5x Class 153 conversion to bike and baggage vans for Scotrail

[InvHst]

Anyone know what services these are due to start on Monday on?

 

[InOban]

Are they confirmed for Monday? Anyway, when they do operate it will be the 10.33 and 16.33 from Glasgow to Oban and back.

 

[scotraildriver]

.33Are they confirmed for Monday? Anyway, when they do operate it will be the 10.33 and 16.33 from Glasgow to Oban and back.

The current plan which may change is the 10.33 will convey a class 153 to Oban and back. The 16.33 will detach the 153 at Oban, overnight there and return south on the 05.20 ex Oban. This will then run to Eastfield depot after arrival at Queen St, be fuelled and serviced then form the next day's 10.33 Oban and return.

 

[adrock1976]

The current plan which may change is the 10.33 will convey a class 153 to Oban and back. The 16.33 will detach the 153 at Oban, overnight there and return south on the 05.20 ex Oban. This will then run to Eastfield depot after arrival at Queen St, be fuelled and serviced then form the next day's 10.33 Oban and return.

Being as it is intended for the 153 to be at the Oban end of the 156 when coupled, does this mean that the 153s will be referred so as to install the Radio Electronic Token Block (RETB) signalling system?

Also, which cab end of the 153 will be the driving cab?

 

[najaB]

Being as it is intended for the 153 to be at the Oban end of the 156 when coupled, does this mean that the 153s will be referred so as to install the Radio Electronic Token Block (RETB) signalling system?

It would make sense for them to have done so, but even if they haven't there are (were?) portable units that could be used if needed.

 

[scotraildriver]

It would make sense for them to have done so, but even if they haven't there are (were?) portable units that could be used if needed.

They all have RETB installed. Why on earth wouldn't they?

 

[adrock1976]

It would make sense for them to have done so, but even if they haven't there are (were?) portable units that could be used if needed.

They all have RETB installed. Why on earth wouldn't they?

Thanks both.

 

[fgwrich]

Being as it is intended for the 153 to be at the Oban end of the 156 when coupled, does this mean that the 153s will be referred so as to install the Radio Electronic Token Block (RETB) signalling system?

Also, which cab end of the 153 will be the driving cab?

They can be driven from both ends, though I believe the intention will be to have the larger end facing outwards (the cycle end) and the small cab end coupled to the 156 (the passenger end).

 

[najaB]

Why on earth wouldn't they?

I expected that they did, but was pointing out that even if they didn't then that wouldn't rule out their use.

 

[trei2k]

The press release from ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/escape-country-scotrail-highland-explorer

ScotRail is opening up some of Scotland’s most beautiful areas to tourists, cycling fans, outdoor pursuits enthusiasts and local commuters with its new ScotRail Highland Explorer service.

Three carriages, which are a first of their kind for the UK rail network, will operate along the world famous and iconic West Highland Line from Glasgow to Oban, from Monday, 19 July, allowing customers to escape to the country.

There were complex challenges to overcome, such as the lack of space on public transport for carrying large sporting equipment.

But, working with Transport Scotland, cycling groups and outdoor specialists, the design team at ScotRail came up with an innovative solution to accommodate up to 20 cycles and bulky sports gear.

The aim is to encourage people to ditch the car and use the train to get them out into the open air.

The redesigned carriage boasts space for ordinary bikes, a limited number of tandem cycles and an e-bike charging socket – unique on a train in the UK.

The carriages had a full interior and exterior refresh including installation of free WiFi, at seat power points and USB sockets, and a refurbished toilet.

The ScotRail Highland Explorer carriages will bring more people to the country’s rural communities, encouraging further travel throughout Scotland, and supporting local business in the great outdoors. The carriages will be added to a limited number of existing West Highland services to boost capacity.

The West Highland Line was chosen for the initial launch because of the access it provides to the rest of Scotland. Starting in Glasgow, the line takes passengers through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs to Oban. From here they can travel to majestic western isles such as Barra, Islay and Tiree.

Handy ‘How To’ photos and written instructions will be available on ScotRail’s website giving a step-by-step guide to using the new cycle racks and there will be easy to follow diagrams on board too, with staff on hand for assistance if required.

Customers must book their cycle’s space to guarantee its place on board. To support physical distancing the train operator will adopt the same approach as the rest of their network allowing customers to choose their seat once on board.

In 2020, ScotRail released images of the exterior livery of the train, designed by Scottish artist, Peter McDermott.

The eye-catching images depict typical Highland scenery along with some of the best-known visible landmarks along the West Highland Line, including the Glenfinnan monument and viaduct, Skye Cuillin mountain range, Ben Lomond, and the castle on Loch Awe.

The carriages were modified by Brodie Engineering in Kilmarnock.

