Great Western Coffee Shop

I've read on another forum that St Phillips Marsh Depot will be open to the public on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2016. This is in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the HST entering passenger service.

Mention also that the first production power car, 43002, will be repainted in a historic livery.

No confirmation of any of this bar mention of 'internal sources', so no further details as yet.

Anyone here know more?

in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the HST entering passenger service ...[snip]... the first production power car, 43002, will be repainted in a historic livery.

Hear, Hear! Just name 43002 'Sir Kenneth Grange' to honour the HST designer and retain 43002/3 in preservation as a pair.

I would be pretty sure that some HSTs would make it into preservation, based on the history of larger classes.  Being able to have them run as they were in their prime (at up to 125 m.p.h, in 2+8 formation) might be a bit of an ask.  Although they've got pretty good route availability, 2+2 from Lydney to Parkend, each car in a different livery and with paint flaking, would be a sad shadow of their former glory.

I'd suggest 43002 in Blue & Grey with Sir Kenneth Grange nameplates and the original engine paired with the prototype 'Project Miller' powercar, although you'd have to come up with a clever coach livery to allow the blue and grey to reverse partway down the rake, and 43003 Isambard Kingdom Brunel paired with 43154 INTERCITY (https://www.flickr.com/photos/37190-dalzell/11781896166/) in Swallow livery but with their current MTU engines (and 43003 keeping his* nameplates, even though I don't think it had them before 'barbie' came along).

...or they could paint it apple green and fit German-style smoke deflectors.  :)

This exciting event will feature a number of steam, modern and vintage locomotives, including the #springboardtrain and will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the HST and the SPM Depot's 40th anniversary too. All proceeds to Springboard in our 30th year! Don't miss it!!

Is it too much to ask for a shuttle service to/from Temple Meads ?   ;D :)

Tickets now on sale - plus a free shuttle bus service from BTM!
https://twitter.com/springboard_og/status/697032534648078336/photo/1

Subject: St Philips Marsh Open day
locos/units confirmed subject to availability:

-Class 08 08663
-Class 08 08822
-Class 20 20001
-Class 20 20205
-Class 31 31162
-Class 35 D7017
-Class 40 40013
-Class 41 41001
-Class 43 Virgin Trains East Coast
-Class 43 Great Western Railway
-Class 43 East Midland Trains
-Class 43 Cross Country Trains
-Class 43 43040 (BR Blue and Yellow livery)
-Class 46 46045
-Class 50 50049
-Class 57 GWR Green
-Class 66 GBRF
-GWR Green Turbo
-GWR Green Class 150
-GWR Springboard Livery 158798

-Avon Fire and Rescue Road Rail

Other steam and heritage diesels will be confirmed nearer the time

https://www.gwr.com/explore-the-west/st-phillips-marsh

I know its for charity but ^14 a ticket seems a little on the high side to me?  Having been to numerous BR open days that were a token entry fee in the 70's and 80's perhaps I'm out of touch?  The DRS open day in Crewe is a fiver to get in.

http://www.directrailservices.com/news-articles/2016/01/21/date-announced-drs-charity-open-day-2016/

Somebody's got to pay for the 43040 paint job   ;D

All proceeds will go to the Springboard Opportunity Group

and

Helping to change the lives of children

We^re proud that all proceeds will support children under 5 with additional needs, and their families, in North Somerset.

I'm not sure that ^13.99 is al that steep - just think how many separate adults could get in for the price of (say) an adult anytime return ticket from Bristol to London.

GWR to name train after Royal British Legion branch

In honour of both the former St Silas Church on Feeder Road and the Royal British Legion branch of the same name, GWR will name a Class 08 (08 663) ^St Silas^ on Monday 11 April.

The St Silas Royal British Legion branch takes its name from the church which was destroyed 75 years ago when the Luftwaffe bombed the depot in 1941.

In attendance will be members of the Royal British Legion alongside GWR staff who will carry out the naming.

