GWR Class 165/166 Turbo Diagrams

[RPI]

The first record I have of Okehampton is 166203 on the 10 January 2022 and the same week 165132 on the 13 January 2022. There was 158766 3 September 2022. I don't know about Sundays.

Maybe to do with Christmas. There are no 165/166s operating today out of Exeter. All except one are short formed 150s in Devon and Cornwall. Maybe the strikes have affected shopping traffic to Exeter.

Be interesting to see how many are in Exeter depot having attention.

 

[TJDevon]

Be interesting to see how many are in Exeter depot having attention.

No Turbos on the Exmouth/Paignton diagrams today, all a single 150 except for one 2 car 158. Unless the situation has changed since this morning when I did my daily research on RTT.

Not sure what work the Exeter depot are able to perform on Turbos as none are based there.

Presumably a number of Turbos are OOU?

 

[HamworthyGoods]

No Turbos on the Exmouth/Paignton diagrams today, all a single 150 except for one 2 car 158. Unless the situation has changed since this morning when I did my daily research on RTT.

Not sure what work the Exeter depot are able to perform on Turbos as none are based there.

Presumably a number of Turbos are OOU?

There’s a huge struggle (and time lag) to get obsolete parts for Turbos with units often stopped waiting parts (similar to HSTs), that’s why replacement of the entire west fleet is really is needed.

 

[infobleep]

Some NDL trains have been cancelled recently due to more trains needing repairs......

 

[RPI]

There’s a huge struggle (and time lag) to get obsolete parts for Turbos with units often stopped waiting parts (similar to HSTs), that’s why replacement of the entire west fleet is really is needed.

Yet the older 150's generally seem to soldier on!

 

[SJ21]

The 150's do seem to keep going, which is fantastic. However, Turbo's seem to leave a lot to be desired for, and if the parts can't be found now in 2022, what is it going to be like in 5 years time when they are meant to be retired?

 

[HamworthyGoods]

The 150's do seem to keep going, which is fantastic. However, Turbo's seem to leave a lot to be desired for, and if the parts can't be found now in 2022, what is it going to be like in 5 years time when they are meant to be retired?

158s are in a very similar situation to turbos, outdated electronics which are difficult to source.

150s are a bit like triggers broom, they are very mechanical and replacement parts can be somewhat easier to manufacture.

 

[SJ21]

158s are in a very similar situation to turbos, outdated electronics which are difficult to source.

150s are a bit like triggers broom, they are very mechanical and replacement parts can be somewhat easier to manufacture.

Very true!

In an ideal world, all of this stock should have been replaced years ago. Not great that only now as replacement is being saught

 

[Snow1964]

158s are in a very similar situation to turbos, outdated electronics which are difficult to source.

150s are a bit like triggers broom, they are very mechanical and replacement parts can be somewhat easier to manufacture.

GWR now know (and have known for 6 months) they are stuck with the 150, 158, 166, 166 fleet for another 2.5 years to 25th June 2025 (or at Operators option to 25th June 2028, so 5.5 years). Just rechecked DfT contract and is is binary choice of dates, not an upto.

Does at least allow them to order enough spare parts to cover remaining 5.5 years, and seeing as already had 6 months to order long lead time (and special order) parts, would hope the depots soon have store room full of spares, so downtime awaiting parts goes away for few years.

It seems an appropriate time of year to also point out that there is a section in contract regarding Boxing Day services from December 2023

