IETs into passenger service from 16 Oct 2017 and subsequent performance issues

[whole diary]

[eightonedee]

Yes indeed. There were quite a few spare seats on the 16-52.

In the context of former Turbo services, the introduction of IETs^▸ (Intercity Express Train) is definitely a step up in the world.

[eightonedee]

Senior moment - I've just remembered another point from my journey yesterday (with apologies for reigniting the catering debate).

On the 5 coach train, we were in the middle coach. I noticed as we left the train that seats 91 and 92 were "blind" (no window) opposite a luggage rack. Why not use this space for a vending machine instead of a pair of miserable windowless seats? I appreciate that this falls short of the expectations of many of the buffet brigade, but it would bring some food to each 5 car set.

BTW^▸ (by the way), why are the builders of rolling stock permitted to have windowless seats? For me one of the attractions of rail travel is the ability to gaze at the outside world as it rushes past!

[grahame]

On the 5 coach train, we were in the middle coach. I noticed as we left the train that seats 91 and 92 were "blind" (no window) opposite a luggage rack.  ....

[snip]

BTW^▸ (by the way), why are the builders of rolling stock permitted to have windowless seats? For me one of the attractions of rail travel is the ability to gaze at the outside world as it rushes past!

I noticed them (and took a photo to comment) at 10:45 this morning!



They would probably be just about my last choice to use.   On the way back, some person had left his two big cases in the coach's doorway (to the outside) at Taunton, and of course the way out at Westbury was 'across' them. He was clearly concerned at me moving one of them to get past, and when I explained to him that luggage shouldn't block the doors he explained there was no alternative as the luggage rack was full.   I re-iterated that it's something of a safety issue where he had left them, but took it no further as it could have got more heated than an "explained" type conversation!    How about replacing thos seats with a coffee machine on a counter, and space for luggage underneath?

[FarWestJohn]

The body side in the photo is where the sliding door goes when it opens. I think this area should be for luggage and not seats. These appalling electro diesel units do not have enough luggage space for long distance trains to Devon and Cornwall. They are basically commuter units with maximum seats and no use for inter city longer distance routes.

[IndustryInsider]

As has been explained before, the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about)’s obsession with the number of seats on the train, combined with not wanting to budge on legroom promises led to these four seats per carriage.  On all carriages I would replace them at one end with another luggage rack.  At the other end, on two of the carriages I would remove that row of seats and the next row in front.  I would then change the direction of the third row so they face the other way towards the gap created and then you have a proper buggy space that’s not in the quiet carriage .  Two tip-up seats could in theory be fitted for when no buggies are present, but make it clear buggies have priority.  Cost would be minimal for a much improved interior with only a few seats lost.

[eightonedee]

This obsession with seat numbers though does not extend to the 2 car 165s that have been refitted with a large luggage/bike rack at one cab end, replacing all the seats down one side apart from one pair, and another small luggage rack'replacing (I think) two more seats. This is on the sets where at the other end the old ex-First class seats have been replaced by a conventional standard set of standard class seats - but due to the First class fenestration, a row of these are "blind" as well - see my earlier post.

Sorry - just realised - these are the surfboard trains of the future!

[didcotdean]

I find these no view IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) seats handy for short journeys as they are rarely occupied and I am right by the door for a quick exit

I have noticed sitting there that bags that would fit easily in the overhead rack above seats are often filling up the rather small luggage rack, maybe from a habit from trains where a briefcase is about the largest item that can be put overhead.

[TonyK]

I find these no view IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) seats handy for short journeys as they are rarely occupied and I am right by the door for a quick exit

I have noticed sitting there that bags that would fit easily in the overhead rack above seats are often filling up the rather small luggage rack, maybe from a habit from trains where a briefcase is about the largest item that can be put overhead.

My recent trip to Lincolnshire proves your point. On the IET ex-Tiverton, I tried my case, of the type that just about fits EasyJet's size for hand luggage, in the overhead rack. Perfect fit! On the Hull Trains HST^▸ (High Speed Train) ex-Paddington, no chance.

[grahame]

This obsession with seat numbers though does not extend to the 2 car 165s that have been refitted with a large luggage/bike rack at one cab end, replacing all the seats down one side apart from one pair, and another small luggage rack'replacing (I think) two more seats. ....

The clever thing would be to get these on the Cardiff - Portmouths, and direct cruise passengers to those carriages. There's already a lot of zone stuff so "Passengers with heavy luggage should join the train in zone 5" really should not be a problem.   Is this the plan?

[PhilWakely]

This obsession with seat numbers though does not extend to the 2 car 165s that have been refitted with a large luggage/bike rack at one cab end, replacing all the seats down one side apart from one pair, and another small luggage rack'replacing (I think) two more seats. ....

The clever thing would be to get these on the Cardiff - Portmouths, and direct cruise passengers to those carriages. There's already a lot of zone stuff so "Passengers with heavy luggage should join the train in zone 5" really should not be a problem.   Is this the plan?

A very good idea, but it would involve changing the seat reservation booking system. Imagine booking somebody into the quiet carriage, but who also has heavy luggage.

[grahame]

A very good idea, but it would involve changing the seat reservation booking system. Imagine booking somebody into the quiet carriage, but who also has heavy luggage.

Someone's gone to the trouble of putting in those big luggage racks.    Someone has allocated them routinely to the Southampton run on which people tend to have a lot of luggage.    Looks like the big decisions have been made and they just need a final bit of joining up?

I can't imagine people travelling to or from their hollibobs on a ship from Southampton are going to be too concerned tone in a quiet carriage - in fact they're likely to be excitedly chattering, phoning ahead to daughtertaxi for when they get off the train to ensure the lift really is there.  Of course, we're all different but cruise traffic does not strike me as people who'll want it quiet on that particular journey.

[IndustryInsider]

Just seen my first ever 9-car with a working reservation system.  Hopefully that’s means the issue with 9-car trains is going to be resolved. Coach F now appears to be labelled D so perhaps that’s done the trick?

[TonyK]

Someone's gone to the trouble of putting in those big luggage racks.    Someone has allocated them routinely to the Southampton run on which people tend to have a lot of luggage.    Looks like the big decisions have been made and they just need a final bit of joining up?

I can't imagine people travelling to or from their hollibobs on a ship from Southampton are going to be too concerned tone in a quiet carriage - in fact they're likely to be excitedly chattering, phoning ahead to daughtertaxi for when they get off the train to ensure the lift really is there.  Of course, we're all different but cruise traffic does not strike me as people who'll want it quiet on that particular journey.

We are recently home from a month-long cruise. We didn't make undue noise on the way to the airport on the way out. In truth, we stayed in a hotel at Heathrow to give us a gentle start on departure day itself. On the way home, we were getting over a total day of about 36 hours, running back over the 8 time zones we had travelled across, but all in one lump, so weren't in complete party mood then, either.

[Celestial]

Watching the excellent All The Stations video on the Azuma^▸ (Brand name for Class 80x trains on LNER) launch, I couldn't help but wondering whether the comment about one of the joys of a long distance train journey being that you can get out of your seat, walk to the buffet and have a cup of tea was a rather pointed dig at GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway).  Geoff did seem to labour the point rather. 

[eightonedee]

A very good idea, but it would involve changing the seat reservation booking system. Imagine booking somebody into the quiet carriage, but who also has heavy luggage.

Seat reservation system? Quiet carriage? In a two car Turbo!