Problems with the Night Riviera sleeper - December 2014 onwards

[whole diary]

[broadgage]

It appears that last night's sleeper was an IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train). Via Swindon and then Yeovil for good measure.

Mark

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:L51037/2023-08-13/detailed

People would pay good money for such a railtour in a classic HST^▸ (High Speed Train) or with D1000/50XXX hauling some rattly old MkI stock

I might pay good money for such a railtour, but would be less impressed if expecting a sleeper by a reasonably direct and punctual route. In view of the relatively early morning arrival of the sleepers, minor delays of up to say 30 minutes are in my view of little consequence for most passengers, and longer delays of up to an hour arguably acceptable.

Railtours are noted for the provision of booked seats, padded seats, buffet cars, proper first class and other facilities that are considered unreasonable to provide on new trains.

[TaplowGreen]

Obviously they need a sleeper version of the IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train).

Indeed - From Penzance - but to Glasgow or Edinburgh, joining with a Weymouth portion at New Street to the other of those cities.  And a Euston to Stirling, with portions onward to Inverness via Aberdeen and to Fort William. Couchette style returning the same routes as day carriages.

Where is the demand for a Penzance to Glasgow sleeper? How much would it cost? .......and oooooooooooos gonna pay for it?

Do you think the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) would commit to the necessary subsidy similar to that which keeps the Night Riviera going?

[broadgage]

I suspect that there is a demand for other sleeper services. The environmental costs of flying and driving are increasing concerns, and trains are the obvious alternatives, preferably electric trains.
Use of a sleeper train saves the expense and the energy use of a hotel stay.

[ChrisB]

The expense being added to your sleeper fare though. (see Scottish sleeper fares)

[GBM]

23:50 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:54
08/10/23 23:50 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:54 will no longer call at Lostwithiel.
This is due to a fault on this train.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:L51049/2023-10-08/detailed#allox_id=1

Seems to have a stop/start trip down overnight. Late/on time/late.
Why non stop at Lostwithiel I wonder.

[old original]

23:50 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:54
08/10/23 23:50 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:54 will no longer call at Lostwithiel.
This is due to a fault on this train.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:L51049/2023-10-08/detailed#allox_id=1

Seems to have a stop/start trip down overnight. Late/on time/late.
Why non stop at Lostwithiel I wonder.

If it had power problems, it's probably to get a run up the hill out of Lostwithiel.

[Witham Bobby]

23:50 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:54
08/10/23 23:50 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:54 will no longer call at Lostwithiel.
This is due to a fault on this train.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:L51049/2023-10-08/detailed#allox_id=1

Seems to have a stop/start trip down overnight. Late/on time/late.
Why non stop at Lostwithiel I wonder.

It's not Wednesday, is it?
If it had power problems, it's probably to get a run up the hill out of Lostwithiel.

[GBM]

00:55 Reading to Penzance due 07:54
00:55 Reading to Penzance due 07:54 will no longer call at Liskeard, Bodmin Parkway, Lostwithiel, Par, St Austell, Redruth, Camborne, Hayle and St Erth.
It has been delayed between Reading and Exeter St Davids and is now 125 minutes late.
This is due to a fault on this train.

126 minutes late into Plymouth.
Showing non stop Plymouth to Truro thence non stop to Penzance.

[bobm]

Last night's Up Sleeper was delayed for nearly two hours due to a fatality on the line in Cornwall.

Faced with that amount of delay the service has often been terminated at Reading with passengers forced to change onto other services to reach Paddington.  However today the train continued into London and didn't even have to wait for the second loco to be coupled to the rear at Reading.   The light loco was sent on ahead and held in Royal Oak sidings before being joined to the train in platform 1 in Paddington to bring the empty coaches back to Reading Traincare Depot.