Great Western Coffee Shop

Links from the FGW website.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=2138

http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=2139

http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=2140

At least the ride will improve for pacers!

Surprised Paignton isn't up for half term, it normally is every February/October  ???

The original plan was for track replacement between just beyond Digby and Polsloe Bridge but you only have to ride the line to realise that this stretch is not the worst, that accolade belongs to the length from Topsham to just beyond the Motorway bridge towards Digby, although there are a couple of other stretches which come close! On Saturday I observed that alongside the Topsham/Motorway stretch there were new 60' length rails, which presumably will be laid during the forthcoming blockade. Whether it is a simple case of re-railing (no new sleepers) or whether new sleepers and/or welding will be incorporated remains to be seen. If anyone has any more information this would be appreciated.

There is no doubt that is both stretches of track are dealt with the quality of the 142 ride on the Exmouth Branch will be greatly improved.

TJ

Sorry to be a bringer of bad news, but i heard at work yesterday from someone who assures me he knows about these things, that the section between Topsham and the motorway bridge is going to be replaced, but not with continuous weld rail. It's still going to be jointed, but even so the quality of ride should still improve. If this is true, seems a bit strange, after all the other track renewal on the devon branches has been with continuous weld! So lets hope my source is wrong!

A backwards step?

I was on a refurb 150 and the ride was poor, let along a 142 which was pretty awful, perhaps improved by the fact that it was a 4 car.

There's nothing wrong with relaying jointed track, I believe the Falmouth Branch has been relaid with jointed track, the ride is super, the important thing is to move the New Rail Joints to what would have been the Middle of the Old 60ft Rails because after years of Wheel Beats the Ballast and Ground beneath gain a memory that can go down about 20ft.

The New Jointed track CAN BE as smooth as CWR.



Edit note: Quote marks fixed. CfN.

They put loads of welded rail on the Falmouth last time around, sorry smokey, your mistaken!



Edit note: Quote marks fixed. CfN.

From the FGW website :

Train services between Exeter St Davids and Exmouth have been disrupted due to a problem with line-side equipment in the Topsham area.Engineers have worked as fast as possible to restore services to normal. Short notice alterations and delays of up to 20 minutes may still occur.

From the FGW website :

15:39 Barnstaple to Exmouth due 17:17

This train will be terminated at Exeter St Davids.It will no longer call at: Exeter Central, St James' Park, Polsloe Bridge, Digby & Sowton, Topsham, Exton, Lympstone Commando, Lympstone Village and Exmouth.This is due to a train fault.

17:20 Exmouth to Barnstaple due 19:08

This train will be started from St James' Park.It will no longer call at: Exmouth, Lympstone Village, Lympstone Commando, Exton, Topsham, Digby & Sowton and Polsloe Bridge.This is due to an earlier train fault.

From the FGW website :

Train services between Exeter St Davids and Exmouth are being disrupted due to signalling problems in the Topsham area.Engineers are working as fast as possible to restore services to normal. Short notice alterations, cancellations and delays of up to 20 minutes can be expected.

06:37 Exeter St Davids to Exmouth due 07:07

This train has been terminated at St James' Park.It will no longer call at: Polsloe Bridge, Digby & Sowton, Topsham, Exton, Lympstone Commando, Lympstone Village and Exmouth.This is due to signalling problems.

07:15 Exmouth to Paignton due 08:39

This train will be started from St James' Park.It will no longer call at: Exmouth, Lympstone Village, Lympstone Commando, Exton, Topsham, Digby & Sowton and Polsloe Bridge.This is due to signalling problems.

09:18 Exeter St Davids to Exmouth due 09:45

This train will be terminated at St James' Park.It will additionally call at: St James' Park.It will no longer call at: Digby & Sowton, Topsham, Lympstone Village and Exmouth.This is due to signalling problems.

09:20 Exmouth to Newton Abbot due 10:22

This train will be started from Exeter St Davids.It will no longer call at: Exmouth, Lympstone Village, Lympstone Commando, Exton, Topsham, Digby & Sowton, Polsloe Bridge, St James' Park and Exeter Central.This is due to signalling problems.

13:43 Newton Abbot to Exmouth due 14:46

This train will be terminated at Exeter St Davids.It will no longer call at: Exeter Central, Digby & Sowton, Topsham, Lympstone Village and Exmouth.This is due to earlier signalling problems.

14:50 Exmouth to Barnstaple due 16:30

This train will be started from St James' Park.It will no longer call at: Exmouth, Lympstone Village, Lympstone Commando, Exton, Topsham, Digby & Sowton and Polsloe Bridge.This is due to earlier signalling problems.

this has happend a couple of times in this area is there any vandalism going on i chased some kids away near digby throwing stuff off the bridge, i would have called the police but they ran pretty far :-)

Problems continuing this morning (28/10/2008.) From the FGW website :

Train services between Exeter St Davids and Exmouth are being disrupted due to signalling problems in the Topsham area.Engineers are working as fast as possible to restore services to normal. Short notice alterations and delays can be expected.

06:40 Exmouth to Exeter St Davids due 07:12
This train will be started from Topsham.It will no longer call at: Exmouth, Lympstone Village, Lympstone Commando and Exton.This is due to signalling problems.

Interestingly, the Exmouth line is the only one of the Devon & Cornwall branch lines not to be included in the current extended engineering works shutdown programme. Will that change if the problems continue further? (link below.)
http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=3940&NewsAreaID=2&SearchCategoryID=7

As I understand it the Avocet line is due to be shut in December between Christmas and the New Year for track relaying in the Lympstone area, and will also be shut 10/11 & 18 January.

The relaying will obviously not solve the Topsham problem, whatever that is - I have not heard any details of what the faults were.

TJ

Track circuit failure which necessitated pilot working, it subsequently self rectified and then failed again which seemed to add to the confusion!  (In the end it was a power supply unit failure)

No replacement of the jointed track between Digby and Topsham then?

No, that will be with us for some years I believe. As I understand it the next section of track to be renewed (2010?) is from where it stops this time through to Exmouth. After that it is the Topsham station area and then the remaining section between Topsham & Exton. All work will be at weekends, week long blockades being a thing of the past. But if Network Rail gets its credit crunched, who knows what will happen!

As regards the dates for the forthcoming work I had no sooner posted the reference to December when I received confirmation that all the work will be done in January (2009), the dates being :

Saturday 3rd January
Sunday 4th January
Saturday 10th January
Sunday 11th January
Sunday 18th January

TJ

Such incredible planning. Saturdays at the sales in Exeter are cancelled for those of you on the Avocet Line!!

At the time of the last week long shut down the rails only were replaced between Newcourt and Topsham. Brand new 95lb/yard Bullhead Rail in 60 foot lengths replaced worn out 95lb/Yard Bullhead rail in 39 foot lengths. Along with some follow up tamping to remove the dips where the rail joints had formerly been. Has improved the vertical ride but the 142's still seem to hunt horizontally at a very short period of oscillation on this bit of line.

Don't think this bit will be relaid for a year or three.

