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Journey by Journey => Heart of Wessex => Topic started by: grahame on December 01, 2017, 07:46:49



Title: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: grahame on December 01, 2017, 07:46:49
Test train this morning (already on its way)

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/V15306/2017/12/01/advanced

Trying out all of the platforms - in, out, in, out, in ...

Back from 11:36

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/V14472/2017/12/01/advanced

No sign of it testing Jersey Sidings - will the turbos be able to stable there?


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: Timmer on December 01, 2017, 07:58:10
Yes. Confirmed on the GWR Traction FB Group last night.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: bradshaw on December 01, 2017, 08:53:25
On 18th July 1994 in connection with the Tall Ships Race at Weymouth 165134/110 were on a special service to Weymouth. I saw them at Maiden Newton and there is a photo on 'The Westbury to Weymouth Line' ( Phillips OPC). The following day the special was run by 165128/103.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: Richard Fairhurst on December 01, 2017, 10:57:21
Yes, there were several reports on uk.railway many years ago by ex-railway staff - one of whom worked for FGW, another for Thames Trains control - that British Rail had cleared Turbos for Weymouth (and routes including the TransWilts), but that the paperwork was lost during privatisation. Thames reputedly wanted to run services to Weymouth but couldn't get approval from the SRA (or whoever was in charge at the time).


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: RA on December 01, 2017, 13:10:05
166218 also got to Weymouth on the 14th June 1997 on a Cotswold Line Promotion Group tour. A picture is available on the CLPG website. http://www.clpg.org.uk/page/special-trains/

Still cleared between Thingley and Bradford Junctions and have used the line. Following the Ufton Nervet collision, at least one swap of Turbos took place between Reading Depot and a unit trapped on the Newbury side which was utilised for shuttle workings.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: JayMac on December 01, 2017, 18:58:33
As mentioned elsewhere I saw the Class 166 test unit at Maiden Newton today, returning to Bristol from Weymouth. That return trip ran direct to Westbury from Bruton, then back to Frome, then reversed to go on to Bristol.

I spoke with one chap who was measuring the platform/train gap. He said there'd been no issues with gaps. He also told me that Turbos should be running in passenger service on the Heart of Wessex from January 2nd.
That was confirmed by the Westbury based conductor I spoke with too. She said she was looking forward to working the 'new' trains.

A few pictures attached. Note the high-tec device used for gap measurement.  ;)


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: old original on December 01, 2017, 19:44:26
Not testing the tramway down to the harbour then?  😁


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: SandTEngineer on January 14, 2018, 21:21:08
This was posted on the WNXX Forum:

Quote
Weymouth Wizard (GWR)
The Weymouth Wizard is planned to run this year, under slightly earlier timings compared with previous years. The service will be 22 minutes faster on the way down. This is leading me to believe that it might not be a HST this time. For reference, the move is pathed as a class 158 (although the pathing is never really any use!) In addition, it will also call at Keynsham & Oldfield Park.

Diagram - subject to change
1O72 0908 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth 1125
5O72 1132 Weymouth to Weymouth Jersey Siding 1135
To be continued...

All of the above services will run from Saturday 26th May 2018 until Saturday 8th September 2018.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: Timmer on January 14, 2018, 21:31:51
It has always called at Keynsham and Oldfield Park.

Edit to correct spelling


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: grahame on January 15, 2018, 05:18:36
This was posted on the WNXX Forum:

Quote
Weymouth Wizard (GWR)
The Weymouth Wizard is planned to run this year, under slightly earlier timings compared with previous years. The service will be 22 minutes faster on the way down. This is leading me to believe that it might not be a HST this time. For reference, the move is pathed as a class 158 (although the pathing is never really any use!) In addition, it will also call at Keynsham & Oldfield Park.

Diagram - subject to change
1O72 0908 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth 1125
5O72 1132 Weymouth to Weymouth Jersey Siding 1135
To be continued...

