Can today's couchettes still be converted to "day" coaches?
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Caledonian Sleeper
- Thread starter Essexman
- Start date
Can today's couchettes still be converted to "day" coaches?
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Apparently there's an air leak on the second coach which they've not been able to isolate, a fitter has been requested who should be there soon if not already.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
ISTR an issue a while back with a bed collapse (due to an error by the person "converting" it), after which DB stopped converting them. Of course DB don't operate any any more now.
Fitter now on site, hopefully that should get it moving fairly quickly.
Nope.
For me under the old arrangements, it was always seats or solo (either 1st, or standard supplement). Sharing with a stranger didn't enter my radar at all, and I would always look for alternative travel and accommodation if seats or solo weren't an option.
Given that CS acknowledged there was an issue associated with the shared cabins (there was a warning on the website when booking) I don't think it's unreasonable to refuse the "upgrade" and ask them to find alternative arrangements for you, whether it be solo occupancy or accommodation and a day train.
WesternLancer
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Not sure that you would be forced to remove clothes in a UK sleeper would you? If you didn't want to. I mean I've never been checked for that, even when i was sharing with a stranger.
People have never had to share berths AFAIK, they just needed to pay more if they didn't want to share.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Not sure that you would be forced to remove clothes in a UK sleeper would you? If you didn't want to. I mean I've never been checked for that, even when i was sharing with a stranger.
You don't however have any control as to whether the other person removed theirs or not.
Correct, except in this situation involving an "upgrade" from the seats.
Norther Monkey
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I can see an opportunity for a “Want to share a sleeper berth?” app
If Serco fail to attract the luxury end of the market they seem to be aiming for that's a whole new business model for them to explore
kingqueen
Member
Yep. We are finally moving. Something like 2.75 hours late
WesternLancer
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wouldn't sitting in the bar car have been an option for anyone who did not want to do this, or was that out of action too on this occasion?
kingqueen
Member
Aaaand we've stopped again. Made it to Tulloch and stopped.
WesternLancer
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True - but that would also apply in a couchette really. I've certainly shed a few clothes in a couchette anyway!
Mainliner
Member
A free whisky as a modest compensation for the inconvenience might be an additional incentive
I’ve never been thrown out of the lounge no matter how long I stayed, but while I’m there I do spend money on food, wine and a Highland Park or two
But of course I don’t bring in a suitcase or anything else, which might make it more awkward if the lounge was busy, at least at the start of the journey.Norther Monkey
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Yes, the lounge was also out of use!
WesternLancer
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Thanks
So I wonder if there was anyone who - when faced with the situation - was actually unhappy about being offered a room, and having to share?
Norther Monkey
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I don't know, but from other replies it's certainly a problem that could arise.
kingqueen
Member
Woohoo we are finally arriving in Fort William. 3.5 hours late. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/G65080/2019/06/21
VT 390
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At least you will get full delay repay.
PaxVobiscum
Established Member
Arrived at FTW 218 late at 1333 according to RTT.
The sooner we get these nice shiny new MK5 trains to replace these unreliable Mk2s and 3s the better
The sooner we get these nice shiny new MK5 trains to replace these unreliable Mk2s and 3s the better
VT 390
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I do not think the Mk5's will be 100% reliable on the first few days of operation though with staff still getting used to them, I hope I'm wrong though.Arrived at FTW 218 late at 1333 according to RTT.
The sooner we get these nice shiny new MK5 trains to replace these unreliable Mk3s the better
Mainliner
Member
Well done for lasting out, hope you have a nice time there (and a decent interval before return journey, if you’re doing that!)
kingqueen
Member
Thank you
I should have been on the 1140 from Fort William back to Harrogate via Glasgow, Edinburgh and York. That's gone for a Burton, it was cancelled due to the Sleeper blocking the single line. The later train wouldn't get me back before nightfall. So I'm in a taxi to Glasgow.
The other entertaining thing about the experience last night was the automatic door on the accessible cabin. I pressed Close and Lock, and the red Locked light came on, but in the middle of the night the door randomly unlocked and opened without any bidding from anybody. This morning it unlocked itself, and people kept opening it thinking it was the control for the loo. Most embarrassing. Then sometimes it went wrong and wouldn't open at all.
The loo automatic door behaved similarly.
Tired old dysfunctional stock. Probably better than new dysfunctional stock though.
I should have been on the 1140 from Fort William back to Harrogate via Glasgow, Edinburgh and York. That's gone for a Burton, it was cancelled due to the Sleeper blocking the single line. The later train wouldn't get me back before nightfall. So I'm in a taxi to Glasgow.
The other entertaining thing about the experience last night was the automatic door on the accessible cabin. I pressed Close and Lock, and the red Locked light came on, but in the middle of the night the door randomly unlocked and opened without any bidding from anybody. This morning it unlocked itself, and people kept opening it thinking it was the control for the loo. Most embarrassing. Then sometimes it went wrong and wouldn't open at all.
The loo automatic door behaved similarly.
Tired old dysfunctional stock. Probably better than new dysfunctional stock though.
jagardner1984
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I think at 40 odd years old and with replacement planned for months (years ?) ago, they have some excuse for the bad condition of this stock - though I doubt that was much consolation at silly o'clock this morning.
Better excuse than CAF have for the "fully tested" brand new stock they've just put into service !
Grandnat
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There was one new CS coach outside Craigentinny Wheel Lathe today. Do t know if there were any inside.
Kendalian
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Southbound Fort William cancelled tonight; guests to be taken by coach to Edinburgh (due to staff rest hours following late arrival this afternoon)
Nothing on CS's website alterations page about this, only seen it on Twitter. Surprised there is enough accommodation free at Edinburgh on a Friday night!
On a separate note, what's the latest thoughts on whether CS will be able to launch the Mk5's on the Highlander on 7th July?
With problems yet again last night at Carstairs, personally I think they would be crazy to launch the more complex Highlander when basic issues haven't been sorted out (let alone the snagging type issues).
Bit of a no win though, as if they delay the launch again, guests will not be happy and the press will be critical of yet another delay!
Nothing on CS's website alterations page about this, only seen it on Twitter. Surprised there is enough accommodation free at Edinburgh on a Friday night!
On a separate note, what's the latest thoughts on whether CS will be able to launch the Mk5's on the Highlander on 7th July?
With problems yet again last night at Carstairs, personally I think they would be crazy to launch the more complex Highlander when basic issues haven't been sorted out (let alone the snagging type issues).
Bit of a no win though, as if they delay the launch again, guests will not be happy and the press will be critical of yet another delay!
Are they taking the rolling stock ECS to Edinburgh and the passengers are to meet it there?
Pretty sure something similar has happened in the past when there was a very late arrival as the crew inbound would not have had the minimum rest.
I'm guessing so as it's set off in the normal path. Reported leaving Fort Bill 6 late.
Highlandspring
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I genuinely laughed out loud at this.
Just the one coach, 15333, which was transferred from Polmadie overnight.
kingqueen
Member
Is there any news on what triggered the emergency brake application that resulted in the wheel flat?