There is some engineering work taking place on Sunday through to Thursday, by the look of it (02-06/11/2008, links below.)
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=3013

http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=3014

Nearly as good as shutting the line between Newton Abbot & Paignton during half-term week  ;)

Don't get me started on that! Tuesdays bus was full by Torquay!!

That will never change, has happened for years.

were exmouth trains running the 1738 didnt turn up?

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3258042883_c5c1e4c06e.jpg?v=0)
(http://flickr.com/photos/relex109/3258042883/)

1738 Topsham - Barnstaple ran ;)

1654 Paignton - Exmouth was cancelled though.

i wanted to go to exmouth, i was at topsham at 1730?

1738 to Exmouth ran.

the clock in my van must be out unless it was delayed? i was a bit cold maybee i gave up too easy?

On time!

Date and Time (Original):     2009:02:06 17:50:13

that explains that

We've had quite a few short formed trains on the Exmouth line this week, two cars vice four, and in the peak too - *groan*.

Out of interest - does anyone know the reason for this?

Thanks.

Basically you're a victim of the nationwide shortage of fast, long (more than one coach) reliable DMUs.

FGW have far too few units and those they have aren't that reliable.

Ideally the Exmouth line should be electricfied if Exeter ever gets the wires

Northern took back 10 142 carriages, probably not being used!

Should also add, the Barnstaple hourly services means it is impossible to concentrate the 4 cars on the far busier Paignton -Exeter - Exmouth route.

The diagrams are as follows:
Paignton to Exmouth to Barnstaple to Exmouth to Paignton. Etc

i have an idea that would increase capacity and frequency between exmouth and paignton, all it needs is a certain service extending and one maybee two units from another toc, but you will think its sill so..

I would assume they'd do 3rd rail for Exmouth and Barny, as part of the Waterloo to Exeter line. (which I also assume they'd do with 3rd rail)

Well no they wouldn't, as third rail cannot be installed to newly electrified lines.

Also, what business case does Barnstaple have for electrification of all places!

if swt's had one extra unit they could serve stations upto barns insted of fgw, freeing up extra units for exmouth and paignton

Or they could run more services to Paignton, which would be a much better use of resources.

i will wave you off at the station when you travel to paddington on a pacer  :D

im really sorry i misread your post, thats basically the same thing as im saying, but if fgw didnt have to worry about the tarka line the exmouth to paignton route could become alot more frequent

it would also offer another station direct services to london, paignton already has this

 Slightly off subject, but I am quite fascinated by the speculation of electrification of branch lines in Devon.

 I'm in my 50's but it is never going to happen, well certainly not in my lifetime.

 I suppose it is something that will be addressed in the future - perhaps we will have electric trains with solar panels charging batteries etc.
 The units on branch lines are no more than glorified bus engines, so perhaps that is feasible.
 
 Or alternatively, I think it's  Japan who use magnetic fields for motive power.
 
 I suppose it is pretty radical and speculative, but all the time a version of HST 2 is being built on the old diesel format.
 Thinking how important transport is to our society and yet the railway infastructure has little changed in 150 years.

by the time they even think about electrification for us, hydrogen fuel cells will be alot more practical

Possibly some of the 15x has gone missing this weekend for strengthening services round Westbury. Leaving the 14x to cope unaided. Pilton Festival this weekend. Or Glastonbury Festival if you prefer.

One finger, or two? (http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/coffeescreen.gif) (http://www.millan.net)

three  ;D

A true Scout (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scout_sign_and_salute), relex109!  ;D

haha  ;)

Thanks all for the prompt and interesting replies.

Pacers are rubbish but taking the *national* view I can see why we have them. (There's a stock shortage so somebody has to. Exmouth to Exeter is sufficiently short for their rubbishness not to be too much of an issue - provided they run in multiple in the peak. Barnstaple is a different story of course.)

Electrification would be wonderful - but even as a relative youngster I'm not holding my breath...

Incidentally - wouldn't it make sense for virtually all future electrification to be 25kV AC (except perhaps pockets of Southern infill)? Dual voltage units seem fairly common these days and presumably are of greater value to leaseco's on account of flexibility. So it could be under the wires to Basingstoke and then 3rd rail to Waterloo!  ;)

 

Yes electrifcation is good. I would suggest Salisbury as the end of third rail as this gives one changeover point. The lines from Southampton/Eastleigh and Basingstoke third rail and lines to Exeter and Westbury overhead. If the wires go to Basingstoke then either Salisbury or both Southampton and Easleigh become changeover points.

However, that still leaves Reading  Basingtoke which could be third rail but that would mean conductor rails through Reading staion, not a good idea. So Basingstoke will be a changeover point in any case.

The choice for Southampton/Eastleigh  Salisbury thus reamains open.  Do you have three interchanges or two?

I would consider the WOEML as Southern Infill.

Why bother having trains switch half way - it's not like the Thameslink route?

I would have thought the people living along the line would prefer not having wires. I would not like wires, as it would ruin the consistency. (but that's just me!)

third rail looks much better

Do you really think SWT will run to Barnstaple, when they have already decided to stop services past Exeter from December?

Hardly a bother to change at Salisbury. Think of all the changes that North London services used to have (although interestingly overhead is gradually replacing third rail on that route, with another section about to switch.) 

Third rail is not allowed except for limited infill due to 'Elf 'n Safety, which has been the case for many years. I doubt whether Salisbury-Exeter would count as infill, particularly given dual units are now commonplace. 

It was the DfT that decided SWT would not run beyond Exeter, it was clearly stated in the 2007 franchise invitation to tender that the service would cease in December 2010. IIRC the reasoning is partly to increase FGW's revenue on the route, as well as allegedly provide more stock for the east of Exeter service. 

I'm sure SWT would run wherever the DfT required them to (Barnstaple for example) if the price was right...

Paul

The new Network RUS from NR has a cost benefit ratio for Basingstoke-Exeter electrification of 3:1 and surprisingly it's one of the higher placed schemes (though still behind the GWML and MML obviously). Of course it's just a wishlist so most of these schemes will still be waiting to happen when Exeter City take their rightful place in the Premier League...

Regarding the through trains beyond Exeter, I don't think they're really needed. Exeter-Yeovil trains are always busy if 3 car and busy in the peak at 6 car, though not usually full. Yeovil eastwards is nearly always busy with 6 cars. In comparison, my experience is that west of Exeter SWT are rarely more than 1/3 full outside the summer holidays (apart from the 1749 from Exeter) and certainly less full than the other operators. The units would be much better used east of Exeter. The biggest loser will be Ivybridge, although I'm sure the Riviera would like a few extra fast services to compensate.

The RUS is suggesting 25kv overhead for Basingstoke to Exeter, like your joke about Exeter City getting into the Premier league, you should be a comedien!!! ;)

And there is no way the DFT will ask them to run to Barnstaple before the end of the current FGW franchise, which I believe is 2013 at the earliest, but more likely 2016. So basically, it ain't going to happen any time soon!

