RMweb Premium nightstar.train Posted February 25, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 25, 2015 WNXX posted on Facebook that the Class 67s are to be retained for the sleepers. I'm not a subscriber though some couldn't read the full article. Does anyone know more? I would guess this is until the 73/9s are ready. Maybe GBRf had problems finding enough Class 47s (which I didn't think we're allowed up the West Highland Line anyway). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjkerr Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 Class 47 locos are now permitted between Helensburgh and Fort William, but the restrictions are horrendous (quite similar to a Class 67)Odd if there has been yet another change as the latest press release from Serco was quite extensiveHowever, they have suddenly gone quiet with nothing this week, so far Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talltim Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 On the WNXX forum it was reported that DBS had put in a 10% lower bid carrying on using the 67s than Harry Needle had with his 47s. This will run until the 73s start (or until it all changes again!) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Joseph_Pestell Posted February 25, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 25, 2015 I feel the need for OHLE...... Apparently the colour is called "Midnight Teal" Cheers, Mick All cats look grey at night, according to the saying. So all ducks look dark blue??? But I agree, it's a nice colour and suits the loco quite well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astockfan101 Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 the new livery looks a lot like GER Blue Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium nightstar.train Posted February 25, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 25, 2015 On the WNXX forum it was reported that DBS had put in a 10% lower bid carrying on using the 67s than Harry Needle had with his 47s. This will run until the 73s start (or until it all changes again!) I expect DBS are quite desperate to find work for the 67s. They've lost the Chiltern gig, I read recently that the loco hauled Fife circle might be changing over to DRS, lost the sleepers, and of course all the mail traffic they were built for has gone. As far as I can think that only leaves the thunderbird duties on the ECML for them, and possibly the FGW sleepers if the 57s continue to be unreliable. So that's 25 expensive locos with work for only two or three. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Delamar Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 The 67s will be hired by GBRf from DB, drivers will be GBRf. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium newbryford Posted February 25, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 25, 2015 I expect DBS are quite desperate to find work for the 67s. They've lost the Chiltern gig, I read recently that the loco hauled Fife circle might be changing over to DRS, lost the sleepers, and of course all the mail traffic they were built for has gone. As far as I can think that only leaves the thunderbird duties on the ECML for them, and possibly the FGW sleepers if the 57s continue to be unreliable. So that's 25 expensive locos with work for only two or three. The Fife circle DRS route learners have already started..... Network Rail is calling upon more 67's as the yellow DVT's are commissioned - I think 4 or 5 locos will be the eventual requirement. (Not quite 25 though!) Cheers, Mick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
South-East Rail Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 I expect DBS are quite desperate to find work for the 67s. They've lost the Chiltern gig, I read recently that the loco hauled Fife circle might be changing over to DRS, lost the sleepers, and of course all the mail traffic they were built for has gone. As far as I can think that only leaves the thunderbird duties on the ECML for them, and possibly the FGW sleepers if the 57s continue to be unreliable. So that's 25 expensive locos with work for only two or three. Additionally, some 67s are allocated to ATW and some are used fairly regularly on charter trains. Ed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornish Triang Paul Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 And no truth that we shall have them down here either. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
62613 Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 the new livery looks a lot like GER Blue Invisible ink! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
frobisher Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 (edited) But even if you have to be physically present at the meeting, does it really need to start that early that the first train from Edinburgh would not get you there? So afternoon meetings only..? Normally the only way these face to face meetings work is if you can maximise the time you have at the meeting. As it stands, I have frequent "most of day" business meetings in London (my company is based in Dundee) with the other shareholders of the publisher that my company is a part owner of - we're the only shareholder north of Liverpool and the publisher is based in London so it makes sense in the main part to meet there. I only travel down by train if using the sleeper and then only if I would be in a situation that I would be needing an overnight stay in any case. If down for the day only, I always fly and Edinburgh to City is the most convenient way of doing it. Take London out of the equation only then does a non-sleeper train begin to factor into the viability of the trip. Edited