Recent content by GlitterUnicorn

I don't think the low cost airline model translates to the railway well/at all. There's rarely if ever a real shortage of luggage space, lone travellers have maybe a slight preference for window seats and tables but seat preferences are uncommon save for enthusiasts and very regular travellers...

I suspect some people are being a bit political with the truth, because ScotRail being financially on the hook for the HST under some kind of contractual terms indefinitely harms the case for withdrawing them If the trains don't work, and it's not ScotRail's fault, it's incredibly unlikely that...

And also noted in the RAIB report into the Lavington tree collision in 2010. This recognised the lack of strength of HST cabs but concluded that upgrades would be cost prohibitive given that HSTs were expected to have less than 15 years of life ahead of them. Strangely enough both of these...

There are a few options. Will very briefly summarise my thoughts. Do Nothing - In my view not that great considering the aforementioned risks, and also due to the general unreliability of the HSTs. Even if this particular issue is ignored there are questions on whether the HST would last until...

This is a report from 2010 that only dismissed improvements on the basis that it was not cost-effective. In other words RAIB dismissed the prospect of safety improvements as it appeared (at the time) that HSTs would be replaced by the Intercity Express Programme within 10 years. Hence the risk...

You're not engaging with what I wrote at all. You are just talking down to me and making ridiculous claims.

That's a nice attempt to re-frame the issue. Nothing to do with lineside vegetation makes any difference to the fact that the HST design provides little protection to drivers in collisions. But, I did actually address this: There are 1,752 miles of railway in Scotland. The number of...

There's a lot of nonsense and outlandish claims in this thread about the relative strengths of various trains, the ability of drivers to take cover, and some frankly bizarre denial that there could ever be any issue with the beloved HST. I'd like to make this very simple. First the facts. On...

It's incredibly inconvenient though! The train can be sitting there for an hour and they'd still not allow "Boarding" until 15 minutes before departure, and make everyone stand in line for the privilege.

Out of interest, what more would it take to push things from 'desirable' to 'necessary'? Would be (at best) 70 coaches available instead of 120 and in 2 and 3 car units. Though in practice the working HST fleet is more like 90. The only benefit is that Angel own them. Class 222s seem like the...

There are other factors that come into it. This isn't as clear cut as you say. Depending on the lease, the ROSCO is likely to be spending money on the heavy maintenance of these trains. Given the excessive issues they've been experiencing, and the consequential lack of set availability. This...

Well this is utterly ridiculous. The nerve of some people!

Would have thought it was painfully obvious to everyone even tangentially involved that they're on their last legs? I mean come on.... Half this thread is people with links to the programme discussing how dire the HST situation is at Scotrail. The other half is enthusiasts sticking their...

This whole conversation hinges on the contents of a lease agreement that I don't believe any of us have ever seen.....

That implies that there will be a fleet to run down in 2035...