From the Exmouth Journal (http://www.exmouthjournal.co.uk/exmouthjournal/news/story.aspx?brand=EXJOnline&category=news&tBrand=devon24&tCategory=newsexj&itemid=DEED27%20Aug%202009%2012%3A24%3A28%3A033):

142s are far better than a 158 with duff aircon! The 143s are still going to be down there anyway ;)

Is that the Premier Division of the Southern Football League to which you refer?  ;)  ;D

Nothin wrong with 142's, workhorses! we should show them more appreciation as we'd have been in the sh1t without them!

ive noticed guards seem to prefer working 142's to sprinters must be less hassle from there point of view! i dont hate them there decent little units i just wish they would keep them off the barny route! exmouth to paignton if fine! what they were made for!! noone goes all the way on that route well harldy anyone infact it may aswell be two sepperate services when you look at how people use the service with esd being the split plus the sea wall route had good views from a donkey!

I'm sure the guards will disagree :)

i disagree

I disagree... give me 150s with intermediate door controls anyday.

Even the newbies don't like them  ;D

the couple i was talking about were from up't north lol

 ;D

To be fair they aren't that bad, it's just revenue is hard when you've got to run back to an end to do doors - especially Exmouth branch.

thats why the penalty fair needs to be enforced i hate seeing people sneek on knoewing there is a chance they dont have to pay only needs a group of them between stations and its impossible to check everyones

 I notice that the Great Western Rail Utilisation Document, already mentioned on another thread, considers an half-hourly Exmouth-Paignton.
 Could this work without slowing down the 'high speed' services ?

 Unless it means that more stations will have selected stopping patterns.

Some will be running in the ex SWT paths I should imagine, and some others apparently will not run beyond Newton Abbot in the hours when XC run through. I suppose it is all possible as they don't seem to mention any major issues.

By the way, the RUS explicitly mentions that DfT have instructed FGW to provide more services vice SWT, and seems to confirm the second LHCS set as someone posted recently. Couldn't see anything about replacing SWT calls at the likes of Ivybridge though...

Paul

Paul, from December, FGW wil be pretty much replacing the ex SWT services like-for-like, including Ivybridge stops, even the Saturday down, Sunday up Exeter - Penzance service.

Richard Burningham,
Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership

devon_metro and his "train tree" to the rescue it seems  ;)

FGW obviously are in possession of one  :D

That seems fair, and what I always expected somehow, based on the view from SWT-land, and having read all the FGW and SWT franchise stuff over the last few years. There's been a few doubters here who reckoned it wouldn't happen though...

Are these all actual services, or additional calls in other existing services though? I'm sure people would be happy to hear more details if you have them...

Paul

I wish Network Rail would take notice how important the Branch line is and how it needs to expand the frequency to an 15 min service between Exeter and Exmouth and have more stations to enable more people to catch the trains.

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/news/Devon-train-proposals-criticised/article-1493888-detail/article.html

Trains could start at Exeter Central using the Bay platform.

New Stations

Monkerton and Newcourt

Twin track station at Exmouth  and building double track between Polsloe and Digby, with an extra passing loop at Lympstone.

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/news/MP-backs-possible-station-expansion/article-1302873-detail/article.html

Improve the station across the Branch line

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/news/New-stations-built-city-transport-masterplan/article-1249765-detail/article.html

updated information




_{Edit note: Corrected spelling in topic heading. C.}

It is half hourly, isn't it?

Yep  ???

Yes  you were right i put the wrong time interval it should of been 15 mins not 30.

And you can't spell 'Avocet'...

it would appear that i am not the only one with spelling difficultys (spot the mistake's :D ;D)

anyway this line is an interesting one... apart from leading upto digby and between there and topsham... i dont belive there is alot of space for double track, the cheapest way to improve frequency and improve capacity would be to build a second platform at digby leave timings as they are but have one unit running between digby and central

There isn't the demand from Digby. A lot of the trains arrive into Digby full anyway. What is needed is to ensure that trains are not operated by lone pacers as they get packed. I travelled on a 143 on it's own twice  yesterday and both times it was standing in the isles.

im sorry mate but your incorrect there is a demand at digby look at the growth in passenger numbers,almost every time ive been there the platform has been packed! dont get me wrong it has its quiet times but it is a busy station and has so much potential! adding a shuttle service between central and digby would relive conjestion on the whole line nearly a quater of a million people used the station last year 1 100% rise in 6 years where as exmouth had a drop in users of over 100 thousand, the ideal situation would be to double all or most of the whole line provide bigger trains higher frequency , just isnt going to happen however duel upto digby and one extra unit is possible

These units would be far better utilised either making sure all trains are 4/3 carriages, or otherwise using them between Paignton and Exeter to provide a half hourly stopping service.

Taking an off peak example: 15 people roughly boarded yesterdays 13.40 Digby - Exeter, which was full & standing before arriving. Had there been a 15 minute service there would be lots of empty seats in the so called shuttle trains.

Using the official figures published by the ORR , it is clear that overall passenger number growth on the 'Avocet Line' (it would btw be nice if admin could change the title of this thread!) is very positive;for the period 2003-2008 the percentage increase was a staggering 15.7% if Exeter Central is excluded or a slightly more sensible, but still pretty impressive, 7.1% if EXC is factored in. Most of the growth has been fuelled by Topsham (67.1K , 63.5%) and Digby & Sowton (127K , 105.3%), the latter location being the railhead for a short walk/cycle to the Sandy Park Stadium home of Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club, who are now actively promoting the use of the train for getting to matches, and the centre of a major residential development.
Although accepting that usage at Exmouth has declined (-5.4%) over the last 5 years, this raw statistic ignores the fact that nearly 700K passengers are still using the station; it is widely acknowledged that the 'parallel' A376 road is already running at full capacity and, because of the terrain, opportunities for further enhancements are very limited.
The line is now also promoted by the Avocet Line Rail Users Group(ALRUG) - http://sites.google.com/site/theavocetline/home (http://sites.google.com/site/theavocetline/home) - who hold regular meetings often involving Network Rail, FGW and the various local authorities.
New stations are planned for Newcourt (on the site of the old RN stores depot) between Digby and Topsham, and Monkerton between Digby and Polsloe Bridge. These additions can apparently only be achieved by re-doubling of the line from Exmouth Junction to at least Digby, and preferably Topsham, and the provision of a new passing loop at Lympstone. This would also permit the ALRUG aspiration of a 4 trains/hour service, although I personally believe that 3 TPH would be adequate.
At the moment I live in hope rather than expectation! 

Would it possible to have a links page where links to websites such as the one quoted in in the previous post could be placed? I think that would be a really useful service.

Done!  ;)

Good idea, John!  I'll see what we can do, this afternoon.  C.   ;)

Blimey, that's quick! Thanks Chris.

thanks for changing the thread subject

I would have thought that more carriages on the existing services would be sufficient, such as 6/8 at peak time.  (Of course, this assuming a World with unlimited working units...  ;))

Yes that may be one way of solving the problem.

But far as I am aware more choaches you have the higher the cost of running the services. I might be wrong.

