High Speed Train Replacement

[whole diary]

[devon_metro]

I presume it won't have corridor connections at the front anyhow, besides, the 444 mould no longer exists so will be new 

[swlines]

Depends how traction is provided - I think its a safe bet that there will be some sort of through working.

[devon_metro]

Cant see drivers supporting the use of stock with a corridor in their cab for a London-Penzance service!

[Conner]

I'd rather have a 444 than some foul old botched 153 that should be operating regional Bristol services and not BRI^» (Bristol Temple Meads - next trains) to PNZ.

153's actually should be used on branchlines.
And 153's are more comfortable than 444's and more comfortable and nicer inside than a 150, the usual stock for BRI-PNZ.

Perhaps I just have a bad attitude toward them them, based upon bad experiences on them before. Have the refurbishments done them any justice?

Ahh, pre refurb they were shocking.
Quite nice now.

[swlines]

I repeat - it depends on how traction is provided.

It could work on the basis of a power car system and therefore through corridor connections would be no real problem.

Remember that the front two thirds of a 23m coach when operating at 125mph has to be restricted access.

[Btline]

Have one loco and one DVT^‡(resolve) to allow the carriage of at least 6 bikes/3 tandems and luggage.

Fully automatic sliding plug doors that shut quickly - not like 158/Voyager plug doors which take forever!

A wide body on the Great Western version. Let's take advantge of what Brunel did and not end up with an extra thin train (like the Voyagers) just because there is a bridge/ platform clearance problem somewhere in Scotland.

Tilting to allow 140 mph - otherwise pointless in my opinion.

No SDO^▸ (Selective Door Opening)!

ALL platforms must be lengthened where possible to prevent the use of it. If you can't - tough luck (sorry Honeybourne Northbound- blame the planning depatment who let houses be built)!

[devon_metro]

Have one loco and one DVT^‡(resolve) to allow the carriage of at least 6 bikes/3 tandems and luggage.

Fully automatic sliding plug doors that shut quickly - not like 158/Voyager plug doors which take forever!

A wide body on the Great Western version. Let's take advantge of what Brunel did and not end up with an extra thin train (like the Voyagers) just because there is a bridge/ platform clearance problem somewhere in Scotland.

Tilting to allow 140 mph - otherwise pointless in my opinion.

No SDO^▸ (Selective Door Opening)!

ALL platforms must be lengthened where possible to prevent the use of it. If you can't - tough luck (sorry Honeybourne Northbound- blame the planning depatment who let houses be built)!

SDO is vital, especially if trains are longer. It simply is not practical to lengthen platforms. Tilting is pointless too as much of the high speed route is straight.

[swlines]

Might as well build some 390s if you want tilt.

Besides, ERTMS^▸ (European Rail Traffic Management System.) should be here soon.... 

[devon_metro]

Might as well build some 390s if you want tilt.

Besides, ERTMS^▸ (European Rail Traffic Management System.) should be here soon.... 

Big windows please 

[Btline]

Might as well build some 390s if you want tilt.

Besides, ERTMS^▸ (European Rail Traffic Management System.) should be here soon.... 

Big windows please 

The windy bit in Devon could be sped up!

NO 390s - I want a better view than my luggage.

[Chris2]

What do we want on the replacement for the HST^▸ (High Speed Train)?

So we would like longer trains. (There is no need for them to be of a fixed formation allowing flexibility possibly from 2+7 to 2+10) In this case selective door opening is required but as they are likely to have power doors this should be easier for the guards and station staff.

How many carriages of first class? I would say 2-3 carriages of first class is sufficient if they are all table seats. In some countries first class on the train is airline seating on some trains with only a fold down table.

A restaurant car would be nice for the longer journeys, say if cross country trains ever rolled out the replacement HST e.g. on Penzance to Edinburgh, but a buffet car as a minimum

Paper reservation tickets as the electronic systems seem less reliable.

I would personally like to see displays showing the progress of the train in the vestibules linked to GPS. So that if you can't find a member of staff you will know where you are. Especially useful travelling back in the winter evenings. It could also be used to display messages about why the train is delayed.

The seats need to be comfortable for all passengers whether first class or standard class.

Conner I agree with you on the layout of the train. There are some good ideas being pushed around.

I do agree that the seats should try to be aligned with the windows. Do you think the windows should have blinds like the voyagers do?

[Chris2]

Well my HST2 would be like this formation wise:

Power Car-MTU^▸ (Motor Traction Unit) Engine, Bicycle and Luggage Store
Coach A-Quiet Class, Half Luggage Store and Train Managers Office with Inward Opening Slam Door, Quiet Zone, No Tables
Coach B-Standard Class, No Reservations, 5 Tables
Coach C-Standard Class, 2 Tables, 2 Disabled Tables and Spaces, Disabled Toilet
Coach D-Standard Class, 4 Tables
Coach E-Standard Class, 4 Tables
Coach F-Family and Friends Class, Half Coach Available for Reservation, Special Reservation System
Coach G-Restaurant Class, Buffet Area, Kitchen, First Class Seating, 8 Walk Up Tables for Dining
Coach H-First Class, All Tables
Coach I- Premier Class, Quiet Zone, No Tables Half has a First Class Service Area
Power Car-MTU Engine, Bicycle and Luggage Store

My formation would be to add another coach to the HST2 between coach F & G which is half standard class and the other half is the Buffet/Restaurant. This would allow coach G To be expanded with more first class seating and room for the restaurant service so it can serve more standard class customers.

[Chris2]

For the quiet coaches , I would like technology installed that prevents the phone from getting a signal.

[Conner]

For the quiet coaches , I would like technology installed that prevents the phone from getting a signal.

You mean any Voyager coach!

No blinds on windows, very selfish people can put one down on an airline seat and you may not be able to see.

[swlines]

Most Voyager coaches have recently had a signal boosting technology installed...