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Locomotive & Light-Rail => General Discussion & Questions => Topic started by: Stu on December 09, 2017, 12:50:21 PM

Title: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on December 09, 2017, 12:50:21 PM
From 10th December, a new company West Midlands Trains Ltd (which is a joint venture between Abellio, East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui & Co Ltd) will run the region's rail services under new franchise name West Midlands Railway.
(https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/2216/wmr1.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=90&width=626&heightratio=0.5910543130990415335463258786&format=jpg&slimmage=true&rnd=131552107600000000)
Trains running only in the West Midlands area will be jointly managed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and West Midlands Rail (WMR), a consortium of 16 local councils.

Changes to customers on day one will be minimal and it may take some time to rebrand all the trains in the area, however, a £1 billion package of investment has been promised for the region and will be delivered over the next few years.

Other benefits for passengers in the franchise deal include: 

Read more: https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/ways-to-travel/train/west-midlands-railway/




The new website will be at https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk and will be operational from Sunday 10th December
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 09, 2017, 01:06:40 PM
At Snow Hill on Monday there will be a few freebies about from 07:00 and the first new liveried 172 is due to arrive at 11:17
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ian Hardy on December 09, 2017, 03:46:57 PM
10th December is Sunday and not Monday, that is 11th.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on December 09, 2017, 04:47:06 PM
Quote from: Ian Hardy on December 09, 2017, 03:46:57 PM
10th December is Sunday and not Monday, that is 11th.

Thanks for spotting, that was the only bit I didn't copy and paste from the NWM website article, now corrected!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on December 10, 2017, 01:25:19 PM
What a day for West Midlands Railways to take over the new franchise!!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 10, 2017, 02:33:06 PM
Im hoping theyre rnning tomorrow morning!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Rob H on December 10, 2017, 03:01:43 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 09, 2017, 01:06:40 PM
At Snow Hill on Monday there will be a few freebies about from 07:00 and the first new liveried 172 is due to arrive at 11:17

@Tony That's the 10:16 Worcester Foregate Street - Dorridge working isn't it? :)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 10, 2017, 03:06:12 PM
Quote from: Rob2832 on December 10, 2017, 03:01:43 PM
@Tony That's the 10:16 Worcester Foregate Street - Dorridge working isn't it? :)

No, special empty stock working from Tyseley
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Rob H on December 10, 2017, 03:31:50 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 10, 2017, 03:06:12 PM
No, special empty stock working from Tyseley

OK Thank You @Tony
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 11, 2017, 01:30:57 PM
Here's 172339 heading back to Tyseley after the event

http://wmbusphotos.com/Trains/class172/172339.html
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on December 11, 2017, 02:20:23 PM
Has it been refurbished inside with different coloured colours? I'm expecting them to be purple
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: V89MOA on December 11, 2017, 04:22:15 PM
Couldn't even afford to paint that grubby looking yellow semi circle above the windscreen for the big launch?! Then again they can't even afford seats for the new Cross city trains so, times must be hard...
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 11, 2017, 04:40:00 PM
Quote from: V89MOA on December 11, 2017, 04:22:15 PM
Couldn't even afford to paint that grubby looking yellow semi circle above the windscreen for the big launch?! Then again they can't even afford seats for the new Cross city trains so, times must be hard...
[/quote ]

What?  The new trains will provide a big increase in the number of seats over the current service.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on December 11, 2017, 05:25:12 PM
Really don't know what all the fuss is about, just the same people (except those at the top) under a different name.

Can they really put an end to all the problems that London Midland had, doubt it, once all the hype is over it will settle back down to what we have had in the past.

Yes Millions has been promised in investment, but the first new trains are not due for 2 years so the new paintwork is just to disguise the old trains.

Plus rumour has it that the new trains will be D O O, so wait for all the strikes and overtime bans to happen.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 12, 2017, 08:58:51 AM
Admittedly the weather isnt great but punctuality on the Chase Line has been horrific this morning and yesterday the busiest 7.57 4 car working was cancelled!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 12, 2017, 09:22:17 AM
Quote from: Bob on December 12, 2017, 08:58:51 AM
Admittedly the weather isnt great but punctuality on the Chase Line has been horrific this morning and yesterday the busiest 7.57 4 car working was cancelled!

The problems today weren't actually Chase Line problems, they appear to be caused by something around Wolverhampton. Three of the 4 trains pass through Wolverhampton before starting on the Chase line.

The first train of the day is stabled at Wolverhampton and normally goes up to Stafford and down to Rugeley. This had to go via Walsall instead delaying its start by 10 minutes.

The second train comes off Tyseley to New Street in a long formation, splits at news Street and goes to Wolverhampton to pick up the crew, then goes to Rugeley via Stafford, again this had to  go via Walsall delaying its start.

The fourth train starts at Shrewsbury, Does a Shrewsbury-Rugeley service, then the 07:57 you say was cancelled yesterday. Not sure what happened with this yesterday, must have been a fault on the train unsafe for passenger use as it ran as empty stock.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 12, 2017, 10:17:26 AM
Im not expecting the service to improve. Its hellish most of the time due to woefully inadequate capacity. I appreciate that this is due to a nationwide shortage of diesels but erm doesnt that show how crap we are at planning services? I mean would nx suddenly start using lower capacity buses then reduce their fleet on growing routes? Do we know yet exactly which trains will be used upon electrification? 350s..323s?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 10:22:25 AM
Hello Bob regarding you question on what units will Be used when it goes live what I have been told by a good source they will be using 323 but these will be transferred from the Crewe to Manchester route
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 12, 2017, 10:29:40 AM
Quote from: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 10:22:25 AM
Hello Bob regarding you question on what units will Be used when it goes live what I have been told by a good source they will be using 323 but these will be transferred from the Crewe to Manchester route

Not sure who your source is, but the North West 323s are not part of the new franchise which has already put a statement out on which stock they are taking.

The current plan is 350s
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 10:57:22 AM
Hello Tony well my source is the manager of Long sight depot I myself even questioned it but he seemed sure if your info is right Tony which I have no reason to doubt I just hope there will be enough 350's to go round it will not be as 323 working as there will be not enough of them to go round
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 12, 2017, 11:01:37 AM
Quote from: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 10:57:22 AM
Hello Tony well my source is the manager of Long sight depot I myself even questioned it but he seemed sure if your info is right Tony which I have no reason to doubt I just hope there will be enough 350's to go round it will not be as 323 working as there will be not enough of them to go round

When the new EMUs enter service with Transpennine 350401-350410 are due to Transfer to LNWR. This was in the franchise announcement.

The only units the new franchise will have in three years time are
Diesel class 172 & the new build
Electric class 350 & the new build
along with whatever is chosen for the Bedford Bletchley, probably class 220
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 12, 2017, 11:02:37 AM
Considering a 4 car 350 seats less than a 3 car 323 is that going to cope?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 12, 2017, 11:04:36 AM
Quote from: Bob on December 12, 2017, 11:02:37 AM
Considering a 4 car 350 seats less than a 3 car 323 is that going to cope?

Depends on the timetable
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 12, 2017, 11:15:07 AM
Half hourly i believe. How much quicker would an electric journey be from Cannock to birmingham than an equivalent diesel? Is it actually gonna be worth spending millions and millions of taxpayers money or would bigger new diesels have done the trick?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 11:16:41 AM
Well this new franchise is sounding like what London midland promised and look what happened to them just hope this west midland railway or whatever they are calling themselves can deliver but having said money does talk
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 12, 2017, 11:20:25 AM
Quote from: Bob on December 12, 2017, 11:15:07 AM
Half hourly i believe. How much quicker would an electric journey be from Cannock to birmingham than an equivalent diesel? Is it actually gonna be worth spending millions and millions of taxpayers money or would bigger new diesels have done the trick?

They've promised the off-peak to be half hourly from December 2018. The peak could be every 15 min, by extending some of the Walsall's
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 11:23:20 AM
You make a very good point Bob why spend millions on a railway going from diesel to electric when you are going to save what 5 minutes at the most do people have fucking brains if so I wish they would use them
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 11:29:14 AM
Well cannot wait to see that Tony I've said it for a long time the only town who this as been made for is Birmingham OK some people can agree or dis-agree OK it's great for the smaller towns north of walsall but they have coped before even with diesel's
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 12, 2017, 11:32:08 AM
Quote from: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 11:23:20 AM
You make a very good point Bob why spend millions on a railway going from diesel to electric when you are going to save what 5 minutes at the most do people have fucking brains if so I wish they would use them

That's a bit of a stupid comment from yourself. Electric railways trains are more efficient, more enviromently friendly, more reliable, and faster, yet you choose to swear about people making the railways better. I wish some people would use their f**** brains before posting on here!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 11:41:11 AM
I think Tony we are going to agree to disagree on most subjects but I guess there is nothing wrong with that at all we all have our opinions
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: dingding on December 12, 2017, 11:47:35 AM
Don't forget that the line will provide another electrified diversionary route for the West Coast main line so it's not all about the Rugeley to Birmingham passenger trains
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 12, 2017, 11:54:30 AM
Quote from: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 11:41:11 AM
I think Tony we are going to agree to disagree on most subjects but I guess there is nothing wrong with that at all we all have our opinions

It was the swearing calling people names for having that different opinion to you that wound me up, not actually having a different opinion. There's no need for that. Your post was saying that because people who made the decision have a different opinion to you they are "f****** idiots", so it is you saying people shouldn't have different opinions
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 12:14:10 PM
No Tony sadly disagree the point I was making was when I was calling people which I am not going to mention the names that I did it was my opinion only I was not calling you names why I said what I did because people in the rail industry spend money every day point taken on this project I really don't believe it was needed because diesel trains have been running this route well for as long as I can remember it was only a point I was trying to make if I have upset you well I cannot really say I am sorry because I was only putting my point of view
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 12, 2017, 12:22:46 PM
Quote from: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 12:14:10 PM
No Tony sadly disagree the point I was making was when I was calling people which I am not going to mention the names that I did it was my opinion only I was not calling you names why I said what I did because people in the rail industry spend money every day point taken on this project I really don't believe it was needed because diesel trains have been running this route well for as long as I can remember it was only a point I was trying to make if I have upset you well I cannot really say I am sorry because I was only putting my point of view

I know you weren't calling me names, but using that argument steam trains were running on the railway even longer than diesel so should they come back?

Is there any advantage a diesel has over electric? These are facts not opinions
Electric trains are more reliable, for instance class 350s average around 70,000 miles between failures, the best diesels are around 20,000
Electric trains are more energy effiecient, they are lighter so need less energy to propel them at the same speed
Electric trains are cleaner, they cause no pollution at point of use and depending on how the electricity is generated can cause no pollution at all as in France which doesn't have coal/gas/oil power stations generating for the railway.
Electric trains are faster
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 12:29:54 PM
Yes Tony another good point of view you have put across which I did not mention is steam trains but like your post as clearly said electric trains are cleaner and I guess in a way more reliable but to be honest I am a diesel person as you may have gathered sorry again the words I put across in my previous posts was a bit strong and yes they were it's just I think in a way of today's railway
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 12, 2017, 03:41:05 PM
Electric trains are faster Tony but for the speeds required on the chase line does that make much difference. Ive always found that Sprinters seem to pull off quicker than 170s on that subject also
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 12, 2017, 05:03:24 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 12, 2017, 03:41:05 PM
Electric trains are faster Tony but for the speeds required on the chase line does that make much difference. Ive always found that Sprinters seem to pull off quicker than 170s on that subject also

It makes a big difference. An EMU will accelerate far faster, hence the possible 7 min journey time reduction which onsuch a short run
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on December 12, 2017, 05:12:40 PM
Quote from: mark114 on December 12, 2017, 12:29:54 PM
like your post as clearly said electric trains are cleaner and I guess in a way more reliable but to be honest I am a diesel person as you may have gathered

Electric units ARE more reliable than DMUs, there's no 'in a way' about it.

As you say, you're a diesel person, so your creeping dislike of the modern railway is bound to increase over time.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on December 12, 2017, 05:42:02 PM
Quote from: The Real 4778 on December 12, 2017, 05:12:40 PM
Electric units ARE more reliable than DMUs, there's no 'in a way' about it.

As you say, you're a diesel person, so your creeping dislike of the modern railway is bound to increase over time.

Not only are they more reliable, electric trains are more efficient and cheaper to run. Can't see why people are moaning about a line being electrified, it can only be good news for the passengers. Would love to see the Stourbridge line electified but know there isn't much chance of that.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on December 12, 2017, 06:27:57 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 12, 2017, 05:42:02 PM
Not only are they more reliable, electric trains are more efficient and cheaper to run. Can't see why people are moaning about a line being electrified, it can only be good news for the passengers. Would love to see the Stourbridge line electified but know there isn't much chance of that.

The thing about 'enthusiasm' is that it has a habit of leaving rationality at the door.

If the gricer in me had its way, the network - bus and rail - would be a Groundhog Day somewhere in 1973-78! 

But that is to deny not just physics (including the dimension of time), but also economics.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on December 12, 2017, 06:40:09 PM
The new livery 172 was at cradley heading towards Worcester direction around 12:00
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on December 12, 2017, 07:14:08 PM
Quote from: dingding on December 12, 2017, 11:47:35 AM
Don't forget that the line will provide another electrified diversionary route for the West Coast main line so it's not all about the Rugeley to Birmingham passenger trains

I suppose when this happens, the normal trains will be cancelled to allow for them?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 12, 2017, 07:20:57 PM
Quote from: Westy on December 12, 2017, 07:14:08 PM
I suppose when this happens, the normal trains will be cancelled to allow for them?

Why. The new signalling installed last year allows for up to 12 trains per hour.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on December 12, 2017, 08:46:40 PM
Google Maps still seem to be referring to the services as London Midland, I'd have thought it'd at least change to wmtrains or something, if not the LNWR and WMR brands.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on December 12, 2017, 09:59:33 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 12, 2017, 07:20:57 PM
Why. The new signalling installed last year allows for up to 12 trains per hour.

Does it?

Thats good then.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on December 13, 2017, 12:06:48 AM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 12, 2017, 06:40:09 PM
The new livery 172 was at cradley heading towards Worcester direction around 12:00

Someone on the RailUK forums linked this image, but since that image was obviously taken at least 4-5 hours later than that, it looks like it stayed out for a while.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/149822823@N04/38961557852/in/photolist-22mUaKs-22q7hDe-21je22A-21je319-22mfEBw-HsF4WK-22mfDyu-HsPUeF-21kokEy-EhYCwy-21komdC-EeJTcb-22jPJVs-222cnef-DQtiJN-GVMfrM-ZJkUco-ZRTTFi-21Fuub1-ZSFceJ-GLyujr-CF1CYV-21LLosL-21urVnW-21rkJ51-Z8GUTS-ZLDzfY-D7bqTU-YPeRAm-21eeQ3r-CTwj99-21LMQiw-YNy7Cf-YMX66C-YERnFq-Yz3QyX-Zag4e5-ZaiP7b-YsfqTZ-Cp5n1m-FT6GQt-Z6xjHd-YcD5bb-ZDmiVB-C8ZiXh-Cams6o-YQYUao-Z96qAG-C2nm1J-YFvvM5

Edit: Looks like it was working in multiple with a London Midland liveried 172 too. (http://"https://www.flickr.com/photos/149822823@N04/38997871871/")
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on December 13, 2017, 12:15:10 PM
@Tony Could you let me know if 172339 is booked to do any services out of Birmingham this afternoon please? Would be nice to be able to see it in the flesh. Thanks.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 13, 2017, 12:32:58 PM
Quote from: DJ98 on December 13, 2017, 12:15:10 PM
@Tony Could you let me know if 172339 is booked to do any services out of Birmingham this afternoon please? Would be nice to be able to see it in the flesh. Thanks.

I can't I'm afraid. I find out stuff for myself, and post it here if I think it's of interest, by emailing one of the managers. I can't send a load of emails for everyone else
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 13, 2017, 04:11:38 PM
Faulty train on 6.11 from Cannock leaving it late into brum and the 7.07 from brum cancelled and a lovely dangerously rammed 2 carriage short form on the 16.12 from brum....looking good.....
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on December 13, 2017, 05:24:10 PM
@Bob You do know West Midlands Railways has the same rolling stock as London Midland had... so the same problems are going to persist until the cascades begin next year (172s from London and 350s from trans-pennine)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 13, 2017, 05:30:18 PM
Its a pretty poor service..first train of the day faulty? Do they not check them? A few Sats back a 170 couldnt leave new st cos of a buzzer fault...same unit back out 3 days later same fault resulted in the 4 car 17.42 cancelled and the next 3 car at 1812 was a 2 car dozens left behind. The woefully inadequate 2 car today absolutely stank and was filthy inside..window area , ceiling the lot.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 13, 2017, 05:31:57 PM
172s from london wont make any difference to the chase line. And if the electric trains are delayed itll be the same crap on there day in day out
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: MW on December 13, 2017, 05:34:46 PM
Have you ever considered moving @Bob

You complain about your local bus service and your local train service. If you're not able to get a car, have you considered moving to an area where you think has much better transport links?

I'm interested to know because all it seems that you do is complain.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on December 13, 2017, 05:44:17 PM
Quote from: MW on December 13, 2017, 05:34:46 PM
Have you ever considered moving @Bob

You complain about your local bus service and your local train service. If you're not able to get a car, have you considered moving to an area where you think has much better transport links?

I'm interested to know because all it seems that you do is complain.

@MW it's very rare I agree with you, but I agree with your sentiments wholeheartedly. I am getting fed up with Bob's moaning and groaning. Why doesn't he move to somewhere on the Cross City or Snow Hill lines, with its frequent bus and train service, I shall never know.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 13, 2017, 06:10:09 PM
Oh so you should move cos the service is s##t??? Get on it and try and find happy passengers! And i couldnt care what you think to be brutally frank if you dont like it dont read it and get back to bashing trains or whatever floats your boat....
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 13, 2017, 06:16:05 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 13, 2017, 05:31:57 PM
172s from london wont make any difference to the chase line. And if the electric trains are delayed itll be the same crap on there day in day out

As a few 170s and 153s are used on Snow Hill lines, the 172s from London could help if needed
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: karl724223 on December 13, 2017, 07:25:58 PM
I've heard the island of sodor has a good railway
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on December 13, 2017, 07:28:09 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on December 13, 2017, 07:25:58 PM
I've heard the island of sodor has a good railway
And there's no such place.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodor_(fictional_island)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 13, 2017, 07:33:59 PM
Quote from: 2206 on December 13, 2017, 07:28:09 PM
And there's no such place.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodor_(fictional_island)

What????? It's fictional? Nooooooooo.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: karl724223 on December 13, 2017, 07:38:32 PM
Omg. Thomas James Edward  Gordon  bertie the bus  noooooooo
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 13, 2017, 07:38:53 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 13, 2017, 06:16:05 PM
As a few 170s and 153s are used on Snow Hill lines, the 172s from London could help if needed

Cant imagine them putting them on
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 13, 2017, 07:44:36 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 13, 2017, 07:38:53 PM
Cant imagine them putting them on

Well I have been told today that from the next timetable change (May 18) the 16:42 from New Street is going to be diagrammed for 3 (2x170+153) instead of the current 2
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: P419 EJW on December 13, 2017, 08:12:41 PM
Quote from: 2206 on December 13, 2017, 07:28:09 PM
And there's no such place.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodor_(fictional_island)

Wow, you actually searched for it. 😂
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on December 13, 2017, 08:49:50 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on December 13, 2017, 08:12:41 PM
Wow, you actually searched for it. 😂
I have better things to do than watch childerens tv series.
I don't get whats funny about it either.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Jack on December 13, 2017, 08:56:41 PM
Quote from: 2206 on December 13, 2017, 08:49:50 PM
I have better things to do than watch childerens tv series.
I don't get whats funny about it either.
I think it's just  a light hearted joke, seriously you need a sense of humour...
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 13, 2017, 09:27:11 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 13, 2017, 07:44:36 PM
Well I have been told today that from the next timetable change (May 18) the 16:42 from New Street is going to be diagrammed for 3 (2x170+153) instead of the current 2

Arent we supposed to be electric now?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on December 13, 2017, 09:28:07 PM
Quote from: 2206 on December 13, 2017, 08:49:50 PM
I have better things to do than watch childerens tv series.
I don't get whats funny about it either.

Like quoting every link 🧐. You say you got better things to do? Is that reporting every branded off route AG wise? Remember the branded e200 MMCs you must of filled 20 pages with them...

Back to West Midlands Railways, rumours on twitter that the management of WMR aren't happy with the new livery
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on December 13, 2017, 09:45:41 PM
Quote from: Chris on December 13, 2017, 09:28:07 PM
Like quoting every link 🧐. You say you got better things to do? Is that reporting every branded off route AG wise? Remember the branded e200 MMCs you must of filled 20 pages with them...

Back to West Midlands Railways, rumours on twitter that the management of WMR aren't happy with the new livery
Well you clearly stuck in the past, if your still going on about that as AG don't have any 71/2 Branded MMC anymore.
Have you nothing better to do than bring up stuff from the past and try and start an argument with me?

By the way I don't.
I see loads of branded buses of route on the 1 and I haven't reported any of them.

I never knew what this Isle of Sodor thing was as I don't go about watching Childerens television.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 13, 2017, 09:55:22 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 13, 2017, 09:27:11 PM
Arent we supposed to be electric now?

Be electric then it should say
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on December 13, 2017, 09:56:14 PM
Quote from: Chris on December 13, 2017, 09:28:07 PM
Like quoting every link 🧐. You say you got better things to do? Is that reporting every branded off route AG wise? Remember the branded e200 MMCs you must of filled 20 pages with them...

Back to West Midlands Railways, rumours on twitter that the management of WMR aren't happy with the new livery

There was a few comments about that on RailUK too, but who knows if there's any truth to it. Isn't the livery decided by TfWM though, not WMR's management? Can't imagine there's much they can do regarding the livery.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 13, 2017, 10:40:06 PM
Bombadier have confirmed an order from West Midlands Trains for 333 Aventra carriages.

That is the new Cross City stock, and electric units for Euston Commuter services
(Article is from Bombardie rHQ in Quebec, so in French!)
http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1072584/bombardier-transport-decroche-un-contrat-au-royaume-uni

I believe they have also agreed to take 3 x 2car 230 (to be numbered 230201-3) for the Bedford Bletchley service
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on December 13, 2017, 11:09:01 PM
CAF also announced a 680m deal yesterday for "a fleet of DMUs".

http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/caf-officially-signs-680m-deal-for-new-west-midlands-trains-stock
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on December 14, 2017, 09:27:13 AM
Quote from: 2206 on December 13, 2017, 07:28:09 PM
And there's no such place.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodor_(fictional_island)

Why search for it? Do you not understand a joke?

Jesus Wept.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on December 14, 2017, 09:32:51 AM
On another note, still getting 350's that are announcing 'Welcome aboard this London Midland service....'. I did have 350101 yesterday that announced 'Welcome aboard this service to...'.

I wonder if new announcements will be recorded. I hope it's someone else doing them as the Julie Berry's voice does grind on me a bit.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: karl724223 on December 14, 2017, 11:39:28 AM
Quote from: Dom on December 14, 2017, 09:27:13 AM
Why search for it? Do you not understand a joke?

Jesus Wept.
news just in Bob the builder has won the contract to build the metro extension to merry hill
@Dom
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JoNi on December 14, 2017, 02:09:46 PM
Lunchtime local news programme on BBC1 featured Peter Plizner holding letter to all staff stating cleaning will be outsourced, maintenance provided by train builder (as has been stated on forum before) and new trains will be driver only operated.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on December 14, 2017, 02:53:49 PM
Quote from: JoNi on December 14, 2017, 02:09:46 PM
Lunchtime local news programme on BBC1 featured Peter Plizner holding letter to all staff stating cleaning will be outsourced, maintenance provided by train builder (as has been stated on forum before) and new trains will be driver only operated.

Typical sensationalist reporting designed to antagonise and disturb people, no doubt.  Cleaning has been outsourced by/ on various TOCs since last century, it's extremely likely that only the maintenance for the new EMUs will be outsourced, and if that's the case then a new depot will mean more new local jobs.

I admit I didn't see the TV piece, but I would be amazed if the positive knock-on effects (beyond the new trains themselves) were mentioned.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JoNi on December 14, 2017, 04:44:58 PM
Quote from: The Real 4778 on December 14, 2017, 02:53:49 PM
Typical sensationalist reporting designed to antagonise and disturb people, no doubt.  Cleaning has been outsourced by/ on various TOCs since last century, it's extremely likely that only the maintenance for the new EMUs will be outsourced, and if that's the case then a new depot will mean more new local jobs.

I admit I didn't see the TV piece, but I would be amazed if the positive knock-on effects (beyond the new trains themselves) were mentioned.

The positive knock on effects wern't mentioned. He stood clutching a staff letter with WMR on top saying it was an exclusive! RMT were interviewed for their opinion. Should be on tonight.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on December 14, 2017, 09:19:44 PM
Suppose there'll be a strike then?

Look, why dont these train companies get it into their heads that we need guards.

End of.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on December 14, 2017, 10:51:18 PM
Quote from: Dom on December 14, 2017, 09:32:51 AM
On another note, still getting 350's that are announcing 'Welcome aboard this London Midland service....'. I did have 350101 yesterday that announced 'Welcome aboard this service to...'.

I wonder if new announcements will be recorded. I hope it's someone else doing them as the Julie Berry's voice does grind on me a bit.

The 172s changed to generic announcements last week, removing all the London Midland references 'Welcome to this service' & 'thank you for travelling with us today'
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: markcf83 on December 14, 2017, 11:01:49 PM
Quote from: Westy on December 14, 2017, 09:19:44 PM

Look, why dont these train companies get it into their heads that we need guards.

End of.

I'd have them doing what they are meant to be doing-checking tickets and helping passengers.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on December 15, 2017, 06:26:39 AM
Quote from: Westy on December 14, 2017, 09:19:44 PM
Suppose there'll be a strike then?

Look, why dont these train companies get it into their heads that we need guards.

End of.

Isn't really end of though is it?
They would bring in so much more revenue for the company if they actually went round the train checking selling tickets instead of hiding at the back and doing a job that it has been demonstrated that drivers can easily do
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on December 15, 2017, 08:22:50 PM
Do they still do group save tickets like London midland did
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on December 16, 2017, 12:31:18 AM
Quote from: markcf83 on December 14, 2017, 11:01:49 PM
I'd have them doing what they are meant to be doing-checking tickets and helping passengers.

What they're 'meant' to be doing when the job was done properly was guarding the Train (there's a clue in the old job title), their responsibility was the safe procedure of the Train. Drivers were called Drivers because they drove the Train - & received authority to procede from the Guard (not via some comedy mirror, or crappy vdu's).

There used to be a job title of Ticket Inspector, guess what they were employed to do?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: dingding on December 16, 2017, 10:03:25 AM
Spot on. The rail operators just want to squeeze every last penny profit out of their cash cow and of course the main objective of helping the DfT break the rail unions
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on December 17, 2017, 06:44:14 PM
Quote from: dingding on December 16, 2017, 10:03:25 AM
Spot on. The rail operators just want to squeeze every last penny profit out of their cash cow and of course the main objective of helping the DfT break the rail unions

Out of interest, what % profit do you think transport groups typically make from running a franchise?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 17, 2017, 06:48:40 PM
Quote from: The Real 4778 on December 17, 2017, 06:44:14 PM
Out of interest, what % profit do you think transport groups typically make from running a franchise?

It's in the 3-4% range as an average
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 17, 2017, 08:27:21 PM
Have WMR got a seat moquette design yet and if so what units would get the refurb? Im imagining no 150 /153 poss not 323s would be selected for retrim?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on December 18, 2017, 12:14:17 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 17, 2017, 06:48:40 PM
It's in the 3-4% range as an average

Exactly, Tony.  Factor this in with the amount of collateral and indemnities that a bidder has to stump-up/ guarantee, it's hardly surprising that there are frequently fewer than four contenders ready, able and willing to bid for a DfT model franchise.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 18, 2017, 12:17:31 PM
On the 11.57 from Cannock which is seriously overcrowded...2 carriages
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 19, 2017, 04:45:24 PM
Chaos again today 1612 running over 30 mins late due to a "train fault"...then rolls in empty at 1644...
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 11, 2018, 09:47:02 AM
170631 has acquired West Midlands Railway logos on LM livery.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on January 11, 2018, 06:12:46 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 11, 2018, 09:47:02 AM
170631 has acquired West Midlands Railway logos on LM livery.

As has a majority of the fleet.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 13, 2018, 10:04:57 AM
Why when the rail replacement bus is on from Cannock to Walsall on a Sat do BOTH services per hour call at all stations to Walsall when only one train per hour does so and the other is an express? What is the point in that other than discouraging passengers from using the service???
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin2017 on January 14, 2018, 01:50:00 AM
Where the rail buses stop at Walsall??
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 14, 2018, 08:27:23 AM
Side of the station
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on January 14, 2018, 12:59:28 PM
Quote from: Kevin2017 on January 14, 2018, 01:50:00 AM
Where the rail buses stop at Walsall??
what buses were used yesterday on there tame bridge-cannock
& whats been. used to day 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Cheese on January 14, 2018, 02:32:56 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on January 14, 2018, 12:59:28 PM
what buses were used yesterday on there tame bridge-cannock
& whats been. used to day 

Saw 2 NX OmniLinks and a Midland Classic Scania parked up by Walsall station yesterday.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on January 26, 2018, 08:33:52 PM
Have any more trains been painted into the new livery
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on January 26, 2018, 08:59:08 PM
Quote from: Chris on January 26, 2018, 08:33:52 PM
Have any more trains been painted into the new livery

None as of yet, unless one's slipped through the net and hasn't been posted on RailUK Forums.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 28, 2018, 02:02:13 AM
Will WMR have their own pattern seat moquette? Surely the 323s must be first up for refurb? Seats have barely any padding left!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 28, 2018, 08:49:32 AM
Quote from: Bob on January 28, 2018, 02:02:13 AM
Will WMR have their own pattern seat moquette? Surely the 323s must be first up for refurb? Seats have barely any padding left!

Why would they refurb the 323s?

The new trains to replace them are already on order.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 28, 2018, 11:34:01 AM
So we're definetely not having any of them on the chase line and its DEFINETELY 350s?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on January 28, 2018, 12:26:51 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 28, 2018, 02:02:13 AM
Will WMR have their own pattern seat moquette? Surely the 323s must be first up for refurb? Seats have barely any padding left!

I'd say the 350/1's need more of a refurb, or at least a seat refurb. They're still running as delivered in 2005, in the neutral grey and blue colour scheme, whereas the 323's were given a refurb between 2011 and 2013. The 323's are being replaced in 2020, whereas it looks like the 350's are being retained, not to mention the extra units being cascaded down from Transpennine Express starting next year.

Quote from: Bob on January 28, 2018, 11:34:01 AM
So we're definetely not having any of them on the chase line and its DEFINETELY 350s?

Since we're getting more 350's, I'd wage my bet on them being used for the Chase Line too.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 28, 2018, 05:45:32 PM
Capacity is a MASSIVE issue on the chase line and seeing as a 3 car 323 can carry more seated passengers than a 4 car 350 surely it would make more sense to use them on it? Cant believe weve got to put up with shitty 2 car diesels on peak journeys till the end of this year. Someone said the 720am from Cannock was booked for 4 car a couple of momths ago? Still a 2 car 170 with a 153 shoved on the back as far as im aware?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 28, 2018, 05:48:30 PM
Quote from: DJ98 on January 28, 2018, 12:26:51 PM
I'd say the 350/1's need more of a refurb, or at least a seat refurb. They're still running as delivered in 2005, in the neutral grey and blue colour scheme, whereas the 323's were given a refurb between 2011 and 2013. The 323's are being replaced in 2020, whereas it looks like the 350's are being retained, not to mention the extra units being cascaded down from Transpennine Express starting next year.

Since we're getting more 350's, I'd wage my bet on them being used for the Chase Line too.

Some 350s have 3 +2 green seats dont they?

I hear you about the blue n grey tho. The one from euston last sat had a THREADBARE first class no wonder it was empty loooool
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on January 28, 2018, 05:52:47 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 28, 2018, 05:48:30 PM
Some 350s have 3 +2 green seats dont they?

I hear you about the blue n grey tho. The one from euston last sat had a THREADBARE first class no wonder it was empty loooool

Yeah, those would be the 350/2 and 350/3 units. The ones with blue interiors are the 350/1 units, which are well overdue an internal refurb. I've never been in the first class of one, but apparently the seats are more comfortable in standard class.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 28, 2018, 06:01:55 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 28, 2018, 05:45:32 PM
Capacity is a MASSIVE issue on the chase line and seeing as a 3 car 323 can carry more seated passengers than a 4 car 350 surely it would make more sense to use them on it? Cant believe weve got to put up with shitty 2 car diesels on peak journeys till the end of this year. Someone said the 720am from Cannock was booked for 4 car a couple of momths ago? Still a 2 car 170 with a 153 shoved on the back as far as im aware?

It was booked 4 car during December, now booked 3 again.
323 has more seats than a 350, but total capacity is greater, also 350s are the most reliable units on the entire network, so I certainly don't have any problem with them being allocated
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on January 28, 2018, 06:50:22 PM
Quote from: DJ98 on January 28, 2018, 05:52:47 PM
Yeah, those would be the 350/2 and 350/3 units. The ones with blue interiors are the 350/1 units, which are well overdue an internal refurb. I've never been in the first class of one, but apparently the seats are more comfortable in standard class.

350/1 are much more comfortable than the awful layout in the 350/2 in my opinion
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on January 28, 2018, 08:44:44 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 28, 2018, 06:50:22 PM
350/1 are much more comfortable than the awful layout in the 350/2 in my opinion

How does that make them more comfortable?!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on January 29, 2018, 11:43:24 AM
Quote from: Dom on January 28, 2018, 08:44:44 PM
How does that make them more comfortable?!

Because in a 2+2 seating arrangement you're guaranteed more elbow/ hip room.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 29, 2018, 12:34:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 28, 2018, 06:01:55 PM
It was booked 4 car during December, now booked 3 again.
323 has more seats than a 350, but total capacity is greater, also 350s are the most reliable units on the entire network, so I certainly don't have any problem with them being allocated

So is it definetely 350s were getting on the Chase Line then? Wasnt ut thought 323a at firat?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on January 29, 2018, 12:49:06 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 29, 2018, 12:34:22 PM
So is it definetely 350s were getting on the Chase Line then? Wasnt ut thought 323a at firat?

323s will be fully occupied on Cross City until they are replaced.  I think that by then, the fleet migration sees part of the reshaped Desiro fleet move/ extend onto the Chase.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 29, 2018, 12:59:15 PM
Quote from: The Real 4778 on January 29, 2018, 12:49:06 PM
323s will be fully occupied on Cross City until they are replaced.  I think that by then, the fleet migration sees part of the reshaped Desiro fleet move/ extend onto the Chase.

You may see 323s on the Chase once the electrification goes live depending on diagramming, last time I asked (under London Midland so may have changed) The idea was to use them on Saturdays. At the moment some of the drivers on the Chase Line are from Shrewsbury depot who are not traction trained on anything electric, so diagramming anything electric before the full electric service starts needs to be done carefully or you end up with a train and a driver, but not one that can be used.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 29, 2018, 01:56:32 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 29, 2018, 12:59:15 PM
You may see 323s on the Chase once the electrification goes live depending on diagramming, last time I asked (under London Midland so may have changed) The idea was to use them on Saturdays. At the moment some of the drivers on the Chase Line are from Shrewsbury depot who are not traction trained on anything electric, so diagramming anything electric before the full electric service starts needs to be done carefully or you end up with a train and a driver, but not one that can be used.
when are the first electric trains expected in passenger service?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 29, 2018, 01:59:49 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 29, 2018, 01:56:32 PM
when are the first electric trains expected in passenger service?

I haven't got a date.

Network Rail have spen the last three weekends slewing the track over at Bloxwich between the station and the old level crossing to remove the 25 mph speed restriction over that section.

I noticed they have also done some of the more difficult masts as well, including one on the bridge over the M6toll which was the only one missing between Hednesford & Cannock.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: dingding on January 29, 2018, 03:47:55 PM
More legroom no bench seats facing each other?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on January 29, 2018, 09:52:22 PM
I heard a rumor that northern rails class 323's are coming to WMR soon
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 29, 2018, 10:03:14 PM
Quote from: BusMan Greg on January 29, 2018, 09:52:22 PM
I heard a rumor that northern rails class 323's are coming to WMR soon

No
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on January 30, 2018, 10:57:05 AM
Quote from: BusMan Greg on January 29, 2018, 09:52:22 PM
I heard a rumor that northern rails class 323's are coming to WMR soon

Categorically not.  The 323s are leaving both franchises, for an uncertain future.  That's what happens when a leasing company thinks it has control of the game  8)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on January 30, 2018, 06:20:05 PM
The class 323's are my favourite EMU as well
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 08, 2018, 05:15:02 PM
http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/26703/s22-west-midlands-trains-limited-5th-sa-decision-letter.pdf
;
Coventry-Leamington  starts on 19th Feb - cl.153 and no Sunday service. The ECS comes from New St rather than Tyseley, so are New St working the trains rather than Leamington?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 08, 2018, 05:43:15 PM
Quote from: mikestone on February 08, 2018, 05:15:02 PM
http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/26703/s22-west-midlands-trains-limited-5th-sa-decision-letter.pdf
;
Coventry-Leamington  starts on 19th Feb - cl.153 and no Sunday service. The ECS comes from New St rather than Tyseley, so are New St working the trains rather than Leamington?

Might do!
Apparently there is still a question mark over whether Kenilworth Station will be ready.

It is being worked by Coventry crew, so the empty stock has to go via Birmingham & Coventry to start.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 08, 2018, 05:55:00 PM
Yes - I'd just come back to edit my posting to say 19th was an assumption, based on the altered ECS working.
;
Surely the station must be finished now - interesting that the letter implies that Warwickshire told the ORR the station wouldn't be ready in December.
;
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 09, 2018, 09:56:16 PM
The empty stock moves to/from New St have disappeared since this afternoon, so looks like I was premature. Still showing for the following week.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on February 10, 2018, 10:07:58 AM
I have been told that Warwickshire County Council will shortly announce that services will start a week late on 26 February.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 12, 2018, 06:55:52 PM
And they have
;
https://www.kenilworthweeklynews.co.uk/news/no-sunday-service-when-kenilworth-station-opens-1-8374727
;
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 16, 2018, 07:38:57 PM
But perhaps they shouldn't have
;
https://www.kenilworthweeklynews.co.uk/news/train-operator-casts-doubt-on-kenilworth-station-opening-date-1-8376267
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 16, 2018, 07:49:47 PM
Quote from: mikestone on February 16, 2018, 07:38:57 PM
But perhaps they shouldn't have
;
https://www.kenilworthweeklynews.co.uk/news/train-operator-casts-doubt-on-kenilworth-station-opening-date-1-8376267

I have been given a confirmed opening date by WMR, but am not allowed to post it, but not the 26th
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 17, 2018, 03:13:27 PM
Is that because somebody wants to be on the first trains from the Great Northern to Thameslink the same day ;D
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 19, 2018, 06:39:53 PM
https://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/yet-another-delay-to-kenilworth-station-s-opening-date-1-8383359


WMR have now publically released the date I was told last week
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 20, 2018, 11:40:59 AM
SO March 5 is correct then?
.
Next question is when Bromsgrove electrics start - 27 Jan was quoted for energisation but still no wires in  the station.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on February 20, 2018, 12:45:26 PM
Quote from: mikestone on February 20, 2018, 11:40:59 AM
SO March 5 is correct then?
.
Next question is when Bromsgrove electrics start - 27 Jan was quoted for energisation but still no wires in  the station.

I wonder if there's enough 323's right now to extend it from Longbridge to Bromsgrove. I guess they could move some from the Wolves - Birmingham - Walsall stoppers, but then would there be enough 350's to cover this, since the fleet is currently being rotated out for corrosion repairs.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: dingding on February 21, 2018, 03:11:53 PM
 The new section of OHL between Barnt Green and Blackwell will be energised on Sunday 4th March so it is heading towards Bromsgrove!!

Dave
Quote from: mikestone on February 20, 2018, 11:40:59 AM
SO March 5 is correct then?
.
Next question is when Bromsgrove electrics start - 27 Jan was quoted for energisation but still no wires in  the station.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on February 21, 2018, 04:27:30 PM
Is Bromsgrove worth a day out at some point?

Never been.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on February 21, 2018, 04:33:33 PM
Quote from: Westy on February 21, 2018, 04:27:30 PM
Is Bromsgrove worth a day out at some point?

Never been.

Oh yes, quite a leisure destination is old Bromsgrove  8)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 21, 2018, 10:19:17 PM
Quote from: dingding on February 21, 2018, 03:11:53 PM
The new section of OHL between Barnt Green and Blackwell will be energised on Sunday 4th March so it is heading towards Bromsgrove!!

Dave
I see there is a possesion that day, but yesterday there were no wires through Barnt Green or in the Bromsgrove station area.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 21, 2018, 10:20:28 PM
Not to mention a long walk from the station.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Other Walsall Tony on February 22, 2018, 12:10:35 PM
Quote from: mikestone on February 21, 2018, 10:20:28 PM
Not to mention a long walk from the station.
Perhaps the most interesting things to see in Bromsgrove are the tomb stones of the two railway men, Scaife and Rutherford, killed by a boiler explotion in November 1840. They can be seen in the grave yard of St John's church which overlooks the town.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on February 23, 2018, 07:49:15 PM
Quote from: Westy on February 21, 2018, 04:27:30 PM
Is Bromsgrove worth a day out at some point?

Never been.
With a user name as mine is I am honour bound to say yes.  8)  It is admittedly a fair walk to the town centre from the railway - 15/20 minutes depending on the state of your/my knees !!  !! But buses are quite frequent. The bus station is worth with a look a variety of operators. Other points of interest are The Red Lion by the bus station and other pubs. The statue of Poet A E Housman and also buried in the cemetary is Pat Roach - wrestler and actor.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 01, 2018, 04:41:53 PM
Quote from: mikestone on February 20, 2018, 11:40:59 AM
SO March 5 is correct then?
.
Next question is when Bromsgrove electrics start - 27 Jan was quoted for energisation but still no wires in  the station.
;
Leamington-Coventry services now showing cancelled w/c 5th March.
;
Bromsgrove electrification subject to slippage, whatever that means.
;
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on March 02, 2018, 09:44:47 PM
Quote from: mikestone on March 01, 2018, 04:41:53 PM
;
Leamington-Coventry services now showing cancelled w/c 5th March.
;
Bromsgrove electrification subject to slippage, whatever that means.
;
"Slippage" - a word used in the midlands and southern areas of the uk (although interestingly rarely used in northern cities such as Manchester) as an alternative to "bad planning", "lack of foresight", "incompetence" & "overpaid, unintelligent management".
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 02, 2018, 10:00:46 PM
Quote from: mikestone on March 01, 2018, 04:41:53 PM
;
Leamington-Coventry services now showing cancelled w/c 5th March.
;
Bromsgrove electrification subject to slippage, whatever that means.
;

And cancelled w/c 12 March
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on March 04, 2018, 12:23:46 PM
Quote from: mikestone on March 01, 2018, 04:41:53 PM
;
Bromsgrove electrification subject to slippage, whatever that means.
;

In the context of trains and Bromsgrove , my interpretation of slippage would be trains having trouble climbing the Lickey Incline . . . .  :o  On a serious note though and admitting my negligible knowledge of tractive effort and adhesion , is there any difference between diesel and electric powered trains when climbing "hills" ?  Or , excluding weather variables , is it all down to the driver ?  ;)   The line is closed through Bromsgrove today , so I guess more work is in progress with the "wires".
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 04, 2018, 02:18:46 PM
Slippage in this contact refers to the electrification work being at least five weeks behind - what wasn't clear was if they were saying it would affect the start of electric services.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 15, 2018, 11:37:59 AM
I understand it has been reported on local radio that electrics to Bromsgrove will not start until July.
;
Kenilworth services now cancelled w/c 26th March.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on March 15, 2018, 12:10:01 PM
The currently projected start date for electrics to Bromsgrove is 29 July, provided that nothing happens in the meantime to further delay it.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 15, 2018, 05:27:31 PM
Alledged electrification will be ready, but not traincrew.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on March 15, 2018, 06:09:01 PM
Quote from: Roy on March 15, 2018, 12:10:01 PM
The currently projected start date for electrics to Bromsgrove is 29 July, provided that nothing happens in the meantime to further delay it.

Which year ?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 20, 2018, 02:13:59 PM
Warwickshire have now come clean and admitted the problem has been their failure to send paperwork to the ORR.
;
https://www.kenilworthweeklynews.co.uk/news/kenilworth-station-s-opening-delay-down-to-county-council-rail-regulator-confirms-1-8422980
;
Speaking on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire this morning (Tuesday), the county council's joint managing director Monica Fogarty said the station was 'very close' to opening.