The naming is taking place in the build up to the St Philips Marsh Open Day being held on Monday 2 May 2016 which will see a unique collection of both diesel locomotives. There will be a unique line up of High Speed Train locomotives from operators across the UK and an unveiling of a unique livery and train naming in honour of Sir Kenneth Grange, designer of the HST.

Guests will be arriving from 1000 for refreshments prior to the naming at 1100.

From the Great Western Railway press invite:

There^ll be a special unveiling and naming of some locomotives, as well as the chance to climb aboard some of the exhibits.

And tickets are still available.

Perhaps we could arrange a forum gathering on the same day post visit to SPM. Who from the forum is attending this event?

Times for the green Turbo to attend


http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/V13579/2016/04/30/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/V13579/2016/04/30/advanced)

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/V13581/2016/05/02/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/V13581/2016/05/02/advanced)

Very interesting to see it going via Bathampton and Bradford North Junction on the return - only possible after the track lowering last August?

Very interesting to see it going via Bathampton and Bradford North Junction on the return - only possible after the track lowering last August?

A tentative suggestion that forum members meet up in the Knights Templar (Wetherspoons) near Temple Meads after the event?

I appreciate people may be going to SPM at different times of the day, but what say come along to Wetherspoons any time between 3pm and 5pm? At the very least, I will be there between those times.

Rail depot workhorse named after bombed church in run up to Open Day

(http://www.transportrail.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SWNS_TRAIN_NAMING_02-696x563.jpg)
Pic shows L to R Jon Tipler, Mike Muddle of the RBL and GWR Driver Operations Manager Simon Cassidy

GWR today, 11 April 2016, named one of their Class 08 shunting locomotives St Silas, after the church of the same name.

The St Silas church, which was situated on Feeder Road, was destroyed 75  years ago on 3 January 1941 during a bombing raid by the Luftwaffe. Over 140 Bristolians perished that night as German airmen attempted to hit the Railway and Docks area of the city. The St Silas name lives on through the local Royal British Legion Branch and now on locomotive 08 663.

Simon Cassidy, Driver Operations Manager, said: ^The Royal British Legion do a fantastic job in supporting countless people affected by service for their country. We are proud that this locomotive will serve as a tribute to the work of the Legion and in remembrance to those who lost their lives on that fateful evening.^

Mike Muddle, Chairman of the St Silas Branch of the Royal British Legion said: ^We are thrilled that GWR have decided to name this locomotive after our branch and the church. The links between the railway and the forces has always been strong and this naming will see this tradition continue.^

The naming is part of a build up to the St Philips Marsh Open Day on 2 May 2016 which will celebrate 40 Years of the High Speed Train (Class 43). The Open Day will see one of the largest gatherings of diesel locomotives from around the country. Present on the day will also be Sir Kenneth Grange, the designer of the Class 43, who will name a locomotive and special livery.

I would love to go to this event :-)

The Coffee Shop forum meet-up in the Knights Templar (J D Wetherspoon) near Bristol Temple Meads is open to anyone - members or non-member readers of this forum.

Purely for your ease of identification of any group from the Coffee Shop forum who will be in the Knights Templar, I shall wear my habitual hi-viz vest:

(http://i.imgur.com/zWTz9wN.png)

My colleague bignosemac will no doubt be wearing his trademark cloth cap.  ::)

Either way, you will be able to avoid us easily, if you so wish.  :-X

Which one - the depot and/or the meetup?  ;)

The Coffee Shop forum meet-up in the Knights Templar (J D Wetherspoon) near Bristol Temple Meads is open to anyone - members or non-member readers of this forum.

I've therefore expanded the topic heading to cover both events, with thanks to bignosemac for suggesting the social meeting.  ;D

My colleague bignosemac will no doubt be wearing his trademark cloth cap.  ::)

Either way, you will be able to avoid us easily, if you so wish.  :-X

Getting something off the back of the sleepers?