February 27, 2015 by frobisher Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjkerr Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Most meetings I go to commence between 10:00 and 11:00This means you need to have arrive, signed in, setup at least 20 to 30 minutes before thatA few times I have scraped by using the 04:25 Glasgow to EustonI then travel back on the 16:30 Euston to GlasgowThe saving on accomodation allows me to travel First Class, so enjoy breakfast (you actually get two southbound) and a light evening snack (wouldn't call it a meal any more)However, once the southbound service was late running and all kind of questions were asked; why not travel down the day before, flight, etcMore recently I had a meeting which started at 08:00There was no way a flight would have been suitable, the only options were travelling down the day before or the sleeperThe cost between the two was almost identical, so planned on the sleeperSadly with the ticket options I had to return on the sleeperAs a result I travelled down on the last Glasgow to Euston service the day before, again allowing me to upgrade to First Class Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
frobisher Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Horses for courses I suppose, but I'd have taken the 07:30 flight from Glasgow to City and enjoyed the extra 3 hours in a comfy bed beforehand, and the breakfast on the BA flights isn't too horrendous. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjkerr Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Here are details for the 5 coach types : Seated coach (11, 9-1-1) -2 toilets 5 sets of 2+1 seating4 sets of 2+1 seating2 sets of 2+0 seating storage cabinetTrain Managers office Train Crew storage area, bicycle storage, and safety equipmentTotal seating 31 (30 plus 1 wheelchair space) Pod coach (10, 8-1-1) -2 toilets8 twin pods8 single podsTotal pods 24Sleeper coach (31, 30-1-0) -2 toilets3 berths (single or twin)2 en-suite2 en-suite4 berths (single or twin)Total 7 berths / 4 en-suiteCombined coach (11, 10-1-1) -1 disabled access toilet1 toilet1 disabled access berth5 berths (single or twin)3 twin pods2 single podsTotal 8 pods / 1 disabled access berth / 5 berthsClub Car (11, 9-1-1) -2 toiletsTrain Stewards office Catering area6 bar stools3 twin seats at fixed table4 quad seats at fixed table1 quad seats at fixed table in booth Bad news, the Club Car windows do NOT line up with the tables! Note the complete lack of areas for the train crew, other than officesAll meals, food and drink are prepared from the Lounge carThe numbers XX(XX-X-X)Number built, number in service - maintenance - spare Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium nightstar.train Posted February 28, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 28, 2015 So what will the rake formations be? I am guessing (for a half set) Seated coach Club car Pod coach 4 x sleeper coach Combined coach Working from the numbers above it looks like the Aberdeen and Fort Bill section will have two combined coaches and three sleepers. One combined coach for each destination. If they are keeping the current set rotation so each half set visits each destination once a week then that will require quite a bit of shunting at Wembly each day. The combined coach is a good idea, it will allow pod passengers (pod people, lol) to get to Fort Bill without having to change coach in the middle of the night at Edinburgh. From the numbers given above it would indicate that that will be the only pod coach heading up the WHL, and the rest of the portion will be a seated coach and club car, as currently. It's bad the club car seats don't line up, considering what scenic routes they're going to be running on. Maybe it's not too late for a design change? Depends of course on how badly they don't line up, have you seen plans mjkerr? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjkerr Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 So what will the rake formations be? Seated coach Club car Pod coach 4 x sleeper coach Combined coach There are only 30 sleeper coaches for use Edinburgh - Fort William + Club Car - Seated Euston - Fort William Sleeper - Combined + Euston - Aberdeen Sleeper - Sleeper - Club Car - Seated - Pod - Combined Euston - Inverness / Glasgow / Edinburgh Sleeper - Sleeper - Sleeper - Sleeper - Club Car - Seated - Pod - Combined Some other info : Coach maximum speed 110mph Coach service interval 250,000 miles Coach failure interval 1,500,000 miles (passengers moved to another coach or another train) Train failure interval 5,000,000 miles (one or more coaches removed from train in formation in passenger service) External paint interval 12 years Seated coach : All seats fitted with 230v socket Revised boarding times (within 18 months) - Aberdeen : Boarding 20:00 Departure 21:43 Edinburgh : Boarding 21:00 Departure 23:40 Fort William Boarding 19:20 Departure 19:50 Glasgow : Boarding 21:00 Departure 23:40 Inverness : Boarding 19:45 Departure 20:44 Euston (Inverness) : Boarding 20:00 Departure 21:15 Euston (Edinburgh) : Boarding 21:45 Departure 23:50 Stations : Live totems to be installed within 2 years Capable of rail information and live video to help centre 24 hours per day Partnerships and arrangments within 2 years : Hotel arrangements at Crianlarich and Aviemore, for use of facilities Showers to be installed at Perth, Dundee and Stirling Waiting Room and Toilets to be installed (if not already available) at Dundee, Perth, Motherwell, Carstairs, Leuchars, Kirkcaldy, Inverkeithing, Aviemore, Kingussie, Newtonmore, Carrbridge, Dalwhinnie, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Gleneagles, Dunblane, Stirling, Falkirk