She added: "The station is complete and is physically ready for operation. We are today (Tuesday) submitting that information to the ORR.

"In good faith we cannot issue a date (for opening) until the ORR have signed it off."
;
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 20, 2018, 05:22:42 PM
Any idea when the first electrics will run on Chase Line? And is it definetely 350s ? Or will we see a mix of them and 323s? Even better if we got some of the handful of older electrics theyre using down South
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on March 21, 2018, 01:04:27 PM
Quote from: Bob on March 20, 2018, 05:22:42 PM
Any idea when the first electrics will run on Chase Line? And is it definetely 350s ? Or will we see a mix of them and 323s? Even better if we got some of the handful of older electrics theyre using down South

The Chase line will go half hourly in May, with electrics starting in December.  The Chase Line electrification work is on time.  It will be 350s, with one train per hour running through to Euston.  There are some extra 319s due but they should be used in the London area.  That was announced at the West Midlands Railways stakeholder briefing last week. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 26, 2018, 03:11:42 PM
The 153 on 15.12 from brum sounds like its got a very poorly cummins....engine knocking really badly
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on March 26, 2018, 08:06:25 PM
Quote from: Bob on March 26, 2018, 03:11:42 PM
The 153 on 15.12 from brum sounds like its got a very poorly cummins....engine knocking really badly

Fleet number?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 26, 2018, 08:34:52 PM
Didnt get it but its one with the (very) light internal refurb
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 26, 2018, 08:38:48 PM
Quote from: Bob on March 26, 2018, 08:34:52 PM
Didnt get it but its one with the (very) light internal refurb

I've just come home on it on the 17:12, I didn't notice the number either (there are two with the light interior), but was running OK then.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 26, 2018, 08:57:03 PM
Made weird noises idling when i was on it. Was on a class 150 on Fri in brum Tony, is it me or does it feel like your much lower down on one of those compared to a 153. It was the 2.49 to Hereford ( ledbury) i caught to university stn. Thats a busy train. Still i'd rather one of them be used on the 6.10am from Cannock, more seats wise. Every seat including the bench 3s were full on that trip last fri. The 2 car 170 on the first train is woefully inadequate anywhere past Walsall so the extra seats a sprinter has would be better. Same goes for the 4.42 from brum. London Midland mustve thought, hey, chase line passenger numbers are growing, lets reduce the seats on 2 car trips by a third and p##s off passengers. Way to go 😂
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 26, 2018, 09:06:15 PM
Quote from: Bob on March 26, 2018, 08:57:03 PM
Made weird noises idling when i was on it. Was on a class 150 on Fri in brum Tony, is it me or does it feel like your much lower down on one of those compared to a 153. It was the 2.49 to Hereford ( ledbury) i caught to university stn. Thats a busy train. Still i'd rather one of them be used on the 6.10am from Cannock, more seats wise. Every seat including the bench 3s were full on that trip last fri. The 2 car 170 on the first train is woefully inadequate anywhere past Walsall so the extra seats a sprinter has would be better. Same goes for the 4.42 from brum. London Midland mustve thought, hey, chase line passenger numbers are growing, lets reduce the seats on 2 car trips by a third and p##s off passengers. Way to go 😂

It's the Labour Government of the day that set the number of carriages London Midland could run. At least when the current government awarded the franchise to West Midlands Railway they accepted a bit that included the addition of a large number of carriages.

The diagrammer has apparently managed to  do a small stock shuffle from May when the timetable goes to every 30 min through the day which will allow the 16:42 to be booked 3 car
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 26, 2018, 09:19:38 PM
They might have specified carriage numbers but im sure they didnt say "Youve got to swap Sprinters for 170s on the Chase Line"...Even with 3 cars the 16.42 is bad. Im assuming theyve found a 153 from somewhere then?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 26, 2018, 09:35:04 PM
Quote from: Bob on March 26, 2018, 09:19:38 PM
They might have specified carriage numbers but im sure they didnt say "Youve got to swap Sprinters for 170s on the Chase Line"...Even with 3 cars the 16.42 is bad. Im assuming theyve found a 153 from somewhere then?

They did specify exactly what type of trains each franchise could have.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 26, 2018, 09:37:20 PM
And at the time LM still had Sprinters.. Its just a ludicrous idea to reduce capacity on a growing line. 170s are horrid when rammed totally unsuited. They should have just kept 150s till electrification
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 26, 2018, 09:48:35 PM
Quote from: Bob on March 26, 2018, 09:37:20 PM
And at the time LM still had Sprinters.. Its just a ludicrous idea to reduce capacity on a growing line. 170s are horrid when rammed totally unsuited. They should have just kept 150s till electrification

Basically your beloved  Labour party allowed new 172s for the snow hill lines if the 150s were released  for extra capacity on Northern and Great Western,
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 27, 2018, 05:31:29 AM
Why are you making this party political Tony? I could say your beloved tory scum party are responsible for the mess the privatised railway is today. And if nationalisation is so bad how come a majority of the public support it?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 27, 2018, 08:13:27 AM
Quote from: Bob on March 27, 2018, 05:31:29 AM
Why are you making this party political Tony? I could say your beloved tory scum party are responsible for the mess the privatised railway is today. And if nationalisation is so bad how come a majority of the public support it?

There not my beloved Tories. I have no political allegiance and will vote for who I think will do the better job at the time of an election, which has been all 3 major parties at different times.

I also don't call people scum just because they have a different view of life to myself

What you seem to struggle to understand is that nearly all the problems you post are caused by the DfT who take their guidance from the government of the day. Yes there are some awful privatised companies out there. Cross Country is my pet hate.

I don't think the current government has actually got a clue in what to do with franchising. John Major's government actually seem to get the operating franchises fairly good with companies like Midland mainline and Central Trains both going out and leasing extra trains (The 170s) that weren't in their franchise agreements because they had the freedom to do so. He made a complete balls up of Railtrack though. In the Blair years franchises were told exactly what they could do by the DfT which is where a lot of local problems came from. Cameron Nationalised Network Rail which was a good move and corrected Major's big mistake, and the current lot just seem like thay don't know what to do.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 27, 2018, 01:03:49 PM
I call the tories scum for many things especially what they do to disabled people but thats not for here. Central trains though? In most areas they werent very good
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 27, 2018, 01:12:52 PM
Quote from: Bob on March 27, 2018, 01:03:49 PM
I call the tories scum for many things especially what they do to disabled people but thats not for here. Central trains though? In most areas they werent very good

The only problem I found with Central Trains themselves were they weren't very good at cleaning trains. I always thought their units were riffy. Most of their other 'faults' were caused by Railtrack or the fact they were running trains all the way from the East Coast to the West Coast so hold ups and problems a long way from the West midlands could cause issues around here.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 27, 2018, 02:43:35 PM
Yea i remember the smell of the seats on the 150s when they had a beige sort of square pattern one
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 27, 2018, 07:45:14 PM
One other change in May is that the Sunday Walsall stoppers are now combined with the Stour Valley locals.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on March 28, 2018, 10:45:29 PM
Quote from: mikestone on March 27, 2018, 07:45:14 PM
One other change in May is that the Sunday Walsall stoppers are now combined with the Stour Valley locals.

Handy! Presumably these won't be leaving BHM for WSL at xx:17, as currently?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on March 29, 2018, 08:04:58 AM
Quote from: mikestone on March 27, 2018, 07:45:14 PM
One other change in May is that the Sunday Walsall stoppers are now combined with the Stour Valley locals.

I'd assume it'd be electrics then? Always thought it was a waste running 170s completely under the wires
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on March 30, 2018, 06:41:08 PM
Could anyone enlighten me on the positives and negatives of privatisation on the rail network?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 30, 2018, 07:06:46 PM
Negatives are ridiculous walk on fares! Extortionate. I mean you wouldnt expect to be charged 50 quid for a daysaver that was 4 pound online 3 months ago just cos you didnt buy it then lol
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 30, 2018, 07:10:18 PM
A lot of people say positives are new rolling stock but i reckon that wouldve happened anyway. At time of privatisation BR had retired most 1st gen DMUs already and the sprinters are still running along with some EMUs that are similar age to the trains being withdrawn in the 90s. Maybe we wouldnt have got pendolinos or voyagers but HSTs with mk3 carriages were way more confortable anyway especially so compared with a cramped Voyager with an engine vibrating underneath you
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 30, 2018, 07:15:16 PM
Quote from: Bob on March 30, 2018, 07:06:46 PM
Negatives are ridiculous walk on fares! Extortionate. I mean you wouldnt expect to be charged 50 quid for a daysaver that was 4 pound online 3 months ago just cos you didnt buy it then lol

I can reverse your argument there! Walk on fares are set by the Government, so would be the same without Nationalisation. With privatisation we gained the super cheap advance fares!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on March 30, 2018, 07:28:06 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 30, 2018, 07:15:16 PM
I can reverse your argument there! Walk on fares are set by the Government, so would be the same without Nationalisation. With privatisation we gained the super cheap advance fares!

Aren't the fares lower when it was privatised- as you now have rival companies running head to head on some lines such as Birmingham- Euston, but there again lines between say Birmingham and Cornwall- where there is only one operator without changing- so there effectively a monopoly and can charge more?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 30, 2018, 08:15:47 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 30, 2018, 07:15:16 PM
I can reverse your argument there! Walk on fares are set by the Government, so would be the same without Nationalisation. With privatisation we gained the super cheap advance fares!

Set much higher under govt under privatisatiom than they ever were under BR
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 30, 2018, 09:34:24 PM
Quote from: Bob on March 30, 2018, 08:15:47 PM
Set much higher under govt under privatisatiom than they ever were under BR

Check you history

Tony Blair's government set the rule as inflation +1% which still stands today. Fares regularly went up more than that under BR
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on April 05, 2018, 06:13:16 PM
Train problems Brum to b'ham international major incident
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 05, 2018, 08:45:24 PM
This looks a strange working

A DMU just running between Barnt Green and Bromsgrove all day empty stock

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/BMV/2018/04/21/0000-2359?stp=S&show=all&order=wtt
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on April 05, 2018, 10:12:34 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 05, 2018, 08:45:24 PM
This looks a strange working
Anything to do with OHL equipment being tested ??  :-\    Possibly the Network Rail Sprinter ??
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 05, 2018, 10:20:33 PM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on April 05, 2018, 10:12:34 PM
Anything to do with OHL equipment being tested ??  :-\    Possibly the Network Rail Sprinter ??

I've been told that's not until the 11th May
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on April 06, 2018, 11:46:18 AM
I guess it could be driver training but that seems unusual as it is on a diesel unit.  Do the drivers of electric units on the Cross City line just work exclusively on that route ??  :o
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 07, 2018, 11:46:50 AM
Quote from: Solo1 on April 05, 2018, 06:13:16 PM
Train problems Brum to b'ham international major incident
Two seperate incidents of person hit by train.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on April 07, 2018, 11:50:55 AM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on April 05, 2018, 10:12:34 PM
Anything to do with OHL equipment being tested ??  :-\    Possibly the Network Rail Sprinter ??

How could a DMU test OHLE? 

Asking for a friend.  ;)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 07, 2018, 11:54:12 AM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on April 06, 2018, 11:46:18 AM
I guess it could be driver training but that seems unusual as it is on a diesel unit.  Do the drivers of electric units on the Cross City line just work exclusively on that route ??  :o
They need to have somebody who knows the road, so it makes no difference if they learn it on an electric or diesel, although it might be wise to give them some handling experience.
;
Bromsgrove electrics are shown turning at Longbridge under short term planning STP W/C 20 May.
;
Kenilworth services now cancelled w/c 16/04.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on April 07, 2018, 08:21:19 PM
If RTT is correct , these workings start this Monday 9th. Arriving and departing from Platform 3 so I guess this platform is the one to be used when[ever] the public service commences.  ;D
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on April 07, 2018, 08:24:57 PM
I should have put "could" start on Monday 9th , as they are "Q" path's.  :)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 09, 2018, 10:25:18 PM
Just noticed that the schedules for the new timetable have been altered to show the Bromsgrove times as "not advertised" and at the same time now showing stops in every train at Barnt Green - anyone heard anything or is it just incompetence?

;
I hadn't previously noticed before but all Chase Line trains will be all stations from Walsall, presumably taking advantage of line speed changes.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 10, 2018, 05:26:27 AM
Quote from: mikestone on April 09, 2018, 10:25:18 PM
Just noticed that the schedules for the new timetable have been altered to show the Bromsgrove times as "not advertised" and at the same time now showing stops in every train at Barnt Green - anyone heard anything or is it just incompetence?

;
I hadn't previously noticed before but all Chase Line trains will be all stations from Walsall, presumably taking advantage of line speed changes.

ALL stations from Walsall? From when???Thats really gonna make it more attractive!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on April 10, 2018, 07:30:24 AM
Quote from: Bob on April 10, 2018, 05:26:27 AM
ALL stations from Walsall? From when???Thats really gonna make it more attractive!

Indeed it will, all those people at Hamstead and Perry Barr now getting double the services, yes please, might entice me away from the X51
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 10, 2018, 07:40:29 AM
Quote from: Bob on April 10, 2018, 05:26:27 AM
ALL stations from Walsall? From when???Thats really gonna make it more attractive!

I'm sure stopping all trains at Landywood , Bloxwich North and Bloxwich won't put any off other than professional moaners
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on April 10, 2018, 07:45:31 AM
Quote from: Tony on April 10, 2018, 07:40:29 AM
I'm sure stopping all trains at Landywood , Bloxwich North and Bloxwich won't put any off other than professional moaners

Ah wait. All stations from Walsall in which direction? Me and Bob might have the wrong end of the stick here
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 10, 2018, 07:57:28 AM
Quote from: Kevin on April 10, 2018, 07:45:31 AM
Ah wait. All stations from Walsall in which direction? Me and Bob might have the wrong end of the stick here

North of Walsall. The timetable south of Walsall isn't changing
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 10, 2018, 02:18:01 PM
So nothings changing then? Apart from losing the handy Saturday fast ones?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 10, 2018, 02:25:17 PM
Quote from: Bob on April 10, 2018, 02:18:01 PM
So nothings changing then? Apart from losing the handy Saturday fast ones?

Plenty changing Bob. From May 30 min frequency all day. From December hourly service direct to London
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 10, 2018, 02:42:02 PM
Its a 30 min frequency most of day on a Sat pity the fast ones going. Still least itll only be Tame Bridge btwn walsall and brum for the most part. Hourly to London presumably via Cov etc? Will all journeys be 350s? Is there still a possibility of electric trains on a weekend well before December???
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 10, 2018, 02:43:03 PM
Are the existing times changing at all or just an extra train slotted in during the day?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 10, 2018, 08:44:19 PM
By reducing the journey time and utilising the time the sets lie over at Walsall and Rugeley no extra stock is required, which is just as well as it has been suggested that the 172s won't be coming from London Overground any time soon as the Cl.710s for Gospel Oak-Barking have an unspecified problem..
;
Has the line been re-aligned through Bloxwich Crossing yet?

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 10, 2018, 08:51:39 PM
Quote from: mikestone on April 10, 2018, 08:44:19 PM
By reducing the journey time and utilising the time the sets lie over at Walsall and Rugeley no extra stock is required, which is just as well as it has been suggested that the 172s won't be coming from London Overground any time soon as the Cl.710s for Gospel Oak-Barking have an unspecified problem..
;
Has the line been re-aligned through Bloxwich Crossing yet?

Yes, relaid between the crossing and the station on a slightly different alignment
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 10, 2018, 08:58:11 PM
Quote from: mikestone on April 10, 2018, 08:44:19 PM
By reducing the journey time and utilising the time the sets lie over at Walsall and Rugeley no extra stock is required, which is just as well as it has been suggested that the 172s won't be coming from London Overground any time soon as the Cl.710s for Gospel Oak-Barking have an unspecified problem..
;
Has the line been re-aligned through Bloxwich Crossing yet?

Will we be having electrics of a weekend from the summer?

Also will there be reduced journey times from May???
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 10, 2018, 09:16:44 PM
Quote from: Bob on April 10, 2018, 08:58:11 PM
Will we be having electrics of a weekend from the summer?

Also will there be reduced journey times from May???

No
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 10, 2018, 09:18:13 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 10, 2018, 09:16:44 PM
No

Im sure i read sonewhere on here that it was possible some electrics poss 323s could run on a weekend on the route
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on April 14, 2018, 08:19:02 AM
Quote from: mikestone on April 10, 2018, 08:44:19 PM
...it has been suggested that the 172s won't be coming from London Overground any time soon as the Cl.710s for Gospel Oak-Barking have an unspecified problem..


There are some tech issues with the Aventra fleet for Crossrail (Class 345) which need to be ironed out in the design of the in-build 710s before the latter can release the GOBLIN 172s for refurbishment and modification to WMR spec for use around here.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on April 16, 2018, 09:25:10 PM
Today I brought a West Midlands Day Ranger and I went from

BIrmingham - Stafford - Rugby (Virgin) - Birmingham - Worcester via cross city line  (this was a 2 carriage train and got busy very quickly, is the cross city running to capicity or could the Birmingham to Hereford but increased to two trains an hour?) - Pershore Every train I caught I never got checked for tickets and the barriers were open at new street so access to the platforms were free no checks either
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on April 17, 2018, 09:19:11 PM
And then they moan about fare dodgers
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 18, 2018, 08:39:58 AM
Mr. Prosser, chief inspector of Railways tweeted last week that he had authorised Kenilworth to open, but in a reversal of previous practice the woman at Warwickshire CC said that it was subject to more work being carried out!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: markcf83 on April 19, 2018, 04:49:11 PM
How many units have been repainted so far,apart from 172339?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on April 19, 2018, 04:51:41 PM
None.... according to West Midlands Railway they will get rebranding once they go in for heavy maintence... I thought they got additional class 319s to cover the repaints
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 19, 2018, 05:47:36 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on April 19, 2018, 04:51:41 PM
None.... according to West Midlands Railway they will get rebranding once they go in for heavy maintence... I thought they got additional class 319s to cover the repaints

The livery on 172339 is only on vinyl, not painted and might not be the livery the fleet is put into. TfWM have another idea.

Two more 319s should have arrived this week taking the total to 9, with a 10th due in May. The extras are partly to cover the Bromsgrove cross city extension, not directly though, It is looking like another 5  will also arrive before December to cascade 350s for the Hednesford services
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on April 19, 2018, 05:52:27 PM
Will it still be the purple and orange scheme? With the 350 (350/3s maybe) cascading to the Walsall line hopefully they will rebrand them to West Midlands Railways as it confuses some passengers having the London northwestern trains turning up
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 19, 2018, 06:02:46 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 19, 2018, 05:47:36 PM
The livery on 172339 is only on vinyl, not painted and might not be the livery the fleet is put into. TfWM have another idea.

Two more 319s should have arrived this week taking the total to 9, with a 10th due in May. The extras are partly to cover the Bromsgrove cross city extension, not directly though, It is looking like another 5  will also arrive before December to cascade 350s for the Hednesford services

So every single hednesford to brum train will be 4 carriages? That will make a big difference and much needed compared with the pitiful provision currently. Saw you on 610am one tuesday tony. It was so rammed with standees we struggled to get off at Aston in fact on a couple of occasions i havent been able to as the doors have shut before i could get to them
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 19, 2018, 06:07:09 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on April 19, 2018, 05:52:27 PM
Will it still be the purple and orange scheme? With the 350 (350/3s maybe) cascading to the Walsall line hopefully they will rebrand them to West Midlands Railways as it confuses some passengers having the London northwestern trains turning up

As they will be running direct to London from Rugeley it is very unlikely
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 19, 2018, 06:19:34 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 19, 2018, 06:07:09 PM
As they will be running direct to London from Rugeley it is very unlikely

Only 1 per hour isnt it? Any ideas of how long a trip to london would take? From Cannock? And will it be via birmingham?or from the Rugeley end via Lichfield /Tamworth
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on April 19, 2018, 08:06:32 PM
Quote from: Bob on April 19, 2018, 06:19:34 PM
Only 1 per hour isnt it? Any ideas of how long a trip to london would take? From Cannock? And will it be via birmingham?or from the Rugeley end via Lichfield /Tamworth
There are currently 3 trains per hour on the Euston - Northampton - Rugby - Coventry - New Street service.

They will all be extended - 1 tph to Rugeley Trent Valley via Walsall, 1 tph to Liverpool Lime Street via Smethwick Galton Bridge and Wolverhampton and 1 tph to Crewe via Smethwick Galton Bridge, Wolverhampton, Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.

I've also been told that the hourly New Street to International all-stops shuttle will be linked to a New Street - Rugeley service in one direction and a New Street - Liverpool service in the other direction, but I don't know whether the Rugeley to New Street will be extended to International or whether the New Street to Rugeley service will start back at International. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 19, 2018, 08:20:47 PM
Quote from: Roy on April 19, 2018, 08:06:32 PM
There are currently 3 trains per hour on the Euston - Northampton - Rugby - Coventry - New Street service.

They will all be extended - 1 tph to Rugeley Trent Valley via Walsall, 1 tph to Liverpool Lime Street via Smethwick Galton Bridge and Wolverhampton and 1 tph to Crewe via Smethwick Galton Bridge, Wolverhampton, Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.

I've also been told that the hourly New Street to International all-stops shuttle will be linked to a New Street - Rugeley service in one direction and a New Street - Liverpool service in the other direction, but I don't know whether the Rugeley to New Street will be extended to International or whether the New Street to Rugeley service will start back at International.

I believe it is Rugeley-International
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 19, 2018, 08:37:14 PM
Where can i find the 20th May onward chase line timetable? Couldnt see it on WM trains site yet. Are the eatly morning trains staying exactly the same? Ie 610 655 from Cannock?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 19, 2018, 08:45:18 PM
Quote from: Bob on April 19, 2018, 08:37:14 PM
Where can i find the 20th May onward chase line timetable? Couldnt see it on WM trains site yet. Are the eatly morning trains staying exactly the same? Ie 610 655 from Cannock?

They're in Real Times Trains

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/CAO/2018/05/22/0600-2000?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on April 19, 2018, 08:46:35 PM
Quote from: Roy on April 19, 2018, 08:06:32 PM
There are currently 3 trains per hour on the Euston - Northampton - Rugby - Coventry - New Street service.

They will all be extended - 1 tph to Rugeley Trent Valley via Walsall, 1 tph to Liverpool Lime Street via Smethwick Galton Bridge and Wolverhampton and 1 tph to Crewe via Smethwick Galton Bridge, Wolverhampton, Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.

I've also been told that the hourly New Street to International all-stops shuttle will be linked to a New Street - Rugeley service in one direction and a New Street - Liverpool service in the other direction, but I don't know whether the Rugeley to New Street will be extended to International or whether the New Street to Rugeley service will start back at International.

So the Liverpool train that stops at Coseley isn't going to run anymore?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 19, 2018, 08:50:25 PM
Quote from: Dom on April 19, 2018, 08:46:35 PM
So the Liverpool train that stops at Coseley isn't going to run anymore?

Still every 30 minutes to Liverpool
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on April 19, 2018, 10:46:30 PM
Quote from: Roy on April 19, 2018, 08:06:32 PM
There are currently 3 trains per hour on the Euston - Northampton - Rugby - Coventry - New Street service.

They will all be extended - 1 tph to Rugeley Trent Valley via Walsall, 1 tph to Liverpool Lime Street via Smethwick Galton Bridge and Wolverhampton and 1 tph to Crewe via Smethwick Galton Bridge, Wolverhampton, Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.

I've also been told that the hourly New Street to International all-stops shuttle will be linked to a New Street - Rugeley service in one direction and a New Street - Liverpool service in the other direction, but I don't know whether the Rugeley to New Street will be extended to International or whether the New Street to Rugeley service will start back at International.

Direct services from Smethwick to Coventry & London... that'll be extremely useful!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on April 20, 2018, 01:06:39 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 19, 2018, 10:46:30 PM
Direct services from Smethwick to Coventry & London... that'll be extremely useful!

Smethwick already has 5 direct trains to London Marylebone in the mornings, stopping at Smethwick Galton Bridge, but I'm sure a more regular service would be welcomed, not to mention how there are none that stop at Smethwich GB from London.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on April 20, 2018, 06:43:56 AM
Quote from: StourValley98 on April 20, 2018, 01:06:39 AM
Smethwick already has 5 direct trains to London Marylebone in the mornings, stopping at Smethwick Galton Bridge, but I'm sure a more regular service would be welcomed, not to mention how there are none that stop at Smethwich GB from London.

There are three return trips from London one at 18.15, 20.10, 21.15
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on April 20, 2018, 12:47:43 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on April 20, 2018, 06:43:56 AM
There are three return trips from London one at 18.15, 20.10, 21.15

Are you sure? RTT didn't show anything when I searched, only ones to Stourbridge/Kidderminster that passed through without stopping.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on April 20, 2018, 01:37:01 PM
Quote from: StourValley98 on April 20, 2018, 12:47:43 PM
Are you sure? RTT didn't show anything when I searched, only ones to Stourbridge/Kidderminster that passed through without stopping.

Yes, three trains from Marylebone stop at Galton Bridge on Mondays to Fridays only.  Here is the Realtime Trains page for this evening.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/basic/MYB/to/SGB/2018/04/20 (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/basic/MYB/to/SGB/2018/04/20)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 20, 2018, 06:32:17 PM
Coventry-Leamington services not yet cancelled w/c 30 th April- overlooked or really going to start?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on April 20, 2018, 08:25:24 PM
Quote from: StourValley98 on April 20, 2018, 01:06:39 AM
Smethwick already has 5 direct trains to London Marylebone in the mornings, stopping at Smethwick Galton Bridge, but I'm sure a more regular service would be welcomed, not to mention how there are none that stop at Smethwich GB from London.

I'm aware of that. I've been a regular user of the station for about 7 years now. There is also the 07:44 M-F LNR service to Euston & a return from Euston arriving at 23:17
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 21, 2018, 11:16:35 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-43259340
;
but would seem they only have Warwickshire's say so.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on April 23, 2018, 11:58:15 AM
It was announced at the Railfuture AGM on Saturday that the CAF DMUs would be designated Class 196/0 and 196/2.  The Cross City EMUs were likely to be Class 730 but this is still to be confirmed.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on April 28, 2018, 09:18:31 PM
The cross city line will not be the same without the class 323's
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on April 28, 2018, 09:52:04 PM
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 28, 2018, 09:18:31 PM
The cross city line will not be the same without the class 323's

The cross-city line hasn't been the same since the 116s. ;-)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on April 28, 2018, 10:15:24 PM
May I ask were the class 323's will be going after abellio have washed there hands of them in a couple of years or so
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 28, 2018, 10:24:22 PM
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on April 28, 2018, 09:52:04 PM
The cross-city line hasn't been the same since the 116s. ;-)

Was it only 116s when it was diesel? Or other types too?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on April 28, 2018, 10:29:17 PM
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 28, 2018, 10:15:24 PM
May I ask were the class 323's will be going after abellio have washed there hands of them in a couple of years or so

I've heard rumours that they're going to Northern. Only rumours, however
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on April 28, 2018, 10:44:55 PM
Quote from: Bob on April 28, 2018, 10:24:22 PM
Was it only 116s when it was diesel? Or other types too?

High density 116s were the staple kit, although whatever TS had to hand (low density 100,101,105) could appear.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 28, 2018, 11:07:47 PM
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on April 28, 2018, 10:44:55 PM
High density 116s were the staple kit, although whatever TS had to hand (low density 100,101,105) could appear.

When the Chase Line first reopened it had all sorts of Heritage DMUS my favourite was always 115s. Dont remember them being on it much tho. Itwas usually a 1st gen with Blue and green checked seats. Not sure what they were
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on April 29, 2018, 08:42:02 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 28, 2018, 10:29:17 PM
I've heard rumours that they're going to Northern. Only rumours, however

It would make sense, however, 323s don't feature at all in the future fleet plan for Arriva, even the present Northern ones.  It is possible they may trade some Porterbrook 319s for displaced and better performing 323s, but then you would expect the ones already operating from LG to stay. 

The only benefit that the West Midlands 323s will have over their Northern counterparts by then will be the mods carried out to meet Abellio's minimum train spec for December 2018.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on April 29, 2018, 09:55:15 AM
What do these mods consist of
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on April 30, 2018, 01:24:03 AM
Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 29, 2018, 09:55:15 AM
What do these mods consist of

I can't precisely recall what each fleet requires to achieve compliance, but they are a combination of tweaks to meet the PRM-TSI and certain committed minimum passenger requirements.  It will be from the list of ethernet backbone, PIS displays, CCTV, WiFi, door controls and toilet changes etc....
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on April 30, 2018, 07:17:16 PM
Quote from: mikestone on April 20, 2018, 06:32:17 PM
Coventry-Leamington services not yet cancelled w/c 30 th April- overlooked or really going to start?

Actually started today
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on April 30, 2018, 08:14:28 PM
Quote from: Kevin on April 30, 2018, 07:17:16 PM
Actually started today

Using 153s or 172s?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Rob H on April 30, 2018, 08:25:14 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 30, 2018, 08:14:28 PM
Using 153s or 172s?

153 :) 153365 did the honours today.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 01, 2018, 10:22:20 AM
Quote from: Rob2832 on April 30, 2018, 08:25:14 PM
153 :) 153365 did the honours today.

It is a 153 until December when it is extended to Nuneaton, then it will be booked for 2 diagrams using two 172/0 (ex TfL)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on May 01, 2018, 01:16:44 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 01, 2018, 10:22:20 AM
It is a 153 until December when it is extended to Nuneaton, then it will be booked for 2 diagrams using two 172/0 (ex TfL)

So that bay platform they're building at Cov specifically for the Nuneaton train is gonna be redundant then?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 01, 2018, 03:17:02 PM
Has the 153 refresh been abandoned now? The one on 15.12 to Cannock is an untreated one, interior is a lovely brown shade, especially the ceilings, filth by Dulux i think!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on May 01, 2018, 03:20:39 PM
The LO 172s will probably see the last of the 153s and 150s. So no point refurbing  them now. Can the 172s work with the 170s?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 01, 2018, 03:34:05 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on May 01, 2018, 03:20:39 PM
Can the 172s work with the 170s?

WMR 150; 153; 170 & 172 are all compatible
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 01, 2018, 04:43:24 PM
Id imagine the chase line will struggle with the inadequate 2 car 170s till the end. 150s are far superior in so many ways better acceleration on stopping journeys despite a lower top speed, fresh air, more seats...stupidest thing ever the day chase lime got lumbered with 170s
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 01, 2018, 04:49:54 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 01, 2018, 04:43:24 PM
Id imagine the chase line will struggle with the inadequate 2 car 170s till the end. 150s are far superior in so many ways better acceleration on stopping journeys despite a lower top speed, fresh air, more seats...stupidest thing ever the day chase lime got lumbered with 170s


Perhaps you ought to check the reliability figures of the two classes before making statements like that or do you prefer the train not turning up more often
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 01, 2018, 06:33:51 PM
Ive lost count of late or cancelled or "due to a train fault" on 170s so doubt it would make much difference. 150s were better suited to the work though. I dont believe 170s were even designed for routes like the chase line? Werent they intended for longer distance services but slated for noise /comfort lack of carriage end doors?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on May 01, 2018, 06:43:49 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 01, 2018, 06:33:51 PM
Ive lost count of late or cancelled or "due to a train fault" on 170s so doubt it would make much difference. 150s were better suited to the work though. I dont believe 170s were even designed for routes like the chase line? Werent they intended for longer distance services but slated for noise /comfort lack of carriage end doors?

I believe the 170s were intended to for long distances- certainly quite comfortable trains when there not packed. Have to say I prefer cross countries 170s though to London midlands
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: uniquicity on May 01, 2018, 07:25:02 PM
I've been commuting from Worcester to Birmingham on 170s for the past 5 months.

I've had 2 short forms in that time due to train faults.

I can only echo Tony's point about their reliability.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 01, 2018, 07:36:07 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 01, 2018, 06:33:51 PM
Ive lost count of late or cancelled or "due to a train fault" on 170s so doubt it would make much difference. 150s were better suited to the work though. I dont believe 170s were even designed for routes like the chase line? Werent they intended for longer distance services but slated for noise /comfort lack of carriage end doors?

They are extremely rare despite your moaning as proved by the figures made public every year in the 'Golden Spanner' awards in Modern Railways which is done  by Roger Ford a very experienced engineer and journalist and completely independent of any railway company (although he does have a massive bias for his former employer English Electric)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 01, 2018, 08:11:00 PM
Quote from: Kevin on May 01, 2018, 01:16:44 PM
So that bay platform they're building at Cov specifically for the Nuneaton train is gonna be redundant then?
Pe

Past statements have been adamant that there is no way the two services can be combined.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 01, 2018, 08:25:15 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 01, 2018, 07:36:07 PM
They are extremely rare despite your moaning as proved by the figures made public every year in the 'Golden Spanner' awards in Modern Railways which is done  by Roger Ford a very experienced engineer and journalist and completely independent of any railway company (although he does have a massive bias for his former employer English Electric)

On the 6.10am compared to a 150 theyre still woefully inadequate
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on May 01, 2018, 09:26:29 PM
Well unfortunately @Bob you are stuck with the 170s (which in my opinion are very reliable!) until the EMUs start.

@Tony can class 172s be used on any other line apart from the snow hill lines ?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 01, 2018, 09:40:40 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on May 01, 2018, 09:26:29 PM
Well unfortunately @Bob you are stuck with the 170s (which in my opinion are very reliable!) until the EMUs start.

@Tony can class 172s be used on any other line apart from the snow hill lines ?

They are cleared for Worcester to New Street via Five Ways and Camp Hill.

Not yet cleared for Shrewsbury, Rugeley or even Leamington to Coventry yet
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on May 02, 2018, 01:37:03 AM
Quote from: Tony on May 01, 2018, 09:40:40 PM
They are cleared for Worcester to New Street via Five Ways and Camp Hill.

Not yet cleared for Shrewsbury, Rugeley or even Leamington to Coventry yet

Would they also be technically cleared for going further south than Leamington, or is there a larger difference between Chiltern's and WMR's 172s other than the gangways?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on May 02, 2018, 01:42:30 PM
Quote from: Kevin on May 01, 2018, 01:16:44 PM
So that bay platform they're building at Cov specifically for the Nuneaton train is gonna be redundant then?

From one of the WMT stakeholder presentations last year, it looks like the Nuneaton line will run at a higher frequency and so the need for the bay platform:


• We will double the services between Nuneaton and Coventry SX and SU via the Ricoh Stadium after
completion of the new bay platform at Coventry. We will replace the single car train with 2 car Class
172 trains. On Saturdays we will run 3 trains per hour

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 02, 2018, 07:14:09 PM
Been to Kenilworth today - despite all the delay there is no signage between the town and station for pedestrians, and if you leave the station by the exit rather than the cafe you miss the local area map. Nor did there seem to be anything other than trains being on screens to draw attention to their existence .
However since Monday the 153s have been programmed to show Kenilworth.
I also notice that weirdly their system map shows buses from Stoke to Norton Bridge but not Stafford!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Other Walsall Tony on May 06, 2018, 11:49:11 AM
Does anyone know what caused the delays around Worcester yesterday, 5/5?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on May 09, 2018, 12:12:58 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 19, 2018, 05:47:36 PM
The livery on 172339 is only on vinyl, not painted and might not be the livery the fleet is put into. TfWM have another idea.

It was confirmed at the Stourbridge Line User Group public meeting last night that the livery on 172 339 is a one off.  The new livery will be purple and orange but the orange will feature far more prominently than on 172 339.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on May 10, 2018, 12:01:04 AM
Quote from: Roy on May 09, 2018, 12:12:58 PM
It was confirmed at the Stourbridge Line User Group public meeting last night that the livery on 172 339 is a one off.  The new livery will be purple and orange but the orange will feature far more prominently than on 172 339.

Any idea when repaints will begin?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on May 10, 2018, 11:43:43 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 10, 2018, 12:01:04 AM
Any idea when repaints will begin?

Nothing confirmed.  I think that finishing touches are still being made to the final livery design.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 10, 2018, 05:02:08 PM
THey might be better advised to concentrate on things that matter. The CIS at Kenilworth on Monday had already defaulted to showing contact national rail enquires on Monday, a whole week after the station opened - or what about ensuring the escalators at New Street work consistently.



Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 10, 2018, 05:07:57 PM
Quote from: mikestone on May 10, 2018, 05:02:08 PM
THey might be better advised to concentrate on things that matter. The CIS at Kenilworth on Monday had already defaulted to showing contact national rail enquires on Monday, a whole week after the station opened - or what about ensuring the escalators at New Street work consistently.

Wouldnt the escalators issue be a network rail one?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 10, 2018, 05:53:58 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 10, 2018, 05:07:57 PM
Wouldnt the escalators issue be a network rail one?

Yes, and useless they are too
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on May 10, 2018, 06:01:05 PM
I never knew WMR did a service between walsall and lime street
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 10, 2018, 06:16:20 PM
Quote from: BusMan Greg on May 10, 2018, 06:01:05 PM
I never knew WMR did a service between walsall and lime street

There's more than 1
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 10, 2018, 08:15:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 10, 2018, 05:53:58 PM
Yes, and useless they are too

I suppose if they were privatised escalators theyd be wonderful Tony? Like everything else?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on May 10, 2018, 08:18:52 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 10, 2018, 06:16:20 PM
There's more than 1

Isnt there supposed to be a Walsall to London service now?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 10, 2018, 08:23:45 PM
Quote from: Westy on May 10, 2018, 08:18:52 PM
Isnt there supposed to be a Walsall to London service now?

Not until December
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 10, 2018, 09:02:16 PM
Would it be quicker to go from Cannock to London via Walsall when the service starts than it would to trent valley then london as per current service?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on May 11, 2018, 01:30:03 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 10, 2018, 09:02:16 PM
Would it be quicker to go from Cannock to London via Walsall when the service starts than it would to trent valley then london as per current service?

From the May timetable, the average time during the day from Cannock to Euston via Trent Valley will be 3 hours 13 minutes.  The proposed time for the through service via Walsall is 2 hours 52 minutes.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 11, 2018, 01:45:47 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 10, 2018, 05:53:58 PM
Yes, and useless they are too
But West Midlands Railway and TfWM should be banging on doors to get these things fixed.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 11:02:49 AM
2 carriages on chase line on a Sat is pathetic. The 11am is already uncomfortably rammed and full of standees. Can they not run to a bloody 153?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 11:03:47 AM
Quote from: Roy on May 11, 2018, 01:30:03 PM
From the May timetable, the average time during the day from Cannock to Euston via Trent Valley will be 3 hours 13 minutes.  The proposed time for the through service via Walsall is 2 hours 52 minutes.

3 hours 13 mins??? Well thats gonna be wrll used 😂😂😂😂
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 01:31:52 PM
Is there a broken down 323 or something near hamstead? On 1312 from brum and were stuck somewhere near winson green due to a train in front and being told "We'll make further announcements soon as we know
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 12, 2018, 01:45:11 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 12, 2018, 01:31:52 PM
Is there a broken down 323 or something near hamstead? On 1312 from brum and were stuck somewhere near winson green due to a train in front and being told "We'll make further announcements soon as we know


Don't know the reason, but yes the 12:57 from New Street to Walsall has been sat in Hamstead Station since 13:12
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on May 12, 2018, 02:08:19 PM
Twitter has said overhead wire issues at Aston.

'And your tickets can be used on various Nat Ex services as well!'
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 12, 2018, 02:12:24 PM
Quote from: Westy on May 12, 2018, 02:08:19 PM
Twitter has said overhead wire issues at Aston.

'And your tickets can be used on various Nat Ex services as well!'

Yes, Nationalised part of the railways, not the privatised, before Bob starts again
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 02:21:51 PM
I didnt say anything. The conductor seemed to think it was the pantograph had damaged the wiring.....so could it be an issue with your beloved privatised trains???
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 12, 2018, 03:06:36 PM
They would appear to have let all the diesels go through to New St instead of keeping one to shuttle to Rugeley.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 03:59:47 PM
Everything from Walsall to New st from 14.15 is cancelled. Does anyone know what the issue is? Also if its overhead wire, unless its collapsed or something why cancel all diesel services? Is this what weve got to look forward to when they electrify the chase line? I always thought it was a waste of money and more diesels would have been a cheaper and better option, if and when any came available...it was capacity that was the main issue not how the bloody things are powered
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 12, 2018, 04:11:30 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 12, 2018, 03:59:47 PM
Everything from Walsall to New st from 14.15 is cancelled. Does anyone know what the issue is? Also if its overhead wire, unless its collapsed or something why cancel all diesel services? Is this what weve got to look forward to when they electrify the chase line? I always thought it was a waste of money and more diesels would have been a cheaper and better option, if and when any came available...it was capacity that was the main issue not how the bloody things are powered

They had to cancel the diesels because there was a 323 stranded just before Hamstead Station blocking the line
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 04:18:20 PM
So is it a train fault then??
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 04:18:53 PM
And are they just waiting to shift the 323?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 04:26:04 PM
Also how did the 14.15 manage to run to new st??? How did it circumvent the stranded 323? When earlier trains such as the one i was on couldnt
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 12, 2018, 04:28:21 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 12, 2018, 04:18:20 PM
So is it a train fault then??

WTF are you on about? It's stuck because the wires are down
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 04:45:41 PM
As i said conductor thought it was a pantograph that had damaged them...if not what has brought them down? Also trainline is showing 1648 from rugeley running ( 1 min ago) but the one from cannock that shouldve turned into 1648 cancelled....
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 04:47:06 PM
Apparently left trent valley at 1645...are they now back on?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 04:48:50 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 12, 2018, 04:28:21 PM
WTF are you on about? It's stuck because the wires are down

And theres no need to be so rude. You havent had to suffer a bloody 3 hr journey to get home!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 12, 2018, 05:14:05 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 12, 2018, 04:48:50 PM
And theres no need to be so rude. You havent had to suffer a bloody 3 hr journey to get home!

My wife has, I have just driven to Lichfield to pick her up from there
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 05:54:58 PM
Question. Im out to brum tonight with mates we were getting 8.56 ish from cannock. Will the "road transport" run same time as train??
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 05:55:39 PM
Trainline is showing "Delayed" ontrains that have blatantly been cancelled
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 06:06:44 PM
Theres no details anywhere of the times etc of the road transport!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 12, 2018, 06:14:31 PM
Not even on WM railway website...pretty pathetic.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Other Walsall Tony on May 12, 2018, 07:56:52 PM
Cows this morning, wires this evening...
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 13, 2018, 12:19:48 PM
Since the new operator started there has been no specific information on cancellations and alterations on journey check, presumably because it makes it too easy for people to see how many there are - which seems odd  given the position seems to be vastly improved.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on May 13, 2018, 02:21:40 PM
Quote from: Other Walsall Tony on May 12, 2018, 07:56:52 PM
Cows this morning, wires this evening...

Is that a missing line from 'Stuck In The Middle Of You' ? LOL
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Other Walsall Tony on May 13, 2018, 05:29:28 PM
Quote from: Westy on May 13, 2018, 02:21:40 PM
Is that a missing line from 'Stuck In The Middle Of You' ? LOL
Probably.

Very Old Joke,  What was that cow doing on the WCML?   About 120 when that Pendo hit it......
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on May 13, 2018, 07:46:14 PM
LOL
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 13, 2018, 08:42:11 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 12, 2018, 04:26:04 PM
Also how did the 14.15 manage to run to new st??? How did it circumvent the stranded 323? When earlier trains such as the one i was on couldnt
Because the damage was done by the 12.20 Wolverhampton-Walsall and presumably diesels could pass and WMR are lumbered with London Midland's failure to maintain route knowledge via Darlaston.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 14, 2018, 10:53:56 AM
Was it the train that actually caused the damage?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 14, 2018, 11:16:24 AM
Quote from: Bob on May 14, 2018, 10:53:56 AM
Was it the train that actually caused the damage?

I doubt that will be made public.

There are normally 4 causes to wires down

1) Wind - I doubt this was the cause on saturday
2) Faulty Pantograph
3) Fault with the wiring (loose connection or insulator)
4) Object on the overhead (sometimes if a piece of rope or something has been thrown off a bridge and is resting on the wire the pantograph can entangle it around the wire and pull it down
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 18, 2018, 03:37:13 PM
The first electric train to Bromsgrove is booked to be a test train this Sunday if anyone wants to see it.

It should be 2x323 (six cars)

Times are here
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S64689/2018/05/20/advanced
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on May 18, 2018, 05:31:07 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 18, 2018, 03:37:13 PM
The first electric train to Bromsgrove is booked to be a test train this Sunday if anyone wants to see it.
Thank you for the info . There are posters on the platforms at Bromsgrove advising that the wires went live last Sunday [ 13th ]  so I did wonder when EMU's would appear. Todays route learning run were utilising a 170 as usual. :D   
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on May 19, 2018, 02:19:34 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 18, 2018, 03:37:13 PM
The first electric train to Bromsgrove is booked to be a test train this Sunday if anyone wants to see it.

