Potential bidders for the next Greater Western franchise

[The SprinterMeister]

I would. 

Regularly go Bristol TM - Waterloo in one. Perfectly acceptable.

That is an SWT unit though, the 159's and SWT 158's seem to have a bit more legroom over the FGW 158's, which are a bit cramped for me (6ft 1in).

Still an OK ride though.

The SWT units have OEM 158 / 159 seats in them but with extra padding. Nice and comfy on the posterior but a bit tight on legroom as the seat pitch is the same as previously. Not sure I could hack 3,5 hours on one.

[bignosemac]

Ahhh, but 'tis only 3 hours from Bristol - Waterloo. Less on the return.  .

[The SprinterMeister]

Ahhh, but 'tis only 3 hours from Bristol - Waterloo. Less on the return.  .

Downhill on the way back presumably...
 

[inspector_blakey]

The SWT units have OEM 158 / 159 seats in them but with extra padding. Nice and comfy on the posterior but a bit tight on legroom as the seat pitch is the same as previously. Not sure I could hack 3,5 hours on one.

Tend to agree - Salisbury to Basingstoke was about as far as I felt comfortable with on a 159. Although I changed into a Voyager at BSK which wasn't exactly an upgrade.

[smokey]

I travelled West Cornwall to Shrewsbury (or vicky versa)  on a Class 158 many times in Wales & West days and didn't find it at all bad, though it did get busy in places, but that was a shortage of carriage(s) problem!

Put another way I'd prefer 6 hours on a 158 Penzance to Shrewsury, than less than an Hour Taunton to Bristol Temple Meads on a class 150, 153, 143 or even a class 221

[inspector_blakey]

Back on the topic of potential bidders for FGW (and with due apologies if anyone has already posted this elsewhere), Barry Doe comes out very strongly in favour of First retaining the franchise in his column in RAIL issue 698.

[6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01]

Is it December we find out?

[anthony215]

Is it December we find out?

Yes that was when we were supposed to find out but as I posted on the Intercity express program thread it looks like it will be delayed til January/February 2013 (This information taken from WNXX and person who made the post is normally pretty reliable)