47
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All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: Problems with IET trains from April 2021
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on: January 29, 2024, 10:40:53
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Stickers have finally started appearing on the trolley/urn store in the middle of the IETs▸ . Passengers have been confusing them for toilets since they were introduced!
How many crew can you get in a crew storage area ? what type of crew are stored there? how long can they be stored for? and has this been agreed with the Unions? Two full sized crew, or three small ones. Catering crew, mainly, possibly hitachi fitters Two hours at a time, without being let out for exercise. Strike bruvvers !
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48
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All across the Great Western territory / The Wider Picture Overseas / Re: Somerset to Sydney without flying
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on: January 16, 2024, 18:05:18
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Though surely the heating issue should have been sorted by the technicians aboard the ship? Even if passengers are largely on their own, they still have a duty of care for them surely?
There was considerable concern on board regarding the lack of heating, and in particular for the welfare of crew, many of whom were from warmer countries than the UK▸ . Concern however did not translate into any effective action, in defence of the officers and crew it must be said that training was limited to strictly MARINE matters and not including heating systems. Heating on more modern ships tends to be electric, in the interests of simplicity and reliability. Ducted hot air is now VERY last century.
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49
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All across the Great Western territory / The Wider Picture Overseas / Re: Somerset to Sydney without flying
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on: January 15, 2024, 01:19:40
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I was very surprised that the heating breakdown could not be rectified by those on board. Despite almost no marine experience, I diagnosed the problem and suggested how to cure it by phone.
Details, all accommodation spaces were intended to be heated by hot air. Outside air was drawn in, filtered and warmed by a hot water coil before being supplied via ducts to all areas. The air temperature was adjusted by controlling the hot water flow automatically with manual backup adjustment. The range of adjustment was from 24 degrees up to 45 degrees. In each compartment the volume of heated air but not the temperature thereof was manually adjustable. The hot water was from the engine cooling system, with a small oil fired boiler for use in port.
No heating observed. Fan observed to be running. Air filters clean and not blocked. Automatic hot water valve observed to be shut. Opened manually, still no heating.
After I suggested some simple tests, it was found that a fire damper in the air duct was shut and blocking almost all air flow. This possibility had been considered but ruled out as the duplicated warning lamps on the bridge were not lit. No spare fusible links carried on board. I suggested as a TEMPORARY measure that the broken link be replaced by a loop of nylon fishing line as this would promptly melt in case of fire and release the damper. The closed valve in the hot water circuit was a red herring and not the cause of the problem. The lack of air flow resulted in the hot water in the heating coil "confusing" the sensor which "thought" that the air was too hot and therefore closed the valve. The non functioning warning lamps on the bridge were found to be due to incorrect voltage lamps fitted. 6 volt lamps fitted on a 24 volt system they would have failed instantly when called upon.
During investigations, the captain was heard to exclaim "Oh no, they are taking my ship apart, and are certain to loose some of the bits"
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51
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All across the Great Western territory / The Wider Picture Overseas / Re: Somerset to Sydney without flying
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on: January 14, 2024, 07:27:40
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Time taken varies, but was 14 days for this trip, Southampton to New York state. Fares also variable, but about $1,000 is common, less for repeat customers who book direct with the shipping line. Departure was delayed awaiting one piece of urgent cargo. Normally the ship carries only containers, but on this voyage, a very large steel tank or vessel was conveyed in addition. Loading this and securing it took some time. The voyage was routine, as most are. One previous voyage was in extreme weather, and verging upon dangerous, with the very experienced captain "looking worried" and the multi racial crew praying to various gods for deliverance. That sort of thing is very rare. Another voyage was very cold, and the heating broke just after leaving port. Mended with telephone advice from myself
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53
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All across the Great Western territory / The Wider Picture Overseas / Re: Somerset to Sydney without flying
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on: January 13, 2024, 02:31:17
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A friend has just completed a voyage from UK▸ to upstate New York, via cargo ship. They were the only paying passenger. Dining was with the ships officers as is the norm. Roast meat for evening meal, good selection for breakfast. Drink was serve yourself and declare what you have used, very cheap, spirits £5 a bottle, wine £2 a bottle, beer 50 pence for a large can. Smoking prohibited in all rooms and cabins, but permitted on deck. The cabin was well appointed, with a day room and a sleeping area. Double bed, the sides of which could be raised to prevent rolling out in bad weather. Bedding basic but adequate, cotton sheets perfectly clean but not ironed, large thick wool blankets, pillows filled with kapok which is unusual.
