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1  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: Problems with IET trains from April 2021 on: June 01, 2021, 21:04:19
Yesterday morning, the following were reported as out of service from the GWR (Great Western Railway) IET (Intercity Express Train) fleet:

For cracks (mostly yaw bolster rather than jacking point):      8x800-5, 3x800-9, 2x802-5

In checking/NDT:           3x800-5                                      total 16

For other reasons:          2x800-5, 1x802-9                         total 3

From what we've seen, the jacking point cracks don't go far enough round any piece to allow it to drop off. So it would not have been so hard to convince yourself that they can all run safely. Jacking the train, now that's a different proposition. And that logic would not lead to a similar conclusion on the yaw damper mounting.

Thanks for the update.
From the above, it seems to me that the 13 units stopped for cracks are unlikely to return to service this year as repairs are not even planned as yet.

The 3 units stopped for examination may or may not return to service depending on what is found.

The other 3 units stopped for unrelated reasons will presumably return to use, it does however seem a reasonable supposition that other units will from time to time be stopped for unrelated reasons, and the number of such might tend to remain broadly similar.

The most optimistic forecast that could reasonably be made from the above is therefore
13 units stopped long term, probably for the rest of the year at least.
3 units returned to use after examinations.
3 units returned to service after unrelated issues dealt with.
OPTIMISTIC forecast, long term lack of 13 units.

A more realistic forecast based on the above data would be.
13 units stopped for cracks for the rest of this year.
Of the three units stopped for examination, one returns to service, other two stopped long term.
3 units stopped for unrelated reasons, return to service, BUT other units suffer unrelated  issues, with an average of 3 stopped at any one time.
MEDIUM FORECAST a long lack of about 18 units, varying slightly due to random unrelated faults and varying times to repair.

A reasonably pessimistic forecast would be
About 18 units out of use long term as above.
And about one unit a month withdrawn in addition due to cracks worsening.
18 units short to begin with, rising to about 25 units short by the end of the year.
About 25 units short for most of NEXT year as repairs slower than expected and only keep up with new failures.

Comments ?

I think some of your sources (or wild speculations) are wide of the mark……
2  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: Problems with IET trains from April 2021 on: May 08, 2021, 11:08:25
Being covered on BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) News now.

Virtually no notice for those intending to travel and no alternatives provided

Another self inflicted injury and a dreadful advert for GWR (Great Western Railway)/the railways as they attempt to recover some business and attract new customers - these trains are, by railway standards, brand new.

This type of regular chaos is one of the reasons why the car will always be king.

I wouldn’t say this is a regular type of chaos, can you remember the last time something similar happened?
3  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: Problems with IET trains from April 2021 on: May 01, 2021, 07:05:14
For one moment I thought I was going to get through a broadgage post on IETs (Intercity Express Train) without the inevitable word appearing. You teased me until almost the end.

Which word ? I avoided calling them DMUs (Diesel Multiple Unit), out of deference to those who state that they are not REALLY DMUs despite being powered by underfloor engines.
Neither did I mention buffets, as the lack thereof is not really Hitachi's fault.
Did not even mention the failed trolley service which IS PARTLY Hitachi's fault, since they designed the sloping floors, and they made the "greatly improved" trolleys. The steeply sloping floors, and "wonky wheels" on the trolleys were frequently given as reasons for no trolley/static trolley/hidden trolley. Such factors do not help, but I feel that GWR (Great Western Railway) are not serious about trolley provision, and regard this as a temporary or interim measure between a proper buffet and the longer term aim of nothing.(as on SWT (South West Trains), and others)
Did not even criticise the hard seats or lack of gangways.




Hitachi don’t make the trolleys…..
4  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: IETs into passenger service from 16 Oct 2017 and subsequent performance issues on: May 26, 2020, 21:22:33
I don’t know any specifics there.  But I’ve not had anything more than minor problems with one for a long, long time.

They’ve had some mods done and the 802’s have had a software update. 
5  Journey by Journey / London to Swindon and Bristol / Re: What happened near Dauntsey on Wednesday 20th May? on: May 21, 2020, 22:40:39
Having watched the forward facing CCTV (Closed Circuit Tele Vision) it was lucky that there wasn’t a derailment, one cow was stood in the 4’.  That said, I certainly understand the black humour.  Total of 6 cows dead.  The up train had to be propelled past WB Junction and back down the badminton line to Stoke Gifford, due to being unable to drive from the London end.
6  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: Great Western Main Line electrification - ongoing discussion on: April 28, 2020, 22:59:07
Sometimes I really do dispair with this country.  We have a significant main line which is going to be subject to an enforced speed restriction for the next 50 years and beyond.  There is going to be uneccessary brake wear

There shouldn’t be any brake wear, at those speeds the friction brakes shouldn’t be applying.  Not that that’s any reason to celebrate, it really is ridiculous a bridge can cause so much hassle.
7  All across the Great Western territory / Introductions and chat / Re: Member Roll call on: April 22, 2020, 23:41:56
As the name suggests, I work in the rail industry and am happy to add to threads where I can reveal some incider knowledge or answer questions.  I have Engineering and operational experience.
8  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: IETs into passenger service from 16 Oct 2017 and subsequent performance issues on: March 11, 2020, 15:08:17
The sets are quick, smart, good legroom, solid construction, good reservation systems and more tables

Think you need to have a read of postings on other forums.  The trains are having a deep clean inside and out due to a lack of attention by HITACHI.  The suspension is also suffering from the wear and tear brought about by track condition on the B&H (Berks and Hants - railway line from Reading to Taunton via Westbury) line.  Excessive vibration if sat above a GU. Wheel flats being produced by the anti-wheelslip function.  Difficulties in drivers being able to correctly view buffer stops and trains being coupled up to.  Unable to reset seat reservations when train formations changed. The list goes on and on.......