All of the above services will run from Saturday 26th May 2018 until Saturday 8th September 2018.

Almost certainly a turbo.

The main purpose of The Wizard is a congestion buster from Yeovil to Weymouth, and the HST has been a rather expensive way of busting that congestion; using a train that's standard for the line looks like a sensible business decision.    Traffic lost (people wanting the unusual experience of an HST to Weymouth - whether as enthusiasts or regular families enjoying more space, long distance facilities such as buffer) surely brought far less income than the extra cost to provide, and their loss will mean there's still space south of Yeovil for that crowd even in a shorter train.   The switch to a turbo also means that the old joke about a "High Speed Train" actually being a low speed train goes away. And the advertising and marketing issues that fact caused also go away.

There was very serious talk of running the extra Weymouth line service (as a turbo) from Swindon this year.  I'm disappointed this isn't happening, but not surprised.   With all the changes going on, many GWR HQ teams are already (over)loaded  with work and resource put into planning to run from Swindon wasn't there.   There's also that little issue that running from Swindon would have meant a full turbo by Trowbridge, and meant it was no longer a crowd-buster from Yeovil.

I am disappointed [British understatement!] to have found out what the summer's plans for The Wizard are via the forum ...



Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: RA on January 28, 2018, 19:28:35
The first passenger run of a Turbo unit to Weymouth for GWR (as they have been there previously) is tonight. 166210 is allocated to work the 2O96 20:48 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth service tonight. Should return on the 2D05 06:44 Weymouth to Bristol Parkway service tomorrow morning.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: bradshaw on February 08, 2018, 08:58:31
The lunchtime service arriving and departing Weymouth today is no longer stopping at Avoncliffe, Thornford or Yetminster; presumably a Turbo.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: grahame on February 08, 2018, 09:29:58
The lunchtime service arriving and departing Weymouth today is no longer stopping at Avoncliffe, Thornford or Yetminster; presumably a Turbo.

Short platforms at Chetnole, Thornford and Avoncliff.  Special arrangements in place for short platforms at Stonehouse and Melksham (extra stop boards and perhaps some other things I'm not aware of?) and only a very few 166 using yet have limited door opening in the conventional sense. GWR are trying to keep the so-far-limited extra fitted turbos on Weymouth services (and on any turboed services booked to stop st Dilton Marsh) but there will be occasions ...

Quote
13:08 Weymouth to Gloucester due 16:31 will no longer call at Chetnole, Thornford and Avoncliff.
This is due to a fault on this train.

I suspect Yetminster is a 3 car platform, so they can call there?


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: bradshaw on February 08, 2018, 11:03:28
Yes, Yetminster is the original 1857 station, and,  incidentally, still shows evidence of  the broad gauge with a wider than normal distance between the two platforms, though only one in use.
Thornford and Chetnole were wooden platformed halts until after singling of the line. When Cattistock Halt closed the two concrete platforms were removed, one each to Thornford and Chetnole.
Even with cl150s passengers enter/ exit through the single leaf door at the front of the unit.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: grahame on February 10, 2018, 09:23:35
Only three of the three car turbos which have been cascaded to the west have selective door opening and the plan has been to keep them on services south of Westbury due to the number of short platforms.

And when that does not work out ...

Quote
11:14 Weymouth to Gloucester due 14:34
11:14 Weymouth to Gloucester due 14:34 will no longer call at Chetnole, Thornford and Avoncliff.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Further Information
For more detailed information please contact a member of station staff or make use of the Customer Help Point systems available.
Please allow more time for your intended journey.