It should be 2x323 (six cars)

Times are here
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S64689/2018/05/20/advanced

Thanks for the heads up, I'll try and make it down there.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on May 19, 2018, 04:24:48 PM
 Two more runs in the system, timed to arrive Bromsgrove at 22.00 and 23.20. So both day and night photo's possible.  :o
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on May 20, 2018, 12:12:13 AM
Aiming to head down tomorrow night to see them, walking from Bromsgrove to Barnt Green (I have access to both scout campsites along the bank). Actually quite excited
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dylanbusboy45 on May 20, 2018, 07:26:38 PM
Cancelled...
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S64689/2018/05/20/advanced
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on May 20, 2018, 07:34:02 PM
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on May 20, 2018, 07:26:38 PM
Cancelled...
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S64689/2018/05/20/advanced

It is running and left Soho 20 minutes late. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dylanbusboy45 on May 20, 2018, 08:07:33 PM
Quote from: Roy on May 20, 2018, 07:34:02 PM
It is running and left Soho 20 minutes late.

Was shown cancelled when I posted originally
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on May 20, 2018, 08:41:01 PM
I checked RTT around 19.15 and it showed cancelled so I decided to stay at home and sit out in the garden , just re-checked and yes , it's shown as running again . . . . . . .  :-[ >:(
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on May 20, 2018, 09:08:19 PM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on May 20, 2018, 08:41:01 PM
I checked RTT around 19.15 and it showed cancelled so I decided to stay at home and sit out in the garden , just re-checked and yes , it's shown as running again . . . . . . .  :-[ >:(

It ran, issue at the depot itself left 20 late, but had no problems at Bromsgrove
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 21, 2018, 05:26:00 PM
Looking at the chase line Sat timetable. Its added around 5 mins onto the "on the hour" daytime trips from Cannock
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 22, 2018, 02:41:07 PM
A white 319 in Bletchley CS this morning as well as a spare 153.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 22, 2018, 02:45:32 PM
Quote from: mikestone on May 22, 2018, 02:41:07 PM
A white 319 in Bletchley CS this morning as well as a spare 153.

A 153 missing off the Chase line today, being deputised by a 170, so two 4 cars out instead of one this morning.

They are supposed to have 10 319s now, but I think only 7 have turned up. This will rise to 15 by December. The extra 5 to cover 350s used on the Chase Line.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 22, 2018, 02:48:23 PM
Quote from: Kevin on May 20, 2018, 09:08:19 PM
It ran, issue at the depot itself left 20 late, but had no problems at Bromsgrove
The problem was a faulty Driver's Safety Devise, so the original unit was failed.

A replacement set was then got out for the runs.  One of the tests done was for a run up the Lickey incline with only one 323 powered to check the ability to rescue failed units. It achieved a speed of 35mph all the way up which is quite impressive
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on May 22, 2018, 05:37:10 PM
I don't know about anybody else but using a class 350 on a Rugeley to Brum service seems pretty pointless TBH. They should stick to more long distance services.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 22, 2018, 05:44:05 PM
Quote from: BusMan Greg on May 22, 2018, 05:37:10 PM
I don't know about anybody else but using a class 350 on a Rugeley to Brum service seems pretty pointless TBH. They should stick to more long distance services.

Please tell me what units you would use on Rugeley to London trains then?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2018, 06:23:24 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 22, 2018, 05:44:05 PM
Please tell me what units you would use on Rugeley to London trains then?

I dont think anyone will want to catch it from Cannock to London let alone Rugeley given the ridiculous alleged journey time jesus
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2018, 06:24:08 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 22, 2018, 05:44:05 PM
Please tell me what units you would use on Rugeley to London trains then?

Only one an hour isnt it?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2018, 06:25:51 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 22, 2018, 05:44:05 PM
Please tell me what units you would use on Rugeley to London trains then?

For any journey of that length/time a HST with some nice mk3 carriages would go a treat. Especially compared with a horrid Voyager etc 😁
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 22, 2018, 06:31:39 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 22, 2018, 06:23:24 PM
I dont think anyone will want to catch it from Cannock to London let alone Rugeley given the ridiculous alleged journey time jesus

Nothing will be good enough for you.

You will find loads of people use it. The same people who already get the Chase line to Birmingham then catch the 350s to London because of the cheap fares. It will then attract all the people who don't care about speed but are scared of changing trains and there are plenty of those about.

Then add on all the people from Staffordshire going to events at the NEC
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on May 22, 2018, 06:36:23 PM
Long distance trains have the doors towards the ends of the carriages like the voyagers and pendolinos. Whilst commuter trains have them a bit further toward the middle of the carriage. The class 350s are commuter trains and it's not a waste on the chase line. Unfortunately bob, network rail invested in the electrification not to use HSTs (which I know are a well loved train but they are coming to the end of their life) and for the love of god be happy you are getting a better service once the line is open to electric trains... no more short formed turbostars, you will get a standard 4 carriage 350 which can never be short formed! Unless replaced by a 323!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2018, 06:39:33 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 22, 2018, 06:31:39 PM
Nothing will be good enough for you.

You will find loads of people use it. The same people who already get the Chase line to Birmingham then catch the 350s to London because of the cheap fares. It will then attract all the people who don't care about speed but are scared of changing trains and there are plenty of those about.

Then add on all the people from Staffordshire going to events at the NEC

3hrs and 20 mins? Come on! Its easier to swap at trent valley and get the one from there and over an hour quicker!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2018, 06:43:13 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on May 22, 2018, 06:36:23 PM
Long distance trains have the doors towards the ends of the carriages like the voyagers and pendolinos. Whilst commuter trains have them a bit further toward the middle of the carriage. The class 350s are commuter trains and it's not a waste on the chase line. Unfortunately bob, network rail invested in the electrification not to use HSTs (which I know are a well loved train but they are coming to the end of their life) and for the love of god be happy you are getting a better service once the line is open to electric trains... no more short formed turbostars, you will get a standard 4 carriage 350 which can never be short formed! Unless replaced by a 323!

A HST is still quieter and superior to most of the newer generation longer distance trains. For example Voyagers are terrible in comparison. The stench of the toilets halfway down the aisles is revolting and theyre cramped and vibrate badly.

And Tony, nothing will ever be good enough? ANYTHING will be better than the often pathetic peak time services on the Chase Line. The 610am this morning was even more woefully inadequate than normal
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 22, 2018, 06:52:29 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 22, 2018, 06:39:33 PM
3hrs and 20 mins? Come on! Its easier to swap at trent valley and get the one from there and over an hour quicker!

It won't be 3h20min

Did you read my comments?

I know from experience when I was a Travelshop manager in Birmingham with a Rail ticketing agency The most important thing to a lot of people is a through train. They want to get on a train at their local station and get off at their destination. They are scared of changes. It is a big thing with a lot of people.

For someone old with a suitcase a trek over the bridge at Rugeley Trent Valley and a 25 minute wait is not a nice prospect
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 22, 2018, 06:59:12 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 22, 2018, 06:43:13 PM
A HST is still quieter and superior to most of the newer generation longer distance trains. For example Voyagers are terrible in comparison. The stench of the toilets halfway down the aisles is revolting and theyre cramped and vibrate badly.

And Tony, nothing will ever be good enough? ANYTHING will be better than the often pathetic peak time services on the Chase Line. The 610am this morning was even more woefully inadequate than normal

Even more inadequate? how do you work that one out. It was the usual 170 and it ran on time. WMR would love to bolster the services, I mentioned to them about Great Western releasing 153s off lease, but Northern had already grabbed them. They are taking on extra 319s as fast as they can, but those aren't much use until the wires go up and the platforms extended which is Network Rails job.

Another nice Nationalised NR mess is they have upgraded all the track on the Chase line to 70 mph and the line was authorised for 70mph from Sunday, but immediately they have put a temporary speed restriction back down to 45/50 mph because the station platforms aren't good enough for trains to pass at 70!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2018, 07:16:59 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 22, 2018, 06:59:12 PM
Even more inadequate? how do you work that one out. It was the usual 170 and it ran on time. WMR would love to bolster the services, I mentioned to them about Great Western releasing 153s off lease, but Northern had already grabbed them. They are taking on extra 319s as fast as they can, but those aren't much use until the wires go up and the platforms extended which is Network Rails job.

Another nice Nationalised NR mess is they have upgraded all the track on the Chase line to 70 mph and the line was authorised for 70mph from Sunday, but immediately they have put a temporary speed restriction back down to 45/50 mph because the station platforms aren't good enough for trains to pass at 70!

Even more inadequate in the sense it was busier. I struggled to get off the B#####d thing at Astom. You only need a couple of fat people blocking the aisle on top and its a nightmare. .

Have you got some sort of raging hatred for anything publicly owned? Privatised trains arent that great, in fact if you go back to the last few sprintered years on the chase lime under BR were actually riding on stock DOUBLE the age they were back then. The trains particularly the 153s are also filthy. Probably not much cleaner than the 90s
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on May 22, 2018, 07:58:33 PM
HST carriages squeak and are not that quiet. Give me a class 350 over a HST on an electrified chase line
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on May 22, 2018, 08:08:40 PM
Class 350's for the London journeys and class 323's for the chase local services. To me that sounds perfect, however class 350's are better for peak time services and the quality of them compared to the class 323's is very different. The whole idea of the chase line electrification was to achieve better journey times and to save money. This will also boost the local economy. So having 350's on peak time services will be much more suitable
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 22, 2018, 08:13:19 PM
Quote from: BusMan Greg on May 22, 2018, 08:08:40 PM
Class 350's for the London journeys and class 323's for the chase local services. To me that sounds perfect, however class 350's are better for peak time services and the quality of them compared to the class 323's is very different. The whole idea of the chase line electrification was to achieve better journey times and to save money. This will also boost the local economy. So having 350's on peak time services will be much more suitable

No 323s, they're  finishing. All 350s
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on May 22, 2018, 08:42:16 PM
The New Street to International shuttle has been a 350 both today and yesterday instead of the 323 usually used.

New permanent allocation for this on the new timetable?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2018, 08:42:27 PM
Quote from: BusMan Greg on May 22, 2018, 08:08:40 PM
Class 350's for the London journeys and class 323's for the chase local services. To me that sounds perfect, however class 350's are better for peak time services and the quality of them compared to the class 323's is very different. The whole idea of the chase line electrification was to achieve better journey times and to save money. This will also boost the local economy. So having 350's on peak time services will be much more suitable

Why are Class 350s better for peak time services they have less seating than a 323 and are slower to accelerate?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2018, 08:44:01 PM
From Cannock to Birmingham currently about 40-43 mins or so. Is there a final estimation of what that journey time will beon a 350?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on May 22, 2018, 09:48:19 PM
Have they said which stations would be served by the London trains yet?

Would it be all stops on the Chase Line, then Walsall, Bescot, Tame Bridge, then the back way into New St, International, Coventry, Rugby, the Northampton section same as the existing 'slow/cheap' service to Euston?

If it's not both Bloxwich stations, then it ought to be Bloxwich North, for the parking & frequent 301's adjacent at Mossley!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: OH25 on May 23, 2018, 10:00:19 AM
Why was there was a class 172 parked up at New Street last night around 10:15?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on May 23, 2018, 06:24:11 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 22, 2018, 07:16:59 PM
Even more inadequate in the sense it was busier. I struggled to get off the B#####d thing at Astom. You only need a couple of fat people blocking the aisle on top and its a nightmare. .

Have you got some sort of raging hatred for anything publicly owned? Privatised trains arent that great, in fact if you go back to the last few sprintered years on the chase lime under BR were actually riding on stock DOUBLE the age they were back then. The trains particularly the 153s are also filthy. Probably not much cleaner than the 90s

You've just had your Monday to Friday off peak frequency doubled. Your line will be using electric trains with bigger capacity in 6 months. Just be patient.

If you don't like the 153s, I'd happily take them on my local lines.

Quote from: Tony on May 22, 2018, 06:59:12 PM
Even more inadequate? how do you work that one out. It was the usual 170 and it ran on time. WMR would love to bolster the services, I mentioned to them about Great Western releasing 153s off lease, but Northern had already grabbed them.They are taking on extra 319s as fast as they can, but those aren't much use until the wires go up and the platforms extended which is Network Rails job.

Another nice Nationalised NR mess is they have upgraded all the track on the Chase line to 70 mph and the line was authorised for 70mph from Sunday, but immediately they have put a temporary speed restriction back down to 45/50 mph because the station platforms aren't good enough for trains to pass at 70!

I thoight Northern were getting rid of their 153s next year? Is this not the case?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 23, 2018, 06:45:31 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 23, 2018, 06:24:11 PM
You've just had your Monday to Friday off peak frequency doubled. Your line will be using electric trains with bigger capacity in 6 months. Just be patient.

If you don't like the 153s, I'd happily take them on my local lines.

I thoight Northern were getting rid of their 153s next year? Is this not the case?
153305; 153373 & 153380 all have been taken on by Northern in the last couple of weeks
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 23, 2018, 07:29:31 PM
I suspect that following the farce with newly linked services this week they might well have a change of heart and stick to the franchise commitment of two trains a day.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 02, 2018, 10:21:52 AM
Is the 4.42 to RTV from New St now a 3 car?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on June 02, 2018, 12:59:23 PM
Just heard that WMR trains on the hawthorns line are delayed due to overhead electric damage. Diesel trains on a non-electrified line. Are this company for real? The performance is past a joke now.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on June 02, 2018, 02:52:12 PM
Some WMR trains on the Stourbridge line to/from Worcester have been subject to delays due to trespassers on the line in Worcester.  Looking at Realtime Trains, most services between Stourbridge and Birmingham seem to be running okay, although those coming up from Worcester are up to 30 minutes late.  There's not a lot a train company can do about trespassers apart from supplying their drivers with machine guns!

It is the Metro which has been cancelled between West Bromwich and Birmingham and it seems that this was due to a person being hit by a tram near West Bromwich. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on June 02, 2018, 03:39:18 PM
Quote from: Roy on June 02, 2018, 02:52:12 PM
  There's not a lot a train company can do about trespassers apart from supplying their drivers with machine guns!



What a good idea ! LOL
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on June 02, 2018, 05:52:41 PM
Quote from: Westy on June 02, 2018, 03:39:18 PM
What a good idea ! LOL

For those moments when a 40-2000 ton train just isn't enough?  ::)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 02, 2018, 06:14:08 PM
Quote from: Bob on June 02, 2018, 10:21:52 AM
Is the 4.42 to RTV from New St now a 3 car?

Hopefully Tony will know the answer to this...ive got to suffer that trip on Monday
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 02, 2018, 06:32:26 PM
Quote from: Bob on June 02, 2018, 06:14:08 PM
Hopefully Tony will know the answer to this...ive got to suffer that trip on Monday

It is.

It's now booked as a 2x170+1x153.


The 30min off peak service means different units end up on different evening peak services and the 16:42 is now covered by the stock that used to do the 16:12.


To keep the 16:12 as 3 cars the 07:08 from Rugeley in the morning is now booked a 170/6 and that stays out all day to make the 16:12

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 02, 2018, 06:35:47 PM
From December with the new timetable the 350s on the chase line do odd things. With the hourly service going through to Euston, the other services on the other half hour will be Rugeley to Birmingham International replacing the 'International dodger'. When it gets to International it will then do an International to Liverpool service, so every train on the chase line will be worked by a different unit.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 02, 2018, 06:52:10 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 02, 2018, 06:32:26 PM
It is.

It's now booked as a 2x170+1x153.

Yes my mate catches 724 from Landywood and used to hope for a seat on the 153, but with the 3 car 170 and consequent seating reduction he rarely gets on now unfortunately. He was on about this last night


The 30min off peak service means different units end up on different evening peak services and the 16:42 is now covered by the stock that used to do the 16:12.


To keep the 16:12 as 3 cars the 07:08 from Rugeley in the morning is now booked a 170/6 and that stays out all day to make the 16:12
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 02, 2018, 06:54:33 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 02, 2018, 06:35:47 PM
From December with the new timetable the 350s on the chase line do odd things. With the hourly service going through to Euston, the other services on the other half hour will be Rugeley to Birmingham International replacing the 'International dodger'. When it gets to International it will then do an International to Liverpool service, so every train on the chase line will be worked by a different unit.

Which type of 350s are going to be used do you know? The 2 +2 seaters or the 3+2 ?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 02, 2018, 07:16:50 PM
Quote from: Bob on June 02, 2018, 06:54:33 PM
Which type of 350s are going to be used do you know? The 2 +2 seaters or the 3+2 ?

Eventually all 2+2 seating as those are the only ones staying, but I suspect a mix initially
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 02, 2018, 07:23:25 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 02, 2018, 07:16:50 PM
Eventually all 2+2 seating as those are the only ones staying, but I suspect a mix initially

Will the 2 +2 be able to cope do you think? Esp if patronage continues to increase? Maybe 323s wouldnt have been a bad idea after all 😛
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on June 03, 2018, 01:26:34 AM
Quote from: Roy on June 02, 2018, 02:52:12 PM
Some WMR trains on the Stourbridge line to/from Worcester have been subject to delays due to trespassers on the line in Worcester.  Looking at Realtime Trains, most services between Stourbridge and Birmingham seem to be running okay, although those coming up from Worcester are up to 30 minutes late.  There's not a lot a train company can do about trespassers apart from supplying their drivers with machine guns!

It is the Metro which has been cancelled between West Bromwich and Birmingham and it seems that this was due to a person being hit by a tram near West Bromwich.
I take your point about trespassers. The fact that trains are still delayed hours later does suggest a lack of organisation though. The reason i posted was that i was sat on The Hawthorns station when they announced that a train to whitlocks end was delayed due to damage to the overhead wires. This is just a lie and also an indication of how stupid WMR think their passengers are. I'm keeping a record of the amount of time that i'm being delayed by for the whole year and then i'm going to send WMR an invoice (i believe the rate of compensation has now been standardised and is also now legally enforcable by passengers). If this company operated in any other industry the managers would have had the sack by now, not only due to the company's inability to run trains on time, but for employing untrained, rude staff, and the ridiculous excuses that passengers are palmed off with daily.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 03, 2018, 11:35:08 AM
Quote from: Tony on June 02, 2018, 06:35:47 PM
From December with the new timetable the 350s on the chase line do odd things. With the hourly service going through to Euston, the other services on the other half hour will be Rugeley to Birmingham International replacing the 'International dodger'. When it gets to International it will then do an International to Liverpool service, so every train on the chase line will be worked by a different unit.
At least they will be able to minimidse the inevitable fiasco from combining routes by cutting out the International bit!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 05, 2018, 11:04:35 PM
15.12 from brum was cancelled today due to a broken down train...lady on the train who said she worked on the railways said its cos the door had been booted off its runners at hednesford ooooooerrrr
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on June 09, 2018, 09:42:50 AM
Quote from: WMT3000 on June 03, 2018, 01:26:34 AM
I take your point about trespassers. The fact that trains are still delayed hours later does suggest a lack of organisation though. The reason i posted was that i was sat on The Hawthorns station when they announced that a train to whitlocks end was delayed due to damage to the overhead wires. This is just a lie and also an indication of how stupid WMR think their passengers are. I'm keeping a record of the amount of time that i'm being delayed by for the whole year and then i'm going to send WMR an invoice (i believe the rate of compensation has now been standardised and is also now legally enforcable by passengers). If this company operated in any other industry the managers would have had the sack by now, not only due to the company's inability to run trains on time, but for employing untrained, rude staff, and the ridiculous excuses that passengers are palmed off with daily.

I shall put your points to those very good friends of mine who are senior managers and directors within the business and see what they say.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on June 10, 2018, 06:15:10 PM
Does anyone have any idea when Abellio will start painting the trains in their colors
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 11, 2018, 03:28:30 PM
Anyone know whats happened on Chase Line today?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 11, 2018, 04:07:50 PM
Quote from: Bob on June 11, 2018, 03:28:30 PM
Anyone know whats happened on Chase Line today?

The train I was on . The 0651 from Hednesford, one of the new wiring hangers that wasn't secured properly on the overnight work just outside Walsall. So everything stopped for two hours while it was fixed
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 11, 2018, 04:58:46 PM
Longer than that tony everything from new st from 0742 to 1412 was cancelled. 1512 was running to tame bridge everyone was told to alight and did then driver got radio message to run to rugeley so we all got back on
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: RW on June 11, 2018, 06:11:42 PM
Are WM Railway still considering the need for a site for a new depot? Any news?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 11, 2018, 07:00:18 PM
Quote from: Bob on June 11, 2018, 04:58:46 PM
Longer than that tony everything from new st from 0742 to 1412 was cancelled. 1512 was running to tame bridge everyone was told to alight and did then driver got radio message to run to rugeley so we all got back on

I was down in the Thames Valley. I checked the two trains that were stuck, one at Bloxwich the other at Cannock, and they were let through after two hours. Now checking back it looks like one lunchtime train was let through, then the 14:42 and every train after that
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on June 12, 2018, 06:48:56 AM
Quote from: RW on June 11, 2018, 06:11:42 PM
Are WM Railway still considering the need for a site for a new depot? Any news?

Wasn't there talk of the site alongside Duddeston station at one point? Or was that to be a tram depot if that extension ever happened?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 13, 2018, 09:58:36 AM
Quote from: Tony on June 02, 2018, 06:35:47 PM
From December with the new timetable the 350s on the chase line do odd things. With the hourly service going through to Euston, the other services on the other half hour will be Rugeley to Birmingham International replacing the 'International dodger'. When it gets to International it will then do an International to Liverpool service, so every train on the chase line will be worked by a different unit.
December 2018 track access application posted
;
http://archive.nr.co.uk/browse%20documents/track%20access/1%20current%20track%20access%20consultations/08-06-2018%20-%20west%20midlands%20trains%20ltd.%20-%20new%20tac%20pcd%202018%20-%20pcd%202026%20%20-%20%20section%2017%20-%20closes%2006%20july%202018/wmt%20new%20tac%20form%20p.pdf
;
However it doesn't make sense inasmuch as xx.24 departures from Euston to Milton Keynes extend to Birmingham and Rugeley, but there is no corresponding southbound additional service. Presumably they replace the xx.25 Northampton-Birmingham, as there is specific reference to one forming the 16.11 ex Coventry, which takes the place of the 15.25 .
;
There is no mention of the new Crewe-Stoke-Birmingham service running to/from Euston, but the additional Shrewsbury-Birmingham train is to run via Bescot so that it can serve Darlaston and Willenhall when they open.
Apart from what Tony mentions above and one Chase Line train per hour running to/from Euston there seems to be no other cross-Birmingham linkage, and the tables in the track access contract suggest Walsall-Wolverhampton locals are to be split.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on June 13, 2018, 07:57:52 PM
Looking at the track access application document, it is only showing new paths or paths that need amending.  For instance, the current xx01 and xx05 departures from New Street (to Liverpool and Shrewsbury respectively) are being swapped to create two new paths at xx00 to Shrewsbury and xx04 to Liverpool.  In the case of the London services, the southbound paths used will be the same at xx14, xx34 an xx54 from New Street, but one of the three northbound services will use the xx24 Euston to Milton Keynes path, thus requiring a new path north of Milton Keynes.  Thus this one is shown whereas the others aren't.  The Walsall to Wolverhampton locals use the same paths as at present.

The cross Birmingham services will not use new paths.  For example, an arrival from Liverpool which currently terminates at New Street will still arrive at the same time as at present and continue to Euston using an existing path.  Thus, it is not mentioned in the document.

Finally, I have heard that the current guesstimate for a unit appearing in the new WMR livery is August.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on June 13, 2018, 11:13:51 PM
Quote from: Roy on June 13, 2018, 07:57:52 PM
Finally, I have heard that the current guesstimate for a unit appearing in the new WMR livery is August.

My local station is going orange (about a year after receiving LMT black paint). Nice to know that £1bn is being spent wisely...
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 14, 2018, 11:07:50 AM
Quote from: Roy on June 13, 2018, 07:57:52 PM
Looking at the track access application document, it is only showing new paths or paths that need amending.  For instance, the current xx01 and xx05 departures from New Street (to Liverpool and Shrewsbury respectively) are being swapped to create two new paths at xx00 to Shrewsbury and xx04 to Liverpool.  In the case of the London services, the southbound paths used will be the same at xx14, xx34 an xx54 from New Street, but one of the three northbound services will use the xx24 Euston to Milton Keynes path, thus requiring a new path north of Milton Keynes.  Thus this one is shown whereas the others aren't.  The Walsall to Wolverhampton locals use the same paths as at present.

The cross Birmingham services will not use new paths.  For example, an arrival from Liverpool which currently terminates at New Street will still arrive at the same time as at present and continue to Euston using an existing path.  Thus, it is not mentioned in the document.

Finally, I have heard that the current guesstimate for a unit appearing in the new WMR livery is August.
I assume the xx.00 to Shrewsbury is the one via Bescot to be roughly half hourly from Wolves  with the xx.49.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on June 14, 2018, 11:41:29 AM
Quote from: mikestone on June 14, 2018, 11:07:50 AM
I assume the xx.00 to Shrewsbury is the one via Bescot to be roughly half hourly from Wolves  with the xx.49.
No.  The xx00 service stops at Sandwell & Dudley at xx08, then all stations from Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury.  The xx49 is non-stop New Street to Wolverhampton, then Codsall, Shifnal, Telford, Wellington, Shrewsbury.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 14, 2018, 11:50:29 AM
xx.49 via Bescot and xx.00 down the Stour will be almost the same time at Wolverhampton surely.
At the London end presumably surely  the xx.47 MKC-EUS will be starting from Northampton and theres no application for that.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on June 14, 2018, 04:44:07 PM
Once the 2 stations concerned are open, why dont they consider a Wolves to Brum via Willenhall, Darlo, Bescot, Tame Bridge?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on June 15, 2018, 12:00:25 PM
Quote from: mikestone on June 14, 2018, 11:50:29 AM
xx.49 via Bescot and xx.00 down the Stour will be almost the same time at Wolverhampton surely.
At the London end presumably surely  the xx.47 MKC-EUS will be starting from Northampton and theres no application for that.

The timings they are quoting are :-

The xx.49 from BHM to depart WVH at xx.09 and the xx.00 from BHM to depart WVH at xx.19.

The first of these is scheduled to stop at Darlaston and Willenhall when they open (and probably Tame Bridge) so the two trains would be departing WVH very close together unless the timings are changed when the stations open.  The intention for Willenhall and Darlaston is 1 tph WVH-WSL and 1 tph SHR-BHM.  There is also the possibility that the latter service could be extended to serve the Camp Hill stations when they open.

I have seen nothing south of Coventry but it is possible that, if the xx.24 is extended beyond Milton Keynes to Rugeley, then the xx.54 which currently runs to Northampton may be cut back to Milton Keynes.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 15, 2018, 05:55:13 PM
Anyone know what time the last trains from Euston to Cannock/Rugeley would be under the new timetable
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on June 15, 2018, 06:06:01 PM
Quote from: Roy on June 15, 2018, 12:00:25 PM
The timings they are quoting are :-

The xx.49 from BHM to depart WVH at xx.09 and the xx.00 from BHM to depart WVH at xx.19.

The first of these is scheduled to stop at Darlaston and Willenhall when they open (and probably Tame Bridge) so the two trains would be departing WVH very close together unless the timings are changed when the stations open.  The intention for Willenhall and Darlaston is 1 tph WVH-WSL and 1 tph SHR-BHM.  There is also the possibility that the latter service could be extended to serve the Camp Hill stations when they open.

"we'll give you two trains an hour but they'll be 10 mins apart..."  Sounds about right...
Seriously, this cannot be for real?
Personally would have thought a half hourly Shrewsbury via Tame Bridge would make sense, perhaps even stopping at Perry Barr as well when that's redeveloped. Then arriving into New Street from Aston they can run straight through as half hourly Worcester services via University and Bromsgrove. Save the Camp Hill line for actual locals instead of inter-urbans
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 15, 2018, 09:39:25 PM
Quote from: Roy on June 15, 2018, 12:00:25 PM
The timings they are quoting are :-

The xx.49 from BHM to depart WVH at xx.09 and the xx.00 from BHM to depart WVH at xx.19.

The first of these is scheduled to stop at Darlaston and Willenhall when they open (and probably Tame Bridge) so the two trains would be departing WVH very close together unless the timings are changed when the stations open.  The intention for Willenhall and Darlaston is 1 tph WVH-WSL and 1 tph SHR-BHM.  There is also the possibility that the latter service could be extended to serve the Camp Hill stations when they open.

I have seen nothing south of Coventry but it is possible that, if the xx.24 is extended beyond Milton Keynes to Rugeley, then the xx.54 which currently runs to Northampton may be cut back to Milton Keynes.
The current non-stop running time via Aston is 27 minutes, so that's fantasy on someone's part - although when the Edinburgh portion of the midday scotch was a cl.40 it did it in 26! This is beginning to sound like the unacheivable Manchester-Stockport service, which with three trains an hour less in the May TT than the franchise commitment, requires trains to omit Stockport calls to accomodate freights!
I suspect you are right about the Northampton being cut back, but if I was writing the application I would have made that clear to try to minimize the grounds for Virgin and freight TOCs to object.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Straightlines on June 15, 2018, 09:54:03 PM
Quote from: Kevin on June 15, 2018, 06:06:01 PM
"we'll give you two trains an hour but they'll be 10 mins apart..."  Sounds about right...
Seriously, this cannot be for real?
Personally would have thought a half hourly Shrewsbury via Tame Bridge would make sense, perhaps even stopping at Perry Barr as well when that's redeveloped. Then arriving into New Street from Aston they can run straight through as half hourly Worcester services via University and Bromsgrove. Save the Camp Hill line for actual locals instead of inter-urbans

Where are the paths going to come for all this?

Also, I'm sure Worcester Commuters would really appreciate delays in Shrewsbury and vice versa!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on June 16, 2018, 10:17:14 AM
Quote from: Straightlines on June 15, 2018, 09:54:03 PM
Where are the paths going to come for all this?

Also, I'm sure Worcester Commuters would really appreciate delays in Shrewsbury and vice versa!

Worcester - Shrewsbury? Easy, reinstate Hartlebury-Bewdley (& resite the most ridiculous station proposal EVER for the Safari park) & Bridgnorth-Shrewsbury, & the job's a good 'un.

See it, say it, SORTED !
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on June 16, 2018, 03:06:24 PM
Quote from: Straightlines on June 15, 2018, 09:54:03 PM
Where are the paths going to come for all this?

Also, I'm sure Worcester Commuters would really appreciate delays in Shrewsbury and vice versa!

"all this"?
Brum - Worcester already at 30 mins intervals n the peak
The route through Tame Bridge isn't exactly overcrowded by any definition, Wolves - Shrewsbury likewise
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Straightlines on June 16, 2018, 06:32:53 PM
Quote from: Kevin on June 16, 2018, 03:06:24 PM
"all this"?
Brum - Worcester already at 30 mins intervals n the peak
The route through Tame Bridge isn't exactly overcrowded by any definition, Wolves - Shrewsbury likewise

If only it was that simple  :o
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on June 16, 2018, 08:13:27 PM
Quote from: Straightlines on June 16, 2018, 06:32:53 PM
If only it was that simple  :o
Ok dropping the through working though, surely you can see two trains an hour only 10 mins apart is ludicrous
The lines via Tame Bridge are nowhere near capacity a half hourly service that way surely isn't complicated
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Straightlines on June 16, 2018, 09:24:05 PM
Quote from: Kevin on June 16, 2018, 08:13:27 PM
Ok dropping the through working though, surely you can see two trains an hour only 10 mins apart is ludicrous
The lines via Tame Bridge are nowhere near capacity a half hourly service that way surely isn't complicated

I do agree with that.

It wasn't a personal dig, more of complaint about the ludicrous Railway system we currently have!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 19, 2018, 01:24:12 PM
Anyone know why the 715 ish am from hednesford was cancelled today yet ran from Cannock? Would have REALLY cheered up Hednesford commuters!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on June 19, 2018, 03:12:03 PM
Quote from: Bob on June 19, 2018, 01:24:12 PM
Anyone know why the 715 ish am from hednesford was cancelled today yet ran from Cannock? Would have REALLY cheered up Hednesford commuters!

According to both Realtime Trains and Open Train Times, this service was cancelled from Rugeley Trent Valley and Rugeley Town due to train crew issues, but started at Hednesford.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P83189/2018/06/19/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P83189/2018/06/19/advanced)
http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/P83189/2018-06-19 (http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/P83189/2018-06-19)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 19, 2018, 05:04:42 PM
According to train line it started at Cannock
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on June 20, 2018, 08:05:19 AM
Regarding the new depot question raised earlier up-thread, I understand that it will be constructed at Duddeston for the new fleet of Bombardier Aventra units that will replace the 323s.  There is a lot of essential preparatory work required before yellow machines appear on site, and this is ongoing at the time of writing.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on June 20, 2018, 09:10:50 AM
Quote from: The Real 4778 on June 20, 2018, 08:05:19 AM
Regarding the new depot question raised earlier up-thread, I understand that it will be constructed at Duddeston for the new fleet of Bombardier Aventra units that will replace the 323s.  There is a lot of essential preparatory work required before yellow machines appear on site, and this is ongoing at the time of writing.
what will soho have as the 323 are at soho
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 20, 2018, 09:12:27 AM
Quote from: Solo1 on June 20, 2018, 09:10:50 AM
what will soho have as the 323 are at soho

Duddeston will be in addition to Soho, not a replacement for it
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 20, 2018, 09:12:38 AM
Quote from: Bob on June 19, 2018, 05:04:42 PM
According to train line it started at Cannock
Not sure what "train line" is but the inwards is shown terminating Hednesford. A large amount of this kind of thing seems to be uploaded by staff with little common sense - one of the Liverpool South Parkway - Eustons was shown 15 late throughout on journey check yesterday when in fact the time allowed to reverse at AN4 signal meant it was actually on time everywhere - and almost every Sunday the Holyhead-Euston that attaches at
Chester gets advised as full and standing from somewhere down the coast but in reality has loads of room after attaching five cars  and disgorging Manchester and Liverpool passengers.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 20, 2018, 09:18:16 AM
The only place available to turn around is the platform at Hednesford. There used to be a problem with four cars reversing there because the SDO only allows for the rear to be locked out so there was a problem with changing ends so I have known a train turn there and start at Cannock,  but since they extended the platform specifically for that purpose trains turning at Hednesford always start from there.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on June 21, 2018, 11:11:36 AM
Quote from: Tony on June 20, 2018, 09:12:27 AM
Duddeston will be in addition to Soho, not a replacement for it
how many are at soho  & how many are going to.be at duddeston when ts built
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on June 21, 2018, 09:54:39 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on June 21, 2018, 11:11:36 AM
how many are at soho  & how many are going to.be at duddeston when ts built

The July edition of Modern Railways has a special feature on the Midlands which stretches to about 30 pages.  It states that the 730s will be maintained at Duddeston which will be built on railway land alongside the Cross City line.  It will be a 4-road depot with entrances at both ends and will have a wheel lathe.  Soho will become more of a stabling and servicing place.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on June 21, 2018, 10:37:25 PM
350s at soho perhaps?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on June 23, 2018, 03:43:51 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on June 21, 2018, 10:37:25 PM
350s at soho perhaps?

They won't be reallocated to SI, but there's nothing to say that West Midlands local finishers won't receive servicing and cleaning there.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 25, 2018, 05:58:05 PM
Anyone know why the 610am Cannock to New St was cancelled today???
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 25, 2018, 06:43:59 PM
Quote from: Bob on June 25, 2018, 05:58:05 PM
Anyone know why the 610am Cannock to New St was cancelled today???

Can blame West Midlands Trains today.

Member of the train crew not available. It started at Walsall
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 25, 2018, 06:59:27 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 25, 2018, 06:43:59 PM
Can blame West Midlands Trains today.

Member of the train crew not available. It started at Walsall

A lot of people rely on that . I was lucky i just went to our local satellite office and it means only 1 day in brum this week
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on June 25, 2018, 07:06:02 PM
Quote from: Bob on June 25, 2018, 06:59:27 PM
A lot of people rely on that . I was lucky i just went to our local satellite office and it means only 1 day in brum this week

You know you can email or tweet them regarding complaints, right? Just wanted to make sure you realised that was an option.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 25, 2018, 07:41:35 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 25, 2018, 07:06:02 PM
You know you can email or tweet them regarding complaints, right? Just wanted to make sure you realised that was an option.

But that's not as good fun as looking for cancelled trains on line and complaining even though you never intended catching it anyway
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 25, 2018, 07:52:07 PM
I was waiting at Landywood Tony! Wondered why the car park was empty then saw someone coming down from the platform and they told me. I did check on trainline just to make sure
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on June 25, 2018, 08:08:31 PM
Don't forget Delay Repay from 15 mins after the intended departure
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on June 25, 2018, 08:17:52 PM
Quote from: Bob on June 25, 2018, 06:59:27 PM
A lot of people rely on that .....

A lot of people rely on most trains. That's how public transport works
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 25, 2018, 10:22:58 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on June 25, 2018, 08:08:31 PM
Don't forget Delay Repay from 15 mins after the intended departure

Does it apply to cancellations or just late trains also hows it work with swift?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 25, 2018, 10:34:35 PM
Just tried to do delay repay. Entered that i have a swift...and it wont let you proceed without entering cost of journey as it appears on your ticket? Errrrm it doesnt!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on June 28, 2018, 09:24:13 PM
Quote from: Bob on June 25, 2018, 10:34:35 PM
Just tried to do delay repay. Entered that i have a swift...and it wont let you proceed without entering cost of journey as it appears on your ticket? Errrrm it doesnt!

I have a Swift monthly DD ticket and put the monthly cost in and they accept this and work out the compensation due. Not sure if that is any use?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 28, 2018, 10:29:46 PM
Ah ok
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 29, 2018, 02:05:24 PM
In the process of erecting new  fencing and some tree felling has been done - perhaps surprisingly in the area of the former locomotive holding sidings on the Aston side of the station.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 29, 2018, 03:43:41 PM
Quote from: mikestone on June 29, 2018, 02:05:24 PM
In the process of erecting new  fencing and some tree felling has been done - perhaps surprisingly in the area of the former locomotive holding sidings on the Aston side of the station.

Not too surprising, there's going to be a Northbound exit from the depot which will presumably use that land
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on June 29, 2018, 08:57:09 PM
Quote from: mikestone on June 29, 2018, 02:05:24 PM
In the process of erecting new  fencing and some tree felling has been done - perhaps surprisingly in the area of the former locomotive holding sidings on the Aston side of the station.

I wonder if that track machine is still under all that vegetation?  ;D
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 29, 2018, 09:34:29 PM
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on June 29, 2018, 08:57:09 PM
I wonder if that track machine is still under all that vegetation?  ;D

I'd forgotton that. I think it was actually scrapped about 5 years ago
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 29, 2018, 10:29:51 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 29, 2018, 03:43:41 PM
Not too surprising, there's going to be a Northbound exit from the depot which will presumably use that land
The former slow lines will surely suffice for that.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: dingding on June 29, 2018, 10:52:55 PM
As far as I know it was scraped a few years ago
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on June 30, 2018, 12:23:29 PM
Quote from: mikestone on June 29, 2018, 10:29:51 PM
The former slow lines will surely suffice for that.

The drawings I've seen show a single lead from 'New Junction' in the vicinity of the old gasworks branch, that fans out approaching the old DCE wagon shop which is still there and won't be affected under the plans.   My guess is that several sites will need to be established within the NR boundary to stable/ deploy yellow plant and hold materials, so there's a chance this veg clearance is part of such 'falsework.'
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on July 03, 2018, 05:43:33 PM
An hour with no trains from solihull to any local stations towards Brum. Today's excuse is "an issue with train crew". So skiving work to watch football counts as an issue now. The local mp is going to love this, especially as this company's performance has already been discussed in the House of Commons. Does anyone fancy bidding for a franchise?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: OH25 on July 07, 2018, 04:43:58 PM
There was a class 172 train that's just pulled into Birmingham New Street, what line is that on?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on July 07, 2018, 04:54:59 PM
Quote from: OH25 on July 07, 2018, 04:43:58 PM
There was a class 172 train that's just pulled into Birmingham New Street, what line is that on?
New Street to Hereford, I think.
QuoteHi does anyone know class 172 diagrams that comes to new st over the weekends thanks in advance
Quote15:44 Worcester Shrub Hill - Birmingham New Street [via Camp Hill Lines]
16:50 Birmingham New Street - Hereford

Works back to Dorridge via Snow Hill
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/frequently-requested-diagrams-discussion-updates.89697/page-21#post-3472094
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on July 07, 2018, 05:24:06 PM
RTT says electric unit into Bromsgrove later this evening . . . . . . :o 8)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on July 07, 2018, 05:46:49 PM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on July 07, 2018, 05:24:06 PM
RTT says electric unit into Bromsgrove later this evening . . . . . . :o 8)

Yes - few more test runs booked
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on July 08, 2018, 09:23:24 AM
Most if not all the stored cl.365s not taken by Scotrail  have been moved to Northampton - it has been suggested they may be being taken on by LNw to replace the 319s.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on July 10, 2018, 10:04:11 AM
All West Midlands Railway timetable improvements planned for December 2018 have been postponed until May 2019 by the Rail Delivery Group after the fiascos at GTR and Northern.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on July 10, 2018, 06:15:08 PM
Quote from: Roy on July 10, 2018, 10:04:11 AM
All West Midlands Railway timetable improvements planned for December 2018 have been postponed until May 2019 by the Rail Delivery Group after the fiascos at GTR and Northern.

So no Walsall to London till later?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on July 10, 2018, 06:41:08 PM
Do they sell child daytripper plus? If anyone knows if they do or what price it is much appreciated. Can only find adult or family ones
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on July 10, 2018, 09:41:08 PM
Quote from: Westy on July 10, 2018, 06:15:08 PM
So no Walsall to London till later?

Lurking on Rail UK Forums, I came across this:
http://www.stourbridgelineusergroup.info/News%20-%20December%202018%20Postponement.pdf

Hope it helps
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on July 10, 2018, 09:46:02 PM
Quote from: Roy on July 10, 2018, 10:04:11 AM
All West Midlands Railway timetable improvements planned for December 2018 have been postponed until May 2019 by the Rail Delivery Group after the fiascos at GTR and Northern.

Chase Line will have another crap winter then!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on July 11, 2018, 10:36:46 AM
To my mind it's a good opportunity to rethink the ridiculous through running to and from Euston.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on July 11, 2018, 02:18:40 PM
Quote from: mikestone on July 11, 2018, 10:36:46 AM
To my mind it's a good opportunity to rethink the ridiculous through running to and from Euston.

On the Chase line? Why is it ridiculous? Just asking as a regular user of chase line . Likely to cause any issues?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on July 11, 2018, 02:55:15 PM
Quote from: mikestone on July 11, 2018, 10:36:46 AM
To my mind it's a good opportunity to rethink the ridiculous through running to and from Euston.

It's something I genuinely don't understand this, why does everywhere need a direct service to everywhere else? It makes the service confusing
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on July 11, 2018, 04:22:48 PM
Quote from: Kevin on July 11, 2018, 02:55:15 PM
It's something I genuinely don't understand this, why does everywhere need a direct service to everywhere else? It makes the service confusing


Direct services attract a lot of extra passengers. A lot of people don't like or are scared of changing trains
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on July 13, 2018, 02:33:01 PM
Are there issues on Chase line today? Several cancellations incl 2 consecutive ones a couple of hrs ago and one that ran really late
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on July 13, 2018, 07:55:34 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 11, 2018, 04:22:48 PM

Direct services attract a lot of extra passengers. A lot of people don't like or are scared of changing trains
A handfull, at the cost of inconveniencing many more people when the job goes tits up - and no TOC will provide sufficient resources to prevent that.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on July 17, 2018, 02:19:23 PM
Do they really need to postpone the electfication by another 6 mths? Notice Cannocks Tory MP hasnt mentioned it....no publicity in it for her
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on July 19, 2018, 05:13:07 PM
At tyseley there is an 172/0 (172002) LO train being assessed by angel trains and wmr.

Article in the rail mag and a thread on the rail forums
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on July 19, 2018, 07:32:36 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on July 19, 2018, 05:13:07 PM
At tyseley there is an 172/0 (172002) LO train being assessed by angel trains and wmr.

Article in the rail mag and a thread on the rail forums

I heard it's being fitted with a toilet. Will the cab be converted to include gangways?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on July 19, 2018, 07:39:17 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 19, 2018, 07:32:36 PM
I heard it's being fitted with a toilet. Will the cab be converted to include gangways?

They are being fitted with toilets.  I don't think that the cabs will be converted.  The intention is to use them as 2-car units on NUCKLE services, plus as 2 x 2-car units on Snow Hill line services.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on July 20, 2018, 08:34:36 PM
After Thursday's blue trams and red buses.... ladies and gentlemen the ORANGE TRAIN!!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on July 20, 2018, 09:17:22 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on July 20, 2018, 08:34:36 PM
After Thursday's blue trams and red buses.... ladies and gentlemen the ORANGE TRAIN!!