14. Boxing Day Services
14.1 At least six (6) months prior to the Passenger Change Date occurring in December 2023 the
Operator shall:
(a) consult with passengers, user groups, Network Rail, other train operators licensed under the Act and who operate along the affected Routes and other relevant Stakeholders on the potential demand for passenger services on 26 December in each Contract Year (“Boxing Day Services”); and
(b) prepare and submit a report to the Secretary of State which sets out its proposals for operating Boxing Day Services which are additional to those Passenger Services to be operated by the Operator on 26 December in each Contract Year pursuant to the
relevant Train Service Requirement (the “Additional Boxing Day Services”). Such report shall include:
(i) the Operator’s view on whether or not the operation of the Additional Boxing Day Services will be commercially viable;
(ii) the anticipated impact on Actual Costs and/or Actual Revenue (if any) if the Secretary of State (at the Secretary of State’s discretion) elects to vary the Train Service Requirement in accordance with paragraph 8.4 of this Chapter 4.1 to require the provision of the Additional Boxing Day Services.
14.2 Following the submission of the report required pursuant to paragraph 14.1(b) the Operator shall:
(a) promptly respond to the Secretary of State’s queries in relation to such report (including the provision of such assistance as the Secretary of State may require in connection with the verification of any information contained in such report); and
(b) upon reasonable notice, attend any such meeting as the Secretary of State may require for the purposes of discussing the contents of such report.
14.3 The Operator shall have due regard to the outcomes and findings of the consultation referred to in paragraph 14.1(b) in proposing on which Routes the Additional Boxing Day Services should operate if the Secretary of State (at the Secretary of State’s discretion) elects to vary the Train Service Requirement to require the provision of the Additional Boxing Day Services

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1122644/first-greater-western-ltd-2022-nrc.pdf

 

[snakeydave24]

Someone was clearly feeling the Christmas Spirt yesterday as 165104+165109 formed 2P47 1415 Reading to London Paddington and 2N50 1527 London Paddington to Reading

Along with 165117+165105 forming 2P49 1445 Reading to London Paddington and 2N52 1556 London Paddington to Reading

 

[JonathanH]

Someone was clearly feeling the Christmas Spirt yesterday as 165104+165109 formed 2P47 1415 Reading to London Paddington and 2N50 1527 London Paddington to Reading

Along with 165117+165105 forming 2P49 1445 Reading to London Paddington and 2N52 1556 London Paddington to Reading

Did that allow the electric supply to be turned off earlier than the service needed to end?

 

[irish_rail]

GWR now know (and have known for 6 months) they are stuck with the 150, 158, 166, 166 fleet for another 2.5 years to 25th June 2025 (or at Operators option to 25th June 2028, so 5.5 years). Just rechecked DfT contract and is is binary choice of dates, not an upto.

Does at least allow them to order enough spare parts to cover remaining 5.5 years, and seeing as already had 6 months to order long lead time (and special order) parts, would hope the depots soon have store room full of spares, so downtime awaiting parts goes away for few years.

It seems an appropriate time of year to also point out that there is a section in contract regarding Boxing Day services from December 2023

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1122644/first-greater-western-ltd-2022-nrc.pdf

Good luck with the boxing day thing haha

 

[HamworthyGoods]

It seems an appropriate time of year to also point out that there is a section in contract regarding Boxing Day services from December 2023

This is fairly standard and has been in many TOC contracts before, it might have even been in the old GWR one.

 

[fgwrich]

158s are in a very similar situation to turbos, outdated electronics which are difficult to source.

150s are a bit like triggers broom, they are very mechanical and replacement parts can be somewhat easier to manufacture.

It also helps that the 317 fleet has since been demolished too. Certainly parts like door leafs, runners etc were common across the Mk3 suburban fleet and have gone on to provide spares to members of the sprinter families. There's a handful of GWRs 150/2s running around with cab doors ex Eastleigh Works / GA 317.

 

[150249]

It also helps that the 317 fleet has since been demolished too. Certainly parts like door leafs, runners etc were common across the Mk3 suburban fleet and have gone on to provide spares to members of the sprinter families. There's a handful of GWRs 150/2s running around with cab doors ex Eastleigh Works / GA 317.

150202 is still tucked away under repair as far as I know

 

[SteelWeelApeal]

It seems that the thames valley services normally run by electrostars are turbos this morning. Presumably the power isn’t coming on straight away after engineering works. This includes lots of fast non stop runs between Reading and Paddington, and Didcot and Oxford and Reading.

 

[Clarence Yard]

No NR Electrical Control Operator on till past 0700 so the 387 units couldn’t be prep’d.

 

[REVUpminster]

5 166s at Exeter today 04,09,13,15,18. Four on Paignton and 1 on Barnstaple. First time I've recorded that; has there been a subtle stock shift?