Parts to fit more 166 with SDO are due in within a few days; how long it takes to fit, test and pass for service I'm not sure.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: martyjon on February 11, 2018, 22:07:43
20:48 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth due 23:07

20:48 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth due 23:07 will no longer call at Avoncliff, Thornford and Chetnole.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Last Updated:11/02/2018 20:20


If this service was operated by a non SDO turbo WHY tell lies to the travelling public, tell them the truth, THE TRAIN FOR THIS SERVICE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO STOP AT THESE STATIONS.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: grahame on February 11, 2018, 22:43:35
20:48 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth due 23:07

20:48 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth due 23:07 will no longer call at Avoncliff, Thornford and Chetnole.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Last Updated:11/02/2018 20:20


If this service was operated by a non SDO turbo WHY tell lies to the travelling public, tell them the truth, THE TRAIN FOR THIS SERVICE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO STOP AT THESE STATIONS.

But there IS a fault - it's missing bits that it needs ...

I do wonder how often that service actually calls at Chetnole and Thornford even if it can - not exactly a busy time at that remote location and it only calls on request.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: martyjon on February 12, 2018, 10:06:29
If this service was operated by a non SDO turbo WHY tell lies to the travelling public, tell them the truth, THE TRAIN FOR THIS SERVICE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO STOP AT THESE STATIONS.

But there IS a fault - it's missing bits that it needs ...


NO, there isn't a fault as it was a non SDO turbo. It would have been a fault if it had been modified to a SDO turbo which had developed a fault which was not the case hence the capitalised TRUE reason suggested.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: Timmer on February 12, 2018, 10:11:00
Makes you ask the question if the Turbos aren't ready to provide the required service then why are the running on this line instead of a 150/158 that can do the job? Once again it's the passenger inconvenienced at the convenience of the rail operator.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: grahame on February 12, 2018, 10:31:22
Makes you ask the question if the Turbos aren't ready to provide the required service then why are the running on this line instead of a 150/158 that can do the job? Once again it's the passenger inconvenienced at the convenience of the rail operator.

Because the 150/1s almost all headed north 10 day ago, and the remaining ones, and the 150/2s are having to run the diagrams they used to cover in Devon and west thereof. 


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: grahame on February 22, 2018, 08:31:18
Update on turbo stopping patterns at short platforms

Stonehouse and Melksham - special arrangements and signage in place and working for services run by turbo trains which do not have SDO installed.  Working well - turbo services are NOT missing out these stations, and the extra time taken at the stops is compensated by the running of 90 mph trains on 75 mph schedules.

Avoncliff - where a turbo without SDO is scheduled to stop, the stop is missed.  Alternative arrangements - doubling back and an extra stop on another service on the line (trains run every 30 minutes) are available.  And many services though there are not (yet) turbo.

Dilton Marsh - as Avoncliff, but a bit easier for arrivals as the stop's only made on request so train crew will know and personally be able to advise.

Chetnole and Thornford - GWR are concentrating their precious few SDO fitted Turbos on this line to minimise the need for skips.  Passenger numbers at these two stations are low (and I suspect seasonal), the stops are only "on request", and I suspect that the inconvenience when a skip is made will be to very few people. Mind you - no other trains typically close by to pick up the stops, so this is a low number but high inconvenience disruption.

The daily issue of the 05:17 Gloucester to Southampton terminating and restarting at Westbury makes for a noticeable number of unhappy people who are used to settling down at Swindon / Chippenham for the ride to Warminster / Salisbury and the last thing they want in the middle of their journey is to be turfed out of a nice warm seat and train for exercise via the subway and a cold wait for the arrival of the ongoing service!


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: phile on February 22, 2018, 08:52:15
Update on turbo stopping patterns at short platforms

Stonehouse and Melksham - special arrangements and signage in place and working for services run by turbo trains which do not have SDO installed.  Working well - turbo services are NOT missing out these stations, and the extra time taken at the stops is compensated by the running of 90 mph trains on 75 mph schedules.

Avoncliff - where a turbo without SDO is scheduled to stop, the stop is missed.  Alternative arrangements - doubling back and an extra stop on another service on the line (trains run every 30 minutes) are available.  And many services though there are not (yet) turbo.

