XC Running in non-multiple units

[Haydn1971]

A few years ago, nearly every XC train I got on was a paired up 220 - typically a 5+4 unit - gradually I'm seeing less of these running around, is it just my perception or has something changed ? If so, where have all the 220's gone ???

 

[ValleyLines142]

There's a few posts regarding pairs of Voyagers in this thread.

I have to say, Virgin have far more double sets than XC.

 

[headshot119]

XC still have all of the 220 units, they are the sole operator of them.

 

[swt_passenger]

I've never seen accurate before and after diagrams, but might there be very slightly less capacity in the overall fleet since the extensions to Glasgow and Southampton?

Even though that only required a single extra unit for the Southampton leg (as only 2 hourly), I think it required 2 units for Edinburgh - Glasgow extensions over the course of a day. So that would presumably remove three opportunities for doubling up other services?

 

[455driver]

Probably pre operation pointless, oops I mean Princess.

Before that every train was made up of double sets, afterwards they ran many more (shorter) trains.

 

[Eagle]

I've never seen accurate before and after diagrams, but might there be very slightly less capacity in the overall fleet since the extensions to Glasgow and Southampton?

Mitigated of course by the addition of HSTs.

 

[MCR247]

Mitigated of course by the addition of HSTs.

I don't think so as IIRC there was no change in the usage of the HSTs before and after Southampton and Glasgows were added

 

[swt_passenger]

I don't think so as IIRC there was no change in the usage of the HSTs before and after Southampton and Glasgows were added

That's what I would have thought too. Immediately before the two extensions started there were a number of posters, both here and in other forums, that presumed it would automatically lead to more HST use, but it didn't ever happen AFAICS...

 

[railuser007]

Doesn't XC have a 221 that is four carriages instead of five?

 

[Eagle]

Yes, 221141.

4-car units 142 to 144, which stayed on the West Coast, were reformed by taking the centre cars out of 144 and adding one to each of 142 and 143 (which has the odd effect that 142 now has two shops, one permanently closed).

 

[SprinterMan]

Yes, 221141.

4-car units 142 to 144, which stayed on the West Coast, were reformed by taking the centre cars out of 144 and adding one to each of 142 and 143 (which has the odd effect that 142 now has two shops, one permanently closed).

221143 is the one with 2 shops. I have never been on it, but I have been on 221142 many times and I can assure you it only has the one shop :P

It seems like such a terrible waste to have 2 driving cars sat out of use at central rivers when XC are so overcrowded.

Adam

 

[Eagle]

It seems like such a terrible waste to have 2 driving cars sat out of use at central rivers when XC are so overcrowded.

Yes but they're driving cars so they can't be added to any other units.

 

[ainsworth74]

It seems like such a terrible waste to have 2 driving cars sat out of use at central rivers when XC are so overcrowded.

Yes but they're driving cars so they can't be added to any other units.

I've occasionally wondered if it wouldn't have made more sense for VT to send it's three four car units to XC in exchange for two of XCs five car units. VT then have a uniform fleet of five car 221s (with no vehicles lying idle) and XC have gained an extra unit and would gain two vehicles in the exchange (ten out and twelve in).

 

[Haydn1971]

I've occasionally wondered if it wouldn't have made more sense for VT to send it's three four car units to XC in exchange for two of XCs five car units. VT then have a uniform fleet of five car 221s (with no vehicles lying idle) and XC have gained an extra unit and would gain two vehicles in the exchange (ten out and twelve in).

Great idea, you could also remove one if the carriages from the four car XC 220's at the same time to further increase the hatred XC customers have service and provision of seats

 

[dk1]

221143 is the one with 2 shops. I have never been on it, but I have been on 221142 many times and I can assure you it only has the one shop :P

It seems like such a terrible waste to have 2 driving cars sat out of use at central rivers when XC are so overcrowded.

Adam

I caught a Euston-Chester train & was really put out to find the shop shut. That seemed very unusual for Virgin to not have catering. I then noticed the sign saying the shop is available a couple of coaches away. Good old 143.

 

[SprinterMan]

I caught a Euston-Chester train & was really put out to find the shop shut. That seemed very unusual for Virgin to not have catering. I then noticed the sign saying the shop is available a couple of coaches away. Good old 143.

Are the 2 shops in adjacent coaches (C & D) or is there a normal coach in the middle (B & D)?

Adam