I still like to see the station upgraded.

I would expect the 15 minute service to run only at peak times.

It would be nice if the newer rolling stock like 159 which are three car units

Cheaper to run a 4 car train than 2 2 car trains.

1 x 4 car train offers the following benefits:
*Lower track access charges etc
*Half the number of crew involved
*Back up in case of unit failure
*Not to mention the fact that a 4 car can mop up a crowded platform instead of a 2 car only taking half.

I can't see them allowing anything new down here. Here is some I found


I found plenty of three car units

3 Car Units
159,165,166,168,172/2 or 172/3,175/1, 185


4 Car units
168,171/8,185

When are we going to get some newer rolling stock. The Two car 142 can't cope with the number of passengers.

This year we are should be getting a load of 150s once London Midland receive their new Class 172s. However I think the hired Arriva 150s and Northern Rail 142s will be handed back, so no extra capacity.

There is the slight benefit of a 150 having more room than a 142, otherwise we will continue to suffer at the hands of short formed trains.

The word is that it's broadly a replacement of a certain number of carriages by a very similar number.  I note that the outgoing and incoming deals are on different contracts, and should one of them fall through we could have a very interesting scenario. Starting with "take every train that's capable of being cut into sections, and cut it into sections ...."

Like the 3 car 158s being shortened to 2 car ones ... again?

Its not nice being crushed onto a little pacer, that bounces around everywhere, in boiling heat! 'Im sorry to announce this service has been reported as full and standing'

The train I was on this morning was only two car 142 and people had to stand.

On the way home it was a 142 and  153

Yep something like that though FGW/Dft would never get away with it now because even 3 car 158s are rammed at times. The local media would have a field day.

What a shame the order for 4 carriage 172s or something like them was cancelled because of electrification that is some years off which means a long wait before more diesel rolling stock can be cascaded down to the Cardiff-Portsmouth line from the Thames area. Can't say I am looking forward to 165/166s replacing the 158s that operated on this line which are good trains IMHO :(

Mind you, knowing how much Dft/government change their minds regarding all things rail, who knows what we might end up rolling stock wise over the next few years.

The 150s were probably the best units for the Avocet line as they had more doors than the 158s so could load and unload quicker, keeping to time.

Definately... and has been noted a 150 will fit more people than a 142.

However, I thought the new 172s were already delayed which could make things interesting if the Arriva & Northern stock has to go.

172001 is currently being tested at Derby

Exeter City Council, and partners, have commenced formal consultation on the proposed new development in the Newcourt area of the city.

More information is available at http://www.exeter.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=12378&detailid=12384

The good news is that there is an absolute commitment to the provision of a public transport 'hub' in the centre of the site which will include a railway station on the Exeter-Exmouth 'Avocet' branch line.

The intention seems to be to try and provide the enhanced rail service without much in the way of infrastructure improvements; personally I think that the Topsham loop should be extended as far north as possible, and preferably all the way to Exmouth Junction, to give the greatest operational flexibility.

From the Express and Echo (http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/news/City-man-41-killed-hit-train/article-3272227-detail/article.html):

Details of the planned events on and around the 1st May 2011 can be found on this new website:

http://www.avocet150.co.uk/

TJ

Will be interesting to see what the special train consists of  :D

4x142 although it won't be able to stop at Digby and of course front door only at St. James!

why not get all 8 142's and send them on a special one way trip back to manchester where they belong!

I used to think they were, in a nostalgic way, sort of OK mainly for the unobstructed view - then I rode one all the way to Barnstaple and back.

 

I must say, the novelty has certainly worn off!

Post to add to calendar ... this is part of one of the four-day weekends we're having about then

http://www.avocet150.co.uk

A small but very interesting exhibition was opened last night at Topsham Museum by FGW's Julian Crow. Well worth a visit if you are in the area. http://www.devonmuseums.net/topsham. All the display material was created by a member of ALRUG (Avocet Line Rail Users Group). Anyone wishing to join ALRUG should watch out for a special membership offer over the weekend in question.

The special train on May 1st will be an HST. Any hopes of a weekend steam event were finally dashed by a certain Royal wedding as operators were convinced that the whole world would be glued to the TV.

TJ

is this running a normal diagram or an extra one?

The HST is planned to work down to Exmouth on the 10:48 from St Davids. There is likely to be some adjustments to normal timings but I have not been advised of these to date.

It will be a full length HST, with one carriage reserved for dignatories but otherwise a normal service.

Will publish more when information is to hand.

TJ

If it forms a service to Barnstaple I'm in ! Unlikly as it is

I am travelling out of exmouth on the 1st if i had known about the hst i soooo would have booked my onward journey to bristol to co-incide with that train, :'( but i cannot change it, i might have to make a trip to exeter for no reason now!!

Welcome to the Coffee Shop forum, amy2311 - and thanks for your evident enthusiasm!  :)

There is now a reference to this event on FGW's web site with a link, as under, to their poster giving timings of the HST's run.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Documents/Custom/GW110401%20Avocet%20150%20Poster%20A%20V3.pdf

If you are prepared to travel in Victorian costume then you you could ride down to Exmouth for free and, subject to sufficient supplies being available, acquire a souvenir booklet and Edmonson ticket - see http://www.avocet150.co.uk/1st-may-costumed-passengers-ride-free-on-special-train/

Have a great day whatever you decide to do.

TJ

 

from the bbc http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-13253318

its only a short article and they still get it wrong

Well it was the first time this month!

Well apart from gunislake a hst has now covered every line in Devon (with a network connection)

Has one been to Okehampton and on to Meldon?

it has indeed  in 1997 http://classictractionimages.weebly.com/uploads/2/2/8/2/2282195/9231089.jpg that surprised you  :P

 i cant find a decent link with description but here is the owners main site http://classictractionimages.weebly.com/

Fair shout, relex109!  ;) :D ;D

I see even Buckfastleigh and Heathfield have seen HSTs!

http://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/90s/970426hr.htm

 ;D you see i made a point of saying with a main line connection because i was pretty sure that the south devon hadn't had one, that would have been interesting!  i was sure that at some point kingsweir had seen one, the only line that im now not sure of is the tarka line past coleford junction, i thought it was a safe bet that the network rail hst had been up to barnstaple but now im not to sure as i cant find proof and i keep hearing 'weight restriction'

HST to Barnstaple seems fine: see http://www.cyber-heritage.co.uk/north_devon_line_okehampton_web_optimised/index7.html

and we know they have been to axminster so the only line left out is the marsh barton stub

Hmm. A Class 66 hauled passenger excursion on the Marsh Barton stub, maybe (see http://teignrail.com/whats-new.php), but not an HST.  ::)

happened a couple of times, one was a railtour to okehampton

Made I larff!  ;) :D ;D

Thank you so much for this link, Chris.  Some fabulous stuff there.  I worked at Barnstaple station between 85 and 87 (started the week the GW Exhibition train was in town), took no pictures (!) and it is particularly good to see some of the characters I worked with.

