Faults on HST coaches (mainly lack of aircon)

[whole diary]

[a-driver]

Considering some of the HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) are staying with GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) it doesn't really make any sense to run them down. They also have to be returned to the leasing company in good order (and with any GWR modifications removed!) otherwise they face a fine.
That's why in the depots there are power cars still undergoing cab replacement, engine replacement, overhauled bogies and running gear etc.
Even the coaching stock are still receiving heavy maintenance. Sunday's when there are more HSTs in the depot will see several air con module swaps. Something that can't be done during the week.
A failure of an HST in the wrong location could cost the company millions in delays. Simply not worth the risk.

Incidentally few trains have full control of the air con system from within the train itself

[broadgage]

A failure of the train that blocks a main line for hours could indeed be hugely expensive and there is a clear incentive to minimise such breakdowns.
However an air conditioning failure does not, AFAIK^▸ (as far as I know) cost  GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) anything so the comparison is false.

I still suspect a hidden agenda to make the new DMUs^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit) look better by comparison to the "old, run down and unreliable" trains that are being replaced.

I recall a similar situation on the Waterloo to Exeter route when it was down graded from full length loco hauled trains to 3 car DMUs.
Train lengths were reduced despite plenty of coaches being available, the best locos were turned off and stored or scrapped with the worst examples being kept.
The last evening train from Waterloo was regularly replaced by a 2 and a half car DMU, non gangwayed and with the single toilet only available to one coach.

[IndustryInsider]

That does indeed sound like something BR^▸ (British Rail(ways)) would have done to save money 25 years ago.

[Henry]

 Certainly in the Cornwall/South Devon there recently seems to be an increase in HST^▸ (High Speed Train) 'faults'.
 This morning 2 London Paddington trains were cancelled from Newton Abbot.
 I find it hard to believe that GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) would seriously neglect this fleet, but it does seem reliability is slipping.

 Any trips to London (after August) might be prudent to consider Waterloo.

[TaplowGreen]

Certainly in the Cornwall/South Devon there recently seems to be an increase in HST^▸ (High Speed Train) 'faults'.
 This morning 2 London Paddington trains were cancelled from Newton Abbot.
 I find it hard to believe that GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) would seriously neglect this fleet, but it does seem reliability is slipping.

 Any trips to London (after August) might be prudent to consider Waterloo.

Indeed............this'll be cosy!!!

12:05 London Paddington to Penzance due 17:12 has been delayed at Plymouth and is now 39 minutes late.
Will be formed of 3 coaches instead of 8 between Plymouth and Penzance. First class reduced. Catering is not available. There are no reservations on this service.
This is due to a fault on this train.

[Timmer]

12:05 London Paddington to Penzance due 17:12 has been delayed at Plymouth and is now 39 minutes late.
Will be formed of 3 coaches instead of 8 between Plymouth and Penzance. First class reduced. Catering is not available. There are no reservations on this service.
This is due to a fault on this train.

First class reduced??? They're wont be any unless GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) have hired in a SWT^▸ (South West Trains) 159!

[Rhydgaled]

12:05 London Paddington to Penzance due 17:12 has been delayed at Plymouth and is now 39 minutes late.
Will be formed of 3 coaches instead of 8 between Plymouth and Penzance. First class reduced. Catering is not available. There are no reservations on this service.
This is due to a fault on this train.

First class reduced??? They're wont be any unless GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) have hired in a SWT^▸ (South West Trains) 159!

Or put together a short IC125 set from a handful of stock on Laira depot with a composite or buffet car and two standard class coaches; but that seems unlikely.