Alex Hynes, Scotland’s Railway, Managing Director, said:

“This is a landmark moment for lovers of Scotland’s great outdoors.

“For the first time in the UK, a train carriage will be able to accommodate up to 20 cycles which will allow more people than ever before to enjoy the majestic scenery this country has to offer.

“It’ll also be a welcome economic boost for rural communities, many of whom depend on tourism for their livelihoods.

“I am delighted, and proud, that ScotRail is able to deliver this service, further enhancing the appeal of our world famous and iconic West Highland Line.”

Graeme Dey, Minister for Transport, said:

“The launch of this service marks a real step forward in encouraging an active lifestyle and tourism opportunities.

“By offering so many cycles spaces on board trains which serve some of Scotland’s most scenic routes, we can help even more people get out of cars and into the great outdoors. At the same time, we are opening economic opportunities for local communities working hard to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

“I’m sure cyclists and adventurers from across Scotland and beyond will look forward to using this unique service.”

Grace Martin, Scotland Director at Sustrans, added:

“Sustrans have worked closely with ScotRail throughout the Highland Explorer project, and we are delighted to see the carriages launched along the West Highland Line.

“Even more people can now experience iconic west-coast routes like the Caledonia Way and enjoy world-famous Highland hospitality along the area’s many family-friendly day rides.

“The carriages are a great example of how we can work together to make walking, cycling and public transport more attractive and convenient options, giving people the opportunities to make more of their journeys without the need for a car.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our work with ScotRail and local stakeholders to encourage more residents and visitors to travel to and from the area sustainably, and spend time exploring the wonderful businesses, attractions and landscapes of Scotland’s west coast in greener, healthier ways.”

 

[Fuzzytop]

There's now a page at https://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotrail-highland-explorer, with confirmation that ScotRail intend to charge extra for seats on the 153...

Under "Do I need a special ticket?":

The ScotRail Highland Explorer carriage has 24 seats as well as 20 cycle spaces. Seats in this carriage will be reserved for those who purchase a 'Highland Explorer ticket', which will be available from 7 August.

If you buy a Highland Explorer ticket, you'll benefit from the following:

• A seat in our newly designed Highland Explorer carriage with exterior livery that encapsulates the Scottish scenery
• Larger cushioned seats
• USB and plug socket charging points
• Table maps on board detailing the route, with recommendations on where to walk, cycle and visit
• Access to a QR code at each table, providing links to further inspiration on places to visit in Scotland

Those with Standard Class rail tickets will still be able to travel on this service, and they will be seated in the Class 156 carriages, which make up the rest of the train.

 

[adrock1976]

Forgive me for being grumpy, but some comments on the spell two posts above:

"Three carriages, which are a first of their kind for the UK rail network" - The 153s were built in 1987, plus their sisters the 156s were designed for parcels and bulk items too.

"The West Highland Line was chosen for the initial launch because of the access it provides to the rest of Scotland. Starting in Glasgow..." - The West Highland Line starts at Craigendoran Junction, which is in Helensburgh (Dunbartonshire) and not Glasgow (Lanarkshire). The mileposts are measured from Craigendoran Junction.

All in all, it is a good thing to promote the line and with the capability of carrying bicycles and outdoor equipment.

 

[najaB]

"Three carriages, which are a first of their kind for the UK rail network" - The 153s were built in 1987, plus their sisters the 156s were designed for parcels and bulk items too.

Are there any other carriages specifically designed to carry bikes in one half and passengers in the other?

 

[marks87]

And the second comment is just pointless nitpicking.

 

[43096]

Are there any other carriages specifically designed to carry bikes in one half and passengers in the other?

BR used to have a fleet of BSOs, BSKs, BFKs and BCKs that provided just that.

 

[Davester50]

The press release from ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/escape-country-scotrail-highland-explorer

Three carriages, which are a first of their kind for the UK rail network,

Haha - It's a glorified guards van!

 

[E100]

From reading the thread around the issues with 153's, it makes me wonder whether it would have been better trying to obtain more 156's and make those into the special units. Doubly so if they are going to stop splitting at Crianlarich anyway as the 6 coaches would be better than 5 over the long term for the line up to Fort William, significantly increase seating capacity. Out of the summer peak they wouldn't need careful planning as they'd be enough capacity anyway e.g. running one on the early Fort William / Mallaig run or as part of a 4 car unit.

 

[Bletchleyite]

There's now a page at https://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotrail-highland-explorer, with confirmation that ScotRail intend to charge extra for seats on the 153...

Under "Do I need a special ticket?":

That is a ridiculous idea, and I've also said so direct to ScotRail on Twitter.

