Great Western Coffee Shop

Currently FGW are desperate for more rolling stock.

Out of interest would it be possible to use either:-

Class 57 (modified for push pull) plus ex-Virgin Mk3 coaches + DVT (ex WCML) or
Class 57 (modified for push pull) plus Mk2 coaches + DBSO.

I know they're old but the Mk3 are as per HST & the Mk2 similar.

They could run anything from 4 coaches +, I believe they are available and could be a flexible option.

Or am I missing something?

More than possible but that will cost FGW MONEY and due to the nature of the franchise bid that's in and going to get increasingly short in supply.

I don't think there are any MK3's available.
But the MK2's is something we have been suggesting on here for ages now.
The only problem is Netwrok Rail probably won't let it happen and even if they do they will charge very high track costs.

What happened to all the West Coast MKIII's?

Ok a handful are used on the night sleeper.

They are either being used on Excursion trains.
Or being rebuilt for use in HST sets.

It's a total rebuild to convert Loco Hauled MKIII's into HST trailer cars.
The train electric supply is totally different to start with.

Yep, I know.
But Grand Central and Cross Country are having it done for them.
There may be more aswell.
I have thought where more are going, to NXEC for there Class 90 loco-hauled services.

Fair comment at least they didn't go for Scrap, mind I think a few did.

Mybe a few.
Thought where some more are, one Virgin diagramm to cover the Pendolino that crashed.
This time last year there were loads lying around but last year they all got scooped up.

Wrexham & Shropshire- 9 Mk3s

CrossCountry- have realised that the Vomiters are rubbish and are getting 5 HSTs.

Grand Central- before they get their new trains (evil clones of the Vomiters!) they'll be using 3 HST. They'll probably keep them!

East Coast- getting some Mk3 stock for their new service to Lincoln.

Virgin Trains- a full rake to cover for the Pendalino. Again, they'll probably keep it for B'ham to Glasgow- who can blame them!

As far as I know, there are NO spare Mk3s or HSTs anymore.

I also know that the reason Hull trains are having a 180 from FGW is because the leasing company "accidently" leased an HST to CrossCountry as well has Hull trains, and XC got it! These HSTs  are in such high demand!

But as for Mk2, there are 300 of them rusting away near Honeybourne!

PS- what about that Midland Mainline HST? Is FGW going to refurb and keep it?

The MML set is off to cross country

Ha!

No more left. All gone. All is lost!

a
A small ray of Hope, let's hope the unrefurbished Buffets go to refurbishment and come back with Standard seats with Tables, well it is a Buffet after all. ??? ??? ???

A very sensible idea. I think you'd find it would be the most popular coach.

Won't happen.

FGW make ^ot$ of mon^y with First Class seats. And no tables (ie more seats).

So the Mk2 + DBSO is possible.

This configuration (with 47/7) was used by Scotrail for Edinburgh / Glasgow shuttle so presumably the 57 could be upgraded.

They would be a comfortable option, you could even provide a restaurant car (!)

I realise money is a question but I would have thought that FGW are deep enough into the brown stuff to spend some more.


Qprrule (or anyone else), would you mind explaining the comments about Network Rail. Can they veto the rolling stock a TOC uses?

Btline your right, there's loads of stock at Long Marston (and Kineton), surely a good amount must be both serviceable and available, even if it is not Mk3.

Thanks

Problem with the MKII's is that the "spare" ones are now in a sorry state and would need a refresh before being used again, and for short term lease (i.e. until we get the 150/1's) it really wouldn't be worth FGW refreshing them, it may seem to me and you that MKII's are better than a unit but they're not really, as you need two loco's or a loco and DVT, which then means higher track access cost's, less capacity in the coaches themselves, not compatible with other unit's for running in multi, not as versatile....... need I go on? yes it is nice to have a MKII with tables at every bay of seats but practicality must come first.