West Midlands Railway currently have 4 class 172s in different liveries, what a time to be alive ;D
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on July 21, 2018, 07:07:30 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 20, 2018, 09:17:22 PM
West Midlands Railway currently have 4 class 172s in different liveries, what a time to be alive ;D

4?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on July 21, 2018, 07:45:56 PM
Quote from: Dom on July 21, 2018, 07:07:30 PM
4?

LM, Orange, Launch, and London Overground
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on July 21, 2018, 08:10:48 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 21, 2018, 07:45:56 PM
LM, Orange, Launch, and London Overground

Ahhh, forgot about Overground.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on July 24, 2018, 07:24:50 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 19, 2018, 07:32:36 PM
I heard it's being fitted with a toilet. Will the cab be converted to include gangways?

This is neither economically feasible nor necessary for their intended use, so the reallocated 172s will not be through-gangwayed.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on July 24, 2018, 12:06:33 PM
According to the rail forums the first new livery train is done orange and silver looks quite nice @StourValley98
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on July 24, 2018, 06:20:18 PM
There is a photo on Twitter of what looks like 170503 in the new livery
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on July 24, 2018, 06:22:15 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 24, 2018, 06:20:18 PM
There is a photo on Twitter of what looks like 170503 in the new livery

Not bad. I don't like the orange combining with the yellow on the front however
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on July 24, 2018, 07:06:49 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 24, 2018, 06:20:18 PM
There is a photo on Twitter of what looks like 170503 in the new livery

All I can say is:
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BigDaddyCool on July 24, 2018, 11:30:41 PM
Does this now mean the orange and purple that was originally intended has been dropped in favour of this one?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on July 25, 2018, 05:12:28 PM
It will be interesting to see what the Class 172 looks like.  I'm wondering whether the 170s and 323s will just get a refresh with the green bits painted orange, given that they are due to be withdrawn by 2020/21. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on July 25, 2018, 05:20:45 PM
For anyone not on Twitter who hasn't seen it yet:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Di4gAn6XgAA5lqk.jpg)
Credit to: https://twitter.com/domcovkid/status/1021789368850280448/photo/1
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on July 26, 2018, 03:48:55 PM
 --> Press release <--  (http://news.wmtrains.co.uk/pressreleases/up-to-three-extra-trains-per-hour-for-bromsgrove-2600839) from WM trains saying electric services to Bromsgrove due to start this Sunday
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on July 26, 2018, 08:46:56 PM
Quote from: Kevin on July 26, 2018, 03:48:55 PM
--> Press release <--  (http://news.wmtrains.co.uk/pressreleases/up-to-three-extra-trains-per-hour-for-bromsgrove-2600839) from WM trains saying electric services to Bromsgrove due to start this Sunday

A little misleading to have a picture of a Class 350 when the service is going to be ran by Class 323s
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on July 26, 2018, 09:44:46 PM
From the tail light it is presumably on its way back from Long Marston.
'
Worth noting the press release says the CrossCountry services will no longer call at bromsgrove (with the usual cavalier disregard for the published timetable).
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Cheese on July 27, 2018, 07:38:09 AM
Just been past Soho depot and 323209 is in the new orange livery, looks a bit odd still with yellow fronts.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on July 27, 2018, 10:33:52 AM
Have You Got A photo of the 323
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on July 27, 2018, 12:39:40 PM
To be fair it's in plain sight for anyone going past the depot either by train or on the canal towpath, saw it this morning on my way past but was on the bike so couldn't stop to snap a photo
Looks alright I think
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: RW on July 27, 2018, 12:53:46 PM
Quote from: Stu on July 25, 2018, 05:20:45 PM
For anyone not on Twitter who hasn't seen it yet:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Di4gAn6XgAA5lqk.jpg)
Credit to: https://twitter.com/domcovkid/status/1021789368850280448/photo/1

Apparently this is the livery for vehicles leaving the fleet in the not too distant future. Those vehicles remaining with the franchise will have purple in their livery
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on July 27, 2018, 02:39:31 PM
Quote from: Cheese on July 27, 2018, 07:38:09 AM
Just been past Soho depot and 323209 is in the new orange livery, looks a bit odd still with yellow fronts.

I presume that it'll be used on the first service to Bromsgrove, rather than having an LM liveried one photographed and shown in the newspapers etc.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on July 27, 2018, 05:56:21 PM
The press release has now been updated to show a LondonMidland green 323 at Bromsgrove, in place of the dead 350!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on July 27, 2018, 08:57:36 PM
350373 has acquired "Pride" stickers on each side of both driving coaches.
.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Cheese on July 27, 2018, 09:57:39 PM
Quote from: BusMan Greg on July 27, 2018, 10:33:52 AM
Have You Got A photo of the 323

Somewhat difficult to do when passing by at speed on a Vomiter and not knowing it was going to be there...
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on July 27, 2018, 10:05:40 PM
It's on the rail forum looks good
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on July 28, 2018, 12:01:05 AM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on July 27, 2018, 10:05:40 PM
It's on the rail forum looks good

The blue on the doors of the disabled carriage do not look good though
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on July 28, 2018, 01:23:14 PM
It looks 10 times better than London Midlands livery
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on July 28, 2018, 03:33:43 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 28, 2018, 12:01:05 AM
The blue on the doors of the disabled carriage do not look good though

It's required for the PRM 2020 it's quite a bold colour tho
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on July 28, 2018, 05:49:23 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on July 28, 2018, 03:33:43 PM
It's required for the PRM 2020 it's quite a bold colour tho

Oh yeah, I'm aware of that. Colour just doesn't work for me. I think the way Northern display their disabled space and toilets in their livery, works really well
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on July 29, 2018, 09:12:16 AM
Quote from: StourValley98 on July 27, 2018, 02:39:31 PM
I presume that it'll be used on the first service to Bromsgrove, rather than having an LM liveried one photographed and shown in the newspapers etc.

Not quite. 323202 is also in the new livery, and is the one on the first Bromsgrove today
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on July 29, 2018, 10:30:54 AM
Where is the timetable for the new Bromsgrove route?

All I can find is the 20 May timetable.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Cheese on July 29, 2018, 12:03:02 PM
Quote from: Westy on July 29, 2018, 10:30:54 AM
Where is the timetable for the new Bromsgrove route?

All I can find is the 20 May timetable.

It's been on the May 20th timetable since it was released, guess you didn't actually look at it...
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on July 29, 2018, 03:14:27 PM
I've just realised, Sunday service at University now consists of 5/6 trains per hour from/to Birmingham. That's absolutely staggering for a Sunday :o
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on July 29, 2018, 07:40:39 PM
One of the 172's is now out in the new livery, image courtesy of someone over on the RailUK Forums. It looks a lot nicer than the first 172 they had reliveried.

(https://i.imgur.com/J3hBhgp.jpg)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on July 30, 2018, 07:00:11 AM
Quote from: StourValley98 on July 29, 2018, 07:40:39 PM
One of the 172's is now out in the new livery, image courtesy of someone over on the RailUK Forums. It looks a lot nicer than the first 172 they had reliveried.

(https://i.imgur.com/J3hBhgp.jpg)

I'd like it so much more if it didn't have an orange front. I didn't think the original livery (applied to 172339) was that bad. The purple front really suited it in my opinion
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on July 30, 2018, 09:59:31 AM
Well, if the Oxford English dictionary used illustrations to define words, that would be perfect for 'awfulness'.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BigDaddyCool on July 31, 2018, 11:09:10 PM
Never been more confused! How many different colour schemes are now in place? Which ones are here to stay and which ones are going? Was the 323 that was running around the finished article?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on August 01, 2018, 09:34:14 AM
Quote from: BigDaddyCool on July 31, 2018, 11:09:10 PM
Never been more confused! How many different colour schemes are now in place? Which ones are here to stay and which ones are going? Was the 323 that was running around the finished article?

The orange and white livery as seen on the 323s and 170s is for trains that are leaving the franchise at some point, whereas new trains and ones that are staying, for example then 172s, are getting the full livery.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 4679 on August 03, 2018, 11:50:21 PM
Just seen a video on YouTube from Yesterday and it showed a class 170 + 153 combo on a Snow Hill Service. I'm guessing a rare allocation.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on August 04, 2018, 12:12:24 AM
Quote from: WB Driver on August 03, 2018, 11:50:21 PM
Just seen a video on YouTube from Yesterday and it showed a class 170 + 153 combo on a Snow Hill Service. I'm guessing a rare allocation.

Not rare at all, that combo is used fairly frequently. I've seen that formation the past few times I've been down the line south of Snow Hill, in fact, and I remember catching one from Galton Bridge to Cradley Heath not long back too.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on August 04, 2018, 05:27:11 AM
Quote from: WB Driver on August 03, 2018, 11:50:21 PM
Just seen a video on YouTube from Yesterday and it showed a class 170 + 153 combo on a Snow Hill Service. I'm guessing a rare allocation.

It regularly does the 14:42 from Birmingham snow hill towards Kidderminster direction  I believe
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on August 04, 2018, 12:14:47 PM
Quote from: WB Driver on August 03, 2018, 11:50:21 PM
Just seen a video on YouTube from Yesterday and it showed a class 170 + 153 combo on a Snow Hill Service. I'm guessing a rare allocation.

This working happens Mon-Fri:
Class 170/6 + 153:
1251 Worcester Shrub Hill - Whitlock's End
1419 Whitlock's End - Worcester Foregate Street
1613 Worcester Foregate Street - Dorridge
1803 Dorridge - Stourbridge Junction
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 05, 2018, 11:59:34 AM
What is behind all the various black doors at Witton stn? On the walsall bound side? Ive always wondered. I know one leads to a waiting room, but what about the others? Public toilets long closed?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 06, 2018, 08:24:25 PM
I hadn't noticed before but there are two different shades of gold, which makes it look as though some of the white  has peeled off - I am guessing some overpaid image consultant has told TfWM it indicates the network is not yet complete
,
(If not they can have the idea for free)
.
But to my mind it just adds to the scruffiness as a result of the peeling off of the NWM logos.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Straightlines on August 10, 2018, 09:58:46 AM
Quote from: mikestone on August 06, 2018, 08:24:25 PM
I hadn't noticed before but there are two different shades of gold, which makes it look as though some of the white  has peeled off - I am guessing some overpaid image consultant has told TfWM it indicates the network is not yet complete
,
(If not they can have the idea for free)
.
But to my mind it just adds to the scruffiness as a result of the peeling off of the NWM logos.

I was told that this shade of Gold has been devised to appease Laura Shoaf, MD of TfWM as she has adopted Wolves as her football team. (you think I'm joking!!)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: V89MOA on August 10, 2018, 01:37:02 PM
Quote from: Straightlines on August 10, 2018, 09:58:46 AM
I was told that this shade of Gold has been devised to appease Laura Shoaf, MD of TfWM as she has adopted Wolves as her football team. (you think I'm joking!!)
Priorities are sorted then! ::)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on August 10, 2018, 01:46:28 PM
Quote from: V89MOA on August 10, 2018, 01:37:02 PM
Priorities are sorted then! ::)

I'd have to argue with that  ;). Is 170503 due to leave WMR then - as it has the gold and silver livery?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on August 10, 2018, 01:50:05 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 10, 2018, 01:46:28 PM
I'd have to argue with that  ;). Is 170503 due to leave WMR then - as it has the gold and silver livery?

Yes, all the 170s are due to go
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 10, 2018, 02:39:16 PM
When by? What will they use on the Hereford/Shrewsbury services from New St?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on August 10, 2018, 02:56:18 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 10, 2018, 02:39:16 PM
What will they use on the Hereford/Shrewsbury services from New St?

The brand new units that are on order
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 10, 2018, 03:30:44 PM
I didnt realise they had any DMUs on order. Cant way to see the back of the woefully inadequate in peak time 170s on the Chase Line
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on August 10, 2018, 05:46:30 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 10, 2018, 03:30:44 PM
I didnt realise they had any DMUs on order. Cant way to see the back of the woefully inadequate in peak time 170s on the Chase Line

Really don't understand your issue with the 170s. Although ScotRail's 170s put WMRs (and XCs) to shame
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 10, 2018, 07:19:30 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 10, 2018, 05:46:30 PM
Really don't understand your issue with the 170s. Although ScotRail's 170s put WMRs (and XCs) to shame

On 2 carriage journeys theyve got a lot less seats than the 2 carriage 150s previously used.  Horrific outside of the school hols on the 610am trip from Cannock which is PERMANENTLY 2 carriage and which now will continue to be for another winter due to NR putting back the electrification completion again. Even worse in rush hour if the 153 attached has failed. Totally inadequate, chase line passenger numbers were and are increading so they got rid of the 150s and awapped them for lower capacity trains.....
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: V89MOA on August 10, 2018, 07:40:17 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 10, 2018, 07:19:30 PM
Totally inadequate, chase line passenger numbers were and are increading so they got rid of the 150s and awapped them for lower capacity trains.....
About to be a Déjà Vu on the cross city line so nothings really changed even now!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 10, 2018, 07:55:26 PM
Quote from: V89MOA on August 10, 2018, 07:40:17 PM
About to be a Déjà Vu on the cross city line so nothings really changed even now!

Deja vu?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: V89MOA on August 10, 2018, 07:57:40 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 10, 2018, 07:55:26 PM
Deja vu?
In a nutshell, history repeating itself.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 10, 2018, 08:04:15 PM
Quote from: V89MOA on August 10, 2018, 07:57:40 PM
In a nutshell, history repeating itself.

I meant deja vul in relation to the cross city line? Whats happening
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: V89MOA on August 10, 2018, 08:08:28 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 10, 2018, 08:04:15 PM
I meant deja vul in relation to the cross city line? Whats happening
The modern day version of your 170s having less seats than 150s, Aventura coming in that have far less seats than 323s.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 10, 2018, 08:10:42 PM
Quote from: V89MOA on August 10, 2018, 08:08:28 PM
The modern day version of your 170s having less seats than 150s, Aventura coming in that have far less seats than 323s.

So everyone can stand up and have a pleasureable journey 🤣
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on August 10, 2018, 08:11:46 PM
Quote from: V89MOA on August 10, 2018, 08:08:28 PM
The modern day version of your 170s having less seats than 150s, Aventura coming in that have far less seats than 323s.

Not necessarily. It depends on operator specification, same as the 170s were different depending on original operator
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 10, 2018, 08:26:43 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 10, 2018, 08:11:46 PM
Not necessarily. It depends on operator specification, same as the 170s were different depending on original operator

Were WMR/LM ones originally intended for longer distance services?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on August 10, 2018, 08:53:01 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 10, 2018, 08:26:43 PM
Were WMR/LM ones originally intended for longer distance services?

I'm pretty sure they were.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: markcf83 on August 10, 2018, 09:07:47 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 10, 2018, 08:26:43 PM
Were WMR/LM ones originally intended for longer distance services?

Given that ScotRail and Cross Country operate them on long distance services yes. Cross Country have them on the Cardiff to Nottingham service which passes through New Street.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on August 10, 2018, 09:09:19 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 10, 2018, 08:26:43 PM
Were WMR/LM ones originally intended for longer distance services?

They were first used by Central Trains across their then network. So the units were shared out in 2007 with some staying on more local trains with LM and others went to Cross Country for use on the Stansted, Nottingham and Cardiff routes. The Cross Country ones have been refurbished so you can't see that they would once have looked the same inside as the WMR/ LM ones.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 10, 2018, 10:22:38 PM
Quote from: D10 on August 10, 2018, 09:09:19 PM
They were first used by Central Trains across their then network. So the units were shared out in 2007 with some staying on more local trains with LM and others went to Cross Country for use on the Stansted, Nottingham and Cardiff routes. The Cross Country ones have been refurbished so you can't see that they would once have looked the same inside as the WMR/ LM ones.

They also have a first class dont they too
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 11, 2018, 08:11:15 AM
Quote from: Bob on August 10, 2018, 07:19:30 PM
On 2 carriage journeys theyve got a lot less seats than the 2 carriage 150s previously used.  Horrific outside of the school hols on the 610am trip from Cannock which is PERMANENTLY 2 carriage and which now will continue to be for another winter due to NR putting back the electrification completion again. Even worse in rush hour if the 153 attached has failed. Totally inadequate, chase line passenger numbers were and are increading so they got rid of the 150s and awapped them for lower capacity trains.....
Who says electrification has been put back. As far as I am aware it is only the timetable changes that have been postponed? There seems no reason the current service could not be emu worked.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 11, 2018, 08:46:08 AM
Quote from: mikestone on August 11, 2018, 08:11:15 AM
Who says electrification has been put back. As far as I am aware it is only the timetable changes that have been postponed? There seems no reason the current service could not be emu worked.


Theyre not going to be.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on August 11, 2018, 08:53:23 AM
Quote from: V89MOA on August 10, 2018, 08:08:28 PM
The modern day version of your 170s having less seats than 150s, Aventura coming in that have far less seats than 323s.

But more of them, with every train being 6 carriages long, which has already been stated
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: V89MOA on August 11, 2018, 09:33:07 AM
Quote from: Kevin on August 11, 2018, 08:53:23 AM
But more of them, with every train being 6 carriages long, which has already been stated
Still less peaktime seats per hour, which has also already been stated. Plus more passengers now from Bromsgrove too.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on August 11, 2018, 09:47:16 AM
Quote from: V89MOA on August 11, 2018, 09:33:07 AM
Still less peaktime seats per hour, which has also already been stated. Plus more passengers now from Bromsgrove too.

No, because a lot of peak time trains are still 3 car
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 11, 2018, 10:17:42 AM
Am i right that Electrics WONT be used on the old timetable on the Chase line between December and May? Or are they planning on running them?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: V89MOA on August 11, 2018, 11:07:11 AM
Quote from: Tony on August 11, 2018, 09:47:16 AM
No, because a lot of peak time trains are still 3 car
Do you know exactly how many seats each new unit will have?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 12, 2018, 12:31:45 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 11, 2018, 10:17:42 AM
Am i right that Electrics WONT be used on the old timetable on the Chase line between December and May? Or are they planning on running them?

'
My assumption is that they are waiting an assurance from NR that it will be finished before deciding. From my trips last week I would say that there is a good chance it will be - particularly surprised to see wires on the up fast through Park Street tunnel despite wibble that it was a major problem area,  and that there also appeared to be some bolts for OLE above the down slow there.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on August 13, 2018, 08:06:17 AM
Quote from: Bob on August 11, 2018, 10:17:42 AM
Am i right that Electrics WONT be used on the old timetable on the Chase line between December and May? Or are they planning on running them?

It is unlikely, as keeping the old timetable also means keeping current driver diagramming, and some of the drivers are Shrewsbury men who do not sign electric traction
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on August 13, 2018, 08:09:47 AM
Quote from: Bob on August 10, 2018, 03:30:44 PM
I didnt realise they had any DMUs on order.

There is a mix of two car and four car class 196s on order first ones due mid-2020
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on August 13, 2018, 08:15:41 AM
The 'new' class 230s for the Bedford-Bletchley line are due to be released from Long Marston to Bletchley on the 29th or 30th of August
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 13, 2018, 08:56:19 AM
Quote from: Tony on August 13, 2018, 08:15:41 AM
The 'new' class 230s for the Bedford-Bletchley line are due to be released from Long Marston to Bletchley on the 29th or 30th of August

Will that mean 150s are leaving?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on August 13, 2018, 08:57:42 AM
Quote from: Bob on August 13, 2018, 08:56:19 AM
Will that mean 150s are leaving?

Once the 230s enter service - yes.

I think the lease on them finished December 2018
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 13, 2018, 09:03:28 AM
If theres any spare between the 230s and dec could they be used on another line??
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on August 13, 2018, 09:24:35 AM
Quote from: Bob on August 13, 2018, 09:03:28 AM
If theres any spare between the 230s and dec could they be used on another line??

No - Driver familiarisation. If a driver hasn't driven any type of traction for 6 months they will need a traction refresher
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 13, 2018, 05:03:53 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 13, 2018, 08:06:17 AM
It is unlikely, as keeping the old timetable also means keeping current driver diagramming, and some of the drivers are Shrewsbury men who do not sign electric traction
Have they have already recruited the drivers for the extra trains that were supposd to have started in December - if so they could perhaps cover the Shrewsbury drivers workings?
;
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on August 13, 2018, 07:48:48 PM
In addition, some of the Chase line diagrams involve journeys to Shrewsbury and back.  Therefore, these diagrams cannot utilise electric units.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on August 14, 2018, 04:34:05 PM
The Booked 170/153 was cancelled earlier today. Due to staff experiencing travel disruption apparently
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 14, 2018, 04:35:13 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 14, 2018, 04:34:05 PM
The Booked 170/153 was cancelled earlier today. Due to staff experiencing travel disruption apparently

On which line?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on August 14, 2018, 04:36:43 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 14, 2018, 04:34:05 PM
The Booked 170/153 was cancelled earlier today. Due to staff experiencing travel disruption apparently

Cross city line is currently blocked
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on August 14, 2018, 04:58:51 PM
Cross City line is blocked due to two trees falling on the OHL. One of the said trees then caught fire. The line remains blocked and will do for the immediate future.
The line went down this morning at around 11:20.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on August 14, 2018, 05:45:54 PM
Quote from: Bob on August 14, 2018, 04:35:13 PM
On which line?

Snow hill line
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on August 14, 2018, 09:33:06 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on August 14, 2018, 04:36:43 PM
Cross city line is currently blocked
Yes, fun and games at Bromsgrove today . In a nutshell , the arrivals screen said a number of electric trains were cancelled , the departure screen and PA system said most were running , to be fair a replacement coach appeared in quick time but was told only to go to Longbridge when almost all passengers wanted Brum. ::) The booking office clerk did a fair job but when the shift ended , there were no afternoon staff.  :o When I left , there were three empty coaches awaiting passengers but no announcements or "officials" about to direct awaiting passengers.   :-\
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on August 15, 2018, 03:23:00 AM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on August 14, 2018, 09:33:06 PM
Yes, fun and games at Bromsgrove today . In a nutshell , the arrivals screen said a number of electric trains were cancelled , the departure screen and PA system said most were running , to be fair a replacement coach appeared in quick time but was told only to go to Longbridge when almost all passengers wanted Brum. ::) The booking office clerk did a fair job but when the shift ended , there were no afternoon staff.  :o When I left , there were three empty coaches awaiting passengers but no announcements or "officials" about to direct awaiting passengers.   :-\
the 144 buses were all full due to the fallen  tree
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Cheese on August 15, 2018, 05:40:20 PM
Tree came down due to a landslide. More trees will need to be removed apparently. Wonder if it will be sorted by the morning, not going to be a quick job.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on August 15, 2018, 07:19:23 PM
The B'ham - Herefords are still running, omitting University - presumably exiting New Street via Kings Heath
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on August 15, 2018, 08:52:11 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on August 15, 2018, 03:23:00 AM
the 144 buses were all full due to the fallen  tree

And the taxi's were making a fortune from Bromsgrove railway station with passengers to Birmingham.  :o
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 17, 2018, 11:35:59 AM
Quote from: Roy on August 13, 2018, 07:48:48 PM
In addition, some of the Chase line diagrams involve journeys to Shrewsbury and back.  Therefore, these diagrams cannot utilise electric units.
Unit diagrams can always be altered - in fact it is quite probably so that the unit that overnights at Wolverhampton gets fuelled, so that would no longer be necessary.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on August 17, 2018, 05:53:28 PM
Impressive number of Walsall trains cancelled due to "train crew unavailability" this evening
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on August 17, 2018, 07:29:09 PM
Quote from: Kevin on August 17, 2018, 05:53:28 PM
Impressive number of Walsall trains cancelled due to "train crew unavailability" this evening

Had the same issue in the New Street - Wolverhampton's last night
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on August 17, 2018, 08:48:21 PM
The 19.22 and 21.17 are not running. Pathetic service!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 18, 2018, 09:50:08 PM
Four trips next week from Northampton to Crewe South Yard, presumably with cl.365s

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K91460/2018/08/21/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K93000/2018/08/21/advanced


I noticed they had been fettling the yard a few days ago - assuming they were moved to Northampton for WMT, does this mean they have been rejected, or are LNWR going to prepare them for service?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on August 19, 2018, 09:03:26 PM
LNWR are having some class 365s????
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on August 19, 2018, 09:15:31 PM
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 19, 2018, 09:03:26 PM
LNWR are having some class 365s????

No
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BusMan Greg on August 31, 2018, 10:04:41 AM
Have the class 230's started yet
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 31, 2018, 10:12:15 AM
Quote from: Tony on August 13, 2018, 08:15:41 AM
The 'new' class 230s for the Bedford-Bletchley line are due to be released from Long Marston to Bletchley on the 29th or 30th of August
No sign of any movement - there were test runs to Moreton showing as well as the timetabled ones to Worcester but none appear to have run.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on September 08, 2018, 11:44:25 AM
Might help if the companies they use for rail replacement trained their drivers on the route. 11.14 from Cannock was late , took 3 wrong turns after landywood, weve ended up in the middle of some country lane heading toward landywood again with bus getting stuck trying to do a 3 point turn
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on September 08, 2018, 12:53:45 PM
Quote from: Bob on September 08, 2018, 11:44:25 AM
Might help if the companies they use for rail replacement trained their drivers on the route. 11.14 from Cannock was late , took 3 wrong turns after landywood, weve ended up in the middle of some country lane heading toward landywood again with bus getting stuck trying to do a 3 point turn

I've queried this with LM in the past. They say the routes of rail reps are entirely down to the bus company, and the bus company said that LM dictate the route.
It's a farce if I'm honest, needs some sort of organisation between the two
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on September 08, 2018, 10:45:37 PM
What operators   was running the rail  replacements services
It would help if someone put a link to what operator is running each trip thanks
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on September 09, 2018, 12:45:26 AM
Quote from: Solo1 on September 08, 2018, 10:45:37 PM
What operators   was running the rail  replacements services
It would help if someone put a link to what operator is running each trip thanks

Cannocks Sapphire Merc was on
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on September 09, 2018, 01:19:35 PM
Midland Classic is normally on these.
(The rail replacements normally come down my road in Leamore!)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on September 09, 2018, 05:01:58 PM
Quote from: Westy on September 09, 2018, 01:19:35 PM
Midland Classic is normally on these.
(The rail replacements normally come down my road in Leamore!)
I've seen Midland Classic, Arriva and one Coastal Liner bus this afternoon.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on September 09, 2018, 07:37:39 PM
Quote from: WMT3000 on September 09, 2018, 05:01:58 PM
I've seen Midland Classic, Arriva and one Coastal Liner bus this afternoon.

Wonder which depot Arriva bus was from
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: I love Walsall buses on September 09, 2018, 07:46:00 PM
Quote from: Bob on September 09, 2018, 07:37:39 PM
Wonder which depot Arriva bus was from
Either Cannock or Tamworth
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on September 09, 2018, 08:30:08 PM
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on September 09, 2018, 07:46:00 PM
Either Cannock or Tamworth
I think we all could have guessed that.
It was hardly going to be Shrewsbury (or any other Arriva Garage).
Saying that doesn't realy answer his question at all.

I think the reason @Bob asked is because Cannock is normally closed on Sundays.
So i'd imagine he was wandering whether it'd be a bus from Tamworth or if it was Cannock (as they don't usually open on Sundays).
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on September 09, 2018, 11:57:28 PM
Quote from: Bob on September 09, 2018, 07:37:39 PM
Wonder which depot Arriva bus was from
I saw 3719 (possibly reserve), 3722, 3762 and 3805 (again possibly reserve), all from Cannock.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on September 15, 2018, 07:35:11 PM
17:36 from Kidderminster to Dorridge cancelled due to shortage of train crew.
18:06 from Kidderminster to Dorridge turned up at 18:08, extremely overcrowded and only 2 carriages (172216) meaning it was extremely overcrowded as the last one was cancelled.
Another train in the other direction from Kidderminster to Worcester 18:12 (?) was also cancelled.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on September 16, 2018, 07:22:51 AM
Quote from: 2206 on September 15, 2018, 07:35:11 PM
17:36 from Kidderminster to Dorridge cancelled due to shortage of train crew.
18:06 from Kidderminster to Dorridge turned up at 18:08, extremely overcrowded and only 2 carriages (172216) meaning it was extremely overcrowded as the last one was cancelled.
Another train in the other direction from Kidderminster to Worcester 18:12 (?) was also cancelled.
Why couldn't they put the train 17 36 on the the 1806 train so every one would of had a seat
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on September 16, 2018, 12:03:29 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on September 16, 2018, 07:22:51 AM
Why couldn't they put the train 17 36 on the the 1806 train so every one would of had a seat

Did you really just say that?!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on September 16, 2018, 12:23:43 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on September 16, 2018, 07:22:51 AM
Why couldn't they put the train 17 36 on the the 1806 train so every one would of had a seat

They start from different stations which makes it slightly difficult to just couple them up, as well as all the other operational reasons
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on September 27, 2018, 07:12:14 AM
It sounds like they're finally making some progress towards the Camp Hill Line reopening, there's an article from ITV News on it.

https://www.itv.com/news/central/2018-09-26/three-new-train-stations-to-open-in-birmingham-camp-hill-line-moseley-kings-heath-hazelwell-commonwealth-games/
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on September 28, 2018, 07:59:48 AM
Any particular reason Greater Anglia's 153322 is at Tyseley Depot?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on October 03, 2018, 05:44:32 PM
Short forming of trains on Shrewsbury and Chase Line today...8am from Landywood was a 2 car instead of 4 and apparently people left behind....hope everything is running ok tomorrow!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 03, 2018, 05:50:53 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 03, 2018, 05:44:32 PM
Short forming of trains on Shrewsbury and Chase Line today...8am from Landywood was a 2 car instead of 4 and apparently people left behind....hope everything is running ok tomorrow!

All sorts of problems this morning due to Network Rail
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on October 03, 2018, 06:51:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 03, 2018, 05:50:53 PM
All sorts of problems this morning due to Network Rail

Did Network Rail make them run short formed Carriages then? What did they do steal the 2nd 2 car unit?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 03, 2018, 07:10:11 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 03, 2018, 06:51:22 PM
Did Network Rail make them run short formed Carriages then? What did they do steal the 2nd 2 car unit?

It meant different units were in the wrong place
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 03, 2018, 07:15:40 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 03, 2018, 07:10:11 PM
It meant different units were in the wrong place, for instance none of the first three trains managed to get to Rugeley this morning. The set that should have made the second train of the day booked to run Tyseley-Wolverhampton-Stafford-Rugeley ran Wolverhampton-Walsall-Hednesford and formed the 07:16 starting from there
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: dingding on October 03, 2018, 09:22:22 PM
Network Rail are suddenly to blame for cable theft of new OHLE on the Chase line??
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 09, 2018, 09:38:52 AM
Quote from: dingding on October 03, 2018, 09:22:22 PM
Network Rail are suddenly to blame for cable theft of new OHLE on the Chase line??

Yes, because the idiots put notices on the stations with the date they were switching it on, so basically it's safe to steal until then, which is what happened. Should have just put notices saying they were live.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on October 09, 2018, 10:21:21 AM
I believe it is a statutory requirement to give advance notice, although two of the three cancelled trains were shown fire which suggests it was signal cabling stolen, as they are often disturbed trying to burn off the insulation.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 09, 2018, 11:04:47 AM
Quote from: mikestone on October 09, 2018, 10:21:21 AM
I believe it is a statutory requirement to give advance notice, although two of the three cancelled trains were shown fire which suggests it was signal cabling stolen, as they are often disturbed trying to burn off the insulation.

It was 150 metres of the overhead copper that was stolen just south of the olb Bloxwich level crossing
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: dingding on October 09, 2018, 03:05:07 PM
Ha ha fair comment!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on October 09, 2018, 04:50:03 PM
Pity they werent live! Thieving gits wouldve served them right
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on October 11, 2018, 04:55:03 PM
Fatality at Dudley Port today, line now open again but trains aren't stopping according to the article.

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/sandwell/west-bromwich/2018/10/11/metro-and-train-disruption-after-emergencies-block-lines/
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on October 13, 2018, 10:34:51 AM
Heard reports of 323s testing on the Chase Line this weekend. Not seeing anything on Real Time Trains though, can anyone confirm?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on October 13, 2018, 11:59:08 AM
Not energised until next weekend!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on October 20, 2018, 09:54:14 AM
Caught 914 am replacement bus. Late. Driver then got lost at sainsburys island went round 3 times. DROVE PAST the people at Landywood. Took us down a closed road between Blox Nth and Bloxwich. Had to do about a six point turn. Then driver took us back to mossley drove past turning for the estate we had just come from...annoyed passenger informed him he was heading back to Cannock! Had to turn the bus around, on a busy main road. Christ do they not route learn ??????
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on October 20, 2018, 11:36:46 AM
Quote from: Bob on October 20, 2018, 09:54:14 AM
Caught 914 am replacement bus. Late. Driver then got lost at sainsburys island went round 3 times. DROVE PAST the people at Landywood. Took us down a closed road between Blox Nth and Bloxwich. Had to do about a six point turn. Then driver took us back to mossley drove past turning for the estate we had just come from...annoyed passenger informed him he was heading back to Cannock! Had to turn the bus around, on a busy main road. Christ do they not route learn ??????

That sounds quite fun!!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on October 20, 2018, 11:40:45 AM
Quote from: Bob on October 20, 2018, 09:54:14 AM
Caught 914 am replacement bus. Late. Driver then got lost at sainsburys island went round 3 times. DROVE PAST the people at Landywood. Took us down a closed road between Blox Nth and Bloxwich. Had to do about a six point turn. Then driver took us back to mossley drove past turning for the estate we had just come from...annoyed passenger informed him he was heading back to Cannock! Had to turn the bus around, on a busy main road. Christ do they not route learn ??????

Had issues with rail rep services before, complained to LM at the time and they said the route is down to the bus company, complain to the bus company and they say the route is dictated by the rail company
It's a bloody farce sometimes
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on October 20, 2018, 12:04:38 PM
Made it to tame bridge by skin of teeth earlier, driver had to speed a bit 😉
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 21, 2018, 02:48:01 PM
Electric train testing the overhead wires Walsall-Rugeley today.

Went through Landywood about 40 min ago, no idea what they are using
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on October 21, 2018, 06:04:14 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 21, 2018, 02:48:01 PM
Electric train testing the overhead wires Walsall-Rugeley today.

Went through Landywood about 40 min ago, no idea what they are using

Pity theyve put it back till May. Another winter of 2 carriage early morning trips. Apparently theyve short formed one of the 3 carriage morning trips on several occasions recently ( poss the 715 ish one) and theres been a fair few tweets about it. Ive cancelled my train pass. Only have to go to brum once a week now. When it expires in a couple of weeks im gonna use the X51
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on October 21, 2018, 06:42:42 PM
Quote from: Bob on October 21, 2018, 06:04:14 PM
Pity theyve put it back till May. Another winter of 2 carriage early morning trips. Apparently theyve short formed one of the 3 carriage morning trips on several occasions recently ( poss the 715 ish one) and theres been a fair few tweets about it. Ive cancelled my train pass. Only have to go to brum once a week now. When it expires in a couple of weeks im gonna use the X51

I believe DfT put the timetable back not WMR, also it does not stop WMR using EMUs if they are available once the the line is handed over like the bromsgrove trains started in July
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on October 21, 2018, 09:38:45 PM
Guy who works for them who often gets the train back said there wont be any electric trains used till may
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 22, 2018, 12:25:25 PM
Freight train derailment between Tame Bridge and Bescot Stadium at the moment.

No trains north of Tame Bridge
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on October 22, 2018, 04:10:39 PM
1 wagon of a shunt between the up and down yards off in the yard.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on October 25, 2018, 07:22:50 PM
To their credit, West Midlands Railway are flying through these 172/3 repaints.

Only 333, 334, 336, 339 (in original vinyl WMR wrap), 343, 344, 345 still in LM colours (as far as I know)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on October 26, 2018, 10:14:26 PM
Who is running the rail replacement to moor st/snowhill tomorrow & Sunday as track work
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 27, 2018, 08:40:41 AM
Quote from: Solo1 on October 26, 2018, 10:14:26 PM
Who is running the rail replacement to moor st/snowhill tomorrow & Sunday as track work
NXWM have two of the JLR coaches on Standby at Solihull
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Justin Tyme on October 27, 2018, 11:01:13 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 27, 2018, 08:40:41 AM
NXWM have two of the JLR coaches on Standby at Solihull

I believe Johnsons are also providing coaches.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on November 12, 2018, 12:09:19 PM
What an awful service on the Snow Hill line this morning!
I got to Acocks Green station at 08:15 and waited an hour till 09:15 for a train to Solihull.
First they cancelelled the 08:26 to Dorridge due to "slippery rails".
And then they decided to make the awful decision to cancel the next one to Dorridge at 08:49 due to a "group of passengers causing a disturbance on the train". what a silly excuse, why do they need to cancel the train for that! Does anyone know what happened, surely it can't be difficult to remove them if needed and carry on.
Then the next turned up a few minutes late. Meanwhile, whilst there were no trains stopping there a load of Chiltern trains went past, what's stopping them from stopping one of these at Acocks Green to replace the 2 cancelled trains.
It surprises me anyone can rely on this dreadful service.
I certainly won't be using it again. I'll go back to using the X2 to the Swan this evening. The X2 may take a bit longer, but at least it's reliable and one will turn up.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on November 12, 2018, 12:29:16 PM
Quote from: 2206 on November 12, 2018, 12:09:19 PM
What an awful service on the Snow Hill line this morning!
I got to Acocks Green station at 08:15 and waited an hour till 09:15 for a train to Solihull.
First they cancelelled the 08:26 to Dorridge due to "slippery rails".

They actually ran that one non-stop from Moor Street to Dorridge empty to make up lost time, when that decision was made the one behind was running on time, so not a bad decision

Quote from: 2206 on November 12, 2018, 12:09:19 PM
And then they decided to make the awful decision to cancel the next one to Dorridge at 08:49 due to a "group of passengers causing a disturbance on the train". what a silly excuse, why do they need to cancel the train for that! Does anyone know what happened, surely it can't be difficult to remove them if needed and carry on.

Do you know what actually happened, perhaps you might like to remove a rowdy load of passengers from a train before saying that. The alarm was pulled by a passenger, so presumably they had to wait for the police

Quote from: 2206 on November 12, 2018, 12:09:19 PM
Then the next turned up a few minutes late. Meanwhile, whilst there were no trains stopping there a load of Chiltern trains went past, what's stopping them from stopping one of these at Acocks Green to replace the 2 cancelled trains.


By a load, you mean 2, the first had already left Birmingham by the time the 'Rowdy passenger' problem had occurred, and the second one of those was 20 late due to getting stuck behind the rowdy passenger train so only just in front of the one that actually ran

Quote from: 2206 on November 12, 2018, 12:09:19 PM
It surprises me anyone can rely on this dreadful service.
I certainly won't be using it again. I'll go back to using the X2 to the Swan this evening. The X2 may take a bit longer, but at least it's reliable and one will turn up.

So, the X2 has never been delayed by ice or rowdy passengers?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on November 12, 2018, 06:26:56 PM
Quote from: 2206 on November 12, 2018, 12:09:19 PM
I got to Acocks Green station at 08:15 and waited an hour till 09:15 for a train to Solihull.

Ten minute walk to Acocks Green village from the station, fifteen minute bus ride to Solihull on the 4, job done.  ;)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on November 12, 2018, 06:37:19 PM
Quote from: 2206 on November 12, 2018, 12:09:19 PM
What an awful service on the Snow Hill line this morning!
I got to Acocks Green station at 08:15 and waited an hour till 09:15 for a train to Solihull.
First they cancelelled the 08:26 to Dorridge due to "slippery rails".
And then they decided to make the awful decision to cancel the next one to Dorridge at 08:49 due to a "group of passengers causing a disturbance on the train". what a silly excuse, why do they need to cancel the train for that! Does anyone know what happened, surely it can't be difficult to remove them if needed and carry on.
Then the next turned up a few minutes late. Meanwhile, whilst there were no trains stopping there a load of Chiltern trains went past, what's stopping them from stopping one of these at Acocks Green to replace the 2 cancelled trains.
It surprises me anyone can rely on this dreadful service.
I certainly won't be using it again. I'll go back to using the X2 to the Swan this evening. The X2 may take a bit longer, but at least it's reliable and one will turn up.

I use the service everyday, and I manage to cope. I probably would've got a train to Moor Street and change for a Chiltern service to Solihull, if I were in your situation
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on November 13, 2018, 07:54:03 PM
Quote from: Stu on November 12, 2018, 06:26:56 PM
Ten minute walk to Acocks Green village from the station, fifteen minute bus ride to Solihull on the 4, job done.  ;)
I would have got the X2 from the Swan, but I though i'd get the train in this instance, as I expected it to be quicker.
They didn't cancel them till the last minute, when they cancelled the 08:26 I expected the next one tor turn up and by the time they'd canceled the 08:49, it was already 08:49, so I decided I may as well wait for the 09:07 as by the time i'd walked down to get the 4 and one turned up, the train will have turned up and would get me into Solihull a lot quicker.

Looking at Real Time Trains, yet again they cancelled the 08:26 to Dorridge this morning, i'm glad I caught the X2 (6890 - Got into Solihull at 08:20 about 50 minutes before the next train would have at 09:10), this morning and didn't attempt to catch it and rely on this awful service. The few times, I've attempted to use the 08:26 and 08:49, they've often cancelled them.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on November 13, 2018, 11:30:03 PM
Been a couple of bad days on the Snow Hill lines from Stourbridge with cancellations and short forming, plus this afternoons sad incident at Solihul didn't help matters either.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on November 16, 2018, 07:53:56 AM
Anyone know how long the bloody bridge in Landywood is shut for?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on November 17, 2018, 10:14:07 PM
Second day with delays and cancellations on the Bromsgrove electrics. Add the never ending poor time keeping of trains from Hereford  . . . . . . .  >:(   
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on November 17, 2018, 10:36:19 PM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on November 17, 2018, 10:14:07 PM
Second day with delays and cancellations on the Bromsgrove electrics. Add the never ending poor time keeping of trains from Hereford  . . . . . . .  >:(

Shock horror trains delayed in leaf fall season
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on November 18, 2018, 11:45:47 AM
On Friday at least two trains ran via Lifford curve and back through New St to go via Stourbridge.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on November 19, 2018, 03:44:51 PM
Can anyone tell me when the bridge at Landywood will be open to vehicles again please?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on November 19, 2018, 03:50:45 PM
Quote from: Bob on November 19, 2018, 03:44:51 PM
Can anyone tell me when the bridge at Landywood will be open to vehicles again please?

According to the Express & Star, up to 6 months while it is replaced.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on November 19, 2018, 04:54:37 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 19, 2018, 03:50:45 PM
According to the Express & Star, up to 6 months while it is replaced.

6 months? Jesus! Plus the roadworks in Churchbridge!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on November 19, 2018, 07:54:51 PM
Quote from: Bob on November 19, 2018, 04:54:37 PM
6 months? Jesus! Plus the roadworks in Churchbridge!

It reopened last Friday
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on November 19, 2018, 08:30:56 PM
Quote from: Tony on November 19, 2018, 07:54:51 PM
It reopened last Friday

Definetely Tony? So ill be able to drive over from the Cheslyn Hay end?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on November 19, 2018, 09:03:05 PM
Quote from: Bob on November 19, 2018, 08:30:56 PM
Definetely Tony? So ill be able to drive over from the Cheslyn Hay end?

X51 reverted to normal line of route on Friday
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on November 21, 2018, 10:58:54 AM
Quote from: Tony on November 17, 2018, 10:36:19 PM
Shock horror trains delayed in leaf fall season

Not disputing that factor at all. I was looking at the bigger picture since the end of summer. Electric units failing and OHW and signalling problems have shut the line between Kings Norton to New Street a number of times. Add to this the continuing pathing problems through Foregate Street and Ledbury only add to the on-going unreliability.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on November 21, 2018, 11:06:37 AM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on November 21, 2018, 10:58:54 AM
Not disputing that factor at all. I was looking at the bigger picture since the end of summer. Electric units failing and OHW and signalling problems have shut the line between Kings Norton to New Street a number of times. Add to this the continuing pathing problems through Foregate Street and Ledbury only add to the on-going unreliability.

How many electric units have failed? None of the others can be blamed on West Midlands Trains.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on November 21, 2018, 04:44:27 PM
For those who are fed up with rail delays, why not have your own portable departure board for your home, available at

https://ukdepartureboards.co.uk/

Then if your train is delayed you can have a few extra minutes in bed.

The inventor is also saying that shortly it will be able to display bus departure boards from throughout Britain.

Seriously, saw Geoff Marshall (of Londonist and All The Stations fame) demonstrating one of these on you tube, why anybody would want to spend well over a hundred pounds to do what most train company websites do is beyond me.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on November 21, 2018, 05:29:39 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 21, 2018, 04:44:27 PM
For those who are fed up with rail delays, why not have your own portable departure board for your home, available at

https://ukdepartureboards.co.uk/

Then if your train is delayed you can have a few extra minutes in bed.

The inventor is also saying that shortly it will be able to display bus departure boards from throughout Britain.

