Caledonian Sleeper discussion

[TimboM]

Reported The ED has decided against getting all the way to Fort Bill again this morning...

Question- do the autocouplers on the new stock need power from a EH loco to work, or will it still be possible to just drag a demic away with anything?

With assistance in rear requiring an emergency adaptor?

Delays reported due to "severe snow" and the snowplough 37516 was sent to Bridge of Orchy to assist. So loco didn't fail as such.

I'd hazard a guess that if the loco loses power the couplings don't separate - wouldn't be a particularly safe design otherwise. So should be able to put any diesel on the front and drag the whole lot.

Not sure what emergency adaptors may be around for non-standard-height/configuration Dellners?

 

[cf111]

Just booked a trip for February, at the moment it would appear I am one of about three people on the train but I suppose that's to be expected. First time I have used the option on the website to book an evening meal - how does this work? There's no mention of it on my eticket so do I need to print my confirmation email as well?

 

[Highlandspring]

Delays reported due to "severe snow" and the snowplough 37516 was sent to Bridge of Orchy to assist. So loco didn't fail as such.

The issues were the same as yesterday; the loco repeatedly losing air (due to snow knocking a drain cock) and traction motor problems when running in snow. The train was going to be assisted from Rannoch with the 73 (968 this time) providing heat only but then the ETH stopped working. It was decided it would be best to let it continue forward to Fort William ASAP rather than keep the passengers waiting in the cold at Rannoch. The assisting loco stood by at Tulloch and followed it to Fort William in case of further problems. Sunday night's 1B01 will be hauled by the 37 down the West Highland Line to try to prevent the same issues recurring...

 

[gcmozart]

Just booked a trip for February, at the moment it would appear I am one of about three people on the train but I suppose that's to be expected. First time I have used the option on the website to book an evening meal - how does this work? There's no mention of it on my eticket so do I need to print my confirmation email as well?

I did this in December and just presented myself to the steward in the lounge/
dining car - they had a record of my name & all was good

 

[Class83]

The issues were the same as yesterday; the loco repeatedly losing air (due to snow knocking a drain cock) and traction motor problems when running in snow. The train was going to be assisted from Rannoch with the 73 (968 this time) providing heat only but then the ETH stopped working. It was decided it would be best to let it continue forward to Fort William ASAP rather than keep the passengers waiting in the cold at Rannoch. The assisting loco stood by at Tulloch and followed it to Fort William in case of further problems. Sunday night's 1B01 will be hauled by the 37 down the West Highland Line to try to prevent the same issues recurring...

What eejit decided to run the Highland Sleepers with locos which can't cope with snow?

 

[cf111]

I did this in December and just presented myself to the steward in the lounge/
dining car - they had a record of my name & all was good

Thank you, one less thing to print. I am normally the harbinger of disaster for the sleeper so hopefully this time I wake up closer to Stafford than Preston!

 

[Class172]

Sorry, I wasn't very clear when I directed you to their site. What I meant was that if you start the process of making a dummy booking then you'll find yourself looking at detailed coach plans three or four steps in. I'd screen shot it but some of the type is in grey so you're better viewing it direct.

The cabin including 8U also has 7L on the plan but I imagine that any booking that is showing as two 8s has to be the upper and lower in that compartment, you can't possibly have another 8 elsewhere in the coach.

I think it's very unlikely to be wrong.

I just did a quick dummy booking for one person and can see the plans you are talking about now, but curiously these never appeared when I originally booked. I just tried a similar booking for 2 adults and after stage one it states 'reservations automatically applied', then jumps to stage four or five, without showing the plans; explaining why I never saw them originally.

 

[paul1609]

The issues were the same as yesterday; the loco repeatedly losing air (due to snow knocking a drain cock) and traction motor problems when running in snow. The train was going to be assisted from Rannoch with the 73 (968 this time) providing heat only but then the ETH stopped working. It was decided it would be best to let it continue forward to Fort William ASAP rather than keep the passengers waiting in the cold at Rannoch. The assisting loco stood by at Tulloch and followed it to Fort William in case of further problems. Sunday night's 1B01 will be hauled by the 37 down the West Highland Line to try to prevent the same issues recurring...