On HSTs to Barnstaple, the last to date would have been a Pathfinders Tours special starting from there, probably 2001/2.  It ran as the 07 10 service train ex Barnstaple and, as that train did and its equivalent still does, called all stations.


 

im still looking threw these photos fascinating set

Erm ... just glad to have been of some help there.  :-[

confused dot com

I was acknowledging RichardB's gratitude, expressed in the previous post to yours, relex109 - sorry for causing you confusion!  ;) :D ;D

On Saturday a early morning service from Digby to Exeter Central had 2  X 2 Car Units and not many people.


But on Lunch return trip there was only 1 2 Car Unit which was packed and people had to stand.


Guy

No doubt a separate diagram.    There are not enough Units to strengthen all services so the best option has to be taken.   The diagram with the 2 X 2 could have been heavily loaded on another service during the day and the other diagram comfortably loaded for the rest of the day.

I mean no offence when I say this Guy, but this sort of quote is one that really annoys those of us that work on the railway. We often get asked 'Why haven't you put on extra coaches?', and I've lost count of the number of times I've replied, 'We can't just make them magically appear!', to the point now where I will often just shrug my shoulders, and look vague!
Most people that use this forum understand the chronic lack of units on our rail network, and a lot of people understand the diagramming issues and restrictions. This is before we talk about the logistical, and timing problems, of pinching a unit out of one diagram and inserting it into another. Believe me, if it was feasible, it would be done!

I didn't want to offend anyone at all; I know it down to the Government to say how much rolling stock the train company to run the  franchise, that one of the biggest problems

If you let the rail company own their own rolling stock  so they can run the franchise.

Guy

It isn't actually that straighforward, I'm afraid.  Part of the bidding for (some?) franchises has been to state how much stock you'll need to run the services, and it's historically been regarded by the bid evaluators as rather good if the figure is lower rather than higher.  There is some sound logic for this; better to make efficient use of stock rather than having it sitting around or used inefficiently.  However, it also encourgages bidders to overestimate availability and underestimate growth - not a good thing when it leads to overcrowding for significant periods of people's journeys, or overcrowding that's so extreme that people are denied boarding and have a long wait for the next train.

Do we know whether FGW specified the rolling stock in their bid or DfT?

Hi

Hope this link to the DFT web site helps

http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/rail-passenger-franchises/background/

Caught the 1654 train from Central which was then held up at the entrance to the branch for about 5 minutes.
Got to Topsham and then another 5 minute wait before all passengers were asked to leave the train.
30 minute wait on freezing platform ensued...
When we got on another train the conductor announced that there had been an incident with a person 'on the line'.
Can anyone provide any further information?

Interesting we had similar incident last year. Held up at Topsham long enough to miss the Reading train, whilst they escorted someone off the line. Wonder if it's common problem on that stretch?

I believe there were two people, and the police, on the line between Polsloe Bridge, and Digby, which caused the delays. The train terminated at Topsham due to it almost being in the pathway of the following train to Exmouth, and thus enabling the service to get back to normal.

Exeter to Exmouth will join many of the other branch lines in the South West as a community rail line.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120928a/ (http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120928a/)

What is the significant of community rail line "branding"?

Ten years ago, communities often felt that they had little input into the way that railways within those communities were operated ... and to a very great extent that was true.  Railway operation was seen purely on a larger regional or national basis, with little local consideration given, and that has to be right to some degree - especially on long distance lines.   London to Bristol services can't be predominantly governed by the needs of individual towns that pass through such as Pangboure, Wantage and Wootton Bassett, for example.

However, for lines and services which aren't of an InterCity character, there's a huge merit in having the community work with the railway service providers within their area, for the mutual benefit of both the community (who get a pride, an ownership, and an ability to request subtle changes that can make a huge difference) and the railway operators (who can take advantage of that local knoweldge and help to make the best use of services, and to have local enthusiasm and pride help to sell and look after the services).

The designation of a line as a "Community Rail" line, or a service as as community rail service, is a formal recognition of the community and the industry working together on particular lines, or for certain services on particular lines.  The Associaition of Community Rail Partnerships provides for the sharing of good practise between the groups, so that lessons learned hard in one part of the country can be more easily adoped in another without the hard learning, and provides some overall marketing and logistical support.   Being something of an official body / club, ACoRP can also help local communities open doors much more easiy once they've been acceped as a member of the club.  As I read this story, it's good news for the Avocet line - or rather for the people who use it, and the area it passes through.


It really indicates an official acceptance that this line / service is worth supporting, and is mature enough to benefit from it. The Avocet line already has a strong local group that do a great deal for the line - they've been informally a Community / Rail partnership if you would like to put it like that.  The new status should help them go from strength to strength - help them grow the use of services by support, marketing and fine tuning; such has lead to spectacular growth on lines such as the Heart of Wessex; I mention than one just because I know more about their figures than about the details of other CRPs.

Absence of a formal recognition of a CRP / Community Rail service does not stop communities working with the railways that go through there areas - indeed, if you have a line that's languishing in the doldums of an inappropriate service,  it requires the local authorities, the train operators, the government, politicians, businesses and the local community to work together to get it to the point at which ACoRP and the DfT will accept that it's become mature enough, and with a sufficient service and head of steam, to be formally recognised.   There's something of an irony in this; in Wiltshire, the elements are working together on the TransWilts and we're seeing a really serious move forward, but we're not yet far enough down the line to be formally recognised ... which is a pity, because now - in the planning stage and sorting out the current somewhat peculiar service - is the time we would really benefit from being able to be a full ACoRP member and attend events such as their "realising the potential of small stations" conference on 7th November at an affordable cost; I'm sure we could learn things / get ideas for Melksham and Dilton Marsh!

So - the formal branding should be a big gain for the Avocet line - a fillip to local pride, an access to resources, and a smoother ride as all parties work together for the best of the line and the community it serves, and I offer them my congratulations on the designation.

GrahamE says:
There's something of an irony in this; in Wiltshire, the elements are working together on the TransWilts and we're seeing a really serious move forward, but we're not yet far enough down the line to be formally recognised ... which is a pity, because now - in the planning stage and sorting out the current somewhat peculiar service - is the time we would really benefit from being able to be a full ACoRP member and attend events such as their "realising the potential of small stations" conference on 7th November at an affordable cost; I'm sure we could learn things / get ideas for Melksham and Dilton Marsh!

The Cotswold Line is not a community rail line but CLPG is a full member of ACORP and I am sure a number of our members will be attending the Worcester confernece on 7 November.

The Severn Beach line has Community Rail Service status, and seems to have done well out of the work done by the various passionate groups and individuals to drive forward improvements. Before this happened, I used to think of the local services around Devon, and the Avocet in particular, as being very good (in good weather, anyway). This should and could be very good news, providing a louder voice, and it is remarkable what unpaid amateur enthusiasts can achieve that the professionals can build upon.

SVB is a community rail service, rather than line, probably because the line is used occasionally for freight or diversions. Exmouth presumably isn't used for freight, and can't really be used for diversions. It would benefit from an extension to Buddleigh Salterton, and maybe even Sidmouth or even back to form by rejoining the mainline around Feniton. Wonder why no-one else ever thought of that?