Seriously, saw Geoff Marshall (of Londonist and All The Stations fame) demonstrating one of these on you tube, why anybody would want to spend well over a hundred pounds to do what most train company websites do is beyond me.
I agree why would abybody, want one when they can already find that out on the enternet, especially since they're trying to sell them at £160.
In addition, when i've used the train and they've cancelled one they will cancel it at the last minute, so its no use by then as you'll already be at the station then.
Same for bus departures, I can find that out using the NX app, which doesn't cost me anything.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: windy miller on November 21, 2018, 08:19:24 PM
    on the subject of delays I doubt if Northern train customers have fared any better this
year On my return from Blackpool North Northern cancelled my connecting service from BPN
   with less than 10 mins prior notice and the substitute bus replacement to Preston arrived
    well after my VT connection had left. I complained to Northern Rail and claimed a 'delay
    repay' payment . To my complete surprise within 10 days I received a Cash voucher for
     £9 in the post!!!...... >:( >:(
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on November 21, 2018, 09:37:30 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 21, 2018, 04:44:27 PM
...
Seriously, saw Geoff Marshall (of Londonist and All The Stations fame) demonstrating one of these on you tube, why anybody would want to spend well over a hundred pounds to do what most train company websites do is beyond me.

For exactly the same reason I have an 80 quid clock.
Yeah I can just look at the time on my phone, but it looks bloody cool. If I had the money hell I'd buy one of these displays
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ian Hardy on November 21, 2018, 10:19:44 PM
Quote from: windy miller on November 21, 2018, 08:19:24 PM
     To my complete surprise within 10 days I received a Cash voucher for
     £9 in the post!!!.......... great.... Until you read the small print... THIS voucher can only
  be cashed IN PERSON with proof of identity at an existing NORTHERN rail office......As The nearest office(s) are either Crewe or Nottingham It would likely cost me £10  to cash it.... >:( >:(

I hope you have not thrown it away as you have misunderstood the statement on the voucher.

What that statement means is that you can only exchange the voucher for CASH at a Northern Rail station (Crewe is operated by Virgin Trains by the way so you cannot exchange it for cash there).

However you can take the voucher to any rail ticket office (run by any TOC) and use it as part payment for any rail ticket, does not have to be on the TOC that issued the voucher.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on November 21, 2018, 10:53:42 PM
Quote from: Ian Hardy on November 21, 2018, 10:19:44 PM
I hope you have not thrown it away as you have misunderstood the statement on the voucher.

What that statement means is that you can only exchange the voucher for CASH at a Northern Rail station (Crewe is operated by Virgin Trains by the way so you cannot exchange it for cash there).

However you can take the voucher to any rail ticket office (run by any TOC) and use it as part payment for any rail ticket, does not have to be on the TOC that issued the voucher.

That sounds about right.

If you could go to any station and collect cash, then it would involve having to swap cash between TOCs.

That is why companies weren't keen on having to give out cash, the vouchers were always treated as travel warrants and they were accounted for seperately.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: windy miller on November 22, 2018, 04:22:30 AM
   Thanks for the update.....As you say...A voucher towards the cost of another journey?.... Presumably where the journey has a value in excess of £9?.. I have made enquires
with Northern rail and as you correctly noted Crewe is a VT operated office and Nottingham
is an East Mids train office. I have been informed that if I wish to exchange the voucher for cash it MUST be at a registered Northern office. There are no registered northern offices at either Sheffield or Doncaster. It was suggested that on a planned trip to Doncaster using a local service from Sheffield It would be possible to Exchange a voucher for cash at Either Rotherham , Mexborough, swinton , Or better still  Meadowhall where there are many more services for onward travel .     
   
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on November 22, 2018, 09:49:08 AM
Why can't network rail cut back the trees by train lines so they will be less leaves blowing onto the lines
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on November 22, 2018, 12:16:43 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on November 22, 2018, 09:49:08 AM
Why can't network rail cut back the trees by train lines so they will be less leaves blowing onto the lines

Check their website.  They have a well documented strategy for lineside tree and vegetation management and operate a programme of tree lopping, felling and pruning.  They have to abide by all the various legislation around nesting season and so on, it shouldn't be just done when it suits them.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on November 22, 2018, 06:56:18 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on November 22, 2018, 09:49:08 AM
Why can't network rail cut back the trees by train lines so they will be less leaves blowing onto the lines

Why not just cut down every single tree in the country? No more trees means no more leaves, then trains can run on time again.  ;)

I was sweeping up leaves from our car park at work the other day. It's always a puzzler, because there are no trees on our street or anywhere nearby.  ::)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: I love Walsall buses on November 22, 2018, 07:04:17 PM
Quote from: Stu on November 22, 2018, 06:56:18 PM
Why not just cut down every single tree in the country? No more trees means no more leaves, then trains can run on time again.  ;)

I was sweeping up leaves from our car park at work the other day. It's always a puzzler, because there are no trees on our street or anywhere nearby.  ::)
If we cut every tree down in the world we wouldn't be able to breath
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on November 22, 2018, 07:12:35 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on November 22, 2018, 09:49:08 AM
Why can't network rail cut back the trees by train lines so they will be less leaves blowing onto the lines

I think the better question would be "why do people complain about the leaves on the line every year?". Leaf fall happens, every year, leaves and water = residue
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ian Hardy on November 22, 2018, 10:57:10 PM
Quote from: windy miller on November 22, 2018, 04:22:30 AM
   Thanks for the update.....As you say...A voucher towards the cost of another journey?.... Presumably where the journey has a value in excess of £9?.. I have made enquires
with Northern rail and as you correctly noted Crewe is a VT operated office and Nottingham
is an East Mids train office. I have been informed that if I wish to exchange the voucher for cash it MUST be at a registered Northern office. There are no registered northern offices at either Sheffield or Doncaster. It was suggested that on a planned trip to Doncaster using a local service from Sheffield It would be possible to Exchange a voucher for cash at Either Rotherham , Mexborough, swinton , Or better still  Meadowhall where there are many more services for onward travel .     

I think that you have misunderstood what I said:
The voucher you have been sent can be used to "buy" any rail ticket at any rail station operated by any TOC for any cost, however if the value of the ticket you "buy" costs less than £9 you will not get any change, and if it cost more than £9 then you will need to pay the additional amount.
The only time that you need to exchange it for cash is if you don't want to buy another rail ticket and with that voucher you can only do that at a Northern station. 

e.g. I had a delayed journey between Dundee and Glasgow Queen Street in April 2018, I claimed and ScotRail sent me a voucher for £13.79.  I used the voucher as part payment to buy a Super Off peak return from Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street which I bought from Marylebone station which is operated by Chiltern Railways - i.e. the journey was not on ScotRail services and the ticket was not purchased from a ScotRail ticket office.
If I had wanted to exchange the voucher for cash then I would have to done it at ScotRail ticket office within 28 days of the date on the voucher.

I hope that makes it clearer.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on November 22, 2018, 11:55:05 PM
Quote from: windy miller on November 22, 2018, 04:22:30 AM
   Thanks for the update.....As you say...A voucher towards the cost of another journey?.... Presumably where the journey has a value in excess of £9?.. I have made enquires
with Northern rail and as you correctly noted Crewe is a VT operated office and Nottingham
is an East Mids train office. I have been informed that if I wish to exchange the voucher for cash it MUST be at a registered Northern office. There are no registered northern offices at either Sheffield or Doncaster. It was suggested that on a planned trip to Doncaster using a local service from Sheffield It would be possible to Exchange a voucher for cash at Either Rotherham , Mexborough, swinton , Or better still  Meadowhall where there are many more services for onward travel .     


@windy miller has it not been suggested to you to return the vouchers and ask for a cheque instead?

Northern Rails website says "You can claim Delay Repay if one of our trains is late or cancelled and as a result you get to your destination station more than 30 minutes later than scheduled, whether it is our fault or not. Compensation can be in the form of a cheque, National Rail vouchers which you can use to buy any rail ticket, a voucher exchangeable for cash from a Northern Ticket Office, or free tickets across our network, to use when you choose."
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ian Hardy on November 23, 2018, 10:13:28 PM
Quote from: Ian Hardy on November 22, 2018, 10:57:10 PM
I think that you have misunderstood what I said:
The voucher you have been sent can be used to "buy" any rail ticket at any rail station operated by any TOC for any cost, however if the value of the ticket you "buy" costs less than £9 you will not get any change, and if it cost more than £9 then you will need to pay the additional amount.
The only time that you need to exchange it for cash is if you don't want to buy another rail ticket and with that voucher you can only do that at a Northern station. 

e.g. I had a delayed journey between Dundee and Glasgow Queen Street in April 2018, I claimed and ScotRail sent me a voucher for £13.79.  I used the voucher as part payment to buy a Super Off peak return from Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street which I bought from Marylebone station which is operated by Chiltern Railways - i.e. the journey was not on ScotRail services and the ticket was not purchased from a ScotRail ticket office.
If I had wanted to exchange the voucher for cash then I would have to done it at ScotRail ticket office within 28 days of the date on the voucher.

I hope that makes it clearer.

Windy Miller - Have you got a Cash Voucher or a National Rail Voucher, as they are two different things.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: windy miller on November 24, 2018, 04:36:29 AM
 Clearly there has been some ambiguity here. I have not misunderstood either your quote or the validity of the voucher... I received a CASH voucher simply because
  I specifically asked for the cash alternative.. I had NO intention of making any
  rail journeys in the immediate future either within the northern territory or anywhere else.
  In retrospect, if I had known in advance that the cash option was only payable on northern territory and, more specifically, in person at a Northern office then yes, I may have chosen the alternative. Equally I could return the voucher to their Head office in Leeds and ask them to provide a travel voucher in return which I am assured would have been
acceptable under the circumstances  (at least before 5th January). As I said earlier, my proposed 'three ticket' split from BNS to Doncaster would have involved a break at both Burton on Trent and Sheffield, but as you rightly said none of these respective 'splits' would have exceeded £9 and the alternative through fare with XC would have cost considerably more.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ian Hardy on November 24, 2018, 11:13:42 AM
Windy Miller,

Sorry for mixing up Cash Vouchers with Travel Vouchers. Good luck with trying to sort it out.

Ian Hardy
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: windy miller on November 25, 2018, 05:20:37 PM
 No problem Ian..... I noticed that your Scottish voucher redemption date was only 28 days?. obviously not all TOC's have the same time limits. Northern had offered me 3 months.
   In addition, Earlier in the year I had made a number of legitimate 'repay' claims c/o Virgin
  and on each occasion I asked for, and received a cheque in the post. Including a £5 payment
   for being 'turfed out' of a seat which was clearly marked 'available 'due to the train seat reservation system being out of commission. Yes, I had booked a seat but the seat was occupied by a father travelling with his three children on adjacent seats presumably with 'roll-up' tickets.   Current VT information suggests that you do NOT reserve a seat if you don't intend to sit in it!... I now tend to make a bee line for coach C in a 9 car set or alternatively Coach C or U in an eleven vehicle set neither of which are reservable under normal circumstances. 
Some good news... West mids rail fans... there are currently 81 new units on order with Bombardier (36x 4 veh sets, and 45 X5 veh sets provisionally as class 730 001-36 but not due for completion before May 2020....  incidentally, If you hold a national travel card (free) AND a Senior railcard £27 (on line).. it is possible to travel from Erdington to London Marylebone on a weekday using the 10.24am Chiltern service from Solihull for £3.65. (1 Hr. 47 mins) and £4.60 return in the evening.  A London one day travel card can be bought from your local rail station for £8.30 inc rail card disc. But you need to ask for an ALL zones Ticket (1-6) the discount will not apply to single/limited zone tickets   
 
   
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: windy miller on November 25, 2018, 05:25:37 PM
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on November 22, 2018, 07:04:17 PM
If we cut every tree down in the world we wouldn't be able to breath

I think you will find that at least 85% of our breathable air comes from the algae on the surface of the sea...not just from trees...  don't quote me  :)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JoNi on November 27, 2018, 12:12:10 AM
Just zoomed from New Street to Coventry calling only at Marsden Green and International on class 323 which started from Bromsgrove. Must be one of very few workings left to Coventry.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on November 27, 2018, 10:07:19 AM
Mon-Fri 21.14, 23.14 and 23.54 from New St and 22.12 back - the other two sets return empty to form an early morning Bromsgrove.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Rob H on December 01, 2018, 08:30:32 PM
170634 was deputising for a 323 on New Street-International Shuttle today.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 01, 2018, 11:42:28 PM
Glad im not on the last Birmingham to Cannock train tonight...the one at 10.17 ish was 20 mins delayed cos it was rammed and full of drunk idiots with the police called and the 23.19 still showing delayed now....why do they think 2 carriages is even acceptable? Can they not shove 153s on on a Sat???
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on December 01, 2018, 11:56:09 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 01, 2018, 11:42:28 PM
Glad im not on the last Birmingham to Cannock train tonight...the one at 10.17 ish was 20 mins delayed cos it was rammed and full of drunk idiots with the police called and the 23.19 still showing delayed now....why do they think 2 carriages is even acceptable? Can they not shove 153s on on a Sat???

153s are only used on branch lines on weekends. I'm not sure if you're on Twitter or not, but you'd probably be better off directing your concerns towards West Midlands Railway, rather than a bus forum
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 02, 2018, 01:01:40 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 01, 2018, 11:56:09 PM
153s are only used on branch lines on weekends. I'm not sure if you're on Twitter or not, but you'd probably be better off directing your concerns towards West Midlands Railway, rather than a bus forum

Well its a railway thread...
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 02, 2018, 01:04:10 AM
The 11.19 last train from brum got to hednesford 45 mins late!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on December 02, 2018, 10:13:57 AM
*NEW* Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident near the railway between #Northampton and Birmingham #NewStreet the line is blocked.
Train services running through these stations will be subject to  delays, cancellations and amendment until further notice.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on December 02, 2018, 10:16:07 AM
Services between Birmingham New Street and London Euston will terminate and originate from Birmingham International with no stations between International and New Street served until further notice. Please listen to station announcements

https://t.co/xHumHPSJwe
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 02, 2018, 11:29:54 AM
323216 has gone to Liverpool this morning, quite a rare working nowadays. It will do the 12:34 Liverpool-Birmingham
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 02, 2018, 11:34:11 AM
Quote from: Tony on December 02, 2018, 11:29:54 AM
323216 has gone to Liverpool this morning, quite a rare working nowadays. It will do the 12:34 Liverpool-Birmingham

Does anyone know what the future holds for the 323s?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on December 02, 2018, 11:48:23 AM
Quote from: Bob on December 02, 2018, 01:01:40 AM
Well its a railway thread...

...it's also the equivalent of p*ssing into the wind, no-one can solve your issue here, you're essentially arguing with a brick wall

Quote from: Bob on December 02, 2018, 11:34:11 AM
Does anyone know what the future holds for the 323s?

Rumoured to be going to Northern
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on December 02, 2018, 02:56:26 PM
The expectation was always for Northern sets to come to WMT, rather than v.v., but neither replacement TOC included them in future plans, and with so many other units of classes in use elsewhere becoming surplus anything other than scrap seems highly unlikely.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 02, 2018, 03:04:33 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 02, 2018, 11:48:23 AM
...it's also the equivalent of p*ssing into the wind, no-one can solve your issue here, you're essentially arguing with a brick wall



Is the thread about very late running bus services that gets commented on regularly the same in your opinion then?

And also occasionally know the reasons for things such as the above on here so....
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on December 04, 2018, 09:15:21 AM
Quote from: mikestone on December 02, 2018, 02:56:26 PM
The expectation was always for Northern sets to come to WMT, rather than v.v., but neither replacement TOC included them in future plans, and with so many other units of classes in use elsewhere becoming surplus anything other than scrap seems highly unlikely.

Bidders for Northern were not permitted to include 323s after 2019, because their owners (wrongly) gambled that the whole fleet had a future in the West Midlands.  That went well for them, didn't it!  Now of course, there may be opportunity for dialogue on
a rather different commercial footing!!!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 04, 2018, 09:20:42 AM
Quote from: Bob on December 01, 2018, 11:42:28 PM
Glad im not on the last Birmingham to Cannock train tonight...the one at 10.17 ish was 20 mins delayed cos it was rammed and full of drunk idiots with the police called and the 23.19 still showing delayed now....why do they think 2 carriages is even acceptable? Can they not shove 153s on on a Sat???

The delay was while they fetched an extra two carriages for the 23:19.
West Midlands Railway would be running 4 cars on every service if Nationalised Network Rail weren't a year behind with the electrification and platform extensions. From Next week the Government is also to blame as WMR were going to introduce the new timetable with extra evening trains, but the department for transport have stopped them doing the timetable changes
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on December 04, 2018, 10:22:36 AM
Quote from: Tony on December 02, 2018, 11:29:54 AM
323216 has gone to Liverpool this morning, quite a rare working nowadays. It will do the 12:34 Liverpool-Birmingham

Have the 323's worked into Euston with any regularity or are they limited to how far "south" they can go ??
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 04, 2018, 10:27:44 AM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on December 04, 2018, 10:22:36 AM
Have the 323's worked into Euston with any regularity or are they limited to how far "south" they can go ??

Wolverton Works is the furthest south I can remember one getting. They have a safety case to Euston, but I don't ever remembering one get there
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 04, 2018, 03:11:56 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 04, 2018, 09:20:42 AM
The delay was while they fetched an extra two carriages for the 23:19.
West Midlands Railway would be running 4 cars on every service if Nationalised Network Rail weren't a year behind with the electrification and platform extensions. From Next week the Government is also to blame as WMR were going to introduce the new timetable with extra evening trains, but the department for transport have stopped them doing the timetable changes

The markets are on. The 23.19 is extraordinarily busy...why do they have to "Fetch" two Carriages? Why arent they on there in the first place?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 04, 2018, 03:26:42 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 04, 2018, 03:11:56 PM
The markets are on. The 23.19 is extraordinarily busy...why do they have to "Fetch" two Carriages? Why arent they on there in the first place?

The problem is that service stables in Wolverhampton Station on a Saturday night/Sunday morning and there is only room for two carriages there, so as well as getting them to New Street in the first place they have to get someone to uncouple them and take two back to Tyseley at 01:00.

As I said WMR have the solution ready - four car 350s, but it is Network Rail causing the problems
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 04, 2018, 04:25:42 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 04, 2018, 03:26:42 PM
The problem is that service stables in Wolverhampton Station on a Saturday night/Sunday morning and there is only room for two carriages there, so as well as getting them to New Street in the first place they have to get someone to uncouple them and take two back to Tyseley at 01:00.

As I said WMR have the solution ready - four car 350s, but it is Network Rail causing the problems

Now the lines electrified why cant they run electrics to the current timetable i remember ages and ages ago someone saying on here pissibly even yourself that 323s etc could appear poss starting at weekends
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 04, 2018, 04:27:46 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 04, 2018, 03:26:42 PM
The problem is that service stables in Wolverhampton Station on a Saturday night/Sunday morning and there is only room for two carriages there, so as well as getting them to New Street in the first place they have to get someone to uncouple them and take two back to Tyseley at 01:00.

As I said WMR have the solution ready - four car 350s, but it is Network Rail causing the problems

Maybe they need a rethink about the stabling thing two carriages on the final service is woefully inadequate at the best of times
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 04, 2018, 04:40:15 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 04, 2018, 04:25:42 PM
Now the lines electrified why cant they run electrics to the current timetable i remember ages and ages ago someone saying on here pissibly even yourself that 323s etc could appear poss starting at weekends

Because it's not finished or switched on.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 04, 2018, 04:44:28 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 04, 2018, 04:27:46 PM
Maybe they need a rethink about the stabling thing two carriages on the final service is woefully inadequate at the best of times

I agree with you on it being inadequate but WMR have the solution  in a fully prepared timetable and plan that should have been  auctioned 12 months ago. Perhaps you migh like to suggest other stalling points available. The unit off that train sits in Wolverhampton overnight (and Sunday) and operates the first train of the day from Rugeley
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 04, 2018, 05:14:09 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 04, 2018, 04:40:15 PM
Because it's not finished or switched on.

I thought they were made live in October?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 04, 2018, 05:38:48 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 04, 2018, 05:14:09 PM
I thought they were made live in October?

They were tested in October, but still not permanently live
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on December 04, 2018, 06:30:37 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 04, 2018, 10:27:44 AM
Wolverton Works is the furthest south I can remember one getting. They have a safety case to Euston, but I don't ever remembering one get there

Many thanks for that. It was one of those questions I have been meaning to ask for ages !! :)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 04, 2018, 06:57:27 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 04, 2018, 04:44:28 PM
I agree with you on it being inadequate but WMR have the solution  in a fully prepared timetable and plan that should have been  auctioned 12 months ago. Perhaps you migh like to suggest other stalling points available. The unit off that train sits in Wolverhampton overnight (and Sunday) and operates the first train of the day from Rugeley

Could they not go back to tyseley and start from there on a Sunday?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 04, 2018, 07:09:00 PM
Quote from: Bob on December 04, 2018, 06:57:27 PM
Could they not go back to tyseley and start from there on a Sunday?

Then Wolverhampton drivers/conductors have now work.


There are capacity problems at Tyseley as well. That is why trains are parked in Wolverhampton, New Street and Leamington Stations. There is virtually no room at any depot in the West Midlands which is why Duddeston depot is being built.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on December 04, 2018, 07:18:30 PM
Will some 350s be stabled at soho once the 730s arrive and the 323s depart for pastures new?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: tphi12000 on December 04, 2018, 08:30:49 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 04, 2018, 10:27:44 AM
Wolverton Works is the furthest south I can remember one getting. They have a safety case to Euston, but I don't ever remembering one get there
I remember seeing one a Bletchley when new , a search on Flickr shows one in the station when brand new.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on December 04, 2018, 10:17:16 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 04, 2018, 07:09:00 PM
Then Wolverhampton drivers/conductors have now work.


There are capacity problems at Tyseley as well. That is why trains are parked in Wolverhampton, New Street and Leamington Stations. There is virtually no room at any depot in the West Midlands which is why Duddeston depot is being built.
Is it being built though? I haven't been that way for a couple of months, but in the previous six months it has all the appearance of having been abandoned when they were half way through erecting the new fencing.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on December 04, 2018, 11:23:28 PM
Quote from: mikestone on December 04, 2018, 10:17:16 PM
Is it being built though? I haven't been that way for a couple of months, but in the previous six months it has all the appearance of having been abandoned when they were half way through erecting the new fencing.

Is it meant to be on those sidings and the land next to Duddeston station? If so, it still looked abandoned when I passed through about a week ago.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on December 05, 2018, 04:19:16 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 04, 2018, 04:44:28 PM
... plan that should have been  auctioned 12 months ago.

How much did it fetch, Tony, and who was the winning bidder?   ;D
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on December 05, 2018, 04:25:12 PM
Quote from: StourValley98 on December 04, 2018, 11:23:28 PM
Is it meant to be on those sidings and the land next to Duddeston station? If so, it still looked abandoned when I passed through about a week ago.

The new depot at Duddeston will occupy the former DCE/ repair shop sidings bordered by Erskine Street underbridge at the south-western end and the (Grade 2 listed) wagon shops at the north-eastern.  Ground investigations and vegetation clearance have taken place, the early works contractor is due to take possession of the site in early 2019 AFAIK.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dylan4579 on December 05, 2018, 04:54:12 PM
Does anybody know when the LO 172's are going to start service?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: broma1k on December 05, 2018, 05:29:13 PM
After LO get the delayed class 710 into service which are replacing them
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on December 05, 2018, 05:33:17 PM
Quote from: Dylan4579 on December 05, 2018, 04:54:12 PM
Does anybody know when the LO 172's are going to start service?

The first is undergoing refurbishment at Derby Carriage Works right now, I'm advised.  However, the full cascade is indeed delayed by the entry into service of the 710s.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on December 10, 2018, 05:32:39 PM
Fair few Dorridge services cancelled this evening, citing staff issues
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on December 12, 2018, 11:26:01 PM
Quote from: Kevin on December 10, 2018, 05:32:39 PM
Fair few Dorridge services cancelled this evening, citing staff issues

It's always the case at this time of the year, bet Friday night will be worse.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 21, 2018, 09:37:19 PM
Finally finished
https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/electric-trains-to-run-on-walsall-rugeley-line-from-may-after-successful-railway-upgrade?fbclid=IwAR2JwsLlvfpw0BETLk75dxMVlC1uQb38ZplSrMubjdq86bjzHbpwpREIR9w#
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on December 22, 2018, 10:37:50 PM
Last train on the last Saturday before Xmas to Leamington is cancelled
Hilarious
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on December 22, 2018, 10:40:32 PM
According to rail forums the first 172/0 has moved from ilford to tylesley
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on December 22, 2018, 11:22:50 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 21, 2018, 09:37:19 PM
Finally finished
https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/electric-trains-to-run-on-walsall-rugeley-line-from-may-after-successful-railway-upgrade?fbclid=IwAR2JwsLlvfpw0BETLk75dxMVlC1uQb38ZplSrMubjdq86bjzHbpwpREIR9w#

But passenegers have to wait till May for electric trains, stupid really.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 23, 2018, 09:55:09 AM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 22, 2018, 11:22:50 PM
But passenegers have to wait till May for electric trains, stupid really.

Very much so, but that is the DfT and Governments fault.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on December 26, 2018, 02:08:04 AM
Not really - had the will been there they could have got on with training. Like many other TOCs they jumped at the chance  provided by the DfT to save money by not making changes in December.
:
May TAA now on NR website. As far as I can see near enough the same as was published for December and no clarification of the apparent imbalance of MKC - Euston services or wether the Birmingham-Stoke-Crewe service replaces a Stour Valley local.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 26, 2018, 10:01:41 AM
Quote from: mikestone on December 26, 2018, 02:08:04 AM
Not really - had the will been there they could have got on with training. Like many other TOCs they jumped at the chance  provided by the DfT to save money by not making changes in December.
:
May TAA now on NR website. As far as I can see near enough the same as was published for December and no clarification of the apparent imbalance of MKC - Euston services or wether the Birmingham-Stoke-Crewe service replaces a Stour Valley local.

Completely the opposite. The DfT blocking the timetable changes costs them money in passenger growth. It was nothing to do with saving money
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on December 27, 2018, 09:43:28 AM
I have to disagree - the passenger growth on which all recent franchises were sold was largely illusory.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 30, 2018, 01:28:31 PM
Ive asked this a while ago but cant remember the answer. At present the journey from Cannock to New St is around 40-42 mins or so. How long will the journey take after May?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 30, 2018, 01:43:05 PM
Quote from: mikestone on December 27, 2018, 09:43:28 AM
I have to disagree - the passenger growth on which all recent franchises were sold was largely illusory.

I'm not on about that. Electric trains are cheaper to run than diesel. West Midlands Railway currently have diesels that could go off lease if the new timetables were in place, and there are currently services at maximum capacity where you physically cannot get more passengers onto the trains, so how is not implementing the new timetable saving money?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 03, 2019, 11:51:50 PM
Looking at the timetable for the Birmingham to Rugeley Trent valley service, Mon to Sat it looks like all but 1 start and terminate at Birmingham New Street (one morning journey starts at Shrewsbury).

I would have thought it might have been possible to create diagrams so that electric units could operate the majority of the journeys, even if up till May they would operate to Diesel timings. Am sure the increased capacity and reliability of the electric units benefits would far out weigh the slightly slower times.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 04, 2019, 06:24:02 AM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 03, 2019, 11:51:50 PM
Looking at the timetable for the Birmingham to Rugeley Trent valley service, Mon to Sat it looks like all but 1 start and terminate at Birmingham New Street (one morning journey starts at Shrewsbury).

I would have thought it might have been possible to create diagrams so that electric units could operate the majority of the journeys, even if up till May they would operate to Diesel timings. Am sure the increased capacity and reliability of the electric units benefits would far out weigh the slightly slower times.

Not as simple as that

At the moment quite a few turns are worked by Shrewsbury based drivers who aren't trained on electrics, so would need completely re rostering
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 04, 2019, 12:04:43 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 30, 2018, 01:43:05 PM
I'm not on about that. Electric trains are cheaper to run than diesel. West Midlands Railway currently have diesels that could go off lease if the new timetables were in place, and there are currently services at maximum capacity where you physically cannot get more passengers onto the trains, so how is not implementing the new timetable saving money?
They have saved money by putting off the need to recruit and train drivers and lease units for the extra Shrewsbury and Crewe services for six months - at least some of the dmu.s off the Chase would have had to be retained for the Salops, and I would hope the rest to strengthen Worcester line services. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 04, 2019, 12:42:48 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 04, 2019, 12:04:43 PM
They have saved money by putting off the need to recruit and train drivers and lease units for the extra Shrewsbury and Crewe services for six months - at least some of the dmu.s off the Chase would have had to be retained for the Salops, and I would hope the rest to strengthen Worcester line services.

They haven't saved a penny. The driver's still need training and they already have all the extra units (319s) on lease
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 04, 2019, 03:58:36 PM
Is it still Desiros fir the chase line or could we ever see 319s 323a
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 04, 2019, 04:37:07 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 04, 2019, 03:58:36 PM
Is it still Desiros fir the chase line or could we ever see 319s 323a

Very unlikely to see a 319. 323s will possibly turn up. They are extending the Southbound platform at Hednesford to 5 coaches, all the others are being extended to 4, this will allow them to turn one of the brand new units there if needed, so looks like there might be a chance of them as well
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 04, 2019, 05:32:33 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 04, 2019, 04:37:07 PM
Very unlikely to see a 319. 323s will possibly turn up. They are extending the Southbound platform at Hednesford to 5 coaches, all the others are being extended to 4, this will allow them to turn one of the brand new units there if needed, so looks like there might be a chance of them as well

Will it be a very very rare working if a 323 comes
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 04, 2019, 05:33:55 PM
323s can shift quicker than Desiros cant they? How much quicker will a trip from Cannock to New St be compared with now?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 04, 2019, 05:41:18 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 04, 2019, 05:32:33 PM
Will it be a very very rare working if a 323 comes

They were looking at possibly using a 323 on an odd evening trip before the timetable change, not sure if anything has come of that. They've got to do all the route clearance first, They won't bother doing that with a 319 which normally don't get further North than Northampton which is why I said no to them
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 04, 2019, 05:54:48 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 04, 2019, 05:41:18 PM
They were looking at possibly using a 323 on an odd evening trip before the timetable change, not sure if anything has come of that. They've got to do all the route clearance first, They won't bother doing that with a 319 which normally don't get further North than Northampton which is why I said no to them

A 323 would i imagine be way way better than the woefully inadequate arrangements currently on the last journey of the evening!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 05, 2019, 02:35:52 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 04, 2019, 12:42:48 PM
They haven't saved a penny. The driver's still need training and they already have all the extra units (319s) on lease
Of course they've saved money - six months wages for the extra traincrew needed for the extra Shrewsbury trains and evening Snow Hill services. If they have been recruited and trained then there is absolutely no excuse for not using them to allow the handfull of extra ECS workings needed to segregate Shrewsbury and Hereford services from the Chase line. And clearly the DfT hasn't stopped minor changes like that - both Northern and TPE, supposedly only introducing May's timetable, have made bigger changes.
I'm not convinced that enough extra 319s have arrived either, although I accept they may be paying for units still at Long Marston.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 05, 2019, 02:42:13 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 05, 2019, 02:35:52 PM
Of course they've saved money - six months wages for the extra traincrew needed for the extra Shrewsbury trains and evening Snow Hill services. If they have been recruited and trained then there is absolutely no excuse for not using them to allow the handfull of extra ECS workings needed to segregate Shrewsbury and Hereford services from the Chase line. And clearly the DfT hasn't stopped minor changes like that - both Northern and TPE, supposedly only introducing May's timetable, have made bigger changes.
I'm not convinced that enough extra 319s have arrived either, although I accept they may be paying for units still at Long Marston.

The drivers have been recruited. They have taken on a lot of ex DBS drivers, some of which travel in with me on the chase line. The only leasing costs they are saving are the 172/0, and even that is down to TfL not releasing them. They wanted one at Leamington to train the drivers who should be doing the Nuneaton service with one of them.

The savings are a lot less than the extra revenue that they should be getting
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 05, 2019, 03:10:14 PM
WMR need to do something about the carpets on the chase line 170s. They smelt so bad on the 11.42 from new st today it permeated the carriage. Absolutely riffy. Its understandable due to high usage etc but carpets in carriages ( and on buses ) ive always thought were a mad idea. Vinyl/Lino all the way!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on January 05, 2019, 04:02:09 PM
172006 according to rail forum is on the move from ilford today
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on January 06, 2019, 01:54:03 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on January 05, 2019, 04:02:09 PM
172006 according to rail forum is on the move from ilford today

Transfer did not happen.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K91813/2019/01/05/advanced

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on January 06, 2019, 01:55:44 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 04, 2019, 05:33:55 PM
323s can shift quicker than Desiros cant they? How much quicker will a trip from Cannock to New St be compared with now?

The bid timetable for the electrified services is showing 35 to 38 minutes between Cannock and New Street.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 06, 2019, 02:42:13 PM
Quote from: Roy on January 06, 2019, 01:55:44 PM
The bid timetable for the electrified services is showing 35 to 38 minutes between Cannock and New Street.

Thats only about 4 mins quicker!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 07, 2019, 02:07:51 PM
Article on this lunchtimes Midlands Today (presumably repeated in the main Midlands Today at 18:30) about the delay to electric trains on the Chase Line.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 07, 2019, 04:14:47 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 05, 2019, 02:35:52 PM
Of course they've saved money - six months wages for the extra traincrew needed for the extra Shrewsbury trains and evening Snow Hill services. If they have been recruited and trained then there is absolutely no excuse for not using them to allow the handfull of extra ECS workings needed to segregate Shrewsbury and Hereford services from the Chase line. And clearly the DfT hasn't stopped minor changes like that - both Northern and TPE, supposedly only introducing May's timetable, have made bigger changes.
I'm not convinced that enough extra 319s have arrived either, although I accept they may be paying for units still at Long Marston.

Just checked on the 319s. Off the 15 they have 10 are in service, one is at Crewe under C6 overhaul and the others are at Silverton. None at Long Marston
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 07, 2019, 10:44:33 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 05, 2019, 02:35:52 PM
Of course they've saved money - six months wages for the extra traincrew needed for the extra Shrewsbury trains and evening Snow Hill services. If they have been recruited and trained then there is absolutely no excuse for not using them to allow the handfull of extra ECS workings needed to segregate Shrewsbury and Hereford services from the Chase line. And clearly the DfT hasn't stopped minor changes like that - both Northern and TPE, supposedly only introducing May's timetable, have made bigger changes.
I'm not convinced that enough extra 319s have arrived either, although I accept they may be paying for units still at Long Marston.

The problem is these days is that if you want to do anything on the railway you need to ask permission.

I remember when I worked for Central Trains and they wanted to make timetable changes on one particular line, they typed them all in the system and they were sent to (at that time) Railtrack and they all came back REFUSED.

This situation will not be someone at West Midland Trains being funny and saying we will wait till May to introduce electric trains on The Chase line, after all a great deal of work will have gone into formulating timetables, staff training, Recruitment etc.  More likely Network Rail, the ORR and ultimately the government are to blame.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 08, 2019, 06:24:56 AM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 07, 2019, 10:44:33 PM
The problem is these days is that if you want to do anything on the railway you need to ask permission.

I remember when I worked for Central Trains and they wanted to make timetable changes on one particular line, they typed them all in the system and they were sent to (at that time) Railtrack and they all came back REFUSED.

This situation will not be someone at West Midland Trains being funny and saying we will wait till May to introduce electric trains on The Chase line, after all a great deal of work will have gone into formulating timetables, staff training, Recruitment etc.  More likely Network Rail, the ORR and ultimately the government are to blame.

Yes definitely. As I said in my previous posts WMT are ready to go and want to go every delay is costing them.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on January 08, 2019, 08:26:27 AM
Quote from: Bob on January 06, 2019, 02:42:13 PM
Thats only about 4 mins quicker!

Would you rather keep the diesels?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 08, 2019, 08:30:15 AM
Quote from: Bob on January 06, 2019, 02:42:13 PM
Thats only about 4 mins quicker!

As the class 170 can do the line speed, the only gain is in acceleration from the stations so never going to take that much off the journey time
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on January 08, 2019, 09:23:29 AM
Quote from: Tony on January 07, 2019, 04:14:47 PM
the others are at Silverton.

Auto-correct?  Wolverton!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 08, 2019, 09:25:52 AM
Quote from: The Real 4778 on January 08, 2019, 09:23:29 AM
Auto-correct?  Wolverton!

Must be!

I definitely typed Wolverton, but never read it back.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 08, 2019, 12:47:44 PM
Quote from: Kevin on January 08, 2019, 08:26:27 AM
Would you rather keep the diesels?

Well it woukdve saved literally millions if theyd have used extra diesels from elsewhere as and when they became available surely. I mean...to save a few minutes?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 08, 2019, 01:13:35 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 08, 2019, 12:47:44 PM
Well it woukdve saved literally millions if theyd have used extra diesels from elsewhere as and when they became available surely. I mean...to save a few minutes?

Which spare diesels are those?

Wasn't it you not long ago complaining about reliability not long ago? Well the class 350s have just won the 2018 golden spanner again by being 5 times more reliable than 170s.

And while it would have saved millions on installing the wires. That starts getting repaid quite quickly on lower operating costs
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on January 08, 2019, 04:27:32 PM
And we get a leccy service to London too!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on January 08, 2019, 04:34:58 PM
Quote from: Westy on January 08, 2019, 04:27:32 PM
And we get a leccy service to London too!
Calling at all stations to London though - so 2 hours and 20 minute journey time at present from New St at present I believe.
I'd expect it'd be quicker to change at New St on to a Virgin Trains Service? I believe journey time from New St is just over 1 Hour 20 Minutes on Virgin?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dylanbusboy45 on January 08, 2019, 04:40:49 PM
Quote from: 2206 on January 08, 2019, 04:34:58 PM
Calling at all stations to London though - so 2 hours and 20 minute journey time at present from New St at present I believe.
I'd expect it'd be quicker to change at New St on to a Virgin Trains Service? I believe journey time from New St is just over 1 Hour 20 Minutes on Virgin?

Yep still about that in both cases. It's faster on LNWR if you time it right to change at Rugby for the Crewe-Euston which is all Trent Valley stations, then Nuneaton, Rugby and Milton Keynes.

In fact @Westy, as you are from Walsall, you would be quicker getting to Rubery TV, then catching the above service from there  ;)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 08, 2019, 10:18:24 PM
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on January 08, 2019, 04:40:49 PM
Yep still about that in both cases. It's faster on LNWR if you time it right to change at Rugby for the Crewe-Euston which is all Trent Valley stations, then Nuneaton, Rugby and Milton Keynes.

In fact @Westy, as you are from Walsall, you would be quicker getting to Rubery TV, then catching the above service from there  ;)

So almost 3 hrs from Cannock to Euston? That'll be popular 😂
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 08, 2019, 10:22:30 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 08, 2019, 10:18:24 PM
So almost 3 hrs from Cannock to Euston? That'll be popular 😂

Not everyone is in a rush, as you can tell by the number of people who already use LNWR from Birmingham already. The fact you can regularly get £6 tickets is a big draw
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on January 08, 2019, 10:31:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 08, 2019, 10:22:30 PM
Not everyone is in a rush, as you can tell by the number of people who already use LNWR from Birmingham already. The fact you can regularly get £6 tickets is a big draw

For those leisurely travellers maybe. I can't see many season ticket holders travelling on LNWR from Birmingham to London every day for work.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on January 08, 2019, 10:38:37 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 08, 2019, 10:22:30 PM
Not everyone is in a rush, as you can tell by the number of people who already use LNWR from Birmingham already. The fact you can regularly get £6 tickets is a big draw

And if you travel by Virgin it becomes twice as expensive for the same length of journey and the LNWR services I have seen towards London are busy and well used
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on January 09, 2019, 09:40:13 AM
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on January 08, 2019, 04:40:49 PM


In fact @Westy, as you are from Walsall, you would be quicker getting to Rubery TV, then catching the above service from there  ;)

Rubery Trent Valley! 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on January 09, 2019, 04:24:07 PM
Are the Rugeley Tv connections to London on the Walsall timetable leaflet?

If not, could LNWR make the leaflet available to Walsall station?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Cheese on January 09, 2019, 08:06:47 PM
Quote from: Westy on January 09, 2019, 04:24:07 PM
Are the Rugeley Tv connections to London on the Walsall timetable leaflet?

If not, could LNWR make the leaflet available to Walsall station?

Connections at Rugeley TV for both Euston and Stafford are shown on the Chase Line timetable leaflet.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 10, 2019, 12:56:59 AM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 08, 2019, 10:31:02 PM
For those leisurely travellers maybe. I can't see many season ticket holders travelling on LNWR from Birmingham to London every day for work.

Cost wise season ticket holders can save a lot of money travelling on LNWR

lets look at an annual season ticket (Prices: Virgin Trains Website)

Birmingham to London (Valid on West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services only.)  £5760.00
Birmingham to London (Valid only for travel via (changing trains or passing through) High Wycombe.)         £8648.00
Birmingham to London  (Travel is allowed via any permitted route.)                                                               £10900.00

@Trident 4194 Which option would you go for?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on January 10, 2019, 07:26:25 AM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 10, 2019, 12:56:59 AM
Cost wise season ticket holders can save a lot of money travelling on LNWR

lets look at an annual season ticket (Prices: Virgin Trains Website)

Birmingham to London (Valid on West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services only.)  £5760.00
Birmingham to London (Valid only for travel via (changing trains or passing through) High Wycombe.)         £8648.00
Birmingham to London  (Travel is allowed via any permitted route.)                                                               £10900.00

@Trident 4194 Which option would you go for?

Well if I had a job in London which required say a 8am start, you wouldn't get me getting a train a whole hour earlier, every day because it's 3,000 cheaper. I guess this is where virgin say you can't put a price on time saving. Chiltern I would go with but I wouldn't do LNWR everyday, it's just not practical in my opinion. Most people after they finish want to get home as quickly as possible which can't be achieved through LNWR
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 10, 2019, 08:22:11 AM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 10, 2019, 07:26:25 AM
Well if I had a job in London which required say a 8am start, you wouldn't get me getting a train a whole hour earlier, every day because it's 3,000 cheaper. I guess this is where virgin say you can't put a price on time saving. Chiltern I would go with but I wouldn't do LNWR everyday, it's just not practical in my opinion. Most people after they finish want to get home as quickly as possible which can't be achieved through LNWR

But from Hednesford, where I live the prices are exactly the same, but I can get to London Euston in 2 hours 8 minutes on LNWR, but it takes 2 hours 15 minutes using Virgin!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on January 10, 2019, 08:35:38 AM
Quote from: Tony on January 10, 2019, 08:22:11 AM
But from Hednesford, where I live the prices are exactly the same, but I can get to London Euston in 2 hours 8 minutes on LNWR, but it takes 2 hours 15 minutes using Virgin!

Well you would obviously use the cheaper and quicker journey. I was basing my opinion on Birmingham to London.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 10, 2019, 02:43:24 PM
 Details are starting to appear re the May timetable change.

On the Chase Line from Rugeley Trent Valley, Cannock, Hednesford, all morning departures bar one early departure are electric class 350 timed
.
The 06:22 Rugeley to Shrewsbury is booked a class 158.

During the day it looks like a half hour service, one service terminating at Birmingham International, the other at London Euston.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/CAO/to/BHM/2019/05/20/0000-2359?stp=WVSC&show=all&order=wtt

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on January 10, 2019, 04:46:08 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 10, 2019, 02:43:24 PM
Details are starting to appear re the May timetable change.

On the Chase Line from Rugeley Trent Valley, Cannock, Hednesford, all morning departures bar one early departure are electric class 350 timed
.
The 06:22 Rugeley to Shrewsbury is booked a class 158.

During the day it looks like a half hour service, one service terminating at Birmingham International, the other at London Euston.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/CAO/to/BHM/2019/05/20/0000-2359?stp=WVSC&show=all&order=wtt

That could possibly be a mistake it's a 170
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 10, 2019, 05:37:59 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on January 10, 2019, 04:46:08 PM
That could possibly be a mistake it's a 170

It's not a mistake. It is the class timings not what it will be operated by.
If you look at the current timetable they are all timed for 150/153/156.
Once the 153s have gone off lease they can be timed to the faster 158
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on January 10, 2019, 06:00:31 PM
Takes the path of the current 13 past New Street to Euston and 39 past New Street to international.

Noticed that the international shorts will no longer call all stations
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 10, 2019, 10:21:42 PM
May TT now on RTT - all the promised cross-Birmingham links, plus it would seem the second Birmingham-Rugeley detaches off the back of the Euston-Birmingham-Stoke-Crewe, and leaves via Aston.
Both Birmingham-Salops are via the Stour, not Bescot, except for odd trains. A number of morning peak trains to/from Walsall remain diesel and some are to/from Salop. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on January 11, 2019, 07:17:44 AM
Quote from: mikestone on January 10, 2019, 10:21:42 PM
May TT now on RTT - all the promised cross-Birmingham links, plus it would seem the second Birmingham-Rugeley detaches off the back of the Euston-Birmingham-Stoke-Crewe, and leaves via Aston.
Both Birmingham-Salops are via the Stour, not Bescot, except for odd trains. A number of morning peak trains to/from Walsall remain diesel and some are to/from Salop.