There's been intermittant problems with the ETH on the West Highland services for some weeks now. My last trip down everybody was in the seated coach until Edinburgh as there was no power to the rest of the train. I think its probably the poor condition of the rolling stock rather than the locos.
I flew down from Glasgow on Friday afternoon although we all boarded on time we were delayed the best part of an hour waiting for a de-icer truck after a heavy snow shower.

 

[paul1609]

If you have a reservation then they would need to make arrangements for you. The issue is for passengers who use the sleeper was a 'walk on' service to Glasgow/Edinburgh. Technically it's compulsory reservations however in my experience it's impossible to get them.....

My suspicion is that Serco want to remove the ability for passengers to use the sleeper as a day train on the West Highland Line.

Ive quite often used the down West Highlander from Garelochead to go walking for a day going back many years. Whilst its technically reservations only I dont think that anybody from the intermediate stations have ever used them, I certainly havent. If there's no room in the seated coach or lounge car you sit in the brake compartment on the floor. The train is only really crowded during about 8 weeks in the summer in my experience.

 

[Highlandspring]

There's been intermittant problems with the ETH on the West Highland services for some weeks now. My last trip down everybody was in the seated coach until Edinburgh as there was no power to the rest of the train. I think its probably the poor condition of the rolling stock rather than the locos.

The ETH issues on the Fort William portion over the last two days were entirely down to the locos, nothing to do with the stock.

 

[swaldman]

Just tried to book the sleeper for the first time in a while, for dates towards the end of March. Two months ahead, and the cheapest option with a bed is £405 return for Aberdeen<>Euston. I could get to America for less! So I must fly.

Looks like this loss-making, subsidised, service is only for the wealthy now. Which begs the question, why is it subsidised again?

 

[TimboM]

The issues were the same as yesterday; the loco repeatedly losing air (due to snow knocking a drain cock) and traction motor problems when running in snow. The train was going to be assisted from Rannoch with the 73 (968 this time) providing heat only but then the ETH stopped working. It was decided it would be best to let it continue forward to Fort William ASAP rather than keep the passengers waiting in the cold at Rannoch. The assisting loco stood by at Tulloch and followed it to Fort William in case of further problems. Sunday night's 1B01 will be hauled by the 37 down the West Highland Line to try to prevent the same issues recurring...

Thanks for the detailed info/explanation.

Reported elsewhere that 73968's ETS has been stabilised, with one TM isolated accordingly, so OK for 1B01 tonight but as you say will have 37516 piloting to Garelochaed to make sure!

 

[cf111]

Just tried to book the sleeper for the first time in a while, for dates towards the end of March. Two months ahead, and the cheapest option with a bed is £405 return for Aberdeen<>Euston. I could get to America for less! So I must fly.

Looks like this loss-making, subsidised, service is only for the wealthy now. Which begs the question, why is it subsidised again?

Yeah it's not cheap. The only reason I have used the sleeper in the last year is if I need to spend the whole day in Aberdeen/Inverness/London prior. I like travelling on the sleeper but it's increasingly difficult to justify. The seated coach is normally reasonably priced but I find it impossible to get any real sleep in there which is no use if I have to work when I get off the train. If I could sleep sitting up I would use it all the time!

I am not in any sense of the word a "regular" on board but it would be interesting to see what they think and if they have been consulted at all about the pricing structure.

 

[Melancholia]

It seems like from March I'll be looking at using standard VTEC/VTWC/XC to get to Scotland and back. I've used the sleeper a few times, and it's always been cheaper for me to do the sleeper there and back, instead of daytime train and hotel. However with the ticket prices for one person being a bit out of touch, I will now be looking at alternative options. It's a real shame.

 

[Chrism20]

Arrogance and extortion?

Sharing with a stranger on Scotland-London sleeper trains is to be banned from next month – with lone passengers facing a 65 per cent fare hike.

Ending the age-old option for budget travellers has sparked anger from passengers, who have accused Caledonian Sleeper of “arrogance and extortion”.

http://bit.ly/2DX6r0w

 

[Highlandspring]

37516 has had to be used to carry out ploughing because of heavy snowfall and drifting between Rannoch and Bridge of Orchy, so it now won't be piloting 1B01. I predict a riot...

 

[TimboM]

37516 has had to be used to carry out ploughing because of heavy snowfall and drifting between Rannoch and Bridge of Orchy, so it now won't be piloting 1B01. I predict a riot...