Dilton Marsh - as Avoncliff, but a bit easier for arrivals as the stop's only made on request so train crew will know and personally be able to advise.

Chetnole and Thornford - GWR are concentrating their precious few SDO fitted Turbos on this line to minimise the need for skips.  Passenger numbers at these two stations are low (and I suspect seasonal), the stops are only "on request", and I suspect that the inconvenience when a skip is made will be to very few people. Mind you - no other trains typically close by to pick up the stops, so this is a low number but high inconvenience disruption.

The daily issue of the 05:17 Gloucester to Southampton terminating and restarting at Westbury makes for a noticeable number of unhappy people who are used to settling down at Swindon / Chippenham for the ride to Warminster / Salisbury and the last thing they want in the middle of their journey is to be turfed out of a nice warm seat and train for exercise via the subway and a cold wait for the arrival of the ongoing service!

Dilton Marsh is bring missed if there is a non SDO Turbo on a service, and the next Cardiff to Portsmouth calling in lieu


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: tomL on March 22, 2018, 13:19:29
Not sure if this has been posted elsewhere but I think its worth noting that a more detailed explanation has been posted on JourneyCheck entries with missed stops on Turbos.

I’m all for more detailed explanations, even if they are a bit late.

Quote
14:38 Westbury to Bristol Parkway due 15:44
14:38 Westbury to Bristol Parkway due 15:44 will no longer call at Avoncliff.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Additional Information
To increase capacity on our Weymouth and Southampton services we are introducing 3 coach Turbo trains. Turbo trains require the fitting of local door controls to allow them to stop at stations with very short platforms. A Turbo train not fitted with these controls cannot call at Avoncliff, Dilton Marsh, Chetnole or Thornford.

Unfortunately it has taken longer than expected to fit the controls and the Turbo train being used on this service today has yet to be fitted.

If you at one of the stations the train is unable to call at please use the help point or contact National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50 and we will arrange for an additional stop on another train, or alternative road transport if another train cannot be stopped within a reasonable time.

We would like to apologise for the difficulties we know this has caused to your journeys recently.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: Alan Pettitt on March 22, 2018, 14:44:40
I have noticed (or not noticed actually) that a regular passenger who usually gets off at Thornford has not been seen on the train over the last few weeks, I do hope that he hasn't given up on train travel due to this "Train Fault".


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: hassaanhc on March 27, 2018, 11:18:06
And again

Quote
06:49 Worcester Shrub Hill to Weymouth due 11:03
06:49 Worcester Shrub Hill to Weymouth due 11:03 will no longer call at Avoncliff, Thornford and Chetnole.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Additional Information
To increase capacity on our Weymouth and Southampton services we are introducing 3 coach Turbo trains. Turbo trains require the fitting of local door controls to allow them to stop at stations with very short platforms. A Turbo train not fitted with these controls cannot call at Avoncliff, Dilton Marsh, Chetnole or Thornford.

Unfortunately it has taken longer than expected to fit the controls and the Turbo train being used on this service today has yet to be fitted.

If you at one of the stations the train is unable to call at please use the help point or contact National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50 and we will arrange for an additional stop on another train, or alternative road transport if another train cannot be stopped within a reasonable time.

We would like to apologise for the difficulties we know this has caused to your journeys recently.
Last Updated:27/03/2018 08:32

Quote
11:10 Weymouth to Gloucester due 14:31
11:10 Weymouth to Gloucester due 14:31 will no longer call at Chetnole, Thornford and Avoncliff.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Additional Information
To increase capacity on our Weymouth and Southampton services we are introducing 3 coach Turbo trains. Turbo trains require the fitting of local door controls to allow them to stop at stations with very short platforms. A Turbo train not fitted with these controls cannot call at Avoncliff, Dilton Marsh, Chetnole or Thornford.

Unfortunately it has taken longer than expected to fit the controls and the Turbo train being used on this service today has yet to be fitted.