Where is Salop?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on January 11, 2019, 07:30:07 AM
Quote from: StourValley98 on January 11, 2019, 07:17:44 AM
Where is Salop?

Shrewsbury
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 11, 2019, 07:59:37 AM
Quote from: StourValley98 on January 11, 2019, 07:17:44 AM
Where is Salop?

It is the abbreviation for Shropshire
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on January 11, 2019, 09:55:47 AM
Quote from: Tony on January 11, 2019, 07:59:37 AM
It is the abbreviation for Shropshire

Ah, TIL. Thanks.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 11, 2019, 11:22:55 AM
Quote from: Tony on January 10, 2019, 05:37:59 PM
It's not a mistake. It is the class timings not what it will be operated by.
If you look at the current timetable they are all timed for 150/153/156.
Once the 153s have gone off lease they can be timed to the faster 158

So will a diesel train actually operate that particular journey? Ie the early ome from rugelry through cannock to shrewsbury via brum? As they dont have 158s do they WMT?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 11, 2019, 11:27:54 AM
Quote from: Bob on January 11, 2019, 11:22:55 AM
So will a diesel train actually operate that particular journey? Ie the early ome from rugelry through cannock to shrewsbury via brum? As they dont have 158s do they WMT?

Well it's not going to be electric to Shrewsbury is it?
see my earlier reply re:158
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 11, 2019, 12:26:31 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 11, 2019, 11:27:54 AM
Well it's not going to be electric to Shrewsbury is it?
see my earlier reply re:158

Yes but WMT dont have any 158s? Thats what i meant. So will it be a 170?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 11, 2019, 12:42:36 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 11, 2019, 12:26:31 PM
Yes but WMT dont have any 158s? Thats what i meant. So will it be a 170?

As I said, see my note above
"It's not a mistake. It is the class timings not what it will be operated by.
If you look at the current timetable they are all timed for 150/153/156.
Once the 153s have gone off lease they can be timed to the faster 158"
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 11, 2019, 02:12:45 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 11, 2019, 12:26:31 PM
Yes but WMT dont have any 158s? Thats what i meant. So will it be a 170?

My mistake @Bob, it appears that they have no timing band for a class 170, so therefore trains to be operated by a 170 will be timed as for a class 158, therefore more than likely (although subject to change before May), the service will be a 170.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 19, 2019, 06:57:26 PM
No trains after 1726 to brum on chase line and the 1852 bus from cannock hasnt turned up....
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 20, 2019, 04:04:07 PM
Intersesting that from May RTT showing buses Walsall-Rugeley on Sunday mornings.
;
Also showing lots of trains to/from Cannock Freightliner Terminal - has work started at Mid-Cannock Pentalver?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 22, 2019, 02:06:04 PM
Yesssssss! about time.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/travellers-shocked-police-ticket-inspectors-15714317?fbclid=IwAR0oVeUL4vHYJ5_1btVHptaVEx8mb_pqJvOeGB4i4Ofryj6O6CoW9910_I0
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 22, 2019, 02:30:46 PM
What struck me as weird was they seem proud of the fact that it is the first time in two years.
;
It seems fairly obvious the answer is barriers at Walsall and consistent use of p.3 towards the Chase.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 22, 2019, 02:35:49 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 22, 2019, 02:30:46 PM
What struck me as weird was they seem proud of the fact that it is the first time in two years.
;
It seems fairly obvious the answer is barriers at Walsall and consistent use of p.3 towards the Chase.

The problem is that people get away without buying a ticket once or twice and then they consider it the norm.

To me, more checks need to be carried out REGULARLY and if a person is caught more than once, prosecute them and publish there names on posters at stations like they used to.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on January 22, 2019, 04:52:37 PM
Must admit a couple of years ago when I caught a train between Hednesford & Bloxwich, the Hednesford machine wasnt working & the conductor didnt appear until Landywood!

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on January 22, 2019, 05:36:19 PM
Quote from: Westy on January 22, 2019, 04:52:37 PM
Must admit a couple of years ago when I caught a train between Hednesford & Bloxwich, the Hednesford machine wasnt working & the conductor didnt appear until Landywood!
They never usually come out to check and sell tickets when i've used the trains on the Solihull to Moor Street line, but then again given how overcrowded some of these trains towards Moor Street are it is probably physically impossible for the conductor to get down the train to checm tickets.

Solihull - Acocks Green - Moor Street, needs some extra peak time capacity, are there any plans for this to be done or is it going to remain this way, the trains towards Moor Street from Solihull were rammed, with no room at all for anyone else to get on at Tyesley or Acocks Green, as they'd squashed as many people as is possible into one train.

The 08:26 from Acocks Green to Solihull cancelled again
today (it seems to happen everytime I try to catch this or the 08:49), the displays at the station showing it was due to disruptive passengers. meaning the late 08:49 was very overowded, why can't the 08:25 Chiltern service call at these stations when they do this, instead of leaving passengers waiting for the next train,its happened a number of times when i've used thisas well.

Its a terrible service at present on this line with, overcrowded trains and a very unreliable service, I usually avoid using it, the X2 is much more reliable and you can actually get on it and you even get a seat.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 22, 2019, 05:38:55 PM
Is the bridge at Landywood currently closed to vehicles coming from the cheslyn hay end ( ie the route 2 and X51 from cannock direction)??
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 22, 2019, 06:19:48 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 22, 2019, 05:38:55 PM
Is the bridge at Landywood currently closed to vehicles coming from the cheslyn hay end ( ie the route 2 and X51 from cannock direction)??

Yes
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on January 22, 2019, 07:37:47 PM
Quote from: Westy on January 22, 2019, 04:52:37 PM
Must admit a couple of years ago when I caught a train between Hednesford & Bloxwich, the Hednesford machine wasnt working & the conductor didnt appear until Landywood!

I'm hardly surprised, they seem to actively discourage the on board staff doing that, when I interviewed for the role they seemed adamant that the Conductor's role is just the safety of passengers
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 22, 2019, 09:53:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 22, 2019, 06:19:48 PM
Yes

Oh ffs what for this time and for how long???
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 22, 2019, 10:34:11 PM
Quote from: 2206 on January 22, 2019, 05:36:19 PM
Solihull - Acocks Green - Moor Street, needs some extra peak time capacity, are there any plans for this to be done or is it going to remain this way, the trains towards Moor Street from Solihull were rammed, with no room at all for anyone else to get on at Tyesley or Acocks Green, as they'd squashed as many people as is possible into one train.

The 08:26 from Acocks Green to Solihull cancelled again
today (it seems to happen everytime I try to catch this or the 08:49), the displays at the station showing it was due to disruptive passengers. meaning the late 08:49 was very overowded, why can't the 08:25 Chiltern service call at these stations when they do this, instead of leaving passengers waiting for the next train,its happened a number of times when i've used thisas well.

Its a terrible service at present on this line with, overcrowded trains and a very unreliable service, I usually avoid using it, the X2 is much more reliable and you can actually get on it and you even get a seat.

From what I read on Facebook yesterday, all remaining class 172/0 services used by London Overground on the Gospel Oak to Barking service will finish service this weekend and come over, via a repaint probably, to WMT.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on January 23, 2019, 06:06:09 AM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 22, 2019, 10:34:11 PM
From what I read on Facebook yesterday, all remaining class 172/0 services used by London Overground on the Gospel Oak to Barking service will finish service this weekend and come over, via a repaint probably, to WMT.

AIUI, 2 for the Leamington - Nuneatons, and the rest for the Snow Hill lines
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on January 23, 2019, 09:09:15 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 22, 2019, 10:34:11 PM
From what I read on Facebook yesterday, all remaining class 172/0 services used by London Overground on the Gospel Oak to Barking service will finish service this weekend and come over, via a repaint probably, to WMT.

I think they need toilets to be installed too as currently they don't have any?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on January 23, 2019, 10:41:09 PM
Quote from: D10 on January 23, 2019, 09:09:15 PM
I think they need toilets to be installed too as currently they don't have any?

Yes, they are set to be modified to be PRM complaint while undergoing refurbishment before entering into service under WMR.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 25, 2019, 03:02:12 PM
More new on the GOBLIN 172s

https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2019/january/modified-electric-trains-to-be-used-temporarily-on-london-overground-s-gospel-oak-to-barking-line?fbclid=IwAR2kEgnTJalkgONgWr3PLXypvMozC8AKUvyRdbz5OgPT2vKFERrNS5pNsCQ
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 4679 on January 25, 2019, 03:36:48 PM
Saw a lone 153 heading towards Walsall around 1 o'clock any idea what it was on?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 25, 2019, 03:57:01 PM
Quote from: WB Driver on January 25, 2019, 03:36:48 PM
Saw a lone 153 heading towards Walsall around 1 o'clock any idea what it was on?

Possibly 12:42 Birmingham to Rugeley Trent Valley?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 25, 2019, 10:01:33 PM
It would have been this
;
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P69679/2019/01/25/advanced
'
Pretty sure these training trips have been mentioned here before.
;

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/WSL/2019/01/25/0600-2000?stp=WVS&show=non-passenger&order=wtt&toc=LM
;

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 25, 2019, 10:17:06 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 25, 2019, 10:01:33 PM
It would have been this
;
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P69679/2019/01/25/advanced
'
Pretty sure these training trips have been mentioned here before.
;

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/WSL/2019/01/25/0600-2000?stp=WVS&show=non-passenger&order=wtt&toc=LM
;

Had a look back and can't see these trips mentioned. I can only assume New Street drivers are learning Birmingham to Walsall but would have thought that they would know the route?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 26, 2019, 08:36:08 AM
Was one of the formations a 153 short yesterday also?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on January 26, 2019, 10:30:54 AM
What operators are doing the solihull rail replacement today please
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 26, 2019, 02:44:38 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 25, 2019, 10:17:06 PM
Had a look back and can't see these trips mentioned. I can only assume New Street drivers are learning Birmingham to Walsall but would have thought that they would know the route?
Presume it is driver training rather than route learning.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 26, 2019, 04:33:34 PM
From what I have read on Facebook today, 172006 is working on the Snow Hill lines still London Overground colours.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 26, 2019, 06:37:48 PM
It was reported on this, to Rugby and showing in p.3 there on the map.
;
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O77185/2019/01/26/advanced
;
I would guess either being based there for training or waiting entry to Wolverton.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on January 26, 2019, 06:51:48 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 26, 2019, 04:33:34 PM
From what I have read on Facebook today, 172006 is working on the Snow Hill lines still London Overground colours.

Why today? WM aren't serving Snow Hill to Leamington, and it's a Saturday. Interesting.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on January 26, 2019, 09:57:59 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 26, 2019, 06:51:48 PM
Why today? WM aren't serving Snow Hill to Leamington, and it's a Saturday. Interesting.

@Sh4318 sorry my fault, the pic on Facebook shiows it at Stratford and I put 2 + 2 together and made 22, either that or Stratford Upon Avon is now electrified, it was moved today ready for use by WMT.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 27, 2019, 08:43:25 AM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 26, 2019, 09:57:59 PM
@Sh4318 sorry my fault, the pic on Facebook shiows it at Stratford and I put 2 + 2 together and made 22, either that or Stratford Upon Avon is now electrified, it was moved today ready for use by WMT.

Driver training has got to take place with them yet, so will be a bit of time away from entering service
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 30, 2019, 06:48:51 AM
Chase line off to a bad start today - first ECS to Rugeley stuck on the Up Fast.
.
on the other hand it has given me Curboro US-UF!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on January 30, 2019, 08:05:04 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 30, 2019, 06:48:51 AM
Chase line off to a bad start today - first ECS to Rugeley stuck on the Up Fast.
.
on the other hand it has given me Curboro US-UF!

I bet it was great for people that rely on it for work in brum for the first two morning trains to be cancelled
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 30, 2019, 08:26:18 PM
Quote from: Bob on January 30, 2019, 08:05:04 PM
I bet it was great for people that rely on it for work in brum for the first two morning trains to be cancelled

Yes, I normally catch the second one. At least the third was 4 vice 3 carriages, and again WMR not to blame. both trains left depot on time and got stuck at Stafford
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 31, 2019, 11:14:41 AM
Unit appears to have stayed there until aboy 09.30 then gone back to Stafford.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on February 06, 2019, 10:08:20 PM
Comparisons between the current timetable and the provisional May timetable for any station or TOC can be found at the following website.
https://live-departures.info/rail/timetable-comparison/
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Justin Tyme on February 06, 2019, 11:02:55 PM
Quote from: Roy on February 06, 2019, 10:08:20 PM
Comparisons between the current timetable and the provisional May timetable for any station or TOC can be found at the following website.
https://live-departures.info/rail/timetable-comparison/

Thanks for this Roy.  I've just looked up Shirley and good news there - two or three extra peak journeys squeezed in and a doubled evening service as far as Whitlocks End.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on February 06, 2019, 11:13:53 PM
Quote from: Justin Tyme on February 06, 2019, 11:02:55 PM
Thanks for this Roy.  I've just looked up Shirley and good news there - two or three extra peak journeys squeezed in and a doubled evening service as far as Whitlocks End.
Well if they can do it on that line why can't they do it on Solihull - Snow Hill. There doesn't seem to be any good news for these passengers.
No extra peak time capacity at Acocks Green though - so it will continue with severe overcrowding and an inadequate level of service for those wishing using Solihull to Moor Street. Still only the 08:23 to Worcester Shrub Hill. They never seem to be very reliable either.
Its an appalling service, i'll carry on using the X2 myself.



Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on February 07, 2019, 03:27:41 PM
Quote from: 2206 on February 06, 2019, 11:13:53 PM
Well if they can do it on that line why can't they do it on Solihull - Snow Hill. There doesn't seem to be any good news for these passengers.
No extra peak time capacity at Acocks Green though - so it will continue with severe overcrowding and an inadequate level of service for those wishing using Solihull to Moor Street. Still only the 08:23 to Worcester Shrub Hill. They never seem to be very reliable either.
Its an appalling service, i'll carry on using the X2 myself.

Maybe it's because chitern railways and wmr operate this line whilst the line to Stratford is WMR only hence more track access. You do have to take into consideration that the chilterns are fast services and if WMR increase their services it would slow down the chilterns
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on February 07, 2019, 03:51:22 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on February 07, 2019, 03:27:41 PM
Maybe it's because chitern railways and wmr operate this line whilst the line to Stratford is WMR only hence more track access. You do have to take into consideration that the chilterns are fast services and if WMR increase their services it would slow down the chilterns

There is some truth in that, as spare paths are scarce to say the least.  The most effective way this will be tackled is when the WMR fleet grows in a couple of years.  There's no instant fix, as trains can't be spirited out of thin air overnight.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on February 07, 2019, 04:52:21 PM
Quote from: The Real 4778 on February 07, 2019, 03:51:22 PM
There is some truth in that, as spare paths are scarce to say the least.  The most effective way this will be tackled is when the WMR fleet grows in a couple of years.  There's no instant fix, as trains can't be spirited out of thin air overnight.

If only it were possible to quadruple that section...  :P
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 07, 2019, 05:05:36 PM
Or taken the opportunity  to move the loop at Dorridge into the middle so that turnbacks didn't conflict, when they extended the down goods.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on February 09, 2019, 08:35:11 AM
Quote from: 2206 on February 06, 2019, 11:13:53 PM
Well if they can do it on that line why can't they do it on Solihull - Snow Hill. There doesn't seem to be any good news for these passengers.
No extra peak time capacity at Acocks Green though - so it will continue with severe overcrowding and an inadequate level of service for those wishing using Solihull to Moor Street. Still only the 08:23 to Worcester Shrub Hill. They never seem to be very reliable either.
Its an appalling service, i'll carry on using the X2 myself.

10 trains from 7-9am between Solihull and Moor Street

4 trains from 8-9am between Acocks Green and Moor Street

If you want to spend 30+ minutes seated on a bus, rather than 10 minutes standing on a train, to get to the same destination, that's your prerogative, I guess
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on February 09, 2019, 11:29:06 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 09, 2019, 08:35:11 AM
10 trains from 7-9am between Solihull and Moor Street

4 trains from 8-9am between Acocks Green and Moor Street

If you want to spend 30+ minutes seated on a bus, rather than 10 minutes standing on a train, to get to the same destination, that's your prerogative, I guess
And those 4 trains are rammed and dangerously overcrowded, with no room for anyone else to get on, with as many people as possible squashed in like sardines. Have you ever actually tried getting on and using the 08:23 at Acocks Green?
I would rather spend 25 minutes on a bus, than have to put up wth it. And them cancelling the trains, yes.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on February 09, 2019, 02:28:30 PM
Quote from: 2206 on February 09, 2019, 11:29:06 AM
And those 4 trains are rammed and dangerously overcrowded, with no room for anyone else to get on, with as many people as possible squashed in like sardines. Have you ever actually tried getting on and using the 08:23 at Acocks Green?
I would rather spend 25 minutes on a bus, than have to put up wth it. And them cancelling the trains, yes.

I have the same problem with the snow hill lines Stourbridge side but the problems are that the time of day (Rush Hour) combined with more and more people are using the train to get into Birmingham due to congestion. WMR is using all its available rolling stock and can not spawn new trains out of thin air. With the 6 of the 8 class 172/0s coming into service this year (other 2 for Nuneaton to Leamington Spa) that will help a little with the overcrowding and any spare 196s will probably be used also when they arrive. Also as mentioned above track access is probably limited with the chilterns also using that line.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on February 09, 2019, 09:05:27 PM
Quote from: 2206 on February 09, 2019, 11:29:06 AM
And those 4 trains are rammed and dangerously overcrowded, with no room for anyone else to get on, with as many people as possible squashed in like sardines. Have you ever actually tried getting on and using the 08:23 at Acocks Green?
I would rather spend 25 minutes on a bus, than have to put up wth it. And them cancelling the trains, yes.

I get that line everyday, get on the CH 07:57 departure from Smethwick Galton Bridge and then talk to me about overcrowding. My point being, if that train is overcrowded, there are alternatives

You realise there's a diesel stock train shortage across the Network, as posted above, the extra 12 172/0 carriages should help as far as that line is concerned
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dylanbusboy45 on February 22, 2019, 03:46:00 PM
Out of the blue the 323s appear to be getting refurbished and first one already completed and in service - 323217. Works include deep clean, accessible toilet, new moquette and fitting of internal destination screens.
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/range-improvements-are-being-made-trains-cross-city-line
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on February 22, 2019, 10:01:46 PM
Wonder if theres actually any padding in the seats compared with before lol
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on February 22, 2019, 10:13:05 PM
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on February 22, 2019, 03:46:00 PM
Out of the blue the 323s appear to be getting refurbished and first one already completed and in service - 323217. Works include deep clean, accessible toilet, new moquette and fitting of internal destination screens.
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/range-improvements-are-being-made-trains-cross-city-line

To be honest, this makes me even more frustrated that they're going to Northern
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Cheese on February 23, 2019, 10:04:31 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 22, 2019, 10:13:05 PM
To be honest, this makes me even more frustrated that they're going to Northern

That's news to me considering Northern will be getting rid of theirs, why would they want any more!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 23, 2019, 10:31:23 AM
I don't know where this obsession with them going to Northern has come from - neither Cl.323 fleet has ever had any place in the plans of either  franchise. It was widely assumed under the previous operators Northern's would eventualy come to London Midland but I don't believe that was ever a firm plan 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 23, 2019, 10:44:05 AM
Because there replacements won't be here before January they need these PSVAR mods, but as you say neither batch currently has a known use past 2021. I would imagine the owners will be touting them to all bidders tbough as they already have the UK wide safety case
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 23, 2019, 05:53:46 PM
I think that boat sailed with the Cardiff Valleys tram-trains.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 01, 2019, 12:41:20 PM
Sad the 150s are going. Caught one to uni stn today, and despite being older i still rate them much higher than a 170. The biggest difference is they dont stink ( 170 carpets are disgustingly filthy and the smell goes into the carriage eso if its warm on), and look much brighter inside. Seats are a lot softer too. Weirdly though it seemed a lot quieter than i remember. Certainly quieter than a 153
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on March 04, 2019, 11:39:11 PM
Been announced by TFL that the class 172s on the Goblin line will cease operation on the 17th March 2019. From the 18th March, a temporary 1/2 hour timetable will be introduced whilst they await the 710s to become available for driver training.

So the rest of the 172s should start making there way, not doubt via works, to WMT.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on March 05, 2019, 09:03:58 AM
172/0s have been out on Tyseley to Stratford test runs and 172 006 has been photographed at Stratford.  I understand that driver training is due to start from next Monday.  Two round trips are booked on Realtime Trains -
5T72 1006 Tyseley LMD - Stratford, 5T73 1052 Stratford - Tyseley
5T74 1145 Tyseley LMD - Stratford, 5T75 1250 Stratford - Tyseley
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 05, 2019, 10:27:28 AM
Builders have issued a press release stating that the cl.230 order is complete - are they all at Bletchley?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 05, 2019, 10:34:04 AM
I believe so, start date still expected to be 8th April
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on March 06, 2019, 08:30:16 PM
Quote from: Roy on March 05, 2019, 09:03:58 AM
172/0s have been out on Tyseley to Stratford test runs and 172 006 has been photographed at Stratford.  I understand that driver training is due to start from next Monday.  Two round trips are booked on Realtime Trains -
5T72 1006 Tyseley LMD - Stratford, 5T73 1052 Stratford - Tyseley
5T74 1145 Tyseley LMD - Stratford, 5T75 1250 Stratford - Tyseley

Has a start date for passenger service been approximated yet? Sorry if already mentioned.

Quote from: Bob on March 01, 2019, 12:41:20 PM
Sad the 150s are going. Caught one to uni stn today, and despite being older i still rate them much higher than a 170. The biggest difference is they dont stink ( 170 carpets are disgustingly filthy and the smell goes into the carriage eso if its warm on), and look much brighter inside. Seats are a lot softer too. Weirdly though it seemed a lot quieter than i remember. Certainly quieter than a 153

They'll be missed, along with the 153s. I have to say, Northern and Scotrail's 170s put WMRs to shame
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 06, 2019, 09:20:54 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 06, 2019, 08:30:16 PM
Has a start date for passenger service been approximated yet? Sorry if already mentioned.

They'll be missed, along with the 153s. I have to say, Northern and Scotrail's 170s put WMRs to shame

Im not sure ill miss the 153s as much. The ones that didnt get the refresh are in a bit of a state and the legroom is pretty poor unless you get a table seat. Much prefer 150s, way way better suited to the Chase Line than 170s
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on March 07, 2019, 08:56:17 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 06, 2019, 08:30:16 PM
Has a start date for passenger service been approximated yet? Sorry if already mentioned.

Officially it is the start of the new timetable on 19 May.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 07, 2019, 09:00:17 AM
Chase line overheads are now permanently live. A test run for both a class 350 and a 323 is being planned before May, so 323s can cover if a 350 is not available.

The test runs won't happen though until Landywood up platform extension is completed so that clearances can be measured
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 07, 2019, 12:42:15 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 07, 2019, 09:00:17 AM
Chase line overheads are now permanently live. A test run for both a class 350 and a 323 is being planned before May, so 323s can cover if a 350 is not available.

The test runs won't happen though until Landywood up platform extension is completed so that clearances can be measured

Would it be unlikely that 323s would be used?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on March 07, 2019, 10:57:16 PM
Quote from: Bob on March 07, 2019, 12:42:15 PM
Would it be unlikely that 323s would be used?

It probably would be unlikely, but not impossible, that is why 323s need route clearance work done.

Then on the day that a 350 fails and you just happen to have a spare 323 sat at New Street waiting to go to Soho, then it can be used to keep the service running.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 14, 2019, 05:28:20 PM
Had this this morning.
;
http://news.wmtrains.co.uk/pressreleases/west-midlands-railway-invites-local-business-leaders-to-discuss-may-timetable-improvements-2846989
;
presumably the short notice is in the hope no-one turns up. Not sure what the point of discussion at this stage is, or if anyone will ask what they will do for their staff trying to get home when their train is trapped North of Stafford/South of Milton Keynes.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 20, 2019, 08:54:16 AM
Late afternoon on Sunday 7th April could see the first Electric train to traverse the Chase Line.

It doesn't seem to be in the system yet, but one to look out for by those who like such things
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: RW on March 20, 2019, 11:40:58 AM
Anything up to 20 orange hi- viz operatives on the former Duddeston coach stabling area this mid morning. Anything to do with the rumoured new stock stabling area for WMR? Whole area was cleared of trees and vegetation some time ago. Appears no one explained that when left it would all start to grow back! Thought at the time it might be a precursor to work starting on the site but obviously not.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: The Real 4778 on March 20, 2019, 11:52:41 AM
Quote from: RW on March 20, 2019, 11:40:58 AM
Anything up to 20 orange hi- viz operatives on the former Duddeston coach stabling area this mid morning. Anything to do with the rumoured new stock stabling area for WMR? Whole area was cleared of trees and vegetation some time ago. Appears no one explained that when left it would all start to grow back! Thought at the time it might be a precursor to work starting on the site but obviously not.

Yes, the site has been cleared for works connected with the new EMU depot.  For accuracy, the site is that of the former DCE Duddeston wagon depot storage sidings; the former Carriage sidings were on the up side adjacent to the station.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: RW on March 20, 2019, 12:39:23 PM
I stand corrected 4778. Thanks. I think I probably knew that from my 'spotting' days many moons ago but walking up New St while texting is not my speciality! Thanks again though. On my return they appeared to be also surveying the track beds leading to the site
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 20, 2019, 03:53:14 PM
The carriage shed was on the opposite side, but coaching stock also used the area being adopted by West Midlands Railway. I'm not 100% certain, but I think the shed closed when the sleepers were extended to Bristol and the downside continued in use.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 888DUK on March 31, 2019, 10:57:02 AM
Quote from: Tony on March 20, 2019, 08:54:16 AM
Late afternoon on Sunday 7th April could see the first Electric train to traverse the Chase Line.

It doesn't seem to be in the system yet, but one to look out for by those who like such things

Any confirmation or anymore news on this yet Tony??
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 31, 2019, 11:30:18 AM
Quote from: 888DUK on March 31, 2019, 10:57:02 AM
Any confirmation or anymore news on this yet Tony??

I'm told it will leave New Street around 16:00
Still waiting for it to appear in Real Time Trains
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 02, 2019, 08:46:51 PM
I believe that the 323 on Sunday 7th will be following the 16:42 from New Street to Rugeley. This trip isn't in the System yet, but the return working from Rugeley back to Birmingham does appear to be following the 17:48 Rugeley-Birmingham

see http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S88121/2019/04/07/advanced

Yes I know it is listed as a DMU on there
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on April 02, 2019, 08:51:10 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 02, 2019, 08:46:51 PM
I believe that the 323 on Sunday 7th will be following the 16:42 from New Street to Rugeley. This trip isn't in the System yet, but the return working from Rugeley back to Birmingham does appear to be following the 17:48 Rugeley-Birmingham

see http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S88121/2019/04/07/advanced

Yes I know it is listed as a DMU on there

Interestingly it's shown as a class 2 which is normally a normal passenger service as opposed to a class 5!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 02, 2019, 08:55:14 PM
Just noticed something else odd in the system as well, a loco hauled Exeter to Bromsgrove which carries on empty stock to Carnforth
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10709/2019/04/07/advanced
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on April 02, 2019, 09:00:14 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 02, 2019, 08:55:14 PM
Just noticed something else odd in the system as well, a loco hauled Exeter to Bromsgrove which carries on empty stock to Carnforth
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10709/2019/04/07/advanced

@Tony, it starts from Bromsgrove on the morning

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10708/2019/04/07/advanced

EDIT: https://northernbelle.co.uk/trip/classic-afternoon-tea/382?passengers=2%20Passengers
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 03, 2019, 08:22:13 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 02, 2019, 08:51:10 PM
Interestingly it's shown as a class 2 which is normally a normal passenger service as opposed to a class 5!

I've queried that with someone I know at Network Rail
It is class 2 because it is stopping at all the intermediate stations and that is easier to so with a class 2 than a class 5.
The reason it is shown as a DMU is there is no timings for the line for EMUs yet so they have had to use DMU timings
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on April 04, 2019, 11:39:02 AM
The outbound journey (2T95 at 1645 from New Street) is now on Realtime Trains
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S88120/2019/04/07/advanced
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 04, 2019, 01:30:44 PM
Quote from: Roy on April 04, 2019, 11:39:02 AM
The outbound journey (2T95 at 1645 from New Street) is now on Realtime Trains
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S88120/2019/04/07/advanced

I'm told to expect similar timings on the 14th April for the class 350 test run
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 11, 2019, 08:24:38 PM
Sunday's class 350 test train on the chase line now on real time trains
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S61784/2019/04/14/advanced

There's another unusual test train on Sunday as well
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S61931/2019/04/14/advanced

This is a 12 car class 350 to test it fits in Wolverhampton CS. The 12 car will then return to Birmingham International where the back four will be detached to do the Chase test train.

12 cars north of Birmingham are extremely rare
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 13, 2019, 03:59:49 PM
Any idea what the covered sign is at Chase Line stations - presumably not 350 stop boards as on the down at Landywood (IIRC) it's nearer Walsall than the existing stop boards.
;
Also note some freight diversions due to the down grand junction blocked at Bushbury until 10th May including the Bridgwater flasks.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 14, 2019, 06:23:53 PM
Quote from: mikestone on April 13, 2019, 03:59:49 PM
Any idea what the covered sign is at Chase Line stations - presumably not 350 stop boards as on the down at Landywood (IIRC) it's nearer Walsall than the existing stop boards.
;
Also note some freight diversions due to the down grand junction blocked at Bushbury until 10th May including the Bridgwater flasks.

I think they are the 350 stop board. Landywood Station has an extra extension to allow for the difficulty in stopping at the bottom of the hill in poor rail conditions, so that will allow a short over-run
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 14, 2019, 06:24:35 PM
First class 350 at Hednesford

http://wmbusphotos.com/Trains/class350/350368.html
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on April 15, 2019, 11:26:46 AM
I don't suppose anyone knows when the footbridge is likely to be completed at Bloxwich, do they?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on April 15, 2019, 12:06:47 PM
So with WMR and LNWR supposedly separate companies, who will be running the London - Rugeley service? Or is it like the Northern / Scotrail thing with services through Carlisle?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on April 15, 2019, 12:15:06 PM
Quote from: Kevin on April 15, 2019, 12:06:47 PM
So with WMR and LNWR supposedly separate companies, who will be running the London - Rugeley service? Or is it like the Northern / Scotrail thing with services through Carlisle?
They're not separate as far as I know.
LNWR livery trains would be used, same as the New Street to International local service (and New Street - London) at present I'd have thought.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on April 15, 2019, 07:42:45 PM
Quote from: Kevin on April 15, 2019, 12:06:47 PM
So with WMR and LNWR supposedly separate companies, who will be running the London - Rugeley service? Or is it like the Northern / Scotrail thing with services through Carlisle?

The London Midland franchise was taken over by West Midlands Trains Ltd, who introduced two seperate brands 'West Midlands Railway' for local services and 'London Northwestern Railway' for the services between London, Birmingham and Liverpool, ie those operating beyond the West Midlands, for a provision of potentially splitting the franchise in future.

On that basis, I would expect the London to Rugeley service to be LNWR operated.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on April 16, 2019, 10:29:53 PM
Quote from: Stu on April 15, 2019, 07:42:45 PM
The London Midland franchise was taken over by West Midlands Trains Ltd, who introduced two seperate brands 'West Midlands Railway' for local services and 'London Northwestern Railway' for the services between London, Birmingham and Liverpool, ie those operating beyond the West Midlands, for a provision of potentially splitting the franchise in future.

On that basis, I would expect the London to Rugeley service to be LNWR operated.

I think it confuses more than just us, have seen departure boards saying West Midlands Trains whilst others say West Midlands Railways.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dylanbusboy45 on April 20, 2019, 07:07:01 PM
Just seen this, 172003 in WMR Colours outside Tyseley. Looks nice but always though Overground livery suited these
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140710651@N05/47582770322/in/datetaken/
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 21, 2019, 11:09:47 AM

;
On the Chase Line timetable leaflet all through trains to and from London are shown LN, and the others WM, both with first class. Some Birmingham Walsall locals are shown standard only, presumably those booked dmu or 323, but apart from the parliamentary no mention of through services to Wolverhampton or Shrewsbury.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on April 21, 2019, 06:40:29 PM
Quote from: mikestone on April 21, 2019, 11:09:47 AM
;
On the Chase Line timetable leaflet all through trains to and from London are shown LN, and the others WM, both with first class. Some Birmingham Walsall locals are shown standard only, presumably those booked dmu or 323, but apart from the parliamentary no mention of through services to Wolverhampton or Shrewsbury.

I'm not sure if it works the same as it does on my local line from Brum to Wolves, but services that aren't booked for first can either turn up a 323 or a 350, with First Class being declassified on the latter.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 24, 2019, 06:40:40 PM
Are any units leaving in May?
Ignoring maintenance, a back of envelope calculation suggests  the Chase Line electrics  will release about twelve cars, Marston Vale three and the two Coventry working two and with eight 172s arriving to cover those, that's around 10 vehicles not spoken for  after covering Leamington-Nuneaton, giving a total of 27 to be redeployed.
Assuming the new Shrewsbury trains  and a couple of extra morning peak turns on Snow Hill lines are three cars, that leaves about a dozen to strengthen other workings or go away.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 24, 2019, 06:48:00 PM
Quote from: mikestone on April 24, 2019, 06:40:40 PM
Are any units leaving in May?
Ignoring maintenance, a back of envelope calculation suggests  the Chase Line electrics  will release about twelve cars, Marston Vale three and the two Coventry working two and with eight 172s arriving to cover those, that's around 10 vehicles not spoken for  after covering Leamington-Nuneaton, giving a total of 27 to be redeployed.
Assuming the new Shrewsbury trains  and a couple of extra morning peak turns on Snow Hill lines are three cars, that leaves about a dozen to strengthen other workings or go away.

I believe only the 3 150s are due to go this year
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on April 24, 2019, 09:12:20 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 24, 2019, 06:48:00 PM
I believe only the 3 150s are due to go this year

Shame. Still excellent units
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on April 25, 2019, 06:57:36 AM
Quote from: Tony on April 24, 2019, 06:48:00 PM
I believe only the 3 150s are due to go this year

Are the 153s not off to East Midlands Trains then?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 25, 2019, 08:00:11 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 25, 2019, 06:57:36 AM
Are the 153s not off to East Midlands Trains then?

I haven't heard that one! East Midlands Trains already have a problem of too many 153s that run singly so are not PSVAR compliant from January. Other operators are getting around the PsVAR rules with them by only using them coupled to compliant units.

It does now look like the 323s when they are released will go to Northern now. Northern are looking at using them to replace their class 319s so that Porterbrook can use the 319s in the 'Flex' bi-mode programme.

This has several advantages as a 323 has roughly the same capacity as a 319, but some of the routes the 319s are on can take 6 carriages, but not 8, so allow for double units at busy times, and as both units are owned by Porterbrook and easy swap when Porterbrrok have other uses for 319s
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 4679 on April 25, 2019, 02:19:27 PM
I thought the some of the 153's were of to Scot rail to be converted to carry Bikes.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 25, 2019, 02:43:35 PM
Quote from: WB Driver on April 25, 2019, 02:19:27 PM
I thought the some of the 153's were of to Scot rail to be converted to carry Bikes.

Those are ex Great Western ones that had been on hire to Northern. They will be attached to either a 156 or 158 to get around the PsVAR rules
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 25, 2019, 02:44:47 PM
But is the 769 going to be quietly abandoned - no sign of the one that has been at Allerton since Christmas escaping. It can't be lack of traincrew resources with the CAF testing suspended - there was some last Thurday but nothing since apart from a couple of Edge Hill-Allerton moves.
;
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 25, 2019, 02:49:44 PM
Quote from: mikestone on April 25, 2019, 02:44:47 PM
But is the 769 going to be quietly abandoned - no sign of the one that has been at Allerton since Christmas escaping. It can't be lack of traincrew resources with the CAF testing suspended - there was some last Thurday but nothing since apart from a couple of Edge Hill-Allerton moves.
;

Porterbrook are reckoning on getting enough orders to need the entire batch hence this swap. Transport for Wales have just increased their order for them
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 25, 2019, 04:52:47 PM
Timetables now on website.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Pat on April 25, 2019, 09:13:04 PM
Quote from: mikestone on April 25, 2019, 04:52:47 PM
Timetables now on website.
I've just seen the new Birmingham-Shrewsbury timetable. Not what you'd call every 30 mins like what was promised. The whole point of the extra train per hour is to ease overcrowding and skipping out stations such as Bilbrook which are quite busy isn't really goint to help do this. They'd have been better off keeping the same stopping pattern as is current.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 26, 2019, 12:18:27 AM
I don't think it was ever said it was to be half-hourly - 'not as bad as it appears as the fast trains are roughly half-hourly with the Arriva trains.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Pat on April 26, 2019, 11:37:46 AM
Quote from: mikestone on April 26, 2019, 12:18:27 AM
I don't think it was ever said it was to be half-hourly - 'not as bad as it appears as the fast trains are roughly half-hourly with the Arriva trains.
I suppose, but this doesn't help for people who live in Codsall or Shifnal as the Transport for Wales train doesn't stop there.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on April 26, 2019, 12:27:27 PM
The problem was finding a spare path between Birmingham and Wolverhampton.  The extra Shrewsbury service seems to have taken up the path previously used by the Euston to Wolverhampton services (xx:50) until they were merged with the New Street to Scotland services at xx:15.  It is possible that the service might be rerouted via Bescot to serve Willenhall, Darlaston and Tame Bridge Parkway in 2021/22 so it might be retimed then.   
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 29, 2019, 07:39:17 PM
Path in this evening from Tyseley to Newton Heath.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 02, 2019, 11:19:30 PM
Two Saturday evening 323 jobs on the Chase from May - 21.20 and 21.58 from New St.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 07, 2019, 08:25:13 AM
For anyone wanting to travel on the first electric passenger train on the Chase line, it will actually be the 22:19 Birmingham-Rugeley on Saturday 18th May, last day of the old timetable. This and the 23:19 to Rugeley are both booked for class 350s to get them in the correct position for Sunday morning.

Someone was asking whether the 153s were going off-lease. It looks like they are going onto the Worcester line to strengthen some services. The staff bulletin lists this as a minus point as they won't have wifi.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 07, 2019, 02:01:14 PM
I believe these may be a 'VIP Special" EMU working for the Chase electrification

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S56643/2019/05/10/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S56644/2019/05/10/advanced

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on May 08, 2019, 06:08:14 AM
Tried catching 16:57 yesterday Birmingham to Walsall the train was completely delayed just sat on platform one.  No announcements on train re-delay.  Found a member of staff on the platform staff who informed be the drIver is stuck on a broken down.   

If they already known about the delay why not use the driver who brought train in to station or not let people on train sat there like lemons. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on May 08, 2019, 08:32:08 AM
Quote from: Ginger66 on May 08, 2019, 06:08:14 AM
.....
If they already known about the delay why not use the driver who brought train in to station or not let people on train sat there like lemons.

The first bit, no, because then that takes a driver off other things, or his break, etc. Many reasons why they couldn't use that driver
However
The second bit. Absolutely yes. It's so frustrating that passengers are kept in the dark when staff are fully aware that the train is going nowhere
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 10, 2019, 02:55:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 07, 2019, 02:01:14 PM
I believe these may be a 'VIP Special" EMU working for the Chase electrification

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S56643/2019/05/10/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S56644/2019/05/10/advanced

Cannocks vile "votes for all cuts to LA funding so they cant afford to pay for evening and Sunday buses then slags the bus companies off for cutting said services" Tory was there at Walsall station earlier, doing what she does best, vacuous  photo opportunities
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on May 10, 2019, 06:50:54 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 10, 2019, 02:55:22 PM
Cannocks vile "votes for all cuts to LA funding so they cant afford to pay for evening and Sunday buses then slags the bus companies off for cutting said services" Tory was there at Walsall station earlier, doing what she does best, vacuous  photo opportunities

Surprised Eddie Hughes didnt show his face either, as the train passes through Walsall North!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 11, 2019, 03:20:34 PM
Despite stopping them at Witton for the play-off still two 2 car workings.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 12, 2019, 12:27:25 PM
The mystery signs at Chase Line stations face the track rather than on-coming trains, suggesting they may be "UDS" signs, a slightly odd provision as neither Rugeley TV  or Hednesford can platform eight cars to start back.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JoNi on May 14, 2019, 08:58:15 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/may/09/train-firms-red-tape-hampers-compensation-claims-says-which
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on May 14, 2019, 03:41:30 PM
Quote from: JoNi on May 14, 2019, 08:58:15 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/may/09/train-firms-red-tape-hampers-compensation-claims-says-which

That's an interesting article because I had to claim compensation on 2 London North Western train journeys recently and couldn't have found the process easier.

There have to be a number of checks performed because otherwise people would go around picking up old tickets and submitting them for compensation (or refund).
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JoNi on May 18, 2019, 07:21:22 AM
Nuneaton train disappearing from Coventry platform 2 this morning looked like former Barking Gospel Oak unit in WMT colours. Half the volume!
Leamington shuttle still class 153.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 18, 2019, 08:51:56 AM
Quote from: JoNi on May 18, 2019, 07:21:22 AM
Nuneaton train disappearing from Coventry platform 2 this morning looked like former Barking Gospel Oak unit in WMT colours. Half the volume!
Leamington shuttle still class 153.

Yes first day in use today
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JoNi on May 18, 2019, 12:11:48 PM
Will it only be ex Barking Gospal Oak trains on Nuneaton - Leamington or other class 170 units as well.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 18, 2019, 12:22:56 PM
Quote from: JoNi on May 18, 2019, 12:11:48 PM
Will it only be ex Barking Gospal Oak trains on Nuneaton - Leamington or other class 170 units as well.

Always booked class 172/0. Today it's  172003
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JoNi on May 18, 2019, 12:26:49 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 18, 2019, 12:22:56 PM
Always booked class 172/0. Today it's  172003


Thanks
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 18, 2019, 04:59:47 PM
Here's 172003 in use today

http://wmbusphotos.com/Trains/class172/172003.html
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 18, 2019, 11:09:21 PM
Reported 22.19 Birmingham-Rugeley was emu tonight, presumably to have the right number berthed overnight at Wolverhampton.
;
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 18, 2019, 11:21:30 PM
Yes, I posted earlier in the week it would be, along with the 23:18 which is a through service from Liverpool.

350234 did the honours of being the first electric passenger train on the line. A photo is here

http://wmbusphotos.com/Trains/class350/350234.html
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JoNi on May 20, 2019, 10:04:25 AM
Both Nuneaton - Leamington Spa trains are class 172.
Having seen on Real Time Trains that earlier departures had lost time, the 09:17 from Coventry to Nuneaton arrived late as expected. It lost further time due to flat cross over from platform 4 to Nuneaton line. The light and airy orange seats have been replaced by dull grey seats with small orange triangles. I'll leave the final comment to a customer who along with a group of fellow travellers ran for the Stanstead train at Nuneaton. "At least the old trains ran on time"!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on May 20, 2019, 01:55:21 PM
So is the Chase Line 'working' then?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on May 21, 2019, 01:11:49 AM
The 0955 KID*-DDG** interestingly consisted of a 170/6 + 153/3 today. Is this the booked stock? Or will this be worked by the 172/0s in the future?

* KID - Kidderminster
** DDG - Dorridge
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on May 21, 2019, 08:04:15 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 21, 2019, 01:11:49 AM
The 0955 KID*-DDG** interestingly consisted of a 170/6 + 153/3 today. Is this the booked stock? Or will this be worked by the 172/0s in the future?

* KID - Kidderminster
** DDG - Dorridge
The 08:34 to Worcester Shrub Hill from Moor Street was a 170/6 as well yesterday.
The 08:40 to Dorridge that used to be a 170 was a 172/3 yesterday.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Cheese on May 21, 2019, 12:24:25 PM
Quote from: 2206 on May 21, 2019, 08:04:15 AM
The 08:34 to Worcester Shrub Hill from Moor Street was a 170/6 as well yesterday.
The 08:40 to Dorridge that used to be a 170 was a 172/3 yesterday.

The 06:25 Worcester Shrub Hill to New Street has been a 172/0 the last two days, always used to be a 170/5. This does the 07:20 New Street to Great Malvern and 08:38 return from Great Malvern to New Street before returning to Tyseley.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 21, 2019, 02:41:12 PM
Nice to see the 15.21 to cannock from New St is cancelled.....
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 21, 2019, 04:42:31 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 21, 2019, 02:41:12 PM
Nice to see the 15.21 to cannock from New St is cancelled.....