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C50365/2016/04/29/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C50365/2016/04/29/advanced)

Anyone going for photos?

Looks like it - class 57?
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/V13577/2016/04/30/advanced

Another interesting move, an 08 judging by the timing speed! 

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/V13578/2016/04/30/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/V13578/2016/04/30/advanced)

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/V13577/2016/04/30/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/V13577/2016/04/30/advanced)

Getting something off the back of the sleepers?

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C50365/2016/04/29/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C50365/2016/04/29/advanced)

Anyone going for photos?

HST 'Special Livery' to be unveiled at about 11.30am  :)

Special Press Preview

You are invited to attend a special press preview of the St Philips Marsh Open Day ... on Bank Holiday Monday, 2 May.

Celebrating the 40th year of the Intercity 125, on display will be a mix of diesel and steam traction and a unique line-up of High Speed Trains from operators all over the country. Sir Kenneth Grange, designer of the HST, will also attend to unveil a special locomotive at 11:30.

Yes they are.

Just a reminder to all those from this forum who are attending the Open Day.

An opportunity to meet with other forum members has been arranged for 3-5pm in The Knight's Templar Wetherspoons close to Temple Meads station.

All welcome. Even if you're not going to St Phillip's Marsh.

High Speed Train power cars of many colours will be departing from all over the UK for Bristol over this weekend, heading for St.Philips Marsh public Open Day on Monday 2nd May.  Prototype 41001 and 125 Group^s Mk3 coaches are also being prepared for the trip from their home base at Ruddington Great Central Railway (Nottingham) to the Great Western Railway.

Tickets are still available for what promises to be a very memorable open day celebrating 40 Years of HSTs. The event is being hosted by Great Western Railway in aid of Springboard Opportunity Group.  For more information and to book tickets CLICK HERE.

This is a summary of the non-passenger convoys planned however please note, as always, this information is provided in good faith but these movements can change at short notice on the day subject to operational constraints, the trains may run early or late or be cancelled. Live schedule links are shown where available courtesy of Realtime Trains.

Saturday 30th April

0750 Craigentinny to Heaton, formed of Virgin Power Car 43300 + Virgin Trailer First 41190 + NMT Power Car 43013.  http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K96080/2016/04/30/advanced

1339 Heaton to Etches Park, formed of Virgin Power Car 43300 + NMT Power Car 43013 + Grand Central Power Car 43423 + Virgin Trailer First 41190.  http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K96081/2016/04/30/advanced

Sunday 31st April

5Z42 1619 Etches Park to Hotchley Hill (GCRN Rushcliffe Halt), formed of Virgin Power Car 43300 + NMT Power Car 43013 + Grand Central Power Car 43423 + Virgin Trailer First 41190 + East Midlands Trains Power Car 43048.

Prototype Power Car 41001 + 125 Group Mk3s 12092 + 10206 + 11074 are expected to depart from Ruddington at 1645 heading for Rushcliffe Halt, including a run-round at 50 Steps.

5Z43 1925 Hotchley Hill (GCRN Rushcliffe Halt) to Bristol St.Philips Marsh, formed of Virgin Power Car 43300 + NMT Power Car 43013 + Grand Central Power Car 43423 + Prototype Power Car 41001 + 125 Group Mk3s 12092 + 10206 + 11074 + Virgin Trailer First 41190 + East Midlands Trains Power Car 43048.

The convoy is planned to return north from Bristol early on Tuesday 3rd May.

A Message from Ann Ramsey:  Apologies if you receive this more than once.

Dear Open Day Visitors,

Not long to go now, just a quick update and a few reminders.

First of all the GWR organisers have asked me to send you the following:

"Unfortunately due to various operational issues beyond our control, Rood Ashton Hall, The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and Tangmere will not be appearing at the St Philips Marsh Open Day. However LMS locomotive, Royal Scot, is already at the depot and will be part of the Open Day. Some other exhibits may also not be the specific locomotive previously advertised. We hope this will not dampen your enjoyment of what will be a fantastic day".

