Class 180s return to the Cotswolds

[whole diary]

[CLPGMS]

With reference to Andrew 1939's comment about yesterday's 1421 PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains)-WOF being a 3-car Turbo, I note from IndustryInsider's post of 23rd July that the Adelante diagram which includes the 1421 has not yet been introduced.  This is somewhat different to what FGW^▸ (First Great Western)'s MD, Mark Hopwood, said in a speech at Moreton-in-Marsh on 18th July, when he informed us that all 4 Class 180 diagrams would be in operation from Monday 23rd July.  Obviously, unanticipated problems have occurred leading to some services still being operated by Turbos.

I would support Andrew's comment about the overcrowding on the 1421, due, no doubt, to the previous 1321 PAD-MIM being terminated at Oxford.  An unusually large number of passengers alighted at Moreton-in-Marsh.

[Southern Stag]

There are four 180 diagrams in action now, it's just that one of them is operating with a 166 at the moment. When a 180 is available it will be just be a case of putting on the diagram. For Monday there would have been quite a lot of diagram changes to Turbos as well because of stock strengthening and also to eliminate a lot of interworking between London-Cotswold trains and London-Bedwyn and London-Oxford stopping services.

[IndustryInsider]

I also understand that two CL HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) departing PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains) last night were 80 minutes late at Hereford with the final Down train of the day an hour late. This morning it is the same again with the 09.50 ex PAD running late and the UP 09.54 ex GMV cancelled. We seem to be going back to the days of a few years ago when FGW^▸ (First Great Western) was threated with losing the franchise unless it pulled its socks up. Today it seems to be the failure of both NR^» (Network Rail - home page) for infrastructure failure and FGW for train failures and unavailability of staff.

Infrastructure wise it's what always happens when the thermometer hits 30 degrees.  Compounded this year by Class 180s which are not working properly yet (a three engined 180 working a stopping intensive service can't get anywhere near Turbo timings), passengers that are unfamiliar with them (especially those with bikes) and a door layout that isn't very suitable for stopping services (though better than a HST!).  Combine that with train crew who are still re-familiarising themselves with the traction, and resourcing issues getting the train crew in place in the first place as many staff haven't been trained yet, and the end result is everything running on a knife-edge.  A drop in the temperature should make some difference though.

Probably a case of biting off more than we could chew, though the 'promise' was made for the Olympics and I wouldn't be surprised if it had to be kept at all costs to comply with the agreement with the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) for the 180s return.  I believe there are four 180s available for use at the moment 103, 106 and 108 were joined this week by 102.  No sign of 104 yet.

[ray951]

Probably a case of biting off more than we could chew, though the 'promise' was made for the Olympics and I wouldn't be surprised if it had to be kept at all costs to comply with the agreement with the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) for the 180s return.  I believe there are four 180s available for use at the moment 103, 106 and 108 were joined this week by 104.  No sign of 102 yet.

Well I am sure it was 102 on the service I caught on Tuesday (17:06 ex OXF^» (Oxford - next trains)).

Another question, are these services being operated as Driver Only, and if so how can they react to a disabled person using the  alarm in the toilet particuarly when they are between stations?

[Southern Stag]

180s are operated with a driver and a guard. It means quite a few services now have guard when they would have DOO^▸ (Driver-Only Operation (that is, trains which operate without carrying a guard)) when Turbo operated.

[IndustryInsider]

Well I am sure it was 102 on the service I caught on Tuesday (17:06 ex OXF^» (Oxford - next trains)).

My mistake, it's 104 that hasn't been out and about yet then (I think!).  Certainly it's 103, 106 and 108 that are doing the lion's share.

[Andrew1939 from West Oxon]

Industry Insider says "Infrastructure wise it's what always happens when the thermometer hits 30 degrees." But why is this the case? If it is a bit colder than normal, rail services are fouled up and if it is a bit warmer it is the same. Other countries seem to be able to cope (with operational costs, according to McNulty, lower than in Britain). Why can't Britain? It is not as though the current higher temperatures are so unusual. We get spells like this every year.

[IndustryInsider]

Looks like they've pulled the plug on the 180s today.  None of them appear to be out and about!

[IanL]

Yep, first off peak to paddington this morning through Charlbury was a 3car 165, no aircon and busy.
 

[lordgoata]

Looks like they've pulled the plug on the 180s today.  None of them appear to be out and about!

I did wonder! Stood in my "new" location and then had to leg it down the platform when I realised someone had changed the bloody train again! Thanks for the update II :-)

[charles_uk]

Looks like they've pulled the plug on the 180s today.  None of them appear to be out and about!

Does that mean it'll be a turbo for the 15:51???

[IndustryInsider]

Yes.  Currently 166213 has been allocated. 

[charles_uk]

Yes.  Currently 166213 has been allocated. 

Oh goody.

The 180s have been a snug fit over the last few Fridays...

[Louis94]

This evenings halts train is formed of a 3-car turbo vice 180, and you know what that means...

"This train will no longer call at Combe, Finstock and Ascott-Under-Wychwood."

[CLPGMS]

Why will today's 1732 ex OXF^» (Oxford - next trains) not call at Ascott-under-Wychwood?  Does someone not realise that the down platform was lengthened to accommodate 3 coaches at the same time as the up platform was added last year?