I think the crux of the problem back then was who pays, Virgin wanted government to finance them, Government wanted Virgin to pay, hence the stalemate.
I got on a 9 car voyager from Birmingham New Street to York. Midway through the journey, they told us all that the train would ‘split’ at Leeds and any passengers going further (all the way to edinburgh) had to leave the comfort of an ex-avanti voyager to get crammed (to the point where people were getting left behind) in the vestibule of a 4 car 220. When i got off at York, the rear unit was still attached! Probably due to these staff shortages.
I rode 221114 from Birmingham to Leeds last weekend
Lying to customers is never a great look.
When the end result is the same (nobody in that unit) and there is a recorded history of abuse and assaults in that sort of situation - I'd be pointing my fingers at the management who created this situation rather than traincrew who don't want to be abused or punched in the face, and keep things moving.
Has 107 been in service since it's "thermal incident" over a week ago?
Thanks for that.
Are 221101 to 106 stored at Central Rivers or somewhere else?
It was pulled from service at New St on the following southbound journey, I understand due to onboard computer issues.
I haven't got the numbers but at least 3 or 4 221's were at Alstom Litchurch Lane Derby.
Also 221110 failed at Darlington this afternoon whilst working 14:35 Newcastle to Reading. Two engines out (both driving cars). I believe it had engine issues last Saturday whilst working 13:08 Edinburgh to Plymouth, but it was able to complete it's journey on Saturday.
Parked at Darlington overnight and dare say engineers will attend Wedneday morning
Thanks, I was wondering what had happened to it. I'm guessing it's not possible for it to simply be coupled to a healthy Voyager and take it to Central Rivers for attention.
It’s a shame that the remaining spare sets can’t be utilised while the Open Access operation comes to fruition. Even trains sat still have to be maintained and storage paid for, so may as well use them to make revenue.
If XC wanted to pay, something would be worked out.
XC themselves cannot make such a decision. DfT are 100% responsible for decisions about the XC fleet size.
You know exactly what I mean
The Wrexham Shropshire and Midlands Railway are 'hopeful' of getting the go-ahead soon for their open access plans and Alstom are very involved in the plans and will be looking to be using the 6 remaining stored 221s for their services from Wrexham to Euston. However, nothing is yet confirmed!
I personally think the idea of six much needed Voyagers not going to CrossCountry purely so so they can be used on a niche direct London service to Mid Wales and Shropshire of all places (take three), is actually really annoying.
Agreed on both counts.
I presume 107 is not in traffic due to it's 'fire' at Stafford on it's first day in traffic with XC.
But that isn't the reason those units are elsewhere.
This 221 identifies as a 180
XC can take them if they are so desperate .