That's an interesting point. From ACoRP's web site (http://www.acorp.uk.com/membership.html)


So CLPG is "Cotswold Line Promotional Group"  ;D

Very interesting I wonder why?

Not wishing to be too cynical I can't see what advantage this would give to passengers on the line. It seems to me the service is viable so worthwhile for the TOC to run. It's regular interval throughout the day. There is little scope for extra trains unless there is massive investment in the infrastructure (2nd platform at Exmouth?) and in anycase where would the stock come from to run extra services as the current service is built into the main Exter branch flows to Barnstaple and Torquay?

So I wonder what a community rail partnership could actually do.

Which brings me onto the Slough Windosr branch which was also on the list. We now have a 20 minute service, admittedly only one connects with the half hour fast from Padd but that's because  3 into 2 doesn't go. Like the Exmouth line ther is little scope to run a more frequent service without investment. Doubling part of the line from Slough to the river bridge (Brunel's) would enable a 10 minute two train service to be run with 4 minute turnround at each end and trains pasing on the arches. The line is also down for electrification, which makes a whole different ball game.

Like the Exmeouth branch it's pretty well used many passengers prefering a shorter trip to Padd even with a change, than the longer run to Waterloo. Come Crossrail they will be able to get right into Central London.

So again what could a community rail partnership do for the line?

I do sympathise with Grahame and the Transwilts group if ever a line needs to be a community rail partnership its Trowbridge Chippenham.

From the Western Morning News (http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/trains-Avocet-line-winter/story-17090390-detail/story.html):

Excellent news. I hope they are well advertised and heavily used.

Agreed fully - hopefully these will be so well used it will be madness to reduce the numbers back down after the trial.

An earlier service is needed on Sundays on that line if you ask me

From the Exmouth Journal (http://www.exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/sunday_rail_boost_1_1669016):

http://www.exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/sunday_train_trial_a_success_1_1701807

Off to a good start with the increased Sunday service.

Excellent news!

From the First Great Western press release:

From the Exmouth Journal (http://www.exmouthjournal.co.uk/exmouth-life/rail_loop_needed_1_2166211):

I think more is needed than simply a passing loop at Lympstone. The single track between Topsham and Exmouth Jn would likely become a major bottleneck.

all 3 car 150's would sort the problems.

Isn't Topsham double tracked with 2 platforms? It being 12 minutes from Exmuff, and 8 minutes from Polsloe Bridge, that could mean that the idea to reopen a second Exmuff platform would be enough to run 4 or 5 tph, crossing at Topsham, if demand calls for it.

The problem there is that you're not accounting for the proposed new stations (two between Topsham and Polsloe, possibly one at Exmouth), which would immediately rule that out.

They already pass at topsham.... If a loop was put in at Lympstone where would the extra services pass between topsham and Exmouth junction? In other words two loops would be needed

Considering that Exmouth WILL be developed in the near future I can't see the logic of not bringing platform 2 back there, also NR should press on with plans to double the line from Exmouth junction to Digby as a priority, the land is there for them to use, a second platform at Exmouth is the cheapest alternative at present to get things moving to a 20 minute service.

The minimum additional infrastructure you'd need to run a 20 minutes service would be a loop, probably south of Polsoe Bridge, together with a second platform at Exmouth, accessed by two parallel single lines for around a mile (to save on point work).  That would have the disadvantage of trains idling at Exmouth for around 15 minutes, but would mean that the service could fit around passing at the existing loop at Topsham.

Anything more frequent than 20 minutes would really need double track, with the exception of the last couple of miles into Exmouth.

With the increase in traffic using the new station at Newcourt, what will capacity be like on the northern section in the rush hour. I though the service was already pretty heavily used.

From Journeycheck


The new half hourly service between Exeter and Exmouth is being well used but trains I have seen have been full and standing and struggling to keep time because of longer station stops. One round trip was cancelled because of staff problems but others have been terminated short at either Exeter or Newton Abbot to try to get things back on time.

From the First Great Western press release:

23 trains each way on a Sunday, with the last ex Exmuff at 2359 is an amazing service. I hope every train pays its way.

I know the "Bean Counters don't like it but every train doesn't have to pay its way. If the revenue from running 23 each way exceeds the running costs and overheads then the service overall should be profitable. It's called "cross subsisdy" and I know it's frowned upon but my view is that if you take out the unprofitable services you'll almost certainly reduce the overall revenue and thus also reduce the profit. Besides if you have to run a  train to Exmuff then you might as well run it back in service as you already have the crew. I'd except 23:39 as can't think there would much trade from Exmuff to Exeter after midnight.You only have to look  at Melksham to see that  by drastically cutting the number of trains they also drastically cut the overall revenue the line generated. Hopefully the improved  service will greatly increase revenue.

I agree and understand, eightf48544. It would still be good for every train to cover its costs.

I think the train operators are very well informed that probably half of train services do not cover their single journey costs. This is because travel, particularly Monday to Friday, is very often mainly in one direction resulting in trains being filled to capacity one way but those trains have to return to from whence they started to continue service. Just look at peak hour morning trains into London and compare the ridership with trains departing London, As everyone knows the flows then reverses over the evening peak. This situation is repeated all over the country for rail services to large cities including Exeter. There is a practical problem in that most lower cost fares do not differentiate between those trains full to overflowing and those with plenty of unfilled seats, such as the genral use of the 09.30 time point before off-peak fares are generally available.

Can anyone say why the line has been closed, and when it is likely to reopen?

Services resumed with the arrival of the 14:18 from Exeter St Davids, which left again for Exeter at 14:31

Reports were quite 'light' in giving reasons, but I recall seeing that there may have been a tree or two blown down onto or near the track, causing the earlier trains to turn back from Exeter at Topsham

Update - I notice that the reason given for the 09:45 from Exeter not running beyond Topsham ...

Well, it appears that the recent storms have knocked some holes in the embankment between Exmouth and Lympstone. Also, on Sunday, a boat washed up on the shore with its mast across the track...

5mph speed limit on part of embankment that is under repair.

From the Exmouth Journal (http://www.exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/further_delays_on_the_line_1_3527742):

I'm not convinced that the additional Exmouth-Exeter Central Sunday services will be poorly used. I'd have thought that quite a lot of the demand on weekends is people heading in to Exeter City Centre, for which Central station is the most convenient.

142 flashback... *shudders*  :o

Seems to have been a Paignton-bound train, and in the winter, from the snow on the ground: no wonder you shudder!  ;D

From the Exmouth Journal (http://www.exmouthjournal.co.uk/exmouth-life/we_re_committed_to_improving_line_1_3572046):

It seems a bit odd that there's enough rolling stock to run a half hourly Sunday service in the summer, but not in the winter (except for December).

