scotraildriver
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- 15 Jun 2009
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156492 on the WHL today, the first fully refurbished unit on the route.
156492 on the WHL today, the first fully refurbished unit on the route.
The ones I've been on have been, the seats are there without arm rests. There are racks at the bike bit there too, but surely that's not ideal when there are bikes on...The luggage racks haven't been removed. Why on earth would they be?
Heard a new automated announcement (or an old one of many from those omitted after the NatEx days that's conjured itself up again) on 170419 today regarding ticket barriers at stations. Out of curiosity, does anyone know whether this been reinstated into the list of phrases that the PIS plays and displays, or is it a new addition completely? Never sounded like a new addition given the audible distinction new additions have in the system (take 'Edinburgh Gateway' for example).
I initially thought that, but it never had the same quality nor tone as those on the 385s, which made me think it was from the portfolio of NatEx ScotRail ones that was discontinued.They recorded a new batch of announcements for the 385's PIS system so the phrase you heard might be a new one.
I had a journey on 156478 this morning and the thing that still stands out is the piss-poor quality the TrainFX PIS screens. The refresh rate on them is terrible and to me it feels like they're constantly flickering when they're scrolling. It's pretty obvious that the TrainFX system was chosen because it was cheap/nasty (take your pick) rather than picking a good quality solution.
The whole quality control on the 156 refurb has been almost non existant!
Sounds like another total disaster.
Is that not pretty normal for KBRS though? I’m sure I’ve read stories of things like paint overspray all over the place in and missing driving desk labels in cabs to name but a few things.
I remember reading about all kinds of poor workmanship when they did the 158s last year.
Wonder what the root issue is? Poor training ?
I place some blame with the train owner or the operator. Whichever company has placed the order should do a detailed inspection before accepting the trains. It does not remove responsibility from the contractor to get it right, but customer inspection keeps them on their toes......Is that not pretty normal for KBRS though? I’m sure I’ve read stories of things like paint overspray all over the place in and missing driving desk labels in cabs to name but a few things.
Piss poor management/oversight I would imagine, something that seems to effect most operations these days in a variety of industries.
Some of the paneling in the 158 vestibule areas was a joke. I remember one example last year not long out the works leaking brown water badly near the drivers cab. Very shoddy!
Looks like 320401 was coming out of Wabtec Kilmarnock this morning, going to its new home Shields, but loco from Mossend hasnt left, so guessing not ready
I’m surprised the press haven’t made more fuss about the refurbished 156s on the WHL. They have a habit of sensationalising most things but I can understand the outrage with this issue.
Much as I think the 156 is a perfectly functional and decent train, and I've had plenty of decent runs on the WHL with them, doing that on an ironing board is a prospect that fills me with horror.
Gemini Rail Services plant in Springburn to close with 120 jobs set to go
The Glasgow facility has existed in one form or another for 160 years but the highly-skilled workforce and their families are now facing a bleak Christmas.
More than 100 workers have suffered a hammer blow with the news that the Gemini Rail Services plant in Springburn, north Glasgow is to close.
Staff and contractors were told on Wednesday that the company is planning a formal consultation over the proposed closure, which is being blamed on falling orders.
One worker said:”We were aware that the order book was not as healthy as it might be, but it is still a massive shock to the system.
“There are many workers who thought they would at least get beyond Christmas before hearing this type of news.
“But we are now in the situation where it appears hope has been lost.
“We mainly cater for Scotland and the north of England and the company has decided to safeguard its site in the south of England, which is nearer to its markets.
“But it is still a crushing blow for workers and contractors.”
The main union on site is Unite and they say the jobs lost will be closer to 200 as various contractors are involved at the site.
And the union called for action from the Scottish Government saying it has repeatedly raised concerns.
Pat McIlvogue, regional industrial officer, said: “Unite has been working hard to get clarity and seek assurances on the Springburn depot.
“The proposed closure will affect around two hundred highly skilled jobs and lead to the ludicrous situation whereby the maintenance of Scotland’s rail stock would be carried out in England.
“This situation is completely unacceptable, which is why Unite has been raising this issue with the Scottish Government over a number of months now.
“We have been fobbed off on the basis that talks between the Scottish Government and Gemini Rail Services UK Ltd were forthcoming.
“We believe there is a significant body of work which can sustain the site until the end of next year at the very least.
“The announcement must concentrate the mind of the Transport Minister and the Scottish Government must urgently intervene to ensure the future of the site.”
A spokesman for Gemini Rail Services said: “It is with deep regret that Gemini Rail Services has had to announce to employees its proposal to close the Springburn site in Glasgow.
“We are now entering a consultation period where all options will be explored with a view to avoiding redundancies.
“The proposal is as a result of increasingly changing and challenging market conditions which are outside of our control.
“It is very clear, as it has been for some time, that numbers of pre-privatisation rolling stock which have been the cornerstone of business for many years, are in severe decline.
“Due to the introduction of more modern vehicles, the number of pre-privatisation vehicles in service will reduce by 80% in the next five years.
“Furthermore, Springburn will continue to suffer an unsustainable decline in demand, due to its location, as only around 10% of the rolling stock that will be accessible is in Scotland and the North of England. As such, it is necessary to put forward the proposal. The decision to make this proposal has not been made lightly.
“We recognise the dedication and hard work of all staff at Springburn and know this will be an upsetting period for them and their families.
“Our priority now is to provide them with the most effective support with both collective and individual consultations. We will provide all assistance possible to help staff understand the options available to them and keep them fully informed of the consultation process.”
Sad to say it, but, it may have a positive effect - some of their work in recent times on the 156 fleet has been shocking.Glasgow Works looking set for closure. Could have an impact on the ongoing refurbishment projects for ScotRail