1. Requiring cyclists to pay extra to sit in a place where they can watch their likely very expensive steed to ensure it isn't stolen is extortion.
2. The seat pitch appears to be the same as Standard.
3. Richmond seating (with inevitably collapsed bases, no underthigh support and poor back support) is awful. You'd have to pay me £10 to sit there. On the other hand were it Grammer's finest I might well cough up

The correct approach here is that those seats are reserved for cyclists with a bike on board, just like the very back non-priority rows of a Pendolino.

I'm all for decent First Class on the WHL as "money for old rope", and would certainly pay a tenner (or even 20 quid) extra for that, but that should be by fitting proper 2+1 First Class seating aligned to the large picture windows in the 156s.

 

[43096]

That is a ridiculous idea, and I've also said so direct to ScotRail on Twitter.

1. Requiring cyclists to pay extra to sit in a place where they can watch their likely very expensive steed to ensure it isn't stolen is extortion.
2. The seat pitch appears to be the same as Standard.
3. Richmond seating (with inevitably collapsed bases, no underthigh support and poor back support) is awful. You'd have to pay me £10 to sit there. On the other hand were it Grammer's finest I might well cough up

The correct approach here is that those seats are reserved for cyclists with a bike on board, just like the very back non-priority rows of a Pendolino.

I'm all for decent First Class on the WHL as "money for old rope", and would certainly pay a tenner (or even 20 quid) extra for that, but that should be by fitting proper 2+1 First Class seating aligned to the large picture windows in the 156s.

On the flip side paying more not to sit on the ironing boards might be worth it, even if the alternatives are Richmond seats.

 

[47827]

Fair enough and I'm not against the concept on the route. Alex Hynes was partly incorrect to suggest that carriages designed to take 20 bikes are a new thing. They just died with loco hauled trains that conveyed space up to the size of a BG which would have fitted more. The gadget aspect inside the 153s is new though as WiFi and charging points are very modern naturally.

 

[snookertam]

You have to pay extra to sit in the carriage? That’s a bit ridiculous from ScotRail (or is it Transport Scotland?) I thought the idea was to ease pressure from people with bikes, outdoor equipment. Now they’re trying to make extra money out of it.

Just put the 153s into service and provide additional accommodation for everyone travelling.

 

[Failed Unit]

You have to pay extra to sit in the carriage? That’s a bit ridiculous from ScotRail (or is it Transport Scotland?) I thought the idea was to ease pressure from people with bikes, outdoor equipment. Now they’re trying to make extra money out of it.

Just put the 153s into service and provide additional accommodation for everyone travelling.

Can you just save cash and put the bike in the 156 (subject to space)

 

[Maxfly]

Can you just save cash and put the bike in the 156 (subject to space)

Yes you can do that. They seems to be saying the 'plusher' seating and also hospitality that are available in the 153 are the benefits. Not sure what extra hospitality that would be and seats may be an admission the new ironing board ones are not that comfy maybe lol

 

[Kite159]

You have to pay extra to sit in the carriage? That’s a bit ridiculous from ScotRail (or is it Transport Scotland?) I thought the idea was to ease pressure from people with bikes, outdoor equipment. Now they’re trying to make extra money out of it.

Just put the 153s into service and provide additional accommodation for everyone travelling.

Completely agreed.

More like a tourist trap to make the tourists pay extra thinking they are getting something special, rather than a different seat & maps on the tables...

 

[Bletchleyite]

Yes you can do that. They seems to be saying the 'plusher' seating and also hospitality that are available in the 153 are the benefits. Not sure what extra hospitality that would be and seats may be an admission the new ironing board ones are not that comfy maybe lol

Have you ever sat in a Richmond? I'd rather a wooden plank.

 

[najaB]

More like a tourist trap to make the tourists pay extra thinking they are getting something special

I'm 100% in favour of relieving tourists of as much money as possible without them feeling that they're being ripped off.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I'm 100% in favour of relieving tourists of as much money as possible without them feeling that they're being ripped off.

A couple of bays of proper 2+1 First Class in each 156, properly aligned to the large picture windows, would allow you to relieve them (me included) of more than a tenner. I'd pay £20 each way at least for a seat on the 1 side.

You'd need to pay me £10 to sit in a Richmond, they really are dross.

 

[Maxfly]

Have you ever sat in a Richmond? I'd rather a wooden plank.

Yep, hence the ' ' either side of plusher

 

[Failed Unit]

Have you ever sat in a Richmond? I'd rather a wooden plank.

Probably the worse seats I have sat on ever, I used to swap sets if I had a choice.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Have you ever sat in a Richmond? I'd rather a wooden plank.

I like Richmonds, but ultimately they are a standard class seat. I think it’s audacious of ScotRail to charge premiums to sit in one standard class seat instead of another, even if other companies do do similar.