SWT Hire-in 158 finally leaving FGW

[159jim]

Hi

Just to let you know, according to gen, the SWT Hire-in 158 is finally leaving FGW, the last diagram for her will be the late morning-afternoon-evening Brighton service on Friday. I will miss this as I am friends with a enthusiast who lives in Chichester, and I enjoy the free first class seat ride back home to Salisbury on the 17:47 to BTM!

Thanks,
Jim.

 

[387star]

I live in Chichester. Who's the enthusiast? I will miss the SWT 158 too. Passengers have got so used to it now might be a shock especially when it becomes more likely a 150/1 may turn up

 

[159jim]

Sam A.k.a Stagecoach16281

 

[387star]

Ah right good to know there are local enthusiasts. I take it the ATW 150/2s will also be returned.

 

[swt_passenger]

The daily FGW hire is still shown in next year's SWT carriage working notices (CWNs) though - although I'd agree it really ought not to be needed by now. I guess we'll find out next week...

 

[g4mby]

I take it the ATW 150/2s will also be returned.

They went some time ago.

 

[louis97]

The hire in is not being withdrawn, it is going to be operating a different diagram on the Stroud Valley. I'd imagine it will go back to operating 2M11 the 0704 from Westbury to Cheltenham Via Swindon.

 

[387star]

I would have thought SWT have enough 158s to send some to FGW permanently

 

[fgwrich]

They went some time ago.

Having been replaced by 150202 & 216 apparently...

 

[TEW]

The first ATW 150 was replaced by the SWT 158. The second two were replaced with the LO 150s and the final two replaced with the LM 150s. They were always planned to go, so not replaced by that additional 150/2s.

 

[BestWestern]

Last BTN - BRI service this evening, unit absolutely rammed solid until Salisbury-ish and eventually arrived into Brizzle about 30 late This is where the use of the SWT stock falls down on that diagram, the combination of less seating due to first class, hardly any luggage space, and the damned silly arrangement with the leading doors locking out makes things very difficult when it's busy.

I have it on good authority that the replacement stock is planned to be FGW's last two remaining two-car 158 sets, coupled together on a permanent basis and allocated a new unit number in the fashion of the three-car 'hybrid' 158 9XX sets. We'll see what materialises of course, but you heard it here first!

 

[150222]

Having been replaced by 150202 & 216 apparently...

Until one of them jumped off the track in westbury!

 

[Lrd]

This is where the use of the SWT stock falls down on that diagram, the combination of less seating due to first class,

First class is declassified on that service...

 

[MCR247]

No, but you lose seats because of the lack of seating in that area..

 

[Lrd]

No, but you lose seats because of the lack of seating in that area..

I understand it now, should of read the word "combination".

 

[sonic2009]

I have it on good authority that the replacement stock is planned to be FGW's last two remaining two-car 158 sets, coupled together on a permanent basis and allocated a new unit number in the fashion of the three-car 'hybrid' 158 9XX sets. We'll see what materialises of course, but you heard it here first!

Just got on the 1124 Ashchurch to Brighton Service. ONLY 2 cars as usual but pulls in with a new unit number on the front. 158960. I was thinking this should be a 158/7. Any more info?

 

[swt_passenger]

158960 was a recent 3 car reformation - if the third car is temporarily sick the number will stay as 960. There is also a 961 running around now, the vehicle numbers are here:

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=860159&postcount=4