From the Exmouth Journal (http://www.exmouthjournal.co.uk/exmouth-life/great_but_when_1_3591735):

At its AGM on Monday, the Avocet Line Users Group published its manifesto for the next five years and the improvements it hopes to see for the line.

http://www.avocetline.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Manifesto-Web-Final.pdf (http://www.avocetline.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Manifesto-Web-Final.pdf)

Matthew Golton, Bid Director at GWR, gave a presentation and hoped many of the items highlighted could be completed in much less than five years.

Nicely produced document and worth a read.

That's easy for you to say...

Yes, I'm rather inclined to give up quoting any press articles on this forum now.  :-X

I appreciate the quoting problem.  I have taken to replacing the quotes and pound signs in the articles with normal keyboard quotes to alleviate future problems, and remain with a task to write code to sort issues out.  Potentially a Christmas task.

Thanks Grahame. In the meantime, I shall try to correct any I see, but the Exmuff Journal seems to generate so many such things that the wheat and chaff are not easily separable.

Chris - don't give up! Just edit the post immediately after posting to remove the extraneous rubbish. That way, it won't be replicated if requoted.

Took the 0942 DIG > EXC (0923 from Exmouth)  this morning and the 2-coach service was full & standing - even after a few passengers had been asked nicely to shift their bags from seats. I don't know if this is a regular occurrence - it could have been something to do with today being Exeter's Xmas lights switch-on day - but it was good to see that GWR had provided two guards/conductors to take care of door control etc and ticket selling/checking separately. And using the PA to clearly announce the next stop. Which just goes to prove that GWR can provide a decent service if they really want to.

  ......Xmas lights switch on? 19th November? Christmas is still over 5 weeks away! (Bah humbug etc)

Christmas lights switch on was in Swindon tonight.  Only plus was the weather prevented the planned firework display.  The good news?  It stopped next door's four dogs barking endlessly in terror.   ;D

It's pretty standard these days - it's not unusual for my usual commute (0913 out of Paignton, X2 143's) to have 3 - 5 staff aboard doing tickets and doors. Which is just as well, cause it's the first off peak all stopper, and uh, gets a wee bit full-and-standy.....

1820 DIG > EXC and 2235 EXC > DIG last night for a BSO concert at the University. Posters already in place at DIG advising complete closure of the EXD > EXM / HON routes 1st-3rd January inclusive so nobody can say they weren't forewarned. The inbound service (2 x 143) was very well loaded presumably due to the unmissable late night shopping.  ;D
For the return the best they could do was a single 153 that was running with what sounded like a fairly obvious wheel flat. Unusually (in my recent experience) the EXC gateline was unmanned; even more unusually the full onboard check revealed nobody without a ticket.

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Fed-Exeter-rail-passengers-just-want-ticket/story-29211539-detail/story.html (http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Fed-Exeter-rail-passengers-just-want-ticket/story-29211539-detail/story.html)

And here is the original text:
A city councillor has intervened following complaints about the lack of ticket machine at Exeter's Polsloe Bridge rail station.

Disgruntled travellers had contacted Cllrs Peter Holland, concerned about facing a ^600 fine for not having a ^1.20 ticket.

Cllr Holland, who has now contacted Network Rail to help, said: "Frustration has been growing from commuters using Polsloe Bridge Railway Station to travel into Exeter Central.

"The route from Exmouth includes Lympstone (Marine Camp). Payment is made difficult with so many servicemen trying to pay at Exeter Central.

"People have been known to evade paying.

"The future growth and success of Network Rail is dependant upon providing travellers with a consistently high level of service, each and every time they travel.

"The opportunity exists, therefore to capture additional revenue by enhancing the ability of passengers to buy tickets.

Revenue evasion can attract a fine of ^600 for missing a ^1.20 fare.

"Clearly Network Rail needs to improve the ability of travellers to purchase tickets at stations.

"I have reported the matter to Network Rail through their web site and am awaiting a response."^

Words fail me.



(Edited by FT,N to correct fonts)

Would love to see Network Rail's reply!

If this is as reported, Cllr Holland has rather shown himself up there.  ::)

Bless, must be worried about the election tomorrow. I somehow doubt people will be fined for getting a ticket at Central/St Davids - it's pretty routine due to the guard being in another unit or trapped in cab due to pax numbers.

Of all the things to be worried about or be annoyed with at that station, a tvm is not high on the agenda. Extra seats, bus shelters and CCTV would be more welcome.

Even if one was installed, it might not be activated - As far as I can tell, the new ones at St Thomas and Torre still arnt functioning, and they must have been there since just after Christmas.

Maybe I missed any previous discussion on the subject, but a GWR press release today states that Sunday services will now be half hourly all year.  An excellent step forward for the branch.

https://www.gwr.com/about-us/media-centre/news/2016/may/more-trains-between-exeter-and-exmouth?

Trains will run every half hour through most of the day on Sundays throughout the year, instead of the previous hourly service; with a number extending to Exeter St Davids.

I understand the ultimate aim is to break the link between Exmouth and Barnstaple and run a half hourly service seven days a week between Exmouth and Paignton.

Yes, that's right, Bob.  Barnstaple trains will run to at least Exeter Central.  Another element to this is that Barnstaple trains will be 158s and Exmouth - Paignton trains will be 150s (four coaches).   

The half hourly service Mons - Sats is nailed on but Sundays depends very much on the success of the new services just introduced over the next couple of years. 

Thanks, again, for posting that encouraging confirmation regarding those improved services, Richard!  :)

Early check via Realtime Trains on Saturday (28/05) morning showed 2F05 PGN > EXM, which would have formed my intended 2B72 DIG > EXD sector (on my way to Twickenham), as cancelled at EXD due to late running. Apparently the outbound service to PGN was delayed getting out of Exeter depot. Full marks to GWR for providing a replacement 2Z05 EXD > EXM service which was formed of a red 153 and the refurbished GWR Green 150247. This was my first encounter with 150247 and overall I was pretty impressed with the external paint/vinyl job & new interior. However I do think that the setup of the scrolling displays needs some attention e.g. 2B72 destined for Barnstaple but none of the request stops listed.
Interesting to note, given it was a BH weekend with additional punters heading for the beaches, the Radio1 Big Weekend & Twickenham etc., one member of staff at POL and two (female) at SJP on ticket issuing duties, although they did not appear to be checking alighting passengers (I assume that can only be done by Revenue Protection).

Christian Wolmar has a comment on the success of the Avocet Line in his column  in the latest rail Magazine. 

Says it shows what can be achieved if you run a frequent 7 day a week service.

Train FX (the Auto PIS) couldn't handle request stops or short platforms!  If the train does not call at a request stop, or does at a station with local door only control, it gets lost and doesn't update until all the doors are fully armed and released again.

There was (and still is) a facility to skip stops, but the guard has to do this as the train was leaving the previous station and it could screw up.  There has been a slight software update to rectify this, but was causing so much confusion that the requests were removed.

It was also only possible to set the PIS when the train was stationary with the doors armed, else again it would screw up, but this has been rectified as well.

Eventually we may eventually get an Auto PIS that can cater for railway operations.

