I can assure you that the Group has not been set up just because of the 142s, the arrival of the wretched 142s is purely co-incidental. Visit the web site and read our constitution.

It would be be nice is we had a guaranteed half hourly service during the day, thanks to FGW^▸ (First Great Western) mis-management this is not always the case.

Pease note the the correct name is Avocet^▸ (Branch line from Exeter to Exmouth) Line Rail Uers Group, or ALRUG for short.

TJ.

In the meeting that the Avocet^▸ (Branch line from Exeter to Exmouth) Line Rail Users Group (ALRUG) had with Julian Crow (FGW^▸ (First Great Western) General Manager for the West of England) he stated that exactly how the Pacers would be used was still being worked out. Doubling them up is certainly an option but as the units have no corridor connection this poses staffing problems. There are also problems with platforms lengths, particularly at St James's Park.

Correct me if I am wrong but a 150 plus a 153 has 208 seats, two 142s have 212 so I could only ever envisage two 142s being used where there is currently a 150+153 combination but as someone has already said, the chances of getting two 142s to work together reliably and regularly may at best be wishful thinking.

Looking at the reliability figures which were published in January this year the Northern 142s have only 60% of that of a 150 but it was noticeable that the figure was on a downward trend, which is understandable as when a TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company) is getting rid of stock it doesn't lavish too much care on them. The Arriva Wales 142s are only a third as reliable as a 150, the difference being accounted for by the harsher terrain in South Wales. Again there was a downward trend. I suspect that the Northern 142s may not take kindly to the climb from St Davids to Central, amongst other Devon banks.

Don^t expect any sudden increase in reliability or comfort from the transfer to FGW as Julian Crow stated quite clearly that ^they would tidy them up a bit^ but that^s all, as they only have them for two years.

Looking back in magazines of the eighties I noticed that 142s were banned from being coupled to 155s except for line clearance purposes (rescue) and even then only if subject to a 30mph restriction. No reason was quoted but as 155s became 153s is there a potential problem here if ever the need arose for a 142/153 coupling?

I agree with another poster that the four 153s off lease should be brought back in place of 4 of the Pacers.  153s (dog boxes) are far from perfect for the Exmouth Branch as they are so slow in loading and unloading but at least FGW will be spared the need to dispense 142 anti-nausea tablets.

One good piece of news. We were told that Exeter depot is to have a carriage washing machine. About time is all that I can say as for years our local trains have resembled well used agricultural equipment, particularly after foul weather, and being able to see out of the windows can at best be difficult ^ a bit like FGWs refurbished HST^▸ (High Speed Train) coaches but that^s a posting for another place.

To conclude, the message from ALRUG to FGW is quite simple, Pacers, no thanks, we don^t want them.

TJ