Stourbridge branch

[telstarbox]

How did the Stourbridge branch come to have PPMs rather than a DMU from a larger fleet which would be more efficient for traction knowledge and maintenance?

Is it ever likely that PPMs will be used elsewhere?

 

[starrymarkb]

It was deemed a waste of a 153 that could be used elsewhere. Plus I'm pretty sure the PPM's 2l engine uses a lot less fuel then the 14l lump under a 153.

I'm sure the PPMs will pay for themselves in reduced fuel

The problem stopping more PPMs (beyond Parry going bust) is the ultralight PPM is not allowed to mix with heavy rail traffic - 10t PPM vs 120t Turbostar is only going to have one winner

 

[jopsuk]

The other bit is that Stourbridge was seen as a useful location to trial real world operation of the concept- much better than occasionally running one on a heritage line or test track.

 

[ac6000cw]

...and Parry People Movers Ltd is based just down the road in Cradley, so it's almost the perfect test/demo site for them.

 

[fgwrich]

The other bit is that Stourbridge was seen as a useful location to trial real world operation of the concept- much better than occasionally running one on a heritage line or test track.

That said, and agreeing with the comment below, the prototype PPM did see use on a number of preserved lines including the Severn Valley before Stourbeige was chosen, The prototype PPM Ironically so far ending it's career on a preserved railway on test for the GO-CO Rail Operation on the Mid Hants.

 

[aylesbury]

Went past Stourbridge last Tuesday and saw the unit sat in its shed, are passengers using the line in good numbers and does it cover its costs?

 

[Cherry_Picker]

It was deemed a waste of a 153 that could be used elsewhere. Plus I'm pretty sure the PPM's 2l engine uses a lot less fuel then the 14l lump under a 153.

I'm sure the PPMs will pay for themselves in reduced fuel

Reduced running costs too. They aren't staffed by train crew, I think the people who operate it (and it's still conventionally manned in terms of driver and 'guard') have contracts more in line with what bus or tram drivers get.

 

[Crossover]

Reduced running costs too. They aren't staffed by train crew, I think the people who operate it (and it's still conventionally manned in terms of driver and 'guard') have contracts more in line with what bus or tram drivers get.

They also do driving and guarding in relay, too. I don't believe they are employed in the same way as other railway staff - certainly when LM were on strike, the Stourbridge shuttle kept running normally

 

[stuartmoss]

In case you've never seen one of these beasts in action I made a film of them last year.

[youtube]8TbaBEr8YrQ[/youtube]

 

[The Planner]

Damn sight lighter than anything else about too, means that NR can just poke the track with a stick once in a while.

 

[Class 170101]

But just make sure its not too light that it blows over at the slightest gust of wind. :P

 

[KiddyKid]

It seems reliable, it can be packed at certain times of the day and runs every 10 mins down to Stourbridge Town and back, it rides quite roughly finding every rail joint, the crews are employed by Pre Metro Ltd which i believe is a Parry owned company.

 

[theshillito]

A while back, Parry was talking about running the PPM further into Stourbridge as a light rail system. Has there been any further discussions on this?

 

[jopsuk]

Whilst Parry People Movers Ltd's website is rather broken, they appear to still be a functioning company according to Companies House. Well, almost. Last filed accounts in December 2012, accounts are due next month.

Pre Metro Operations appears to be a much healthier company.

 

[PHILIPE]

The ride is worse than a Pacer on Jointed Track.

 

[MetroDriver]

Went past Stourbridge last Tuesday and saw the unit sat in its shed ,are passengers using the line in good numbers and does it cover its costs?

There are two vehicles based on this line - one in use / one in the 'shed', so you may have only seen that one at the time of passing.....