Special Livery Unveiling: This is planned for approximately 11.30

Tickets: Please bring your ticket in either paper form or on your mobile phone. 

Payment at the gate is by CASH only, Nearest ATM is at nearby Sainsburys store.

Travelling to the event:

Free shuttle bus every 15 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads, most are fully accessible and there are many public buses running along A4 Bath Road, adjacent to Albert Road.

Parking: There is no parking on the site. Bristol Wholesale Fruit Market (BS2 0YQ) is ^3 all day and there are stewards on site. Look for signs on Albert Road and for walking directions to the event.

Parking for disabled and people with mobility needs is best in Avon Meads Retail Park. Avon Street, (BS2 0SP)Park at the SHOWCASE CINEMA end, with access along a small road which is also the KFC drive thru, so please take care. Look for the signs and  Stewards will able to help and give guidance.

Food and Drink: Various caterers will be at the event, but bringing your own food is acceptable.

Stalls: Over 20 will be attending selling all types of rail related items and goodies.

Raffle: There will be a Springboard raffle at ^5 per ticket, 1st Prize a 2 hour session on the Rail Simulator in the GWR Training School, date TBA, and a few other prizes. We are also hoping to hold a Silent Auction for a few special bits and pieces. 

Programmes: Individually numbered limited edition of 2000 commemorative programmes, with a mug and a pin badge are on sale at ^15 each. Mugs are also available to buy seperately at ^5 each.

Safety: Venue is  working rail depot and some areas will be on uneven terrain so please wear appropriate footwear.

Weather: It might be wet and a bit windy; enough said!

Enjoyment: Expected and encouraged!

I'll do my best to help with any queries. See you all Monday.

Best regards,

Ann

I can't but help think that if regular rail passengers had three out of four advertised trains cancelled / withdrawn at the last minute, there would be all hell to pay. The fact that these changes can be made just a couple of days ahead is testament to the good nature of the 'enthusiast' (used in its widest sense) community and to just how commonplace changes are to special services / heritage operations.

Those who have bought tickets, are they print-at-home so that I can make my mind up whether or not I'm going on Sunday evening?

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R00819/2016/04/30/advanced

Class 31 D5580, class 40 D213, class 46 D182, class 50 50035 and GBRf class 66.

Looking forward to this one tomorrow, the bus from Swindon not so much though.  ;D ::)

You'll recognise the first one - I was standing next to bignosemac...

Noteworthy are the appearances by HST prototype 41001 and 43040 'Bristol St Philips Marsh' in original BR HST livery. Hope the latter keeps that livery in traffic for a while.

43002 looks rather good (thanks for the quick photo uploads folks), although I'm not sure about the nameplate (great choice of name, but the livery doesn't really leave space for such a plate). I see the number is now much less obvious, like with the GWR green power cars .

43002 will be in traffic tomorrow. I doubt there are any plans to repaint it any time soon.

43002's first run in new livery now under way according to Facebook HST group:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O90148/2016/05/03/advanced

Modern accessibility regulations prevent the Mk3s from having the full original livery. Doors are required to have a contrasting colour to the body colour.

Really? Or does that not apply until 1st Jan 2020 (when the current Mrk3s doors won't be compliant anyway, even if painted a contrasting colour)? After all, Chiltern painted their 'Banbury commuter set' in BR blue/grey (with Chiltern logos) for a while, even though every other TOC (Eurostar excepted, until recently) were going for contrasting doors.

Passenger carrying rail vehicles built before 1999 have to comply with the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) 2010 if and when they are refurbished. Prior to 2010 they had to comply with RVAR 1998 if and when they were refurbished.

They still have contrasting doors though....

That photo is the original set - before the repaint. The repaint is into 'silver train' style. Half the coaches now done.

