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GWR Class 800
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Goldfish62
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I admire your constitution.I've used it many times and never had any problem thus far
I admire your constitution.
You say that, although I have recently stopped getting Spoons breakfasts as they disagee with me !
Goldfish62
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If you're referring to the Penzance Spoons that was recently voted the worst one in Cornwall.
PHILIPE
Veteran Member
GWR say that the Buffets were replaced by an at-seat trolley service as a result of customer research and passenger feedback. I was just interested if anybody knew of anybody who was ever asked for their opinion considering survey questions can sometimes be designed to get the answer that is wanted,
irish_rail
Established Member
Ah sullivans , a classic , but not for everybody.
43096
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I think we know the answer to that. First tried - and it failed - to do this with the HSTs 10 years or so ago. Having off-leased the buffets they then expensively converted miniature buffets and shortly afterwards took back the off-lease buffets and even more expensively converted them to standard class vehicles. You just could not make it up.
As for leasing the trolleys from Hitachi, how much is that costing over the odds?
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Personally I prefer a trolley (assuming my ultimately preferred option of an "eat in" bistro cafe is not viable). But I do despair about how it seems to be so difficult to implement that reliably, mainly because it's done down to a price.
I think they are part of the whole IET package, the trolleys are designed specifically for the trains. There are ‘docking stations’ for want of a better description in the trolley store.
Why doesn't some enterprising person open another cafw then?
northernbelle
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Correct. And the bump strips etc are all designed to match the height of the train fittings such as armrests to try and minimise damage.
The commercials of catering are very difficult and, like seats, the desired offer is subjective. One poster here is mourning the loss of the noodle pots - they proved to be about the most unpopular item ever stocked in recent times based on the sales figures.
Consistency is the key here - the intended offer is reasonable enough (all products that were available on HSTs are supposed to be available on IETs). The First Class products are considerably better in the post-IET world.
For me, it's about the reliable delivery rather than the content of the food offer that needs work.
E_Reeves
Established Member
Just had my first ride on one, and apart from the hard seating, I was extremely impressed! Still doesn't beat a 390 though...
43096
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That is the biggest single issue with all on-train catering. If it is not reliably delivered then the customers lose trust and buy elsewhere, which of course makes the on-train offer less viable. The likes of “Rail Gormless” need to up their game in terms of reliably staffing services.
cactustwirly
Established Member
Or provide something edible at a reasonable price.
On train catering is a rip-off so I go to Tesco instead!
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Premium products are the way to go in my view, you can do a significant markup without annoying people. I baulk at over £2 for a can of Strongbow but will happily pay £3-4 for a bottle of quality cider, for example.
It's a shame posh coffees are difficult to do on a trolley. You can have a Nespresso machine or similar but in the UK long drinks with milk are the preference.
If you're referring to the Penzance Spoons that was recently voted the worst one in Cornwall.
No, I was speaking more generally - never been to the Spoons in Penzance - far prefer the Admiral Benbow or the Turks Head
E_Reeves
Established Member
800320 now in testing, seen at Reading
northernbelle
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And 800321 in passenger traffic- complete with bike stickers and other additions on the outside.
E_Reeves
Established Member
Yup, seen that at Reading too
Thunderer
Member
So how many 800/3's are left to be accepted into service for GWR now? Is is correct that the 9 car 802's will be primarily used on Bristol/Cardiff/Swansea services rather than dedicated West Country sets, when introduced?
nuneatonmark
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Had my first ride recently on a 2 x 5 car. Plus 1 to the 'Seats too hard' brigade. After 1 hour it was fine, by 2 hours it was uncomfortable, by 2.5 hours I was glad to get off the train. Otherwise a fine train if not a bit boring. The seats on 395s seem are more comfortable, Pendos are even better IMHO.
northernbelle
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The latest I have is:
Awaiting Acceptance:
800 301
800 312
Undergoing Acceptance:
800 320
All other 9-cars now in traffic.
irish_rail
Established Member
Unfortunately yes
cactustwirly
Established Member
Yes and no, the original batch of 802s are dedicated to the West Country services, but there was an additional batch of 802s for Bristol/Cardiff/Swansea to release 5 car 800s for Bedwyn and Oxford services.
spark001uk
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The last can of 'bow GWR sold me was £3.80! Agreed I would pay a bit more for a premium offering, as I would for an item of hot food for example. The thing I prefer about a buffet is being able to go up there when you want to, instead of waiting until/if a trolley turns up with a lesser selection. A lot of people enjoy socialising in the buffet area too, particularly commuters.
Someone here did mention the iet trolley offering hot food actually, how does that work? Do they have a limited hot selection on the trolley, or do they have to go back to the kitchen and do it?
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That was a great little cafe, they did lovely breakfast baguettes made to order. The train set chugging around the wall was a nice touch too!
They either go and make it or send a message and it appears a few minutes later. I was impressed when I used it, if only for the amusement of a bacon roll appearing at my seat! Even asked which sauce I preferred.
I would like "proper" coffee - perhaps an insulated pump flask, like at a conference, service filter coffee that can be replenished in the kitchen?
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
For trolley service those cups with filter lids seem to work quite well. Ryanair have long used them, and I think TPE do now as well, I've certainly had one on a train at some point and it isn't VTWC.
Thunderer
Member
I see that makes sense, thank you.
Thunderer
Member
That's great, thanks for the info.
irish_rail
Established Member
Personally I'd be very surprised if the 7 ordered for the West country actually see any use down here , I think that was the original plan , but now with the panicking over frequent short forms on the commuter core it's a fair bet they won't be coming west of Taunton very often
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