 

[irish_rail]

5 166s at Exeter today 04,09,13,15,18. Four on Paignton and 1 on Barnstaple. First time I've recorded that; has there been a subtle stock shift?

I'd guess its a shortage of 150s as they are missing a few I think.

 

[vicbury]

What's going on with the Cardiff-Portsmouth route at the moment? It's almost all Class 158s and virtually all 2 or 3 coaches instead of 5! Where have all the Class 165/166s gone?

 

[HamworthyGoods]

What's going on with the Cardiff-Portsmouth route at the moment? It's almost all Class 158s and virtually all 2 or 3 coaches instead of 5! Where have all the Class 165/166s gone?

I believe the 150s are having a tricky time in Exeter and GWR is suffering from the same parts shortage with 165/166s as Chiltern are. Both operators have quite a number of 16x out of traffic waiting parts.

 

[vicbury]

I believe the 150s are having a tricky time in Exeter and GWR is suffering from the same parts shortage with 165/166s as Chiltern are. Both operators have quite a number of 16x out of traffic waiting parts.

Thanks, a much more helpful reply than I've ever had from GWR. Glad to hear it's due to fleet issues not a conscious decision to reduce capacity on this route. Had enough of being crammed on like sardines!

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

Thanks, a much more helpful reply than I've ever had from GWR. Glad to hear it's due to fleet issues not a conscious decision to reduce capacity on this route. Had enough of being crammed on like sardines!

Believe me, NOBODY intentionally wants to reduce capacity on this route. 2006-7 is still quite fresh in the memory, even 15 years later!

 

[vicbury]

Believe me, NOBODY intentionally wants to reduce capacity on this route. 2006-7 is still quite fresh in the memory, even 15 years later!

Well if you took the often claimed post-pandemic reduction in revenue of 20%, that might be one car that cost cutters would like to remove off every five car train (yes I know operating costs aren't that simple)

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

Well if you took the often claimed post-pandemic reduction in revenue of 20%, that might be one car that cost cutters would like to remove off every five car train (yes I know operating costs aren't that simple)

Neither is the concept of a ‘five car train’ which are made up of a mix of 2 and 3 car units (and there’s a general shortage of the former.) I guarantee that ‘cost cutters‘ - is this the DFT? - are not looking at this route to make savings, as it’s recognised this is a leisure-heavy route suffering overcrowding.

 

[vicbury]

Neither is the concept of a ‘five car train’ which are made up of a mix of 2 and 3 car units (and there’s a general shortage of the former.) I guarantee that ‘cost cutters‘ - is this the DFT? - are not looking at this route to make savings, as it’s recognised this is a leisure-heavy route suffering overcrowding.

Sorry my comment was tongue in cheek. I'm glad to hear that nobody is looking at this route for savings.

 

[Anonymous10]

How often do turbos work the 1830 departure from Cardiff Central to Portsmouth harbour and what length are they usually, I'll be taking this route next Friday and again on the Tuesday.

 

[Benjwri]

How often do turbos work the 1830 departure from Cardiff Central to Portsmouth harbour and what length are they usually, I'll be taking this route next Friday and again on the Tuesday.

It should be a 5 car turbo, but it will almost definitely be short formed to a 3 car, although you have a good chance of it still being a turbo.

Expect it to be pretty packed especially around Bristol and Bath

 

[Snow1964]

How often do turbos work the 1830 departure from Cardiff Central to Portsmouth harbour and what length are they usually, I'll be taking this route next Friday and again on the Tuesday.

Yesterday, was a 3car 158, today a 3car 166
Likely to be very busy in Bath area

Some Cardiff - Portsmouth trains unfortunately get reduced to 2car due to GWRs lack of serviceable rolling stock (should be 5car)

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

What's going on with the Cardiff-Portsmouth route at the moment? It's almost all Class 158s and virtually all 2 or 3 coaches instead of 5! Where have all the Class 165/166s gone?

In fact, only three Turbo services ran from Cardiff to Portsmouth yesterday. All other services going the full route to Portsmouth were 158.