Unlimited access to the bridge with a stern warning not to spill tea/coffee/ coke into the expensive radar display screen ! this has happened more than once.
They had their own Inmarsat telephone which was very useful. Expensive though at about £1 a minute.
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56
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All across the Great Western territory / Fare's Fair / Re: Call for rail fare simplification
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on: December 28, 2023, 11:25:41
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We need the broadgage simplified fares structure. Only three different fares available for any journey.(in each class) Peak fare---------for trains known or expected to be heavily loaded. Super bargain---very cheap for very lightly used services, mainly early morning or late night services, possibly also rush hour trains for travel against the main flow. Off peak------all those not included in the above.
To limit the greed of TOCs▸ , at least 25% of services must be Super bargain. And peak fares must not apply to more than 25% of services. Both the above to be per timetable period and NOT each day or week. Bookings allowed for peak and off peak, for a small charge. Not needed on super bargain.
Subject to the above, TOCs could classify trains as they see fit, but only alter this at timetable changes, not every few days on a whim.
No more punitively high fares for walk up travel on lightly used trains.
And no more discounted advance tickets on overcrowded services.
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57
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All across the Great Western territory / The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom / Re: Very lucky escape...
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on: December 28, 2023, 08:58:57
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ANOTHER victory for my famous crystal ball. Near the beginning of the IET▸ saga I stated that as soon as as some IETs were in service, that the HSTs▸ would rapidly become "dangerous and non compliant" In general, once new shorter trains have been delivered, the old and full length trains suddenly become "dangerous"
Once 4 car and 6 car networkers were available, then the old 8 car slam door units that has been used for decades were declared to be dangerous.
Once 3 car DMUs▸ were available for Waterloo to Exeter services, the full length loco hauled trains became dangerous.
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60
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All across the Great Western territory / The Wider Picture Overseas / Re: Somerset to Sydney without flying
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on: December 24, 2023, 06:35:39
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Don't give up considering a freight carrying ship'. It is usually far less austere than it sounds. It does help if you are good at entertaining yourself with books and music - you never know it may result in your first novel . . . For me, on the couple of occasions that I have travelled this way .I have been lucky in having Masters who welcomed my very extended visits to the bridge.
This sounds encouraging and fascinating. I would certainly be interested in hearing more details. How did you go about finding a suitable cargo ship? Did you have an opportunity to see the space on offer before booking? What space did you have (both yours and communally available). Did you eat with all the shipworkers? There are several firms offering bookings for passenger travel on cargo ships. No you can not normally view the accommodation before use, pictures are available. Cabins are generally very spacious if compared to a cruise ship. Cabins would be called "super DOUBLE emperor class" or some similar ridiculous superlative on a cruise ship. A few cargo ships even have a small swimming pool containing heated seawater, not treated or purified but continually replaced. Eating is generally with the ships officers, sometimes at a separate table, sometimes not. Food generally very good but limited in choice. Access to the bridge and engine room is by permission only, which is usually granted. Entertainment is limited to reading, video tapes/DVDs, radio, and sometimes satellite TV. An Inmarsat telephone is normally available for emergencies but is too expensive for routine calls. You can of course take your own Inmarsat phone if you have one. Power supply is normally single phase AC, 230 volts, 50 cycles, possibly 120 volts , 60 cycles on American built ships (USA REGISTERED ships are not allowed to carry passengers) A standard cellphone should work in port or within sight of land.
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