I wouldn’t believe everything you read on forums.  I’d like to see the source and proving data for some of those claims, I doubt you’ll find it.  Not sure how often you travel on them, but I suspect that you will not find anywhere near the level of wheel flats that’s were evident on HST (High Speed Train).  The Gotcha readings will back that up.

I was quoting from GWR (Great Western Railway) staff that drive or have to deal with the issues......

But there is proof that these units suffer from less flats than HST, flats are a rarity, the wheelslide equipment is effective.   There are no suspension parts being replaced due to wear and tear, but if there were and it was caused by a particular section of track, then the track would be at fault.  As for Drivers viewing buffer stops, the view is no different than some other trains in service, common sense would say you’d stop before the buffer stop went out of sight.....

I haven’t heard any reports of excessive GU vibration, except for a couple of instances where there was an engine issue and those engines were replaced. 
9  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: IETs into passenger service from 16 Oct 2017 and subsequent performance issues on: March 08, 2020, 22:56:18
The sets are quick, smart, good legroom, solid construction, good reservation systems and more tables

Think you need to have a read of postings on other forums.  The trains are having a deep clean inside and out due to a lack of attention by HITACHI.  The suspension is also suffering from the wear and tear brought about by track condition on the B&H (Berks and Hants - railway line from Reading to Taunton via Westbury) line.  Excessive vibration if sat above a GU. Wheel flats being produced by the anti-wheelslip function.  Difficulties in drivers being able to correctly view buffer stops and trains being coupled up to.  Unable to reset seat reservations when train formations changed. The list goes on and on.......

I wouldn’t believe everything you read on forums.  I’d like to see the source and proving data for some of those claims, I doubt you’ll find it.  Not sure how often you travel on them, but I suspect that you will not find anywhere near the level of wheel flats that’s were evident on HST (High Speed Train).  The Gotcha readings will back that up.
10  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: IETs into passenger service from 16 Oct 2017 and subsequent performance issues on: February 25, 2020, 16:38:12
Over 40 short formed IETs (Intercity Express Train) today, significantly worse than the new normal of between 12 and 20.
Reported as being due to "more trans than normal needing repairs"

Are there any firm plans to run full length trains ? or is it just a case of get used to it and remember the mantra that half a train is better than no train.

We have been offered one excuse after another, the most recent being that the new timetable will improve matters.

Time in my view for Hitachi to lengthen some 5 car sets to 9 car at their own expense, as compensation for the trains not meeting the required standards of reliability/availability.


So, some sets get lengthened to 9 and for whatever reason, they become unavailable, be that a train defect, misbalancing, the result of unforeseen operating issues or infrastructure issues.  They will still be unavailable no matter how long they are.

The depot infrastructure would have to be changed to accommodate longer trains, servicing a 9 car takes longer, so less flexibility and too many 9 cars would exceed depot capacities.

It really isn’t as simple as adding coaches.......
11  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: Snagging - where are timetable tweaks needed? on: February 05, 2020, 21:48:34
Are the ‘fast’ trains worth it?  I was on the 17:00 PAD» (Paddington (London) - next trains)-BRI» (Bristol Temple Meads - next trains) tonight, it got in late, held up at Swindon, I suspect behind the Swansea, there had already been some slow running before Swindon and then from Bath to Temple Meads we must have been following a local service in. 
12  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: IETs into passenger service from 16 Oct 2017 and subsequent performance issues on: January 28, 2020, 20:24:57
6 units stopped for out of course work today, two collisions, two fatalities, an object strike and ballast damage.  That is unusual for any fleet.  That’s on top of those units planned to be stopped for routine maintenance.
13  Journey by Journey / London to South Wales / Re: Hunting Dogs on the line on: January 21, 2020, 20:37:35
Twitter reports that a train hit some hunting dogs on Saturday. Judging by Real-time trains it was in the Badminton area

https://mobile.twitter.com/BluntThomas/status/1218529333842546693

Quote
“Cardiff to London train has stopped, as hunting hounds strayed onto the track, and the train ahead has hit them. The word “carnage” was used..”

Sympathies to all concerned. Sounds nasty

2 hounds killed, no significant damage to train.
14  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: IETs into passenger service from 16 Oct 2017 and subsequent performance issues on: December 30, 2019, 22:45:13
I understand the Taunton Units went back to Stoke Gifford for repair today, saw them there yesterday morning (Sunday 29/12/2019) whilst on a passing service.  They might have been restricted there by RAIB (Rail Accident Investigation Branch) of course.

They were going back there sometime today, 20mph.  Operational reasons for them staying at Fairwater Yard for Xmas, no other, they were released once it was confirmed as a deliberate act.
15  All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: IETs into passenger service from 16 Oct 2017 and subsequent performance issues on: December 30, 2019, 21:20:15
Just lately there have been 3 units (1x9, 2x5)  out that hit something at Hullavington, the two that are still in Taunton after hitting the car, another unit that hit an object on the track and suffered severe damage, the one that was damaged at Penzance has just come back and nearly 1 fatality a day lately.  All have to come out of service and incur extended, unplanned repair, not sure any other operator or maintainer would be able to cope with levels of damage like that and keep a full service running.  That’s why more than usual need maintenance.....
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