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    Hi, I normally buy a standard ticket and then upgrade if the MkIV set arrives. They serve food...

    Hi, I normally buy a standard ticket and then upgrade if the MkIV set arrives. They serve food until Abergavenny as they have to clean the kitchen and get off the train at Newport, so if it’s busy make sure the steward knows you’d like to eat. I’ve never seen it so busy you’d even need to share...
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    Ex LNER (and Grand Central) Mark 4 sets for TfW

    The lose of the 1630 to Swansea upsets me! Nicely busy on Friday and many dining with me.
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    Ex LNER (and Grand Central) Mark 4 sets for TfW

    My first trip on the lengthened HD01 (I think), 1/3 full first class and reasonably busy elsewhere. A valuable addition to TfW’s fleet and I look forward to using them more in the future!
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    Where are "overnights" still possible on the UK railway (NOT Night Riviera or Caledonia Sleeper).

    There is a 24hr McDonald’s a short walk from Swansea station but after midnight they don’t allow you to sit in. Depending on the night you go you could probably lose an hour getting deafened in a club! The Wetherspoons on Wind Street goes to at least 2am on Friday nights. Marina Tesco (15 mins...
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    Ex LNER (and Grand Central) Mark 4 sets for TfW

    Looks like 1V50, the only service of the day to Swansea was a 197. Fingers crossed there’s a MkIV on Friday as I’ve promised my grandmother dinner on board!
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    Ex LNER (and Grand Central) Mark 4 sets for TfW

    Ah understood. Knowing the railways I can foresee a fuel bowser and a long hose dangling through the fence by the BTP office!!
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    Ex LNER (and Grand Central) Mark 4 sets for TfW

    Presumably both Landore and the IEP depot have diesel on tap… doesn’t seem like an insurmountable problem to fuel in Swansea and have a fuller service?
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    Avanti West Coast Withdraws Shrewsbury Service From June 2024

    A huge amount is done on teams, yes. But high level stuff is better in person (and indeed there’s lots to be gained in visiting an office in person and having a casual chat over a coffee, even with junior staff. Said company sends people to different offices to meet their colleagues throughout...
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    Avanti West Coast Withdraws Shrewsbury Service From June 2024

    I can think of at least one large multinational with offices in London and Shrewsbury which was a user of this service and will be disappointed by its removal. It’s all well and good saying it’s faster with a change now, but how often do you want to get off your warm intercity train, then stand...
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    XC Voyager Refurbishment

    At 6’ 6” there’s terrible leg room in a voyager, even worse in a 170.
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    Ex LNER (and Grand Central) Mark 4 sets for TfW

    What’s the £10k single for?! And the GWR 5/10p upgrades?
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    Ex LNER (and Grand Central) Mark 4 sets for TfW

    I regularly (once a month or more) take the 1744 from Shrewsbury to Swansea, and the catering staff do indeed get off at Newport, typically doing a last round for drinks and taking payment at Abergavenny. Most of the time I’ve easily had time for three courses before they clear up, but most...
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    CAF Civity for TfW: News and updates on introduction.

    Had my second ride on a 197 today, Cardiff to Shrewsbury. Struggled substantially leaving Abergavenny, and it was very cold on the seat against the trailing cab door - despite having three layers on. Otherwise decent legroom and it was on or ahead of time - TfW getting used to them? Last one I...
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    Unusual sources and uses of water

    Welsh Water and its predecessors’ reports show railway abstractions in the 70s and prior, all over the Welsh railway network. They don’t note their uses, but previous posts here have suggested mainly for human use in signal boxes etc.
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    Ex LNER (and Grand Central) Mark 4 sets for TfW

    Ah ok. I saw it didn’t run yesterday but it was still showing as having first class when I checked at 0630 (joining it from Swansea). Fingers crossed the 1630 from Manchester tomorrow is running!
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    Ex LNER (and Grand Central) Mark 4 sets for TfW

    1W55, the 0849 Cardiff- Manchester has just changed from a Mk4 set to a two coach 197. Looks like I’ll be hungry…
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    GWR IET’s Lots of 5 Car Sets PAD > South Wales

    This has been increasing recently, I assume there’s more needing work than usual? I don’t think the poor Covid timetable returned either so there’s fewer services than previously, leaving those that tension very busy.
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    Is the section of gwml beteen Paddington and reading the worst maintained line in the country?

    Is this correct? Heading to Swansea and nothings left since before 9am… debating if I should go to Waterloo?
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    Ex LNER (and Grand Central) Mark 4 sets for TfW

    My run of luck (5 in a row) ran out today - a single 150 instead. I couldn’t face it and caught the next hour’s 158. It’s a fantastic service - when they’re around!
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    Storm Babet disruption - Friday 20/10

    Here in South Wales not a single GWR service has left the country! Mine is aiming to be the first, within the hour, but only as far as Bristol Temple Meads. Hopefully they decide it can carry on through…

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