If 37516 does its job properly, shouldn't be an issue should there...?!

 

[TimboM]

Arrogance and extortion?

If people feel this strongly and believe there is a demand, rather than giving emotive quotes to the local rag they'd be better facilitating social media groups/accounts (e.g. on Twitter/Facebook/Forums etc) for people who want to share a berth to "match make" in advance and then book together. CS aren't going to change their policy about sharing with strangers, but they're still allowing shared use of berths, so just get round that by meeting the stranger in advance... (and I don't think there's anything wrong with that or that CS could stop it).

I know it's not as simple / effective as CS allowing sharing with strangers, but I reckon it's a more constructive use of efforts in dealing with the "issue".

 

[ChathillMan]

wow. that is quite a hike. Thank goodness i booked in September for March this year for the sum of £140 by myself on the Fort Bill

 

[Highlandspring]

If 37516 does its job properly, shouldn't be an issue should there...?!

Now arranged for 66737 to do the deed instead.

 

[Clansman]

From the stories coming from the HML, the Southbound Inverness has no chance of going smoothly tonight.

 

[pitdiver]

All these adverse reports about the sleeper services makes me think my trip in May might not be such a good idea as it first seemed. Hope it is trouble free as it will be my wife's first trip to Scotland and her first trip on a sleeper.

 

[TimboM]

Now arranged for 66737 to do the deed instead.

...or do you mean 66737 ?

In other news:

1S25 - 90049
1S26 - 92028
1M11 - 92033
1M16 - not 100% sure, but probably 92010

 

[TimboM]

All these adverse reports about the sleeper services makes me think my trip in May might not be such a good idea as it first seemed. Hope it is trouble free as it will be my wife's first trip to Scotland and her first trip on a sleeper.

Hopefully there's not several feet of drifting snow in May...!
Don't be too perturbed, this thread has a habit focussing on every little wobble and examining it in great detail.
On the whole - and particularly in decent weather - the services run fine. CS was the top-performing TOC in the country (in terms of punctuality/PPM) for two periods running in the summer before the challenges of leaves and snow kicked-in.

 

[pitdiver]

Hopefully there's not several feet of drifting snow in May...!
Don't be too perturbed, this thread has a habit focussing on every little wobble and examining it in great detail.
On the whole - and particularly in decent weather - the services run fine. CS was the top-performing TOC in the country (in terms of punctuality/PPM) for two periods running in the summer before the challenges of leaves and snow kicked-in.

Thanks for the reassurance really looking forward to see the scenery up to Fort Bill and having a look around for a day or so. Then the journey back. Also looking forward to eating in the Lounge car
although only have standard class can't fore see it being too busy on the down journey on the Tuesday night and the return on the Thursday night.

 

[Carntyne]

From the stories coming from the HML, the Southbound Inverness has no chance of going smoothly tonight.

The standby loco should be getting underway from Inverness now (1830) heading south to clear the line.

 

[Norther Monkey]

Same franchise agreement that has pods?

I still can't quite understand how pods would be unsafe given that standing is considered an acceptable risk on all trains.

Regardless of sharing, recent price increases have forced me to stop my, admittedly infrequent, use of the sleeper for my commute. Whilst it was always more expensive than flying, it was a little treat on those ocassions flight times didn't quite work.

I've just booked my business travel for the next six months, around three return trips a month from the north of Scotland, at an average of £20 each way. Even last minute £60 is around what I expect to pay.

I really do wonder, at Serco's prices how they expect to make the Aberdeen run pay, even with subsidy, outside the tourist season.

 

[TimboM]

I still can't quite understand how pods would be unsafe given that standing is considered an acceptable risk on all trains.

I don't believe it was because they would be unsafe, more that they would be a "first" for trains in the UK, so would need all manner of red-tape/design/red-tape/testing/red-tape/re-testing etc. to "prove" they were safe and be signed-off for use. Given the new stock is already 6 months behind schedule, with hindsight it was probably a sensible decision not to add this complication into the mix.

 

[InOban]

And I don't know how at those prices the air route survives.

 

[Bletchleyite]

And I don't know how at those prices the air route survives.

Because not everyone on the flight will be paying that little. Airlines yield-manage ruthlessly.