Made it onto the BBC News website
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-eng...at-western-railway-launch-beset-with-problems
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-eng...at-western-railway-launch-beset-with-problems
At what speed does it become "no contest"?Max 121 down Dauntsey on 07.00 ex PAD and 118 at Wantage Rd on 09.30 ex BRI.
Am posting details of running on Railway Performance Society website (news section) as we go. Now in Swansea ready for 15.29 back to PAD. Will copy and paste commentary here later, prob tomo.
Good initial accelerations on diesel but the virtual HST soon catches up and then its no contest.
Need to check that later, busy timing at moAt what speed does it become "no contest"?
No, a passenger alarm was activated on departure from Newport, bringing the train to a stand.I'm starting to worry.. 2 Hitachi bods on the platform at Bristol Parkway... the 1703 seems to be getting later. Any info from those on the IET? Is is going to break down just before I get on it?!
Well my GPS showed 96 mph after the climb through Sodbury Tunnel at Badminton, which while not quite HST performance, I would not define as "no contest".Need to check that later, busy timing at mo
No, a passenger alarm was activated on departure from Newport, bringing the train to a stand.
Genuine, accidentally pulled, or a system fault?No, a passenger alarm was activated on departure from Newport, bringing the train to a stand.
Genuine, accidentally pulled, or a system fault?
The TM announced that an alarm button was pushed in the toilet, so it sounded genuine to me.Genuine, accidentally pulled, or a system fault?
Were those the guys that were hanging about at Reading? I saw some Japanese guys with expensive cameras in suits on the platform as I passed this morning.
I don't know why you should think it was just for today when it clearly says FROM October 16, with the next two diagrams taking effect from November 13. We must hope that today's problems can be sorted quickly, however.Are the diagrams listed on page 1 an every-day thing, or was it just for today. I only ask because GWR's twitter account is stating that other services such as the 07:00 from Bristol Temple Meads to Paddington and the 17:00 from Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads are booked for a Hitachi, even though these diagrams state otherwise.
Please could someone clarify this for me, as I'm hoping to catch one next week!
Will tomorrow's diagrams be reduced given the problems to give them more time to sort things out? Running just one of the diagrams might help.
I was thinking if there were really three more sets available for service, they could have done a swap today and avoided cancellations.Why should they be?
The pair of 800s that started the morning at Paddington have performed okay all day - only issues seem to have been with calls at Neath and lack of clarity over which coaches would be unlocked there and someone triggering the alarm in a toilet. And three more Class 800s are passed for passenger service, so perfectly easy to do a set swap for tomorrow.
Can anyone tell me please what times the class 800 trains will be running on Saturday 28th October?
I don't know why you should think it was just for today when it clearly says FROM October 16, with the next two diagrams taking effect from November 13. We must hope that today's problems can be sorted quickly, however.
Examples from today would be eastbound start from Bath. IET did well to Bathampton Jn and matched typical HST time, but after that HST romps away and going 15 mph or more faster out of Box tunnel.Need to check that later, busy timing at mo
Which is to be expected as it wasn't supposed to be on diesel in these sections it was supposed to be on AC!Met up with various colleagues from RPS today and we are chewing over our first impressions, but initial consensus is like the train, but its underpowered on diesel.
I've kept mine. Tried attaching an image here but it's too large. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mainline421/37074464863/in/dateposted/Did anyone keep the IEP leaflet they were handing out on the train?
Caught 1B28 today, glad I chose that working! Was thinking I'd do that so I could justify to myself avoiding them in favour HSTs where possible, but they're actually much better than I expected. The standard class seats are very firm, but yet are still comfortable for a journey of well over an hour. There's plenty of leg room, good air quality, really quiet engines, smooth ride, good view out windows etc. Real shame to hear all the negative press today, because although HST are excellent trains, from a passengers point of view IETs seem to be worthy successors in my opinion. Just needs droplight windows and more thrash.
I've kept mine. Tried attaching an image here but it's too large. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mainline421/37074464863/in/dateposted/