Westbury closure impact on GWR DMUs

[pompeyfan]

As Westbury is now shut for a couple of weeks, would I be right in assuming SWR will be assisting in the upkeep and maintenance of the GWR diesels, and perhaps lending a couple of units, a few are the wrong side of the block and would be unable to return to SPM Bristol (unless via Exeter or Reading) for maintenance and CET emptying. Anyone mind sharing what plans are in place.

 

[tiptoptaff]

The units trapped the wrong side of the block will go to and from Fratton Depot, as GWR units would on a daily basis. Any maintenance issues will be dealt with on their return to SPM.
There are no plans for SWR units to work for GWR and for SWR to do any maintenance.
There are enough units on each side of the block. Two days of which are whilst no trains would be running anyway.

 

[pompeyfan]

The only reason I ask is because Fratton don’t routinely empty CET tanks on diesels, I wasn’t sure if the equipment used at Fratton for Desiros could be used on diesel stock. Also very brave of GWR to trust their west fleet that length of time!

 

[tiptoptaff]

The only reason I ask is because Fratton don’t routinely empty CET tanks on diesels, I wasn’t sure if the equipment used at Fratton for Desiros could be used on diesel stock. Also very brave of GWR to trust their west fleet that length of time!

Yes they do. They do it every night.

 

[pompeyfan]

Yes they do. They do it every night.

Thanks for clarifying, I’ve never seen them on the CET roads so (wrongly) assumed they weren’t emptied there.

 

[Right Away]

The diagrams show a 159 on hire from SWR to supplement the GWR units for the duration of the blockade.

 

[pompeyfan]

The diagrams show a 159 on hire from SWR to supplement the GWR units for the duration of the blockade.

Very interesting, I assume it’s the diagram that finishes at Salisbury and runs empty to Warminster in the morning.

 

[moley]

Is this just not the standard daily SWR hire set to GWR but running to Fratton instead while it’s usual dedicated diagram can’t be run?

 

[Right Away]

Is this just not the standard daily SWR hire set to GWR but running to Fratton instead while it’s usual dedicated diagram can’t be run?

Yes it is, but a 159 instead of a 158. On Warminster to Portsmouth circuits. Returns to base at Salisbury each night as per the current arrangement.

 

[moley]

Presumably, the 159 is freed up because SWR cant run their Salisbury - Bristol extensions of their Waterloo service.

That said, presumably SWR aren’t running anything Frome - Salisbury via Westbury either.

 

[pompeyfan]

Presumably, the 159 is freed up because SWR cant run their Salisbury - Bristol extensions of their Waterloo service.

That said, presumably SWR aren’t running anything Frome - Salisbury via Westbury either.

I think I remember reading Frome - Salisbury via Pen Mill and Junction but I can’t remember where I saw it.

 

[Bradshaw]

GWR are diagramming one or two services to/from Frome, Westbury avoider, Heywood Road, Hawkridge Jct, Trowbridge. Presumably to cycle the units.
See RTT for details

 

[PHILIPE]

GWR are diagramming one or two services to/from Frome, Westbury avoider, Heywood Road, Hawkridge Jct, Trowbridge. Presumably to cycle the units.
See RTT for details

They are DIVERTING a couple of Weymouth services that route, helps to cycle as you say to get the Weymouth side units back to and from the Marsh. They will diagram the units accordingly