No it wasn't
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 21, 2019, 06:48:27 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 21, 2019, 04:42:31 PM
No it wasn't

It was listed as so on train line at 215pm. In the end it ran half an hour late. The 617am from Cannock stopped with a pantograph fault for 5 mins at landywood this morning meaning people missed the connecting x city train at Aston.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 21, 2019, 06:51:17 PM
The timekeeping from New St has been horrific this afternoon. 18.21 is cancelled altogether. One of the trips that actually wasnt as late as the others got to cannock around 20 mins late. Its not good
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on May 21, 2019, 07:46:47 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 21, 2019, 06:48:27 PM
It was listed as so on train line at 215pm. In the end it ran half an hour late. The 617am from Cannock stopped with a pantograph fault for 5 mins at landywood this morning meaning people missed the connecting x city train at Aston.

What, missed the every 10 mins connection? Shock horror....
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on May 21, 2019, 08:46:12 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 21, 2019, 06:51:17 PM
The timekeeping from New St has been horrific this afternoon. 18.21 is cancelled altogether. One of the trips that actually wasnt as late as the others got to cannock around 20 mins late. Its not good

Bob you have a much better service than you have ever had before and you moan about a train cancelled... it's not the end of the world and at least you did not suffer a thameslink disaster!!

There is always a reason for cancellation!! Stop looking for faults and be happy about the new timetable, 4 car 350s and electric trains no more dog boxes
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 21, 2019, 08:47:37 PM
Quote from: Kevin on May 21, 2019, 07:46:47 PM
What, missed the every 10 mins connection? Shock horror....


And the 1821 wasn't  cancelled altogether although it was very late and turned at Walsall. But it is more fun for some people to sit watching the internet so they can report every problem they can find
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2019, 06:24:22 AM
Its not much fun for commuters Tony! Almost every trip from New St was late/very late. And as for "looking at the internet looking for faults"...No! I was looking to make sure it was running. Passengers comments on Twitter werent complimentary
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on May 22, 2019, 12:27:25 PM
Didnt the X51 have a problem the other day, I seem to recall reading?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on May 22, 2019, 01:44:54 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 22, 2019, 06:24:22 AM
Its not much fun for commuters Tony! Almost every trip from New St was late/very late. And as for "looking at the internet looking for faults"...No! I was looking to make sure it was running. Passengers comments on Twitter werent complimentary

Perhaps you should use that medium to air your grievances, rather than a bus forum. Are you enjoying your 4 carriage electrified trains, free wifi and direct trains to London?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2019, 03:42:21 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 22, 2019, 01:44:54 PM
Perhaps you should use that medium to air your grievances, rather than a bus forum. Are you enjoying your 4 carriage electrified trains, free wifi and direct trains to London?

After yesterday i think the X51s a safer option...
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on May 22, 2019, 05:26:49 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 22, 2019, 03:42:21 PM
After yesterday i think the X51s a safer option...

What, the X51 that on a bad M6 day can get easily hit city centre 15+ mins late? You think that a safer option vs a faster train that was probably only late by a minute or so?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2019, 08:02:23 PM
Quote from: Kevin on May 22, 2019, 05:26:49 PM
What, the X51 that on a bad M6 day can get easily hit city centre 15+ mins late? You think that a safer option vs a faster train that was probably only late by a minute or so?

Check trainline id say pretty much every ones been late some by 15 mins plus!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2019, 08:03:22 PM
The comments on twitter arent particularly complimentary put it that way
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ashley 60171 on May 22, 2019, 08:13:56 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 22, 2019, 08:03:22 PM
The comments on twitter arent particularly complimentary put it that way

And Twitter comments affect you how exactly?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on May 22, 2019, 08:18:12 PM
Quote from: Bob on May 22, 2019, 08:02:23 PM
Check trainline id say pretty much every ones been late some by 15 mins plus!

Because bob my sweetie, not every trains been delayed and the London ones can be affected on the WCML so can cause a knock on effect

See attachment the slightly late trains seem to be the London ones rest state ON TIME...

You moaned about the service prior the changes and now you moan about the service after the changes... moan about arriva now moan about an X51 missing.... the world is not perfect, the railway infrastructure are not perfect, problems happen...

Learn and Adapt there are sooo many ways to go from Cannock to Birmingham now... if one is delayed use another
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on May 22, 2019, 10:08:53 PM
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on May 22, 2019, 08:13:56 PM
And Twitter comments affect you how exactly?

Im pointing out what disgruntled passengers have stated on there? Some copied in to the local MP..
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on May 23, 2019, 12:50:39 AM
Quote from: Bob on May 22, 2019, 06:24:22 AM
Its not much fun for commuters Tony! Almost every trip from New St was late/very late. And as for "looking at the internet looking for faults"...No! I was looking to make sure it was running. Passengers comments on Twitter werent complimentary

It always gets my back up when people keep saying that services are delayed and cancelled on a particular day without even taking any trouble to actually look into the cause.

The 18:21 from Birmingham is actually a service from London Euston which arrives at Birmingham, splits and then a portion goes forward to Rugeley Trent Valley. On Tuesday 21/05/19, there was a fatality at Milton Keynes Central mid afternoon and the line was totally blocked for a considerable time (this blockage is supervised by the emergency services and trains cannot start to run again without there authority).

Whilst it was possible for some trains to be turned at Rugby and Northampton, a considerable number of trains were caught south of Milton Keynes. When the blockage was lifted and trains started to run again, you have the problem of stock and train crews being in the wrong place, line controllers have to try and rebuild a service as best they can with the stock and crew they have available.

Indeed the 17:45 service to Rugeley, another ex London service, the control found a set and crew for it and it ran with a 2 minute delay, and the following service the 18:53 from Birmingham ran 2 minutes late off Birmingham with a right time arrival in Rugeley.

Plus at the end of the day, this week marks a new timetable, and as with anything new, it takes some getting used to for staff as well as passengers. Things will improve, I have looked at both Monday and Wednesday and although things on the line weren't perfect, they weren't that bad either, unless you look just look at the odd train!!!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 23, 2019, 11:16:26 AM
In fact the line was open at Milton Keynes in about an hour, so its anybodys guess what will happen when one takes the usual two to three hours.
.
It is undeniable that this timetable worsens the situation for home going commuters, not only on the Chase Line, for the questionable benefit of running almost everything to and from London, and once again management appear to have gone home on Friday knowing that there had been insufficient route learning to run the service robustly.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: MK on May 23, 2019, 12:43:44 PM
Quote from: mikestone on May 23, 2019, 11:16:26 AM
It is undeniable that this timetable worsens the situation for home going commuters, not only on the Chase Line, for the questionable benefit of running almost everything to and from London.

Have to agree with this. Pretty much sums up the situation in one sentence.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on May 25, 2019, 08:33:02 PM
Ticket inspector was checking tickets on the 08:38 West Midlands Railways service to Kidderminster from Moor Street just before Cradley Heath, heard somebody onboard, saying they use "Trainline", he purchases his ticket on his mobile when asked to show the ticket, then once they've checked it clicks refund and it only costs him a fee of £1 (he gets the rest of his money back), apparently he'd come from London doing this, he got off Cradley Heath.
Ticket Inspector checked his ticket and didn't seem to even notice anything.
He was also saying something like he doesn't mind paying for a service, but you don't get much of a service so he doesn't pay.

Strange West Midland Railways are accepting tickets of a site that lets people do this.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on May 25, 2019, 09:00:37 PM
New livery 139 apparently due out in service tomorrow
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on May 25, 2019, 10:21:20 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 25, 2019, 09:00:37 PM
New livery 139 apparently due out in service tomorrow
Photo of 139 002 on Stourbridge Line User Group Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/407285492711907

I wonder whether 139 001 will receive its new livery this coming week while it's out of service.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on May 28, 2019, 11:37:45 PM
Quote from: 2206 on May 25, 2019, 08:33:02 PM
Ticket inspector was checking tickets on the 08:38 West Midlands Railways service to Kidderminster from Moor Street just before Cradley Heath, heard somebody onboard, saying they use "Trainline", he purchases his ticket on his mobile when asked to show the ticket, then once they've checked it clicks refund and it only costs him a fee of £1 (he gets the rest of his money back), apparently he'd come from London doing this, he got off Cradley Heath.
Ticket Inspector checked his ticket and didn't seem to even notice anything.
He was also saying something like he doesn't mind paying for a service, but you don't get much of a service so he doesn't pay.

Strange West Midland Railways are accepting tickets of a site that lets people do this.

Sorry @2206 but that sounds rather suspect.

For a start the Trainline refund fee is £10,

Secondly, from the Trainline app "You will need to activate your downloaded ticket before travelling, however this should only be done on the day of travel and once you are sure you will be travelling that day. Activating your ticket is irreversible, once it's been activated it cannot be changed, refunded or moved so we recommend you only activate it just before boarding. Tickets should not be activated before 04.30 am on the day of travel, unless your train leaves before then."

Someone trying to fool people they are traveling for nowt!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on May 29, 2019, 07:33:31 AM
I'm more surprised that someone was even checking tickets.
Saturday I travelled Banbury to Liverpool and back via Kenilworth, Chase Line and Trent Valley line to Crewe and the new Chester - Liverpool service. Every single West Midlands train between every single stop the Senior Conductor walked the length of the train but didn't actually consider checking anyone's tickets. Rather glad I failed the interview for the job now, wouldn't want to work in a company that encourages that
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on May 31, 2019, 12:08:30 PM
Interesting combination of 153-366 and 153-356 working together on the Hereford / Birmingham route yesterday. 8)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on June 01, 2019, 09:26:59 AM
Quote from: Roy on May 25, 2019, 10:21:20 PM
Photo of 139 002 on Stourbridge Line User Group Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/407285492711907

I wonder whether 139 001 will receive its new livery this coming week while it's out of service.

139 001 in service tomorrow in new livery.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on June 01, 2019, 04:06:23 PM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on May 31, 2019, 12:08:30 PM
Interesting combination of 153-366 and 153-356 working together on the Hereford / Birmingham route yesterday. 8)

Another interesting working for 153 fans is the 0649 ex Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End and its subsequent trips. The booked allocation for this four carriage train is two 153 units and a two car 170.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 01, 2019, 04:35:03 PM
Quote from: D10 on June 01, 2019, 04:06:23 PM
Another interesting working for 153 fans is the 0649 ex Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End and its subsequent trips. The booked allocation for this four carriage train is two 153 units and a two car 170.

Here's a photo of it yesterday
http://wmbusphotos.com/Trains/Class170/170501.html
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 01, 2019, 06:08:56 PM
29 trains turned back at Hednesford between Monday and Friday, including several instances of  consecutive trains.
;
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on June 01, 2019, 07:19:17 PM
Quote from: D10 on June 01, 2019, 04:06:23 PM
Another interesting working for 153 fans is the 0649 ex Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End and its subsequent trips. The booked allocation for this four carriage train is two 153 units and a two car 170.

This working then goes onto do Dorridge/Whitlocks End to Kidderminster, before returning back to Worcester from Dorridge after 9pm. Will post diagrams later
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 02, 2019, 01:55:14 PM
Quote from: mikestone on June 01, 2019, 06:08:56 PM
29 trains turned back at Hednesford between Monday and Friday, including several instances of  consecutive trains.
;
;
And nine yesterday, resulting in nothing from Rugeley to Hednesford between 12.12 and 14.45 - surely there can be no good reason for turning back a train that only returns to International.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on June 02, 2019, 02:00:24 PM
Quote from: mikestone on June 02, 2019, 01:55:14 PM
;
And nine yesterday, resulting in nothing from Rugeley to Hednesford between 12.12 and 14.45 - surely there can be no good reason for turning back a train that only returns to International.

Well we hope Arriva or NX are keeping an eye on the situation.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on June 02, 2019, 02:54:12 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 01, 2019, 07:19:17 PM
This working then goes onto do Dorridge/Whitlocks End to Kidderminster, before returning back to Worcester from Dorridge after 9pm. Will post diagrams later

According to the Stourbridge Line User Group Facebook page, the following are the non-standard Monday to Friday Snow Hill line diagrams.

170/5 + 153 +153

2S10 0649 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2K05 0837 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C20 0955 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K20 1109 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S40 1225 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K36 1340 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C50 1455 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K51 1609 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S72 1725 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K65 1845 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C74 2005 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V79 2118 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street

172/0 + 172/0

2S08 0735 Birmingham Snow Hill to Whitlocks End
2K04 0807 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C18 0936 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V20 1046 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C36 1216 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2V32 1346 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C54 1517 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V44 1646 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C70 1837 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2K75 2030 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S90 2145 Kidderminster to Stratford-upon-Avon
2W88 2330 Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham Snow Hill

170/5 + 170/5

2C06 0630 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V10 0811 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2S26 0952 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2V22 1119 Whitlocks End to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C42 1317 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V36 1446 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C62 1634 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2J71 1824 Dorridge to Stourbridge Junction
5J71 1939 Stourbridge Junction to Tyseley L.M.D.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on June 03, 2019, 01:12:44 PM
Quote from: Roy on June 02, 2019, 02:54:12 PM
According to the Stourbridge Line User Group Facebook page, the following are the non-standard Monday to Friday Snow Hill line diagrams.

170/5 + 153 +153

2S10 0649 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2K05 0837 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C20 0955 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K20 1109 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S40 1225 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K36 1340 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C50 1455 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K51 1609 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S72 1725 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K65 1845 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C74 2005 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V79 2118 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street

172/0 + 172/0

2S08 0735 Birmingham Snow Hill to Whitlocks End
2K04 0807 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C18 0936 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V20 1046 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C36 1216 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2V32 1346 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C54 1517 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V44 1646 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C70 1837 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2K75 2030 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S90 2145 Kidderminster to Stratford-upon-Avon
2W88 2330 Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham Snow Hill

170/5 + 170/5

2C06 0630 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V10 0811 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2S26 0952 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2V22 1119 Whitlocks End to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C42 1317 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V36 1446 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C62 1634 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2J71 1824 Dorridge to Stourbridge Junction
5J71 1939 Stourbridge Junction to Tyseley L.M.D.

I'm currently aboard 172007 which is coupled to a 172/2 forming 2V28, the 1246 Dorridge to Worcester SH.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: markcf83 on June 04, 2019, 06:15:53 PM
Something to look out for next month when I will be in the Midlands.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on June 04, 2019, 08:35:01 PM
172-213 Departed Bromsgrove for New Street around quarter to  seven this morning.  :)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: uniquicity on June 04, 2019, 08:46:20 PM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on June 04, 2019, 08:35:01 PM
172-213 Departed Bromsgrove for New Street around quarter to  seven this morning.  :)

Indeed, that journey is booked 172/0 or 172/2 depending on what's available
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Cheese on June 04, 2019, 10:00:19 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on June 04, 2019, 08:46:20 PM
Indeed, that journey is booked 172/0 or 172/2 depending on what's available

Yep, since the timetable change that service has been a 172/0 or 172/2, see it most mornings going through Bournville before my train. Then works the 0720 New Street to Great Malvern. Always used to be a 170/5 before.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on June 05, 2019, 01:21:40 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on June 04, 2019, 08:46:20 PM
Indeed, that journey is booked 172/0 or 172/2 depending on what's available

Thanks for the information. Not called in at that time for a few weeks. Only called to see what was on the "nukes". And for the record the same working produced 172-216 this morning.  :D
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on June 06, 2019, 07:44:44 AM
Quote from: Roy on June 02, 2019, 02:54:12 PM
According to the Stourbridge Line User Group Facebook page, the following are the non-standard Monday to Friday Snow Hill line diagrams.

170/5 + 153 +153

2S10 0649 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2K05 0837 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C20 0955 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K20 1109 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S40 1225 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K36 1340 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C50 1455 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K51 1609 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S72 1725 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K65 1845 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C74 2005 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V79 2118 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street

172/0 + 172/0

2S08 0735 Birmingham Snow Hill to Whitlocks End
2K04 0807 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C18 0936 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V20 1046 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C36 1216 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2V32 1346 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C54 1517 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V44 1646 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C70 1837 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2K75 2030 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S90 2145 Kidderminster to Stratford-upon-Avon
2W88 2330 Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham Snow Hill

170/5 + 170/5

2C06 0630 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V10 0811 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2S26 0952 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2V22 1119 Whitlocks End to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C42 1317 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V36 1446 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C62 1634 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2J71 1824 Dorridge to Stourbridge Junction
5J71 1939 Stourbridge Junction to Tyseley L.M.D.

The 0709 SBJ-WTE was worked by a 170/6 today. Deputising for a 172/3 perhaps?

SBJ - Stourbridge Junction
WTE - Whitlock's End
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Rob H on June 06, 2019, 08:33:17 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 06, 2019, 07:44:44 AM
The 0709 SBJ-WTE was worked by a 170/6 today. Deputising for a 172/3 perhaps?

SBJ - Stourbridge Junction
WTE - Whitlock's End

I believe its meant to be a 170/6 here is the diagram;

5S90 06:38 Worcester L.M.D. – Stourbridge Junction
2S90 07:09 Stourbridge Junction – Whitlocks End
2J92 08:23 Whitlocks End – Stourbridge Junction
2B80 09:15 Stourbridge Junction – Birmingham Snow Hill
5B80 09:43 Birmingham Snow Hill – Tyseley L.M.D.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on June 10, 2019, 03:22:43 PM
Chase lines all over the shop. The 15.21 is showing on trainline as cancalled from New St yet its running. The 15.46 showing as on time yet at New St is showing as cancelled! Imagine if people havent checked and just thought ill wait for the 15.46!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: uniquicity on June 10, 2019, 03:35:45 PM
Quote from: Bob on June 10, 2019, 03:22:43 PM
Chase lines all over the shop. The 15.21 is showing on trainline as cancalled from New St yet its running. The 15.46 showing as on time yet at New St is showing as cancelled! Imagine if people havent checked and just thought ill wait for the 15.46!

Blame the Trainline for the first. The National Rail data which will appear at the stations doesn't show any issues with the 15.21.

15.46 is running, it is usually a Northampton to Rugeley working (which is showing as cancelled) but today is being done with an untimetabled Euston to Rugeley. Should just have left Tile Hill
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on June 10, 2019, 04:11:58 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on June 10, 2019, 03:35:45 PM
Blame the Trainline for the first. The National Rail data which will appear at the stations doesn't show any issues with the 15.21.

15.46 is running, it is usually a Northampton to Rugeley working (which is showing as cancelled) but today is being done with an untimetabled Euston to Rugeley. Should just have left Tile Hill

Open Train Times blogged yesterday as to how unreliable data feeds have become over the last few weeks, this could be why trains are either not showing or are showing incorrect information.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 10, 2019, 04:32:06 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on June 10, 2019, 04:11:58 PM
Open Train Times blogged yesterday as to how unreliable data feeds have become over the last few weeks, this could be why trains are either not showing or are showing incorrect information.

That's why moaning from the train line instead of reality is stupid. If you look at Saturday at Rugeley Trent Valley the 1838 arrival from Birmingham was cancelled.  The 1840 from Birmingham was cancelled, but the 1840 from Birmingham was on time! No there aren't 3 trains through Cannock in three minutes. There's one and it was on time, but keyboard warriors will probably note two cancellations. The  only reason I was checking that one was I was waiting for it at Rugeley
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on June 10, 2019, 10:37:46 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 10, 2019, 04:32:06 PM
That's why moaning from the train line instead of reality is stupid. If you look at Saturday at Rugeley Trent Valley the 1838 arrival from Birmingham was cancelled.  The 1840 from Birmingham was cancelled, but the 1840 from Birmingham was on time! No there aren't 3 trains through Cannock in three minutes. There's one and it was on time, but keyboard warriors will probably note two cancellations. The  only reason I was checking that one was I was waiting for it at Rugeley

By the looks of it, the original train was cancelled at Northampton due to train crew issues, however the control obviously had a spare set so ran it in place, on time between New Street and Rugeley. The other cancellation was due to someone putting the extra train in the system twice.

Sadly things like the Trainline app are not very good when things like this are taking place, basically becuase they can't discriminate between fact and fiction!!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on June 11, 2019, 12:54:03 PM
I can see this Walsall to London coming off.

It seems seriously unreliable, reading these posts.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: dingding on June 11, 2019, 09:26:49 PM
Been pretty dire for the last few weeks since the TT change. It is annoying to say the least when you get turfed off the train at Coventry with no explanation and the following train runs but misses out all booked stops between International and New Street again without explanation! Luckily the Virgin staff put a stop order for Marston Green for on the 2018 to Liverpool. Obviously WMR prefer to try to meet punctuality performance targets over providing a service which seems to be pretty much all over the place at the moment. Hopefully the timetable will settle down but with the much longer distances now being covered the opportunity to lose time is obvious. Just wish there was a bit of communication from control to let on board and platform staff know what is going on when disruption occurs!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on June 20, 2019, 07:18:56 PM
153-375 with 153-334 doing the Hereford > New Street > Hereford today , also noted 172-003. :D
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JoNi on June 20, 2019, 10:43:01 PM
Late last Friday night passengers on board a late running Virgin train I was on wanted to catch the last Leamington train at Coventry. Full marks to whoever diverted the Virgin Train to platform 2 and routed the WMT Leamington train into platform 3 so that they could walk across and catch it.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on June 20, 2019, 11:55:06 PM
Quote from: JoNi on June 20, 2019, 10:43:01 PM
Late last Friday night passengers on board a late running Virgin train I was on wanted to catch the last Leamington train at Coventry. Full marks to whoever diverted the Virgin Train to platform 2 and routed the WMT Leamington train into platform 3 so that they could walk across and catch it.

Virgin arranged for the TfW service from Chester to Shrewsbury to wait for them at Wrexham when their train from London was late last week. They seem to be the only company I've heard of in recent years that have the clout / power to arrange this
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on June 21, 2019, 12:03:37 AM
Quote from: Kevin on June 20, 2019, 11:55:06 PM
Virgin arranged for the TfW service from Chester to Shrewsbury to wait for them at Wrexham when their train from London was late last week. They seem to be the only company I've heard of in recent years that have the clout / power to arrange this

Really it's about time that railway companies weren't penalised for late running if they have been delayed to maintain a connection.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 21, 2019, 10:38:31 AM
Quote from: JoNi on June 20, 2019, 10:43:01 PM
Late last Friday night passengers on board a late running Virgin train I was on wanted to catch the last Leamington train at Coventry. Full marks to whoever diverted the Virgin Train to platform 2 and routed the WMT Leamington train into platform 3 so that they could walk across and catch it.
Looking at RTT that appears to have happened because they were farting about in 1 with a terminated Birmingham - Northampton, which finally went they decided to do it!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on July 04, 2019, 08:48:54 PM
Some changes to formations from 9 July
.
West Midlands Trains   Additional carriages for busy commuter services to and from Birmingham Snow Hill West Midlands Trains - Jul 04, 2019 13:17 BST

Changes will be made to of some of West Midlands Railway's busiest commuter trains to and from Birmingham from next week, following feedback from passengers.

The biggest timetable shake-up in over 10 years has been good news for many rail passengers with direct services to more destinations, faster journeys on many routes and more seats to and from Birmingham everyday. Further changes to be introduced from Tuesday 9 July will see additional carriages operating some of the busiest peak time services to and from Birmingham Snow Hill.

West Midlands Railway will be reallocating the number of carriages on the 1713 departure from Birmingham Snow Hill to Worcester Shrub Hill from Tuesdays to Fridays. A five carriage train will be used to operate this service – an increase from the four carriage train used since the timetable change in May.

The 1703 and 1723 departures either side of this service saw an increase in carriages with the new timetable, meaning that an additional four carriages now operate between Birmingham and Stourbridge between 1700 and 1730 on weekdays, compared to before the timetable change.

Another improvement comes with the reintroduction of five carriages on the 0708 departure from Leamington Spa to Birmingham from Tuesdays to Fridays.

The train operator will be providing the additional capacity by reallocating carriages from other services, based on passenger counts and demand elsewhere on the Snow Hill lines.*

Richard Brooks, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: "The new timetable introduced in May represented the biggest change for over a decade. While passengers have been adjusting to the new timetable, we appreciate that some services have been incredibly busy. We have been working hard to see what further improvements could be made and we are confident we now have a solution for our passengers.

"In response to particular feedback about the 0708 service from Leamington Spa to Birmingham and the 1713 service from Birmingham Snow Hill to Worcester, we didn't want to make any rushed decisions that may have had unintended consequences elsewhere on the network. We have therefore spent a number of weeks assessing what could be done to reallocate some carriages and we believe our solution will deliver consistent performance and benefit passengers on some of our busiest evening services.

"We want to thank all our passengers for their patience while the new timetable has been bedding in and we will continue to look at making further refinements to improve our timetable going forward."

ENDS

For further information on this release, call our press office on 03300 955150 or email press.office@wmtrains.co.uk

Notes to editors

*The following changes will be made to train formations from Tuesdays to Fridays from Tuesday 9 July onwards to accommodate additional carriages some of the busiest West Midlands Railway commuter services to and from Birmingham Snow Hill:

Morning peak: Tuesday – Friday

0708 Leamington Spa to Kidderminster: 5 carriages (previously 4 carriages) 0741 Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham Snow Hill: 3 carriages (previously 6 carriages) 0749 Kidderminster to Stratford-upon-Avon: 4 carriages (previously 3 carriages) 0807 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster: 5 carriages (previously 4 carriages)

Evening peak: Tuesday – Friday

1623 Kidderminster to Stratford-upon-Avon: 4 carriages (previously 3 carriages) 1627 Stourbridge Junction to Dorridge: 3 carriages (previously 6 carriages) 1646 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill: 5 carriages (previously 4 carriages) 1657 Stourbridge Junction to Stratford-upon-Avon: 4 carriages (previously 3 carriages) 1728 Dorridge to Worcester shrub Hill: 3 carriages (previously 6 carriages)

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on July 18, 2019, 09:24:38 PM
Track access application has gone in for an extra hourly Birmingham-Walsall service, stopping only at Tame Bridge from December - I expect it's  too much to hope these will run to Euston to allow one of the Chase line services to be self contained.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on July 22, 2019, 12:46:41 PM
When the services via Willenhall & Darlaston get going, what routes besides the  Walsall to Wolverhampton are they planning to do?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Pat on July 22, 2019, 05:38:14 PM
Quote from: Westy on July 22, 2019, 12:46:41 PM
When the services via Willenhall & Darlaston get going, what routes besides the  Walsall to Wolverhampton are they planning to do?
I think they're routing one of the Shrewsbury's through there.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 04, 2019, 06:56:06 AM
December TT uploaded to RTT - no sign of the additional Walsall trains though it is of course possible they might appear later.
The second Birmingham-Shrewsbury moves to xx.34, so perhaps the plan for these to eventually serve Darlaston has changed?
Through Shrewsbury-Walsall trains all replaced by electric services on the Walsall-Birmingham leg..
Many SX and a couple of Saturday trains to Rugeley showing from P.3 at Walsall.
The Pleck parliamentary extended non-stop to Rugeley!
On Sundays one London-Birmingham train per hour is combined with Birmingham-Liverpool and a second extended as an additional service to Stafford with "depot workings" to/from Crewe.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Pat on August 04, 2019, 09:20:21 AM
Quote from: mikestone on August 04, 2019, 06:56:06 AM
December TT uploaded to RTT - no sign of the additional Walsall trains though it is of course possible they might appear later.
The second Birmingham-Shrewsbury moves to xx.34, so perhaps the plan for these to eventually serve Darlaston has changed?
Through Shrewsbury-Walsall trains all replaced by electric services on the Walsall-Birmingham leg..
Many SX and a couple of Saturday trains to Rugeley showing from P.3 at Walsall.
The Pleck parliamentary extended non-stop to Rugeley!
On Sundays one London-Birmingham train per hour is combined with Birmingham-Liverpool and a second extended as an additional service to Stafford with "depot workings" to/from Crewe.
The Shrewsbury timetable is much better.  No more trains departing New Street within 7 minutes of each other so it is now more or less half hourly.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on August 04, 2019, 09:53:17 AM
One of the 172/2s (172 221, I think) has had its internal refurbishment.  However, the tip up seats in the vestibule areas are still in London Midland green, which looks odd.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on August 04, 2019, 01:30:47 PM
How do you find the changes on real train times
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Pat on August 04, 2019, 02:30:44 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on August 04, 2019, 01:30:47 PM
How do you find the changes on real train times
You type in the name of the station you want to find times for and then select a date after 9th December when the new timetable starts.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on August 04, 2019, 03:33:35 PM
Two things to add
- you have to be in Detailed mode
- the December 2019 timetable starts on 15th December
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 11, 2019, 02:14:42 PM
Two car Cl.170 on Central Rivers Depot today
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on September 20, 2019, 04:30:27 PM
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-declares-dispute-on-west-midlands-trains-over-doo/
;
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/west-midlands-trains-statement-in-response-rmt
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on September 20, 2019, 07:08:30 PM
Quote from: mikestone on September 20, 2019, 04:30:27 PM
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-declares-dispute-on-west-midlands-trains-over-doo/
;
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/west-midlands-trains-statement-in-response-rmt

Hmm, so someone is telling porkies then, if WMT is correct in their statement that 'a safety-critical conductor would be retained on every train', unless the RMT are just itching for some strike action to cause more passenger misery.

Another example I can think of here, based on my own experience a few weeks ago now, is how would 'request only' stops like The Lakes, Wood End and Danzey work without any guard or conductor? You'd be able to 'flag down' the train from the platform, but who would you ask to get the train to stop if you were on board it?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on September 20, 2019, 07:33:26 PM
Quote from: Stu on September 20, 2019, 07:08:30 PM


Another example I can think of here, based on my own experience a few weeks ago now, is how would 'request only' stops like The Lakes, Wood End and Danzey work without any guard or conductor? You'd be able to 'flag down' the train from the platform, but who would you ask to get the train to stop if you were on board it?

Perhaps they will ask you to hold a 'hitch hiker's# style board up as the train pulls into the platform  :D
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on September 20, 2019, 08:09:27 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 20, 2019, 07:33:26 PM
Perhaps they will ask you to hold a 'hitch hiker's# style board up as the train pulls into the platform  :D

I meant getting the train to stop when you're on it and want to get off.  :P

Would the driver appreciate having passengers entering their cab with instructions on which stations to call at?

Or perhaps they'd introduce a 'stop' button like on buses? :D

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on September 20, 2019, 08:19:13 PM
Quote from: Stu on September 20, 2019, 08:09:27 PM
I meant getting the train to stop when you're on it and want to get off.  :P


That was what I was referring to holding up a board with your destination on!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Pat on September 24, 2019, 03:12:00 PM
A fair bit of disruption on the Shrewsbury line (due to a fault with signalling between WVH & SHR). But what I can't understand is that WMR cancelled a fair few trains (two of which were mine) but TFW didn't??  My TFW service was only 7 mins late (not related to signalling).
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 28, 2019, 10:18:18 AM
Judging by today's farce, and Saturday's and many before West Midlands Trains must be the most incompetent of all the Privatised rail companies since franchising started.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Rob H on October 28, 2019, 03:10:10 PM
From what I've read and heard East Midlands Railway Class 153's 153310 & 153326 are on Long Term Loan to West Midlands Trains.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: midlandred2003 on October 28, 2019, 04:37:01 PM
Last Wednesday my daughter was at snow Hill for 50 minutes 3 trains cancelled and 2 so full she was unable to board along with several others, the service on the stourbridge line has become a bit hit and miss lately.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JoNi on October 28, 2019, 06:42:50 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 28, 2019, 10:18:18 AM
Judging by today's farce, and Saturday's and many before West Midlands Trains must be the most incompetent of all the Privatised rail companies since franchising started.
......Control have advised us this train is terminating at Birmingham New Street ask station staff for directions, unreasonably expecting them to know every train movement. Never mind it will all be solved with Williams report!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 28, 2019, 06:44:28 PM
Quote from: JoNi on October 28, 2019, 06:42:50 PM
......Control have advised us this train is terminating at Birmingham New Street ask station staff for directions, unreasonably expecting them to know every train movement. Never mind it will all be solved with Williams report!

I had that at Walsall a couple of weeks ago. Walsall Station staff could not get through to control so didn't even know the train was terminating there, let alone what to do with the disgruntled passengers.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on October 28, 2019, 08:36:26 PM
Quote from: midlandred2003 on October 28, 2019, 04:37:01 PM
Last Wednesday my daughter was at snow Hill for 50 minutes 3 trains cancelled and 2 so full she was unable to board along with several others, the service on the stourbridge line has become a bit hit and miss lately.

The 1633 Snow Hill to Kidderminster which is the 153/170 combo seems to be the worst offender at the moment. I have tried to catch it after work today and 3 days last week and it was cancelled each time due to there being no Train Crew. This means that that the displaced passengers cannot all fit on the next train which is the 1643 to Worcester and have to wait for the 1653 to Stourbridge causing overcrowding on that one and so on and so on.  >:(
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on October 29, 2019, 07:18:14 AM
Quote from: D10 on October 28, 2019, 08:36:26 PM
The 1633 Snow Hill to Kidderminster which is the 153/170 combo seems to be the worst offender at the moment. I have tried to catch it after work today and 3 days last week and it was cancelled each time due to there being no Train Crew. This means that that the displaced passengers cannot all fit on the next train which is the 1643 to Worcester and have to wait for the 1653 to Stourbridge causing overcrowding on that one and so on and so on.  >:(

That's regularly cancelled. Last night the last journey back, 2118 DDG-WOF was started from BSW, and only consisted of 153371 & 153375. 153371 has irritatingly been covered in graffiti
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: midlandred2003 on October 29, 2019, 10:09:55 AM
Yes the 16:33 was one of the three cancelled along with the 16:03 & 16:13 you can understand the overcrowding
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: RW on October 29, 2019, 08:17:12 PM
Approx 11.30a.m. 3 northbound Cross City trains stationary at New St. 1 on platform 8 and 2 on platform 9 because there was no crew to take forward the one on platform 8. The leading 6 car unit on 9 was a limited stop to Lichfield, again with no crew and blocking the unit on 9b a stopper to Four Oaks which had a crew. Then the unit on platform 8 left presumably to Soho and was replaced shortly after by another stopper to Lichfield. So still 3 stationary trains with no one able to say the order of departure. In the end passengers for the stoppers gambled and split themselves between 8 and 9b. Eventually the 6 car, with crew, left 9a followed shortly after by the stopper on 9b leaving a considerable number of disgruntled passengers on the 8 stopper. Confused? You should have asked intending passengers what they thought. To say it was a complete shambles is an understatement. West Midlands Railways have a lot to do to justify their franchise.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 29, 2019, 08:26:29 PM
Quote from: RW on October 29, 2019, 08:17:12 PM
Approx 11.30a.m. 3 northbound Cross City trains stationary at New St. 1 on platform 8 and 2 on platform 9 because there was no crew to take forward the one on platform 8. The leading 6 car unit on 9 was a limited stop to Lichfield, again with no crew and blocking the unit on 9b a stopper to Four Oaks which had a crew. Then the unit on platform 8 left presumably to Soho and was replaced shortly after by another stopper to Lichfield. So still 3 stationary trains with no one able to say the order of departure. In the end passengers for the stoppers gambled and split themselves between 8 and 9b. Eventually the 6 car, with crew, left 9a followed shortly after by the stopper on 9b leaving a considerable number of disgruntled passengers on the 8 stopper. Confused? You should have asked intending passengers what they thought. To say it was a complete shambles is an understatement. West Midlands Railways have a lot to do to justify their franchise.

Of the last 17 trains on the Cannock line 14 haven't got past Walsall!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on October 29, 2019, 08:46:01 PM
Quote from: RW on October 29, 2019, 08:17:12 PM
Approx 11.30a.m. 3 northbound Cross City trains stationary at New St. 1 on platform 8 and 2 on platform 9 because there was no crew to take forward the one on platform 8. The leading 6 car unit on 9 was a limited stop to Lichfield, again with no crew and blocking the unit on 9b a stopper to Four Oaks which had a crew. Then the unit on platform 8 left presumably to Soho and was replaced shortly after by another stopper to Lichfield. So still 3 stationary trains with no one able to say the order of departure. In the end passengers for the stoppers gambled and split themselves between 8 and 9b. Eventually the 6 car, with crew, left 9a followed shortly after by the stopper on 9b leaving a considerable number of disgruntled passengers on the 8 stopper. Confused? You should have asked intending passengers what they thought. To say it was a complete shambles is an understatement. West Midlands Railways have a lot to do to justify their franchise.




Certainly seems an absolute shambles of a service. Apparently blaming too tight timetabling issues is what I heard on the news
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: V89MOA on October 29, 2019, 10:44:27 PM
Ironically this petition is trending tonight on the main parliament petitions website. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/266516
The sooner Abellio go, the better.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on October 30, 2019, 12:23:57 AM
I've just read the official statement from WMR regarding today's pathetic efforts. To blame a timetable that they insisted on implementing and then tell us that they'll take the problems caused by their own incompetence into account is just beyond belief. Absolute mugs. I'd rather see managers and planners being sacked, just as they would be in the real world. Any control over the timetable should be taken out of their hands - they've already proved that they can't do it. And as for their "wholehearted apology" to passengers, I think that's a case of locking the stable door after the horse has bolted.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on October 30, 2019, 05:42:09 AM
Can bus companies refused ticket acceptance when there are problems on the rail network. 

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on October 30, 2019, 07:17:55 AM
Quote from: Ginger66 on October 30, 2019, 05:42:09 AM
Can bus companies refused ticket acceptance when there are problems on the rail network.


Why. They signed a deal at the beginning of the franchise, so are happy to do so and get paid every time it is actiondd
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: V89MOA on November 01, 2019, 03:08:48 PM
https://www.itv.com/news/central/2019-11-01/rail-workers-set-to-strike-on-saturdays-in-november-and-december-west-midlands-trains/
More disruption to come...
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on November 11, 2019, 08:10:56 AM
The ex EMT 153s - 153310 & 153326 - are on this diagram today. If it's of interest to anyone

Quote from: Roy on June 02, 2019, 02:54:12 PM
According to the Stourbridge Line User Group Facebook page, the following are the non-standard Monday to Friday Snow Hill line diagrams.

170/5 + 153 +153

2S10 0649 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2K05 0837 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C20 0955 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K20 1109 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S40 1225 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K36 1340 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C50 1455 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K51 1609 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S72 1725 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K65 1845 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C74 2005 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V79 2118 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street

172/0 + 172/0

2S08 0735 Birmingham Snow Hill to Whitlocks End
2K04 0807 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C18 0936 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V20 1046 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C36 1216 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2V32 1346 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C54 1517 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V44 1646 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C70 1837 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2K75 2030 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S90 2145 Kidderminster to Stratford-upon-Avon
2W88 2330 Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham Snow Hill

170/5 + 170/5

2C06 0630 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V10 0811 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2S26 0952 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2V22 1119 Whitlocks End to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C42 1317 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V36 1446 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C62 1634 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2J71 1824 Dorridge to Stourbridge Junction
5J71 1939 Stourbridge Junction to Tyseley L.M.D.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Jack D on November 12, 2019, 07:10:43 PM
Will Lea Hall - London Euston be affected this weekend, Will Marston Green - Euston be affected also?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on November 12, 2019, 07:16:28 PM
Quote from: Jack D on November 12, 2019, 07:10:43 PM
Will Lea Hall - London Euston be affected this weekend, Will Marston Green - Euston be affected also?

https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/industrialaction
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/industrialaction
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on November 13, 2019, 05:19:10 PM
Most December timetables now on website.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on November 13, 2019, 06:47:01 PM
Quote from: mikestone on November 13, 2019, 05:19:10 PM
Most December timetables now on website.

I thought there were no longer going to be through trains to Euston on the Chase Line? There's still 1 per hour each way Monday-Saturday
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on November 13, 2019, 06:52:22 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 13, 2019, 06:47:01 PM
I thought there were no longer going to be through trains to Euston on the Chase Line? There's still 1 per hour each way Monday-Saturday

They always said there would be until May 2020
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steveminor on November 14, 2019, 09:58:07 AM
Class 170 on the Birmingham international shuttles yesterday afternoon peak, first time I've seen one on there. In fact first time I've seen a DMU at lea hall since I was a kid.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on November 14, 2019, 04:10:32 PM
There has been a single  trip to International ever since May at 17.17, ECS from Tyseley and then back into New St ECS to work the 17.59 to Worcester.
;
From the timetable change becomes an emu, part of the additional hourly shuttle, so anyone desperate needs to do it now.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on November 17, 2019, 06:09:48 PM
Despite initially stating no buses would replace strike bound trains at some point the website has been updated to show buses between Worcester-Kidderminster/Bromsgrove, Walsall-Rugeley and Wolverhampton-Shrewsbury as well as Stafford-Nuneaton.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on November 22, 2019, 07:10:06 PM
Lots of cancellations on the Dorridge - Birmingham Moor Street line earlier today, with the majority on WMR trains cancelled, for a number of hours this afternoon.
Caught an overcrowded Chiltern Service to Birmingham Moor Street, and they had loads of empty 172 trains normally on this line parked up doing nothing in the afternoon peak time at around 3PM at Tyesley (I never normally see any there when going past). Surely they should be in service, as Chiltern were still managing to operate Dorridge - Birmingham Moor Street.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on November 22, 2019, 07:21:29 PM
Quote from: 2206 on November 22, 2019, 07:10:06 PM
Lots of cancellations on the Dorridge - Birmingham Moor Street line earlier today, with the majority on WMR trains cancelled.
Caught an overcrowded Chiltern Service to Birmingham Moor Street, and they had loads of empty 172 trains normally on this line parked up doing nothing in the afternoon peak time at around 3PM at Tyesley (I never normally see any there when going past). Surely they should be in service, as Chiltern were still managing to operate Dorridge - Birmingham Moor Street.

WMR and Chiltern are seperate companies. The problem isn't the lack of trains, it is the lack of staff, WMR trains can't operate by themselves.

Come on, you must read the news and know about the problems at the moment, did you really need to catch the train or could you not have caught the bus instead?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on November 22, 2019, 07:26:15 PM
Quote from: Stu on November 22, 2019, 07:21:29 PM
WMR and Chiltern are seperate companies. The problem isn't the lack of trains, it is the lack of staff, WMR trains can't operate by themselves.

Come on, you must read the news and know about the problems at the moment, did you really need to catch the train or could you not have caught the bus instead?

It's not even that!  I'm sure if you travelled today you will have seen why there were many cancellations on that line today

West Midlands Railway
@WestMidRailway
·
8h
⚠️#WMRNEW - Due to a fault with the signalling system between #BirminghamMoorStreet and #BirminghamSnowHill all lines are blocked.

@networkrail
are now investigating this and are hoping to restore working order shortly. Thank you for your patience.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on November 22, 2019, 07:28:32 PM
Quote from: Tony on November 22, 2019, 07:26:15 PM
It's not even that!  I'm sure if you travelled today you will have seen why there were many cancellations on that line today

West Midlands Railway
@WestMidRailway
·
8h
⚠️#WMRNEW - Due to a fault with the signalling system between #BirminghamMoorStreet and #BirminghamSnowHill all lines are blocked.

@networkrail
are now investigating this and are hoping to restore working order shortly. Thank you for your patience.
They also said there was a level crossing collision somewhere.
Though there was no problem between Moor Street and Dorridge. Rather than having empty trains parked up doing nothing. It'd makes sense for them to be in service and all just terminate short at Moor Street on platform 3 and 4, like Chiltern were doing.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on November 22, 2019, 07:38:44 PM
Quote from: 2206 on November 22, 2019, 07:28:32 PM
They also said there was a level crossing collision somewhere.
Though there was no problem between Moor Street and Dorridge. Rather than having empty trains parked up doing nothing. It'd makes sense for them to be in service and all just terminate short at Moor Street on platform 3 and 4, like Chiltern were doing.

I presume you are an expert in Driver rostering and unit diagramming then.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 4679 on November 22, 2019, 10:30:28 PM
Probably didn't help that a lorry went through the barriers at Hartlebury. And a points failure elsewhere on the line.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ash on November 25, 2019, 05:53:10 PM
Is the 1638 Hereford to New Street normally 3 coupled 153 units ?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on November 26, 2019, 09:52:17 AM
 Not sure about that particular working but 2 x 153 are a common formation. I can not remember ever seeing a 3 x 153 combination. ;)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on November 26, 2019, 02:17:40 PM
Wonder whether class 153s will still be able to operate post January 2020 as I understand they are not disabled compliant and also they don't have toilet retention tanks fitted?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on November 26, 2019, 02:20:24 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 26, 2019, 02:17:40 PM
Wonder whether class 153s will still be able to operate post January 2020 as I understand they are not disabled compliant and also they don't have toilet retention tanks fitted?

Some (not WMR) have already been made compliant. and other companies are going to use them coupled to 156s to create a 3 car with a compliant coach in the 156
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on November 26, 2019, 02:28:28 PM
Quote from: Tony on November 26, 2019, 02:20:24 PM
Some (not WMR) have already been made compliant. and other companies are going to use them coupled to 156s to create a 3 car with a compliant coach in the 156

thanks @Tony, will the toilet in the 153 have to be locked out of use?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on November 26, 2019, 05:09:05 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 26, 2019, 02:28:28 PM
thanks @Tony, will the toilet in the 153 have to be locked out of use?

