FGW 57 shortage.

[83G/84D]

Now that most/all of the Virgin 57's are with other operators I wonder what FGW will use when they are short of 57/6's for the sleepers?

Will they be in touch with West Coast, DRS or Network Rail?

Are the ex Virgin examples still equipped with ETH/ train supply?

 

[Tim R-T-C]

They have used an 08 to shunt the set before so can presumably run with just two locos if needed.

 

[Yew]

They have used HST power cars before.

 

[sprinterguy]

Are the ex Virgin examples still equipped with ETH/ train supply?

I believe that the 57/3s that are now in use with both Network Rail and DRS are still intended to be used as rescue locomotives for passenger trains, on the Southern region and the West Coast respectively, so they retain their train supply capabilities. I think it is the case that Virgin have decided to outsource their requirement for thunderbird locos to DRS rather than keeping them in-house.
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They have used HST power cars before.

Which has to be a last resort (Or used when the fault that has failed the 57 does not preclude it continuing to provide train supply) as the HST power cars are unable to provide train supply to the sleeper stock.

 

[TEW]

Which has to be a last resort (Or used when the fault that has failed the 57 does not preclude it continuing to provide train supply) as the HST power cars are unable to provide train supply to the sleeper stock.

It also relies on the use of the emergency bar coupling on the HST powercars, hauling the sleeper when there are no 57s available isn't an emergency. Rescuing the sleeper if it has failed is a different matter of course.

 

[DarloRich]

Now that most/all of the Virgin 57's are with other operators I wonder what FGW will use when they are short of 57/6's for the sleepers?

Will they be in touch with West Coast, DRS or Network Rail?

Are the ex Virgin examples still equipped with ETH/ train supply?

I am sure they will shout if they are short.

They can have any flavour of 57 - if they pay for it

 

[D365]

Now that most/all of the Virgin 57's are with other operators I wonder what FGW will use when they are short of 57/6's for the sleepers?

Will they be in touch with West Coast, DRS or Network Rail?

Are the ex Virgin examples still equipped with ETH/ train supply?

I am sure they will shout if they are short.

They can have any flavour of 57 - if they pay for it

Rent two and get a 47 thrown in? I kinda wish there were more of these and less of the 66...

 

[jonhewes]

I am sure they will shout if they are short.

They can have any flavour of 57 - if they pay for it

[Pedant Mode]Remember that the 57/0s are not ETS equipped[/Pedant Mode]

 

[FGW_DID]

Stick an extra jumper on and bring a torch!

 

[Anon Mouse]

I've had 2 HST power cars back to back hauling a failed 57 and a full Sleeper set. It was Hellfire!

 

[Kali]

It also relies on the use of the emergency bar coupling on the HST powercars, hauling the sleeper when there are no 57s available isn't an emergency. Rescuing the sleeper if it has failed is a different matter of course.

Curious - are HST buckeye couplers incompatible with normal drophead buckeyes? presumably you could throw a generator car in for ETS. Of course no through wiring so you'd only actually be able to control one powercar if you bookended the rake like a normal set & they probably wouldn't let you up Dainton...

 

[gimmea50anyday]

No, as you said it's the fact the ETS supply is not compatible and there are no HST MU cables that preclude power cars top and tailing. Conventional drawgear are also not fitted to the sharp end either so really the towbar used is not suitable for normal use, just or emergency rescue purposes.

Mind I do wonder wether using the DVT HST cars could be looked into in future and if conversion work would warrant the cost, just a thought...

 

[Kali]

Having checked the RSSB it's an Alliance coupler ( a US pattern, I think ) so you need a barrier vehicle too, but... you could use a barrier vehicle, obviously. Well, a pair at each end. Add on the gen van and a single powercar would "enjoy" itself, but hell it's not the fastest service ever! Laira would have to send an extra pair for piloting still.

If they wanted to go that route then putting a HST intermediate coupler on each end ( swapping Mk3 couplers is proven already so no new paperwork ) & using radio MU control and a generator van would seem easiest. Seems a suitable place for a few retired powercars one day.

 

[83G/84D]

I think HST power cars are a last resort to clear the line as a result of a failure. Anyone remember the loco-hauled HST coaches with a (generator) van each end? Saw it in Plymouth a few times. Probably late 80's/early 90's?
Used to have special instructions for it's use in the Sectional Appendix, anyone got any pictures?

 

[Anon Mouse]

Found this on youtube. I was not on this one but i've been on the Sleeper when this has happened!

[youtube]lJYbXNy5cWQ[/youtube]