As noted elsewhere I travelled on 2F29, the slightly delayed 2148 EXD>DIG, last Sunday 23/10.

The intended shape of things to come?
The service was formed of 150248, which has been given the full GWR green refurb and equipment upgrade, & 150232 which has so far only had the bodyside repaint. My first outing on an all-green 4 coach consist and, compared to the usual Class 143 x 2 services, I think would have created a quite positive visual & ride quality impression.

How not to deliver audiovisual passenger information!
WARNING: Pedant Alert!
This obviously only applies to the new audiovisuals on 150248; my local station is called Digby & SOWton - as in the porcine female - not Sewton. Please GWR get this fixed as it sounds awful.
I would question the point of delivering the message 'Please do not attempt to leave or board the train when the doors are closing' (or words to that effect) as passengers on the platform are unlikely to hear/take any notice of it.
Passenger information 'improvements' are only that if they are relevant & accurate; if not they can just mislead, confuse & annoy. So to have '...will shortly arrive at St.James Park' displayed until immediately before departure from POL is not very clever. The previous post from Plymouthian seemed to indicate this fault had been rectified.
Could GWR consider employing somebody who has a basic grounding in correct punctuation to configure the scrolling text displays; the absence of full stops, etc. is most disconcerting. :)
/Pedant Alert 

Pedantry or no, using correct spelling, punctuation, and pronunciation will upset no-one, whilst doing it wrong will at best raise a few laughs at the expense of the TOC, and at worst make them look a bunch of amateurs.

Hope GWR have a strong rail replacement fleet for Sunday.
Exeter chiefs vs Bath. Complete sell out.

http://exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/train-disruption-sundays-game/

'...due to planned maintenance work by First Great Western.'
Really? Usual standard of accuracy/proofreading from the Exeter Chiefs Head of Comms!  ;D

Joint Venture with South West Trains.   ;) ;)

Yet another lorry strike at the Honiton Road overbridge.

http://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/rail-services-disrupted-after-hgv-394095 (http://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/rail-services-disrupted-after-hgv-394095)

Hopefully P45 time for the idiot driver.

Basically, nope!

There are 2 types of AutoPIS that have been installed - GPS based and Door-release based.

The GPS ones were upgraded so that they would miss out request stops and still know where the train was in relation to the next non-request station, they can also handle local door stops.

The door-release ones only know to change when the guard releases the doors.  This puts them out of sync when stopping at request stops, plus they cannot be set up unless the train is stationary with the doors released.  This system doesn't work with local door operations either as it requires a full door release to trigger the change.  Because of this, it is a PITA to reset especially on the Exmouth line.

Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing which system you have when it's initially set up, however once running the GPS ones will announce "we are now approaching..." whereas the door-release announce "the next station is..." upon departure and won't not announce "this is..." until the doors are released. 

The TVM at Digby & Sowton has now been fitted with a contactless card reader. A very useful improvement I think.

Also, and I expect this will prove to be old news although it's the first time I have seen them, the guards on my DIG<>EXC return trip yesterday were both equipped with Fujitsu branded ticket machines which consisted of a main processor/printer unit together with a smaller contactless card reader. Compared to the older machines ticket issuing seemed to be significantly quicker.

0912 DIG>EXC & 1020 EXC>DIG trip this morning. Nice to travel both ways in a fully refurbished 150/2 unit; this is becoming increasingly the case (the ABRail database now shows 15 of these units having been reallocated from Bristol to Exeter). The inbound service was full & standing. Also good to see that both services carried two passenger-facing staff so nobody was getting a free ride.

The 150/1s , except 2 still to go, have moved to Northern and many of the 150/2 workings through Bristol have been replaced by Turbos,

Yes GWR have done a great job of the refurbs of the 150/2s and 158s. Very smart, sad to leave them leaving the Bristol area services.

Really good to hear.  The plan is for most Exmouth - Paignton services to go to four coaches, intended to be usually 2 x Cl150/2, later this year.

Being fair, BBC Spotlight & ITV News West Country are no better.

My MP (Hugo Swire - East Devon) has just written on social media that GWR have told him they will '...phase in updated rolling stock in January and February...'.

This was apparently in partial response to issues raised in a meeting with Mark Hopwood last October.

Obviously my breathing reflex will not be temporarily suspended - although being fair to GWR I did actually travel from DIG to EXC last week in a 4 car (2 x refurbished 150/2) consist for the first time in over a year.

I expect this is the promised 158's  They may have new universal toilets fitted. Be interesting to see them under the existing timetable go to Exmouth. Under the Devon Metro they are expected to run between Barnstaple and Exeter Central reversing in what I now call the Morrison's siding.

Afraid not; Hugo Swire would only be concerned with the branch line to Exmouth as the Tarka Line does not fall within the East Devon constituency. This must therefore refer to the long promised 4 car 150/2 services.

They will be a while yet due to delays in cascading and are intended to run between Barnstaple and St James Park.   If they were to terminate Exeter Central they would run to Exmouth Jn to reverse which is the normal maneuver for such rains that can't run back straight away.

What I call Morrisons ( easier to visualise where it is) siding is actually East Sidings and many trains in the evening use it running empty from Exeter Central.

Exmouth Junction which is the official Railway Location

Reason to be cheerful? Almost like the apocryphal London buses, another 4 car 2 x 150/2 formation this morning on 2B73 DIG 0912 > EXC 0920. Not only that but with 2 on-board staff so no freebies for anybody. Somebody has evidently been reading 'How To Run A Railway Properly For Dummies'.

However my return service (2F17) consisted of the more usual 2 x 143 (so as to curb any outbreak of overt optimism amongst the local rail travelling public?). But this train also carried two conductors so whether this is GWR standard practice or an intermittent low level revenue protection operation I know not.

Exmouth Junction is a confusing name for the East sidings (Morrrisons) and West sidings (now a car park) and should really been confined to the junction from the main line to the Exmouth Branch.

Historically, Exmouth Junction was a major (11 road) engine shed and goods marshalling yards, and the name probably covered the whole Cher-bang.  I think there was a works there judging by how many concrete thingies are described as "cast at Exmouth Junction". With many of those facilities now gone, are we left with isolate and seemingly illogical packet of facilities described as "Exmouth Junction"?

Is that the one by  Morrison's?

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4828/45791648735_49fdbecfb1_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2cLsaP6)Morrisons East sidings (https://flic.kr/p/2cLsaP6) by Robert (https://www.flickr.com/photos/revupminster/), on Flickr

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Yes. Upper siding out of use. Lower siding with a four coach train (two units). Siding looks like it could hold an eight coach train.

(http://)(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4854/39745332443_d308a2fb07_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23yadCt)Exmouth Junction (https://flic.kr/p/23yadCt) by Robert (https://www.flickr.com/photos/revupminster/), on Flickr

(http://)(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4886/32835253858_bd4f863e05_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/S2xg1w)East sidings at Morrisons (https://flic.kr/p/S2xg1w) by Robert (https://www.flickr.com/photos/revupminster/), on Flickr

Looks like two 143 units in the siding.