynlleth to Talerddig and without problems.

 

[InOban]

I can agree that there is a potential problem with clearance for the plug doors, but they will have to send one up to check; I'm not aware that has been done, although another poster may know better.

The inadequate radiators have been identified as an issue during the long drags on the Borders line, and their replacement is part of the refurbishment.

As far as struggling with the gradients​, the climb out of QS is the steepest section of any length, certainly steeper any part of the Borders,yet I am not aware that they struggle. I can only assume that they have been trying to climb up to Fala on half throttle to avoid overheating.

Do the refurbished 156s have aircon WiFi etc?

380102: I take it from your confidence that you have links to whoever would authorise such a change of plan. I suggest that you tell them to think again.

 

[Blindtraveler]

No aircon but as I understand it the 156s will have internal/external repaint, new disabled area and toilet, PIS upgrades, WiFi, carpets replaced, new seats and USB charging points. Have I missed anything those in the know? I do hope for the sake of drivers they change their seat too as Im told the current ones arnt nice.

 

[InOban]

Looks like they've been polishing a xxxx.

 

[Blindtraveler]

I am keeping an open mind on these for now, if the new seats and other internals are a good/nice job they will be vastly improved and fit for long distance work on the WHL etc. I can happily ride a Northern example which all have high back seats over the Cumbrian Coast and on to Lancaster without feeling the need for back surgery after so with a bit of luck the Scotrail refit will be similar in quality.

 

[GrimShady]

I really hope these refurbs will be worth it!

Some WHL HSTs wouldn't go a miss if their struggling to find suitable replacements! Complete with suitable WHL livery these would be nice tourist specials in the summer