Shortage of rolling stock since September 2017 - ongoing problems, and subsequent discussion

[whole diary]

[JayMac]

I agree entirely that some new stock needs to be ordered now, but that wont help for this summer.
My proposal for a temporary derogation to use non approved stock was a short term suggestion for the here and now, not a long term solution.

Alternatively are there any surplus EMUs^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) in storage ? class 319s or others ? could these be used, loco hauled ?

It's the Class 319s that are supposed to be converted to 769s.

[grahame]

I agree entirely that some new stock needs to be ordered now, but that wont help for this summer.
My proposal for a temporary derogation to use non approved stock was a short term suggestion for the here and now, not a long term solution.

Alternatively are there any surplus EMUs^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) in storage ? class 319s or others ? could these be used, loco hauled ?

It's the Class 319s that are supposed to be converted to 769s.

A couple of diesel engines in separate vehicles on the end while they wait for the shops to fit diesel engines underneath?

[IndustryInsider]

Not wishing to dismiss the idea off hand, but I would expect numerous little issues as well as the ones already mentioned which would make it a non-starter.  

First, every train would need two locos, even if they are sourced that’s a 6-vehicle formation.  Can all Cornish branches cope with such lengths?  How would supply to the 319 train work in terms of opening doors etc as the train would need to be operated in ‘rescue’ mode which means very limited functions on the train?  Are all platforms long enough for a 4-car train without SDO^▸ (Selective Door Opening)?

Main line locos and charter MK^▸ (Milton Keynes) IIs or IIIs would be the way forward rather than surplus EMUs^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit), but you can bet it would cost a pretty penny!

[CMRail]

Send all of the turbos back, electrify Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the Bristol Area and we can have the 387s. Simples. 

[broadgage]

I agree entirely that some new stock needs to be ordered now, but that wont help for this summer.
My proposal for a temporary derogation to use non approved stock was a short term suggestion for the here and now, not a long term solution.

Alternatively are there any surplus EMUs^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) in storage ? class 319s or others ? could these be used, loco hauled ?

It's the Class 319s that are supposed to be converted to 769s.

I know, I was speculating as to whether or not there might be some NOT due for conversion, or stored for pending conversion, that could in the interim be used as hauled coaches.

[Sixty3Closure]

Just for a moment I dared to hope my commute might improve (at least in one direction) as my regular train suddenly changed into one of those shiny new electric ones.

Sadly my hopes were soon dashed as the very crowded 6 carriage DMU^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit) has been replaced with a measly 4 EMU^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit). Didn't even try to get on today as Twyford is starting to resemble Maidenhead as everyone tries to piles on. I'm sure its coincidence but the "this trained is formed of..." disappeared as did the announcement on carriage length.

I have no idea if this is a permanent change, will always be 4 carriages or if its Oxford related. Really hope its not permanent as already missed one meeting this week.

I did get a seat on the next slow train although sadly no aircon and late for work. Some people are just never happy!

[Sixty3Closure]

4 Coaches again. Guess this is the new norm for this service.

Disappointing.

[Phantom]

Went to catch 2Y24 last night (1612 BPW^» (Bristol Parkway - next trains) - WSM) normally a three car set, but due to a shortage of rolling stock an HST^▸ (High Speed Train) was used as a replacement

The look of shock at FIT was brilliant, people not sure whether to board or not, then at BRI^» (Bristol Temple Meads - next trains) it was announced the service was no longer stopping at BMT or PSN

[Adelante_CCT]

4 Coaches again. Guess this is the new norm for this service.

Disappointing.

Which service are you referring to?

[Richard Fairhurst]

Went to catch 2Y24 last night (1612 BPW^» (Bristol Parkway - next trains) - WSM) normally a three car set, but due to a shortage of rolling stock an HST^▸ (High Speed Train) was used as a replacement

The look of shock at FIT was brilliant, people not sure whether to board or not, then at BTM^▸ (Bristol Temple Meads (strictly, it should be BRI)) it was announced the service was no longer stopping at BED or PST

PST is Prestonpans, but you've got me with BED and BTM, and going via the Edinburgh suburbs seems like an eccentric diversion...

(Please - use real station names!)

[Western Pathfinder]

Bedminster & Parsons Street.

[martyjon]

Talking to a pub fellow regular on Monday night caught up in the usual Sunday cancellations and all that the previous evening described the state of play at Paddington as, "you would think the latest round of the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)'s hide and seek championships were being played out at Paddington last night, only person to help was a wonderfully helpful ethnic caribbean gentleman driving a people carrying float who told him and his wife to watch him as his next task was to collect an elderly couple and deposit them onto the next train to Bristol Parkway as their booked train was cancelled like theirs and in doing so they were directed to the next BPW^» (Bristol Parkway - next trains) train before it was showing on the departure screens." 

[Sixty3Closure]

4 Coaches again. Guess this is the new norm for this service.

Disappointing.

Which service are you referring to?

Its the 06.53 from Twyford to Paddington for me.

[Adelante_CCT]

This is Oxford related, (service temporarily starts at Didcot vice Oxford) so will be back to turbo operation once the line has reopened

[Sixty3Closure]

Thanks for the information. We would have settled for an 8 or 12 coach EMU^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) but having our faithful turbos back is welcome news as well.