I'd love to know the grand total raised for Springboard today - it must be a sizeable amount.

While final figures are still being calculated, we are looking at some 5,000 visitors on the day, raising somewhere tens of thousands for Springboard. I will issue a final figure in due course.

The 40th anniversary of the High Speed Train was celebrated at an open day at St Philips Marsh depot on May 2.

The open day attracted 5,000 visitors, with funds raised donated to Springboard Opportunity Group. GWR spokesman Dan Panes told RAIL that more than ^20,000 was likely to have been raised at the event.

Also at the open day, Colas Rail 47749 was renamed City of Truro, albeit without ceremony. The locomotive, one of a batch of ^47s^ delivered to the Western Region, carried that name from June 8 1965 until October 1988. Colas removed the Demelza name it had carried since September 2007 in favour of its original name.

GWR also displayed examples of its fleet, with Classes 08, 43, 57, 150, 158 and 166 attending the event, along with main line and preserved locomotives, many of which were regular visitors to Bristol.

For more on the event, and a list of what attended the open day, read RAIL 800, published on May 11.

Great Western Railway^s plans to repaint a full rake of Mk 3s in blue and grey, to match 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange, were scuppered by the need to comply with Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) rules

Err.. DDA was repealed by the Equality Act in 2010. Also is the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2010 and the Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Interoperable Rail System) Regulations 2008 that apply to pre-1998 rolling stock if and when they are refurbished, which would include re-livery.

Under DDA rules, doors must be a different colour scheme to that of the main bodyside, so that they are distinguishable to passengers with visibility problems.

I suspect doors are differently coloured to assist passengers with vision, rather than visibility, problems. If any GWR passengers have, indeed, developed invisibility, we should like a photograph ;-)

The article also says:


Which has prompted the comment:


Must try harder RAIL. Article written by the Assistant Editor no less. I wonder if the inaccuracies are in the print version too.  ::)

From one of my contacts at the Great Western Railway press office:

Over £25,000 raised by Bristol Depot Open Day
 
Great Western Railway’s open day at their St Philips Marsh depot, Bristol, has raised more than £25,000 for a local charity.
 
Announced at Springboard’s Autumn Ball at Cadbury House Country Club, GWR Driver Operations Manager Simon Cassidy presented a cheque for £26,000 to Springboard’s Joint CEO and a founding parent, Ann Ramsey.
 
Ann said: “This is a first for us and a truly staggering amount of money. By helping to raise funds for and promoting Springboard and the needs of disabled children, GWR are helping to break down barriers and assumptions. GWR really have pulled out all the stops to make the open day a memorable one and the money raised shows how successful it was. Springboard are proud to have been part of the open day and we are amazed and delighted by the interest shown by the public.”
 
Springboard is a north Somerset charity providing support for children with disabilities from birth to aged 5.
 
The depot opened up its doors to the general public in May in celebration of the 40th year of the Intercity 125 train, and unveiled a specially liveried locomotive in honour of the train’s designer Sir Kenneth Grange. On display was a range of both steam and diesel locomotives, including Intercity 125 High Speed Train locomotives from all over the country.
 
Driver Operations Manager Simon Cassidy said: “Committed to the communities we serve, we have long-supported Springboard and it is fantastic to have raised such an impressive amount. We at GWR are only too aware of the vital role rail has played and continues to play for the local and national economy. To have people queuing to enter the depot and see how it operates day-to-day, and to see such a selection of trains, is humbling.”   
 
Members of the public were offered the opportunity to look inside the depot buildings and get a flavour of the work that is carried out 24 hours a day to help maintain, refuel and clean the GWR fleet. Tickets were made available by GWR with all proceeds from the event being donated to Springboard.

Children at Springboard may have a wide range of disabilities including: autism; cerebral palsy; complex health and medical needs; Down’s syndrome; sensory impairments; language and communication difficulties.