Sparks effect

[whole diary]

[devon_metro]

I've once travelled on a 450 from Weymouth to Bournemouth where it was attatched to a 444 to continue its journey to London Waterloo. I promptly changed onto the 444 for the final 15 minutes of my journey. The 450s are good trains, but not for long distance workings!!

[Btline]

Is it true that SWT^▸ (South West Trains) "Metro" trains (not sure of the number, but they look like 150s outside) have 2+2 seating, but the 450s (outer suburban and long distance) have 2+3 seating?

So Turbostars are better than 185s; are EMU^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) Desiros better than Electrostars?

One line that needs to be done is third rail to Sailsbury. This would free up 159s to operate Waterloo to Plymouth and Torbay (and yes - Ivybridge too). Why not throw in a direct service to Barnstaple or Oakhapton while you're at it! Let's get tourists off the A30.

[devon_metro]

Is it true that SWT^▸ (South West Trains) "Metro" trains (not sure of the number, but they look like 150s outside) have 2+2 seating, but the 450s (outer suburban and long distance) have 2+3 seating?

The class 455s have 2+2 seating to allow more people to stand up.

[Btline]

Is it true that SWT^▸ (South West Trains) "Metro" trains (not sure of the number, but they look like 150s outside) have 2+2 seating, but the 450s (outer suburban and long distance) have 2+3 seating?

The class 455s have 2+2 seating to allow more people to stand up.

[stebbo]

Going way back to the suggestion that electrification to Paignton is a good idea, how get round the problems along the sea wall at Dawlish? And if the old Southern route was reopened Newton Abbot and Torbay are out on a limb.

[G.Uard]

Lots of noise in the press about the Tory plan for HS2^▸ (The next High Speed line(s)). Lead times though, are daunting.  2015 before construction would start and 2027 before the service is rolled out.  Add to that, the fact that this will be a service for the North and Midlands and our discussions re electrification and higher speeds, at least on the GW^▸ (Great Western) 'extremeties' begin to look like a wish list.

Wires from Maidenhead/Reading to Bristol on the other hand, coupled with infrastructure works/cab signalling to increase line speeds seem more realistic.  That said, from a purely personal viewpoint, I am still not convinced that expensive electrification of the Severn Tunnel, (which would flood within the hour should pumps be turned off), will be considered justifiable, if it is indeed possible.

[Lee]

Lots of noise in the press about the Tory plan for HS2^▸ (The next High Speed line(s)). Lead times though, are daunting.  2015 before construction would start and 2027 before the service is rolled out.  Add to that, the fact that this will be a service for the North and Midlands and our discussions re electrification and higher speeds, at least on the GW^▸ (Great Western) 'extremeties' begin to look like a wish list.

More on this in the link below.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=3544.msg27554#msg27554