Grahamston, Crianlarich, Ardlui, Arrochar & Tarbet Coaches : Each coach will be named after famous Scots (from 2018) Library and on board games available in Lounge Car and Club Car Special themed evenings in Club Car (from 2018) Children meals served in Club Car at no cost to passenger Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjkerr Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 It's bad the club car seats don't line up, considering what scenic routes they're going to be running on. Maybe it's not too late for a design change? Depends of course on how badly they don't line up, have you seen plans mjkerr? Yes, the press release is currently under embargo Most of the bays aren't that bad, but two of the seats in the Club car appear to have restricted views However, the seated coach is even worse, but that is due to the all airline style seat configuration Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talltim Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Although if you had to choose one type of train that you couldn't see out of the windows on, one that runs at night would be the best option Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjkerr Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Although if you had to choose one type of train that you couldn't see out of the windows on, one that runs at night would be the best option The only specification is that when seated (seat, Pod or Club Car) is that the seat has a view of the horizon From what I can work out, this is the case in every seat, although with some that view is restricted but you would still be able to see the horizon! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjkerr Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 (edited) Here we go, coach plans Password : visitor Sleeper Club Car Seated Pod Combined Edited March 1, 2015 by mjkerr Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium nightstar.train Posted March 1, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 1, 2015 You know how pages back we were all arguing over how many body shell variants there'd be? Looking at those diagrams I make it five, all the coaches have substantially different window layouts. The club car and pod car are closest in design, the club car just has three windows filled in so maybe they can share a body shell through clever glazing. Cool looking coaches though. I want a model of them, now please. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted March 1, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 1, 2015 Interesting that there appears to be no accommodation for 'sleeping car attendants' (or whatever they are now called) - this imples something of change to both 'meet & greet' arrangements as well as the morning cuppa in your cabin (presumably that will cease or has it already?). More interesting tho' is that presumably the fire monitoring will all be concentrated at a single point which seems to mean that each section including a sleeping car (and ? a pod car?) will have to include either a seated vehicle or a club car as they appear to be the only vehicles with any sort of staff accommodation. Or has the post-Taunton requirement for very comprehensive fire etc monitoring been dropped? The drawing seems to imply that the doors might slide externally or are they hinged? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjkerr Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Interesting that there appears to be no accommodation for 'sleeping car attendants' (or whatever they are now called) - this imples something of change to both 'meet & greet' arrangements as well as the morning cuppa in your cabin (presumably that will cease or has it already?)This is one of the questions I submitted to Serco Caledonian Sleeper, but they did not answer the question directly, only that all staff accomodation was provided in the Seated Coach and Club Car Also note that one of the toilets in the Seated Coach is for public use, the other is for staff use One of the down sides with the new rolling stock is the withdrawal of at-berth breakfast for all passengers First Class ticket holders will get a breakfast included, served in either the Club Car or their berth All other passengers can pre-purchase or purchase subject to availability on boarding, but they will be served in the Club Car All the staff are based in the Club Car There is a small storage locker in each sleeper coach for staff equipment, but that is it! More interesting tho' is that presumably the fire monitoring will all be concentrated at a single point which seems to mean that each section including a sleeping car (and ? a pod car?)At the moment the fire alarm control panel is in the Lounge Car, each coach has its own monitoring system Nothing changes with this respect The drawing seems to imply that the doors might slide externally or are they hinged?Yes, the doors are similar to Mark 4 coaches and are external plug doors Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
'CHARD Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 More interesting tho' is that presumably the fire monitoring will all be concentrated at a single point which seems to mean that each section including a sleeping car (and ? a pod car?) will have to include either a seated vehicle or a club car as they appear to be the only vehicles with any sort of staff accommodation. Or has the post-Taunton requirement for very comprehensive fire etc monitoring been dropped? The ITT requirement was for a central monitoring point. No idea what Serco's solution proposes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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