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Great Western Coffee Shop > All across the Great Western territory > Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years > Rail franchise row: Fears of Great Western 'overcrowding'
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Author Topic: Rail franchise row: Fears of Great Western 'overcrowding'  (Read 25051 times)
Southern Stag
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« Reply #30 on: February 11, 2013, 16:13:14 »
And even with a self contained branch you will still have to fit Central Door Locking, OTMR▸ (On Train Monitoring Recorder) and now also GSM-R▸ (Global System for Mobile communications - Railway. A simple mobile phone that has been fitted to the turbos to allow them to operate on lines that are not covered by the cab secure radio (CSR). This allows the Network Rail control centre to send simple STOP messages to the driver or the driver to contact the controller in emergency only. When this system is in operation a guard must be provided when in passenger operation.). That's not going to come cheap.
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swrural
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« Reply #31 on: February 11, 2013, 18:50:27 »
I wonder what Swanage has to do then?
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6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01
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« Reply #32 on: February 11, 2013, 18:51:53 »
If the services run above 25mph? Do they on the looe branch?
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vacmanfan
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« Reply #33 on: February 13, 2013, 01:41:14 »
In reply to RW, I whole heartedly agree that the 1723 down service ex-Truro should be retimed.  It is constantly late anyway and misses the 1727 Falmouth service at least once a week.  Even if it left Plymouth at the same time but dwelled at Truro until after the Falmouth has cleared Penwithers it would make the train more accessible to more commuters. 

Just my 10 pence worth.
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anthony215
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« Reply #34 on: February 13, 2013, 12:18:31 »
Quote from: grahame on February 11, 2013, 14:09:39
Quote from: 6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01 on February 11, 2013, 12:21:50
the looe branch is self contained, why not run a heritage dmu on it? 

There's a limited number of branches where it would be nice to run heritage units (even MORE heritage, Chris!) - not only to release stock but also to boost passenger numbes ... let me see:
Liskeard to Looe
Brockenhurst to Lymington
St Erth to St Ives
Slough to Windsor
Twyford to Henley on Thames
in addition to those where they're used already:
Pier Head to Shanklin
Princes Risborough to Aylebury
Queen Street to Bute Road

However ... there's an issue with heritage stock - it's old, it's hard to maintain, and it might not be as reliable as a public service and businesses in the area require.

We only have to see the problems Arriva Trains Wales have with their class 121 to see the diffculties in keeping heritage units in regular service
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swrural
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« Reply #35 on: February 13, 2013, 14:06:24 »
I suppose you've all seen this report about between 13000 and 19000 new coaches needed?

One could have reasonably written that report some years ago.  I'm beginning to think my idea of push-pull with a bi-mode engine is a runner. 
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eightf48544
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« Reply #36 on: February 13, 2013, 14:34:00 »
I saw a report in one of the mags about re-engining some class 73s with 1500 hp diesel engines.

That would make them quite smart performers with 3 or 4 30 ton coaches in push pull mode. Much cheaper than a bi mode unit.
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Kernow Otter
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« Reply #37 on: February 15, 2013, 18:21:54 »
Seems someone at FGW▸ (First Great Western) Towers is listening as a trial run was carried out today of the new regional stock comprising a single standard class coach, top and tailed with a 43 ! 

Came through Lostwithiel at about 1400 heading west, took me by surprise so no time for a photo.

Seriously, can anyone shed some light on this working ?
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6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01
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« Reply #38 on: February 15, 2013, 18:24:51 »
Most likely on test or going for maintenance
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Southern Stag
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« Reply #39 on: February 16, 2013, 13:02:51 »
It was an ECS▸ (Empty Coaching Stock) from Plymouth Laira depot to Penzance Long Rock depot. Probably providing some spare powercars and a spare coach at Penzance as the line is blocked Liskeard-Plymouth all this week.
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tramway
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« Reply #40 on: April 17, 2013, 20:40:59 »
Quote from: eightf48544 on February 13, 2013, 14:34:00
I saw a report in one of the mags about re-engining some class 73s with 1500 hp diesel engines.

That would make them quite smart performers with 3 or 4 30 ton coaches in push pull mode. Much cheaper than a bi mode unit.

More re-engined 31's in push pull would be my favourite.

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