If you at one of the stations the train is unable to call at please use the help point or contact National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50 and we will arrange for an additional stop on another train, or alternative road transport if another train cannot be stopped within a reasonable time.

We would like to apologise for the difficulties we know this has caused to your journeys recently.
Last Updated:27/03/2018 08:33


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: WSW Frome on March 29, 2018, 17:04:41
I made my first Turbo 166 journey (in First Group blue/pink livery) from Frome to Weymouth yesterday. On joining I realised I could travel in one of the (former?) First Class seats. The front section in this case was still labelled as First Class and had proper 2+2 table seats. The seats were trimmed in First blue with pink! and half had anti-macassers. Only one other person joined us, the rest being deterred by the signs. A comfortable journey but the air-conditioning was too fierce for "Spring." I did not inspect the rear of the train but are any first class designated areas to remain in the 166s once the trains are refurbished??

My return was on the 20.21 WEY and as usual this was a 3 car 158 finishing its day from the Brighton-Great Malvern circuit. We were delayed on departure awaiting the driver (to become a passenger) from the inbound service arriving slightly late around 20.16. According to RTT this unit now needs to be placed after arrival in Jersey Siding for the night which was not previous practice. Later I pondered that the likely reason for this is because Plat 1 at WEY only holds 5 cars. So once we have a fully Turbo service, two units cannot be stabled there overnight. Naturally, the likely knock on is that any (shorter) delay in the 20.10 arrival will mean a late departure of the 20.21. A longer delay will mean the driver returns to WSB? by road? This is "positive progress" and great customer care. 


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: bradshaw on April 10, 2018, 09:02:10
Three return journeys today are missing Avoncliff, Chetnole and Thornford, 

06:49 Worcester Shrub Hill to Weymouth due 11:03
08:41 Gloucester to Weymouth due 12:09
08:45 Bristol Parkway to Westbury due 09:49
11:10 Weymouth to Gloucester due 14:31
13:08 Weymouth to Gloucester due 16:31
16:40 Gloucester to Weymouth due 20:10
This last returns to Westbury at 2021
Since the 0845 Parkway is the return of the 0533 Weymouth that adds another.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: WSW Frome on April 10, 2018, 10:34:54
For clarity

The 20.21 WEY departure is formed from the stock of the 19.10 arrival from Great Malvern. I use this train frequently and (at least until recently?) has involved various shunting movements to organise things for the next morning. The use of Turbos now seems to complicate this even more.

The 20.21 is the final leg of a diagram that starts in Portsmouth (to Brighton) and is normally a 3 car 158 (on most weekdays?). The use of a 158 is perhaps likely to continue until, either the diagrams are revised (especially to cover Brighton services) or all the 158s disappear West.     


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: RA on April 10, 2018, 10:35:36
Three return journeys today are missing Avoncliff, Chetnole and Thornford, 

06:49 Worcester Shrub Hill to Weymouth due 11:03
08:41 Gloucester to Weymouth due 12:09
08:45 Bristol Parkway to Westbury due 09:49
11:10 Weymouth to Gloucester due 14:31
13:08 Weymouth to Gloucester due 16:31
16:40 Gloucester to Weymouth due 20:10
This last returns to Westbury at 2021
Since the 0845 Parkway is the return of the 0533 Weymouth that adds another.

08:45 from Parkway fortunately swapped out at Bristol for a 2-car class 158 so Avoncliff granted an additional call on that one in lieu of the Weymouth train.

Thornford and Chetnole have the indignity of two successive services in each direction failing to call. That is a sizeable gap in the timetable.


Title: Re: First turbo to Weymouth?
Post by: bradshaw on April 10, 2018, 13:35:29
On Sunday the last down was cancelled at Westbury, lack of crew. As a result, on Monday,  the 0533 Weymouth started at Westbury and an ecs movement ran to Weymouth to form the 0706 up service



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