Hello, I'm Lewis

[whole diary]

[Lewis43]

Hi all,

My name is Lewis, I'm 16 and I'm from Essex. Now, I know Essex is no where near First Great Western territory but I am a train enthusiast and FGW^▸ (First Great Western) are my favourite company purely because they have my all time favourite type of train: the HST^▸ (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)) and because they operate in my favourite parts of the country: Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and The Cotswolds. I ride around on FGW trains a lot and pay regular visits to London Paddington station: the gateway to the South West. Really, I joined this site to keep up with the comings and going at FGW, particularly the trains, routes and service. Being a train enthusiast hopefully I can provide some useful information about train operation, times or absolutely anything to do with FGW. Although I like FGW, I'm not to sure I'm liking the InterCity Express Programme trains. They look okay but I don't think they will come anywhere near to the high standards provided by the HST workhorse. Along with the IEP^▸ (Intercity Express Program / Project. This will offer more capacity on routes, save money, give a consistent and safe service and meet customer requirements. Intended to replace HSTs.), there is electrification which I suppose is good for the environment but the masts and wires will look incredibly ugly and ruin the beautiful landscape of the London-Bristol/South Wales route which has some stunning scenery and countryside. Anyway, I look forward to using the forum for FGW,

Kind regards,

Lewis 

[JayMac]

A warm welcome to the forum Lewis, from another unashamed lover of the HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units))!

Although I think its time they are gracefully retired. And I'm looking forward to the IEP^▸ (Intercity Express Program / Project. This will offer more capacity on routes, save money, give a consistent and safe service and meet customer requirements. Intended to replace HSTs.). 

[Lewis43]

Thanks for the warm welcome  I suppose; they are 40 years old now. But to be honest they do have very nice interiors with very comfortable seats. I am sort of looking forward to IEP^▸ (Intercity Express Program / Project. This will offer more capacity on routes, save money, give a consistent and safe service and meet customer requirements. Intended to replace HSTs.) but the new trains will have no buffet service, just a trolley service and most are bi-mode and 5 cars. The thing I can't get my head round is why the DFT^▸ (Department for Transport) have decided to replace an 8 car HST^▸ (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)) with a 5 car train and when I wrote to them their response was "there is no need for an 8 car train during off-peak." But there is no intention to operate the new Super Express trains on London Paddington-Taunton/Plymouth/Penzance routes therefore HST's will continue to operate these services.

[Electric train]

Hi Lewis I was your age when I first travelled on the HST^▸ (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)) prototype    and a year one from that I was working on them as an apprentice

 

[bobm]

..but you have worn so well Electric Train and not been refurbished as often as the HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units))! 

Seriously though they are still my favourite form of travel although I do lament the increased seating and subsequent lack of legroom in standard class but we all know why it was done.

[thetrout]

And welcome from me too Lewis From someone who regularly crosses the FGW^▸ (First Great Western)/GreaterAnglia Borders! Tickets Please!

[trainbuff]

Hi Lewis. A warm welcome indeed!