I don't believe so, from what I understand, the train will have a compliant toilet, so any others in addition to that are fine.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on November 26, 2019, 06:10:42 PM
Quote from: StourValley98 on November 26, 2019, 05:09:05 PM
I don't believe so, from what I understand, the train will have a compliant toilet, so any others in addition to that are fine.

@StourValley98 sorry, I meant the toilet would be out of use because 153s have no toilet retention tank and am sure from January they must have?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on November 26, 2019, 06:39:36 PM
Here's the list of what needs doing to make them fully compliant.

Arriva Trains Wales have started on theirs
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/203767/class-153-pb-covering-letter.pdf
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on November 27, 2019, 08:00:24 AM
What will be the fate of 153310 & 153326 after the 350/4s arrive? Will they be scrapped?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on November 27, 2019, 08:11:13 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 27, 2019, 08:00:24 AM
What will be the fate of 153310 & 153326 after the 350/4s arrive? Will they be scrapped?

Won't be scrapped EMR have put a derogation in to carry on running 153s into 2020.

EMR currently has a Scotrail 156 on loan to cover those two and expects to replace all its 153 with 156s released from Anglia. When that happens it is anyone's guess where they go, but they are being shown to be remarkably durable units with both Scotrail and TfW modifying them for long term use
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on December 04, 2019, 08:07:30 AM
This diagram is being worked by 3x 153 today, if it's of interest to anyone. 153354, 153375, 153371

Quote from: Roy on June 02, 2019, 02:54:12 PM
According to the Stourbridge Line User Group Facebook page, the following are the non-standard Monday to Friday Snow Hill line diagrams.

170/5 + 153 +153

2S10 0649 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2K05 0837 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C20 0955 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K20 1109 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S40 1225 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K36 1340 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C50 1455 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K51 1609 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S72 1725 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K65 1845 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C74 2005 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V79 2118 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street

172/0 + 172/0

2S08 0735 Birmingham Snow Hill to Whitlocks End
2K04 0807 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C18 0936 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V20 1046 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C36 1216 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2V32 1346 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C54 1517 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V44 1646 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C70 1837 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2K75 2030 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S90 2145 Kidderminster to Stratford-upon-Avon
2W88 2330 Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham Snow Hill

170/5 + 170/5

2C06 0630 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V10 0811 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2S26 0952 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2V22 1119 Whitlocks End to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C42 1317 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V36 1446 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C62 1634 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2J71 1824 Dorridge to Stourbridge Junction
5J71 1939 Stourbridge Junction to Tyseley L.M.D.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on December 05, 2019, 08:15:03 PM
Strike action suspended but emergency timetable will still operate this Saturday.
;
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/west-midlands-trains-reaches-agreement-rmt-union
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: richardjones210368 on December 06, 2019, 12:42:26 PM
I understand Andy Street has been sighted on.Snow Hill Station.clunching a document in.the manner of Neville Chamberlin decreeing Peace In.Our Time.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on December 07, 2019, 09:17:00 PM
Some trains ran to Worcester and Shrewsbury today - although not all the re-instated trains ran.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 16, 2019, 06:41:47 AM
Class 196 on test

https://vimeo.com/379237531
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on December 23, 2019, 02:27:28 PM
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/west-midlands-trains-given-ultimatum-17463349.amp
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on December 23, 2019, 06:54:12 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 23, 2019, 02:27:28 PM
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/west-midlands-trains-given-ultimatum-17463349.amp

Good!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on December 23, 2019, 07:25:46 PM
Anyone would think there is a mayoral election next year!

Cynical? Me?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steveminor on December 23, 2019, 07:38:37 PM
Our lovely Mayor pretending he has all the power. It's down to the dft to decide franchise awards & if operators should be stripped of franchises. Yes wmt have had some spectacular failures but quite a large percentage of those were out of their control I.e union or infrastructure failures, but Northern have a worse performance rating over a longer period & they still hold their franchise.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: richardjones210368 on December 23, 2019, 09:42:10 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on December 23, 2019, 07:38:37 PM
Our lovely Mayor pretending he has all the power. It's down to the dft to decide franchise awards & if operators should be stripped of franchises. Yes wmt have had some spectacular failures but quite a large percentage of those were out of their control I.e union or infrastructure failures, but Northern have a worse performance rating over a longer period & they still hold their franchise.
I for one if I was running for an elected office would come out fighting to be fair if my symbol was on the side of the trains and I had limited powers over them as the great British voters can deliever some surprising results at elections now when do I start my campgain to be next Chief Rabbi...........
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steveminor on December 23, 2019, 09:52:29 PM
Voters today are much wiser to empty promises (thanks to brexit) maybe he should take a swipe at the heart of the problem which is not enough government money being spent on existing infrastructure to keep the network reliable.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on December 23, 2019, 09:53:28 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on December 23, 2019, 07:38:37 PM
Our lovely Mayor pretending he has all the power. It's down to the dft to decide franchise awards & if operators should be stripped of franchises. Yes wmt have had some spectacular failures but quite a large percentage of those were out of their control I.e union or infrastructure failures, but Northern have a worse performance rating over a longer period & they still hold their franchise.

The excuse of lack of train crew is all too common across the network, LNWR included
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on December 23, 2019, 09:54:35 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on December 23, 2019, 09:52:29 PM
Voters today are much wiser to empty promises (thanks to brexit) maybe he should take a swipe at the heart of the problem which is not enough government money being spent on existing infrastructure to keep the network reliable.

You mean training drivers? Because that seems to be where they are consistently failing. Avanti seem to be doing ok from my observations so nothing to do with not enough funding imo
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on December 24, 2019, 08:34:55 AM
Avanti are hardly likely to have anything other than a cosmetic effect so far. Much as I deplore all things Branson related it has to be said that Virgin always appeared to be one of the few operators adequately staffed.

WMR problems mainly stem from the utterly moronic decision to link services across New St.
On which subject they have just published a track access application putting back to December 2020 plans for the Liverpool-Eustons to run fast south of Northampton all day.
It has also been mentioned that they plan to reduce splitting at New St, so presumably that either means eight cars to Walsall using UDS or reduction to four cars north of Northampton?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steveminor on December 24, 2019, 12:51:34 PM
That's what was asked for as part of the franchise bid, London Midland would have had to do something similar. The problem with that is that it makes for longer routes with more chance of disruption & delay. When crew are delayed they either go over their hours or cant get to their next train leading to the "shortage of crew". Again it all comes down to politics. I say let transport experts deal with transport & politicians deal with.......
Well standing in front of press taking all the praise for "their good work".
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on December 25, 2019, 04:43:30 PM
I'm away from my laptop but I'm 99% certain the only requirement in the invitation to tender was to provide a service from Birmingham to allow the TV  locals to run fast from Stafford  to Crewe to permit eight car working.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: richardjones210368 on December 27, 2019, 01:37:11 PM
Excellent news for those who use West Midlands Railways on season ticket fare increases days after The Mayors attack on WMR  along with onboard NXWM being froze at least this is of some comfort for the users of dreadfull service operated by WMR & NXWM in the West Midlands
https://news.google.com/articles/CAIiEJGk_V4jMB7n7r9yWpMsf9cqGQgEKhAIACoHCAow2c77CjC-yfQCMJzg0wU?hl=en-GB&gl=GB&ceid=GB%3Aen
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on December 27, 2019, 02:10:41 PM
Quote from: mikestone on December 25, 2019, 04:43:30 PM
I'm away from my laptop but I'm 99% certain the only requirement in the invitation to tender was to provide a service from Birmingham to allow the TV  locals to run fast from Stafford  to Crewe to permit eight car working.
Before anyone points it out, there was a requirement for two through trains per day between Walsall and London, but thats about it for electric services.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on December 29, 2019, 01:42:23 AM
Quote from: richardjones210368 on December 27, 2019, 01:37:11 PM
Excellent news for those who use West Midlands Railways on season ticket fare increases days after The Mayors attack on WMR  along with onboard NXWM being froze at least this is of some comfort for the users of dreadfull service operated by WMR & NXWM in the West Midlands
https://news.google.com/articles/CAIiEJGk_V4jMB7n7r9yWpMsf9cqGQgEKhAIACoHCAow2c77CjC-yfQCMJzg0wU?hl=en-GB&gl=GB&ceid=GB%3Aen

Doesn't do anything for me, I bought my annual pass on August
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: richardjones210368 on December 29, 2019, 08:52:45 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 29, 2019, 01:42:23 AM
Doesn't do anything for me, I bought my annual pass on August
As far as I am aware the principle will apply at any renewal.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 01, 2020, 02:23:37 PM
Can anyone recall if WMR/LNw ran a Sunday service on Jan 1st last year?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 01, 2020, 02:45:54 PM
Quote from: mikestone on December 27, 2019, 02:10:41 PM
Before anyone points it out, there was a requirement for two through trains per day between Walsall and London, but thats about it for electric services.
According to Modern Railways from May Chase line services will run to either Inter or New St, both Liverpools will run to/from Euston and the Stoke line trains will run to International. Presumably the third Euston will normally turn back, with a couple running to/from Walsall to meet the Spec.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: richardjones210368 on January 08, 2020, 04:14:17 PM
A West Midlands MP raised with The Prime Minister the abject worry and concerns The Mayor has with West Midlands Railway at Pmqs today. The PMs response was he shared The Mayors concerns
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 09, 2020, 07:23:15 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 01, 2020, 02:45:54 PM
According to Modern Railways from May Chase line services will run to either Inter or New St, both Liverpools will run to/from Euston and the Stoke line trains will run to International. Presumably the third Euston will normally turn back, with a couple running to/from Walsall to meet the Spec.
Timetable for May now in RTT. Obviously there are still possible changes but appears to be as above. There are services from Walsall to Euston at 06.02 and 07.02, all stations to New St where the second attaches another set, but appears to be nothing at all back. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steveminor on January 10, 2020, 01:37:50 PM
If I had a choice between avanti or west Midlands trains from Walsall to London I know what I'd choose
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: richardjones210368 on January 10, 2020, 05:29:23 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on January 10, 2020, 01:37:50 PM
If I had a choice between avanti or west Midlands trains from Walsall to London I know what I'd choose
Well  who wouldnt get the X51 to Birminghan then the Megabus to London Victoria - Megabus is the only route I use to London and the best why would you want a train @Steveminor ?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 12, 2020, 07:20:27 PM
Seven months ago through trains from Walsall to Euston were the best idea since the invention of the wheel according to some.
;
Quite what the point, apart from satisfying the train service specification the remaining trains are escapes me.
;
From May the Wolverhampton-Rugeley.s introduced in December revert back to Wolverhampton-Walsall - rather pointlessly some are shown 100 mph and others 110.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: richardjones210368 on January 13, 2020, 04:21:28 PM
You have all heard of Mystic Meg well here is Septic Dicks prediction if Andy Street doesnt get a grip of West Midlands Railway ASAP his chance of relection as Mayor are zero.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/monday-morning-chaos-cross-city-17556370
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: RW on January 23, 2020, 07:00:03 PM
At the start of the WMT franchise I think it was said that WM Railways was proposing to develop a new depot for its new electric units. Rumours suggested it might be on the site of the old carriage sidings at Duddeston. Coincidentally about 12 months ago the overgrown site was cleared of vegetation along with the line of the approach tracks.  Nothing has happened since and the site now again resembles a wild life game reserve. Is anybody itk as to whether the site is to be developed. It will clearly be more than a 5 minute job and you would think there would by now be some on site work visible given the timescale for arrival of the new units.


Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 29, 2020, 11:10:53 AM
Press release today regarding a proposal to build the depot at Bescot instead.
.
I understand that unsurprisingly the sleeper works planning application was rejected.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: richardjones210368 on January 29, 2020, 05:54:18 PM
Andy Street continues to put pressure on failing West Midlands Railway as new MD agrees greater compensation 48hrs before The Mayors deadline for improvements

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/west-midlands-trains-passengers-given-17642409
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Gareth on January 29, 2020, 10:14:52 PM
A 10% discount for off peak fares is no compensation. It fact it's almost like being spat in the face. Thank goodness I don't used local trains for my peak commute into work.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stephen Lee on January 31, 2020, 09:10:54 AM
Quote from: Roy on June 02, 2019, 02:54:12 PM
According to the Stourbridge Line User Group Facebook page, the following are the non-standard Monday to Friday Snow Hill line diagrams.

170/5 + 153 +153

2S10 0649 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2K05 0837 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C20 0955 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K20 1109 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S40 1225 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K36 1340 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C50 1455 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2K51 1609 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S72 1725 Kidderminster to Whitlocks End
2K65 1845 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C74 2005 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V79 2118 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street

172/0 + 172/0

2S08 0735 Birmingham Snow Hill to Whitlocks End
2K04 0807 Whitlocks End to Kidderminster
2C18 0936 Kidderminster to Dorridge
2V20 1046 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C36 1216 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2V32 1346 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C54 1517 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V44 1646 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C70 1837 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2K75 2030 Dorridge to Kidderminster
2S90 2145 Kidderminster to Stratford-upon-Avon
2W88 2330 Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham Snow Hill

170/5 + 170/5

2C06 0630 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V10 0811 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
2S26 0952 Worcester Shrub Hill to Whitlocks End
2V22 1119 Whitlocks End to Worcester Shrub Hill
2C42 1317 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
2V36 1446 Dorridge to Worcester Foregate Street
2C62 1634 Worcester Foregate Street to Dorridge
2J71 1824 Dorridge to Stourbridge Junction
5J71 1939 Stourbridge Junction to Tyseley L.M.D.

Guys Nice to meet you all
Since the December timetable change the Class 170/5 x2 diagram is being replaced by Class 170/5+Class 153 x2. So was wondering if Class 170/5 x2 no longer runs in SHL.......
But there is a clue that since the December timetable change since the December timetable change, Birmingham-Hereford route are no longer running Class 172s, leaving the class 170 and 153s to run the line.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 04, 2020, 09:42:36 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 09, 2020, 07:23:15 PM
Timetable for May now in RTT. Obviously there are still possible changes but appears to be as above. There are services from Walsall to Euston at 06.02 and 07.02, all stations to New St where the second attaches another set, but appears to be nothing at all back.
The 17.23 and 18.16 from Euston  are now showing as through trains to Rugeley TV.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on February 07, 2020, 04:31:01 PM
Just seen this on Facebook

"#StormCiara is expected to land with us in the West Midlands on Sunday 9th February, with winds of up to 80mph and outbreaks of heavy rain forecast.⛈

To help keep everyone safe Network Rail have informed us that there will be a 50mph speed restriction across our network all day, affecting all train operators.

It is likely that there will be disruption to services throughout the region and on long-distance routes. An amended timetable will be in operation on selected routes, so, customers are advised to leave extra time to complete journeys and check before they travel at wmr.uk/plan

If you live close to the railway, you can also help us keep passengers safe and trains moving by making sure garden furniture, trampolines and sheds are secure to help reduce the risk of them blowing onto tracks. "
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 15, 2020, 11:25:01 AM
I believe WMR are taking some more 153s of EMR this week.

The first 196 is also due soon. It will arrive at Tyseley by Road
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on February 15, 2020, 12:07:09 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 15, 2020, 11:25:01 AM
I believe WMR are taking some more 153s of EMR this week.

The first 196 is also due soon. It will arrive at Tyseley by Road

Can the 153s work with 172s?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 15, 2020, 12:25:20 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on February 15, 2020, 12:07:09 PM
Can the 153s work with 172s?

Yes
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on February 15, 2020, 01:19:41 PM
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on February 15, 2020, 12:07:09 PM
Can the 153s work with 172s?

However, the 196s will not couple to 172s.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on February 15, 2020, 01:22:13 PM
What lines will be the 153,s and 196's go on?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 15, 2020, 01:26:38 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 15, 2020, 01:22:13 PM
What lines will be the 153,s and 196's go on?

The extra 153s will be used on Worcester services as Shrewsbury crews no longer sign them
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on February 15, 2020, 01:42:01 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 15, 2020, 01:22:13 PM
What lines will be the 153,s and 196's go on?

... and the 196s are primarily for the New Street - Hereford and New Street - Shrewsbury services, but will supplement Snow Hill line services just as the 170s do at present.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on February 15, 2020, 01:55:55 PM
Quote from: Roy on February 15, 2020, 01:42:01 PM
... and the 196s are primarily for the New Street - Hereford and New Street - Shrewsbury services, but will supplement Snow Hill line services just as the 170s do at present.

So are the 170's going then and the final 150's?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 15, 2020, 01:57:03 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 15, 2020, 01:55:55 PM
So are the 170's going then and the final 150's?

The 150s went ages ago, and yes to the 170s once all the new 196s are in service
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 15, 2020, 01:58:35 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 15, 2020, 11:25:01 AM
I believe WMR are taking some more 153s of EMR this week.

The first 196 is also due soon. It will arrive at Tyseley by Road
;
God help EMR passengers then - I was at Sheffield briefly yesterday and a Liverpool bound train was a single 158, with pretty near a trainload waiting to join and the eastbound train was also 158+153 instead of 158 + 2 x153.
'

;
Panic-striken changes from beginning of March.
;
Off-peak Euston-Stoke-Crewe ceased to stop at Marston Green and Smethwick Galton Bridge, increasing the time allowed to split at New Street from five to eight minutes. Off-peak Birmingham International-Liverpool trains also cease to serve Coseley, a reduction from the pre-farce service, also the case at Marston Green which even more curiously now has only two trains an hour northbound but four the other way, and seemingly only reducing the chances of being regulated for Euston-Liverpool trains north of Crewe. Curiously the corresponding southbound trains are unchanged although this would have given a few minutes extra recovery to aid punctual arrival at New St.   
Euston-Rugeley off-peak services will no longer call at Cheddington, served instead by the more logical Milton Keynes Central services.
07.11 Stourbridge Junction-Whitlocks end will no longer call at Jewellery Quarter
.
Press release also refers to changes on the Chase Line, but all I can spot is that they no longer call at Cheddington - which begs the question as to why the ever did if MKC terminators could be timed to call.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 21, 2020, 09:50:24 PM
Found the Chase line changes - seem to be some schedules missing or duplicated but it appears that M-F Rugeley-Euston services mostly terminate at Birmingham International from 16th March, taking the xx.17 path from New Street, with seperate service at xx.14 from New St as in the May timetable.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 23, 2020, 05:46:56 PM
It looks as though someone has spotted a franchise breach as the Marston Green stops are re-instated under STP.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 25, 2020, 06:07:20 PM
Some internal as well as external photos of the new class 196s here
https://www.caf.net/en/productos-servicios/proyectos/proyecto-detalle.php?p=298
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: danny on February 25, 2020, 06:13:28 PM
Thanks for the heads up Tony. They are striking, are this due for the snow Hill lines???
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 25, 2020, 06:16:50 PM
Quote from: danny on February 25, 2020, 06:13:28 PM
Thanks for the heads up Tony. They are striking, are this due for the snow Hill lines???

They are to replace 170s and 153s, so Worcester, Shrewsbury and with some making the numbers up on Snow Hill Lines
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on February 25, 2020, 09:57:06 PM
As much as I welcome the arrival of the 196s, I am going to miss the 153s. The 170s - not so much - I didn't know how good a 170 could be until I travelled on ScotRail ::)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on March 08, 2020, 02:50:54 AM
WMT seriously needs to look at the state of their Desiro's. Threadbare in first class ffs???
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 08, 2020, 09:18:22 AM
Quote from: Bob on March 08, 2020, 02:50:54 AM
WMT seriously needs to look at the state of their Desiro's. Threadbare in first class ffs???

They are. They are being fully refurbished. but you cannot take 30 units out of traffic at one time
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 08, 2020, 02:50:43 PM
No services in or out of Euston after 21.00 tonight due to OLE damage. As far as I can see WMT are turning some at Watford, Avanti just cancelling trains throughout.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on March 09, 2020, 06:15:07 PM
16:43 from Solihull towards Moor Street, was terminating short of Stourbridge at Rowley Regis earlier today.
Also noticed the one behind was terminating short of Kidderminster at Hagley, never seen a train terminate at Hagley before.

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on March 09, 2020, 08:53:35 PM
Quote from: 2206 on March 09, 2020, 06:15:07 PM
16:43 from Solihull towards Moor Street, was terminating short of Stourbridge at Rowley Regis earlier today.
Also noticed the one behind was terminating short of Kidderminster at Hagley, never seen a train terminate at Hagley before.

It didn't in the end it was terminated at Stourbridge Junction rather than Hagley.

The train after this one also ran fast between Stourbridge and Worcester Shrub Hill not calling at any intermediate station.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 10, 2020, 05:59:27 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 15, 2020, 11:25:01 AM
I believe WMR are taking some more 153s of EMR this week.

The first 196 is also due soon. It will arrive at Tyseley by Road

Did the 153s materialise?
.
Two more TPE 397 diagrams from yesterday so some more 350/4 are presumably imminentm
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on March 16, 2020, 11:31:10 AM
 Noticed on RTT today was a 2Z08 working from Brum to Bromsgrove and a 5Z08 return to Tyseley .Hoping for something "interesting" but got 170-504, people in suits on the train on both workings and when departing north , I noticed a guy with a lot of posh gear filming the run from the second mans seat. Any ideas folks ??
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on March 16, 2020, 02:07:57 PM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on March 16, 2020, 11:31:10 AM
Noticed on RTT today was a 2Z08 working from Brum to Bromsgrove and a 5Z08 return to Tyseley .Hoping for something "interesting" but got 170-504, people in suits on the train on both workings and when departing north , I noticed a guy with a lot of posh gear filming the run from the second mans seat. Any ideas folks ??

2Z08 went from Birmingham to Bromsgrove via the Camp Hill line and so I wonder if it is anything to do with the plan to reopen the line to passenger traffic.

I did notice 5Z08 returned to Birmingham via University however.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 16, 2020, 04:50:56 PM
Yes - there was a press release.
;
West Midlands Trains
   West Midlands Trains logotype

Boost for Birmingham rail users as first passenger train in 80 years runs on Camp Hill line
West Midlands Trains - Mar 16, 2020 11:27 GMT

Jonny Wiseman of West Midlands Railway, Mayor Andy Street and Geoff Grant from Transport Focus with the special train

The reopening of a former railway line in south Birmingham moved a step closer today (Mon 16 March) after a local passenger train travelled the route for the first time in nearly 80 years.

The Camp Hill line has been closed to passengers since 1941 but plans, drawn up by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, are in place to open the line up again with new stations at Moseley, Kings Heath and Hazelwell.

And these plans moved a step closer this morning when a West Midlands Railway (WMR) train, carrying the Mayor, WMR's customer experience director Jonny Wiseman and other representatives from across the rail industry, travelled along the line.

The train followed the route of what would be the re-opened line, pausing at the Moseley, Kings Heath, and Hazelwell sites before arriving into Kings Norton - and later returning to Birmingham New Street. The purpose of this inspection train was to explore how new passenger services on the Camp Hill line would work.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "I am delighted we are pressing ahead with plans to reopen the Camp Hill line to passengers, and it was great to be on the first passenger train to travel on the line in nearly 80 years.

"This line, which also represents another step forward in my 20-year transport plan for the West Midlands, will provide residents in South Birmingham with easier and faster connections to get to the places they need to go, whilst also offering people a real alternative to the car – helping to ease congestion and improve the air we breathe."

Today's inspection train comes as plans for the three new stations progress.

Kings Heath and Hazelwell stations have already been granted planning permission, with the application for Moseley due to be submitted imminently. The Government has already pledged £15million to help build the three stations, which will be led by Transport for the West Midlands and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) in partnership with Network Rail and WMR's parent company West Midlands Trains.

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for WMR, which will run the services on the Camp Hill line, said: "This is an exciting and visionary plan to transform local train services for our customers in the south of Birmingham. We are working closely with WMRE, Network Rail and the Mayor in order to turn this vision into reality.

"Passengers set to benefit from the quicker route along the Camp Hill line can also look forward to travelling on the brand new train fleet we are introducing as part of our £1billion investment into the rail network."

About West Midlands Trains

For further information on this release
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Isle of Stroma on March 16, 2020, 05:10:34 PM
Quote from: mikestone on March 16, 2020, 04:50:56 PM
Boost for Birmingham rail users as first passenger train in 80 years runs on Camp Hill line

Jonny Wiseman of West Midlands Railway, Mayor Andy Street and Geoff Grant from Transport Focus with the special train

utter bullsh!t & Andy 'Photo-op' Street in the same paragraph, there's a shock.

- Said no one ever...
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on March 16, 2020, 05:15:04 PM
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on March 16, 2020, 05:10:34 PM
utter bullsh!t & Andy 'Photo-op' Street in the same paragraph, there's a shock.

- Said no one ever...

A photo shoot that was planned before they cancelled the elections this May no doubt.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: midlandred2003 on March 16, 2020, 05:29:58 PM
First passenger train in 80 years!! I have travelled along thereseveral times on diverted trains.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on March 16, 2020, 05:37:31 PM
Thanks for the info folks , that explains everything. They must have jumped off the train quickly , assembled the backdrop and then jumped straight back on as I only saw the guy with the flash tie talking to train staff on the platform by the time I got there. Is the mayor vertically challenged ? Or are the other two stood on boxes ??   
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on March 16, 2020, 06:55:58 PM
Quote from: midlandred2003 on March 16, 2020, 05:29:58 PM
First passenger train in 80 years!! I have travelled along thereseveral times on diverted trains.

In the ten years I've been working in Sparkbrook, there hasn't been a day when I haven't seen a passenger train going over the Stratford Road near Camp Hill.

So its a bit deceptive and misleading to insinuate that passenger trains haven't gone along that line for 80 years.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on March 16, 2020, 09:25:11 PM
Think there was meant to be a feature on this on Central News this evening, but it was dropped due to the latest news on the coronavirus outbreak.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on March 18, 2020, 08:18:50 AM
Weds 18/03 07:45 SHUTTLE UPDATE: service between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town remains suspended due to a vehicle fault. Engineers are on site working to fix the issue. Taxi replacement is operating from outside ticket offices at both stations, free to tkt holders.
Just read normal service now
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on April 02, 2020, 11:58:04 AM
Revised timetables to start on Monday 6 April.

https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/coronavirus-travel-advice
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Jack6101 on April 15, 2020, 06:10:35 PM
Looks like one of the class 196 has arrived in uk
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 29, 2020, 08:50:38 AM
196101 in Tyseley yesterday

Photo taken by an employee there, I haven't broken rules!
http://wmbusphotos.com/Trains/Class196/196101.html
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: RW on April 29, 2020, 10:52:53 AM
Just out of interest how did it arrive at Tyseley?  Under its own power or loco hauled?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 29, 2020, 11:00:28 AM
Quote from: RW on April 29, 2020, 10:52:53 AM
Just out of interest how did it arrive at Tyseley?  Under its own power or loco hauled?

On the back of 4 lorries!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Jack6101 on April 29, 2020, 02:08:34 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 29, 2020, 08:50:38 AM
196101 in Tyseley yesterday

Photo taken by an employee there, I haven't broken rules!
http://wmbusphotos.com/Trains/Class196/196101.html
Wow there nice , are these for the snow hill line and cross city ?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 29, 2020, 02:49:12 PM
Not quite sure how you can say they are nice from an outside view, but to answer your question they are for New Street-Shrewsbury/Hereford although presumably they will have some work on Snow Hill services as the 170s do now.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 29, 2020, 03:07:54 PM
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 29, 2020, 02:08:34 PM
Wow there nice , are these for the snow hill line and cross city ?

Not for the Cross-City - they are diesel units
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steveminor on April 29, 2020, 08:23:22 PM
Looks very orange at the front like its had an accident with an easyjet plane lol
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on April 29, 2020, 08:32:28 PM
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 29, 2020, 02:08:34 PM
Wow there nice , are these for the snow hill line and cross city ?

They will see off the 153s and 170s so New Street to Hereford and Shrewsbury, and yes also some use on the Snow Hill alongside the 172s already on there.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BigDaddyCool on April 30, 2020, 11:54:02 PM
Which trains are going on the Cross-City and when?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Rob H on May 01, 2020, 08:00:51 AM
Quote from: BigDaddyCool on April 30, 2020, 11:54:02 PM
Which trains are going on the Cross-City and when?

36 Aventra Class 730's (730001-730036) will be going on the Cross City Line and I'm guessing around late 2021/early 2022. :)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on May 01, 2020, 08:32:08 AM
It is me or is the class 196s orange a lot darker and Matt look than the metallic orange on the 172s?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 01, 2020, 09:49:01 AM
Quote from: Rob2832 on May 01, 2020, 08:00:51 AM
36 Aventra Class 730's (730001-730036) will be going on the Cross City Line and I'm guessing around late 2021/early 2022. :)

There's a photo of one here
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/rail-uk/20200408/281595242642055
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: RW on May 01, 2020, 10:38:15 AM
Err somewhere there is!!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Pat on May 01, 2020, 12:13:09 PM
Quote from: D10 on April 29, 2020, 08:32:28 PM
They will see off the 153s and 170s so New Street to Hereford and Shrewsbury, and yes also some use on the Snow Hill alongside the 172s already on there.
I believe they're going to be on Hereford's first, and Shrewsbury's later on in the year.  Well... that was the plan before the pandemic. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: tphi12000 on May 02, 2020, 07:09:23 PM
Quote from: Tony on May 01, 2020, 09:49:01 AM
There's a photo of one here
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/rail-uk/20200408/281595242642055
Drivers windscreen looks very small .
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Pat on May 30, 2020, 01:28:40 PM
Wonder if anyone on here can clarify this for me:

I have an annual season ticket that I haven't used since the 20th March.  I may be needing to use it again in coming weeks and was just wondering if I can get a refund for the 2 or so months that it wasn't used for and still keep the ticket until it expires in September?

Thanks
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bus Man K2 on May 30, 2020, 04:59:03 PM
Quote from: Pat on May 30, 2020, 01:28:40 PM
Wonder if anyone on here can clarify this for me:

I have an annual season ticket that I haven't used since the 20th March.  I may be needing to use it again in coming weeks and was just wondering if I can get a refund for the 2 or so months that it wasn't used for and still keep the ticket until it expires in September?

Thanks

Hi @Pat

I would say yes, but the company would need to have proof of when you last used it. I would also assume that you can keep the ticket until it expires. You better write to them asap.  That is my understanding of the situation, but I can't be sure if I'm right!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Pat on May 30, 2020, 05:22:56 PM
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on May 30, 2020, 04:59:03 PM
Hi @Pat

I would say yes, but the company would need to have proof of when you last used it. I would also assume that you can keep the ticket until it expires. You better write to them asap.  That is my understanding of the situation, but I can't be sure if I'm right!
I've written to them and have to go to the station I purchased it from to get a refund.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ian Hardy on May 30, 2020, 08:42:19 PM
Quote from: Pat on May 30, 2020, 01:28:40 PM
Wonder if anyone on here can clarify this for me:

I have an annual season ticket that I haven't used since the 20th March.  I may be needing to use it again in coming weeks and was just wondering if I can get a refund for the 2 or so months that it wasn't used for and still keep the ticket until it expires in September?

Thanks

The answer is on here https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/season-ticket-refunds (https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/season-ticket-refunds)

You don't have to got to the station, you can do it online.

Also you cannot just get a refund for two months, you will have to surrender the ticket and then purchase a new ticket when you start to travel again.

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/coronavirus_refunds.aspx?utm_source=nre&utm_medium=carousel&utm_campaign=Refund (https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/coronavirus_refunds.aspx?utm_source=nre&utm_medium=carousel&utm_campaign=Refund)

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 31, 2020, 03:15:12 PM
Reported that the first cl.730 car(s) visible in the works yard at Derby.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 03, 2020, 07:25:28 PM
Kidderminster new station opens on Sunday.
;
http://news.wmtrains.co.uk/pressreleases/new-look-kidderminster-station-opens-to-west-midlands-railway-passengers-this-week-3004789
;
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 14, 2020, 03:30:08 PM
 Apparently now agreed that Birminghan-Stoke-Crewe services will run via and calll at Tame Bridge Parkway from December in preperation for the opening of Darlaston and Willenhall.
.
.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Busboy105 on June 14, 2020, 04:40:43 PM
Quote from: mikestone on June 14, 2020, 03:30:08 PM
Apparently now agreed that Birminghan-Stoke-Crewe services will run via and calll at Tame Bridge Parkway from December in preperation for the opening of Darlaston and Willenhall.
.
.
Why are they doing that when the stations won't open until 2022? Even the Sprint Line 1 hasn't even started in its building stage yet.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 14, 2020, 04:46:56 PM
Quote from: Busboy105 on June 14, 2020, 04:40:43 PM
Why are they doing that when the stations won't open until 2022? Even the Sprint Line 1 hasn't even started in its building stage yet.

To free up capacity on the Stour Valley
To give Tame Bridge Parkway a direct service to Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stoke and Crewe
To increase capacity between Birmingham and Tame Bridge Parkway.

Plenty of reasons
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Pat on June 14, 2020, 08:10:03 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 14, 2020, 04:46:56 PM
To free up capacity on the Stour Valley
To give Tame Bridge Parkway a direct service to Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stoke and Crewe
To increase capacity between Birmingham and Tame Bridge Parkway.

Plenty of reasons
Tame Bridge already has a direct service to Wolves doesn't it?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 14, 2020, 08:25:04 PM
Quote from: Pat on June 14, 2020, 08:10:03 PM
Tame Bridge already has a direct service to Wolves doesn't it?

It has through trains via Birmingham, hardly direct
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 14, 2020, 08:32:57 PM
Southbound services stand long enough at New St to make it relatively straightforward change, but going the other way looks a bit problematic unless they swop paths with the International-Rugeley trains, but that would result in trains from Crewe only having a five minute turn round before going to Rugeley.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on June 15, 2020, 03:33:30 AM
That means SGB loses one of its New Street/Wolves trains.

That service is pretty handy when heading to Manchester/Stoke from the Snow Hills as one could just change at Stoke then for a 390 and completely avoid XC
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on June 15, 2020, 08:28:30 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 15, 2020, 03:33:30 AM
That means SGB loses one of its New Street/Wolves trains.

That service is pretty handy when heading to Manchester/Stoke from the Snow Hills as one could just change at Stoke then for a 390 and completely avoid XC

Can't please everyone....
I welcome the new connection. Personally reckon it'd be better if Chase line services continue up to Stafford (obviously there's likely to be capacity issues on that stretch of the WCML) and maybe Shrewsbury locals run via Tame Bridge. But change is good
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Pat on June 15, 2020, 09:00:10 AM
Quote from: Tony on June 14, 2020, 08:25:04 PM
It has through trains via Birmingham, hardly direct
But at least you don't have to channge.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 15, 2020, 04:46:51 PM
The original plan was for the Shrewsbury semi-fasts to go via Darlaston, although I don't think there was any mention of them calling at Tame Bridge. Galton Bridge will presumably still have the Liverpool trains.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: ellspurs on June 15, 2020, 05:31:29 PM
Quote from: mikestone on June 15, 2020, 04:46:51 PM
The original plan was for the Shrewsbury semi-fasts to go via Darlaston, although I don't think there was any mention of them calling at Tame Bridge. Galton Bridge will presumably still have the Liverpool trains.

Could they possibly be calling at Tame Bridge temporarily while they're waiting for Darlaston to be built, which could be extended to permanent if the loadings are high?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 15, 2020, 05:47:07 PM
Quote from: ellspurs on June 15, 2020, 05:31:29 PM
Could they possibly be calling at Tame Bridge temporarily while they're waiting for Darlaston to be built, which could be extended to permanent if the loadings are high?

They will be calling at Tame Bridge after Darlaston has been built, they are on the same line, that is the whole point
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: ellspurs on June 15, 2020, 06:13:40 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 15, 2020, 05:47:07 PM
They will be calling at Tame Bridge after Darlaston has been built, they are on the same line, that is the whole point

Apologies, the way I read the initial statement indicated to me that the Tame Bridge move was a temporary measure. Glad to hear it is a permanent move.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on June 18, 2020, 10:05:15 AM
West Midlands Railway services will be ramped up on 5 July.  The current service is providing about 70% capacity compared with the normal timetable.  The 5 July improvements will provide 100% capacity but with longer trains at a reduced frequency when compared with the normal timetable.

News on the Class 196s is that 196 101 is at Tyseley (as mentioned previously in the thread).  There are also 6 units completed and in test in Spain, and 2 units completed and in test in Newport.
Given that 20 carriages were being built in Spain, I would guess that the ones in test over there are 2 x 196/1 and 4 x 196/0.  The remaining units are being built in Newport.  The units will be used on New Street to Hereford services first, followed by Snow Hill services and New Street to Shrewsbury.     
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on June 22, 2020, 06:00:29 PM
Some news on the Class 730/0 units for the Cross City line.  The first unit has been completed at Derby and is currently in test.  The second unit is in production.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 27, 2020, 07:40:47 PM
Timetable from 6th July in realtime trains. Second Stour Valley local re-instated, but doesn't run to or from Walsall which seems to have an unchanged service.
Crewe-Stoke-Stafford service reverts to running to Birmingham. Coventry corridor and Birmingham-Liverpool  unchanged.
Crosscity and Snow Hill continue as 4 tph, but alternate Dorridge trains will continue to Stratford.
t
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JIM H on July 23, 2020, 04:09:08 PM
 WMR DMU 196101 on its first ever run today. On test from Tyseley LMD to Hereford
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on July 24, 2020, 08:50:55 AM
Quote from: JIM H on July 23, 2020, 04:09:08 PM
WMR DMU 196101 on its first ever run today. On test from Tyseley LMD to Hereford

A link to a video of 196 101 passing through Kidderminster is on the Stourbridge Line User Group Facebook Group
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JMHRu8OHhY&fbclid=IwAR0PNP1LkRa4grA9G-2Yc9QV_k7poeX9_tsbnu4-pWChrDTInqf8DHTowqU&app=desktop
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on August 11, 2020, 08:46:59 PM
Regular testing of the Class 196 DMUs started today.  6 paths have been created (5Z21/22/23/24/25/27) between Tyseley and Stratford to run on Tuesdays to Fridays but only 2 of these were used today.

In addition, the first Class 730 EMU has been exported to be tested at Velim in Czechia.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on August 11, 2020, 10:16:24 PM
Quote from: Roy on August 11, 2020, 08:46:59 PM
Regular testing of the Class 196 DMUs started today.  6 paths have been created (5Z21/22/23/24/25/27) between Tyseley and Stratford to run on Tuesdays to Fridays but only 2 of these were used today.

In addition, the first Class 730 EMU has been exported to be tested at Velim in Czechia.

196104 has been doing Tyseley to Stafford overnight via Cannock as well
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 11, 2020, 10:18:47 PM
Planning applications have now been published for Darlaston and Willenhall stations - press releases previously refered to six coach platforms, but this has shrunk to four in the planning statement.
;
Willenhall is to be on the Wolverhampton side of Bilston Road bridge, which I think was not previously clear.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 13, 2020, 10:03:05 PM
Quote from: mikestone on June 14, 2020, 08:32:57 PM
Southbound services stand long enough at New St to make it relatively straightforward change, but going the other way looks a bit problematic unless they swop paths with the International-Rugeley trains, but that would result in trains from Crewe only having a five minute turn round before going to Rugeley.
;
Planning application shows a completely diferent path for the Birmingham-Crewe service to the current one, giving a better connection at Stafford  for Stoke  out of the xx.46 from Euston via the Trent Valley. Surprisingly the indicative paths for the Walsall-Wolverhampton service suggest only a five minute turn round at Walsall, after a 14 minute journey and the longer layover at Wolverhampton.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on August 13, 2020, 10:13:26 PM
Quote from: mikestone on August 11, 2020, 10:18:47 PM
Planning applications have now been published for Darlaston and Willenhall stations - press releases previously refered to six coach platforms, but this has shrunk to four in the planning statement.
;
Willenhall is to be on the Wolverhampton side of Bilston Road bridge, which I think was not previously clear.

I'd be interested to see if it's possible timetablewise to use for a commute between Bloxwich & Willenhall!

(Seeing I live a 10 min walk from Bloxwich station & work is a 10 min walk from Willenhall!)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 17, 2020, 10:57:28 PM
Looks as though next increas in service is from 7th September. From what is in RTT now
;
Walsall/Chase Line - near normal
;
Snow Hill lines near normal - which means the peak Stratford via Dorridge trains which don't run in the normal TT finish.
;
Cross-City - half hourly Bromsgrove-Lichfield and Redditch-Four Oaks.
;
Additional houly service New St-International
'
Shrewsbury semi-fasts re-instated in the peaks.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: windy miller on August 21, 2020, 04:00:23 AM
Quote from: JIM H on July 23, 2020, 04:09:08 PM
WMR DMU 196101 on its first ever run today. On test from Tyseley LMD to Hereford
There are currently 3 new units on site at tyseley  at least one of which has been parked adjacent to the main down line  (196 101)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 22, 2020, 11:36:00 PM
Website now confirms Walsall/Chase and Snow Hill services near normal and crosscity all six-car.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on August 24, 2020, 05:11:56 PM
 Two more 196 cars noted on the M5 locally around mid-day today.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on August 24, 2020, 06:45:45 PM
Quote from: mikestone on August 22, 2020, 11:36:00 PM
Website now confirms Walsall/Chase and Snow Hill services near normal and crosscity all six-car.
A bit of a lie considering only 66% of trains are running between Brum and Dorridge. The increase in usage in the last few weeks is now causing a few difficulties with social distancing, particularly when there's been no train to the city centre from Olton or Acocks Green for 40 minutes plus (not that I believe WMR are worried about that). I think the department for transport should be investigating why a fully subsidised service (until October) can't be operated.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 24, 2020, 08:42:40 PM
Quote from: WMT3000 on August 24, 2020, 06:45:45 PM
A bit of a lie considering only 66% of trains are running between Brum and Dorridge. The increase in usage in the last few weeks is now causing a few difficulties with social distancing, particularly when there's been no train to the city centre from Olton or Acocks Green for 40 minutes plus (not that I believe WMR are worried about that). I think the department for transport should be investigating why a fully subsidised service (until October) can't be operated.
I was refering to my previous post, i.e. services from 7th September.
;
Interestingly it seems that from September (TPE and TfW not yet clear) nationalized Northern is running far and away the lowest proportion of its booked service, with an actually reduction in east line services from Piccadilly.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Cedric on September 16, 2020, 10:43:47 PM
any one know who is providing  rail replacement  buses and  coaches bettween worcester   and kidderminster
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on October 20, 2020, 11:51:18 AM
 Anyone have any info on 5Z32/33 please . New Street to Bromsgrove to Tyseley.  Guess a 196 ?? Thanks.  Andrew.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JIM H on October 20, 2020, 02:51:25 PM
5Z32/33 has been cancelled, so i'll watch out for it in the future if it's a test working/driver training Class 196
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: markcf83 on October 20, 2020, 08:52:09 PM
Quote from: mikestone on August 24, 2020, 08:42:40 PM
I was refering to my previous post, i.e. services from 7th September.
;
Interestingly it seems that from September (TPE and TfW not yet clear) nationalized Northern is running far and away the lowest proportion of its booked service, with an actually reduction in east line services from Piccadilly.

TfW are running about 80% of their normal service.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Hector on October 24, 2020, 02:56:34 PM
196103 worked 5Q31 Tyseley to Crewe this morning, returning to Birmingham and then back to Crewe as 5Q32 and 5Q33 and will presumably work 5Q34 back to Tyseley.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: bususer28 on October 30, 2020, 10:25:04 PM
Does anyone know when WMR plans on introducing the class 196s into passenger service? Thanks :)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Rob H on October 31, 2020, 11:53:50 AM
Quote from: bususer28 on October 30, 2020, 10:25:04 PM
Does anyone know when WMR plans on introducing the class 196s into passenger service? Thanks :)

From what I've heard it'll be sometime in 2021 :)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on November 30, 2020, 06:27:51 PM
It was on the speaker at Moor Street, all trains in Stourbridge direction are cancelled due to a fatallity at Rowley Regis at about 16:30.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Busboy105 on November 30, 2020, 06:48:29 PM
Quote from: 2206 on November 30, 2020, 06:27:51 PM
It was on the speaker at Moor Street, all trains in Stourbridge direction are cancelled due to a fatallity at Rowley Regis at about 16:30.
My thoughts go to his family and friends.

Any updates regarding the Camp Hill Line regeneration? Has construction started?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 26, 2021, 01:52:52 PM
Extra school time trains from Snow Hill re-instated from 8th March.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 27, 2021, 10:29:18 PM
Actually they appear to be running from 1st March, unless they just haven't got round to  cancelling them.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: ellspurs on March 03, 2021, 07:07:33 PM
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/darlaston-willenhall-train-stations-re-19953933

The stations at Darlaston and Willenhall have been given the go-ahead after receiving funding allocated from today's Budget announcement.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 19, 2021, 03:21:49 PM
Perry Barr is closing for twelve months from the timetable change while it is rebuilt, with rail tickets accepted on buses -
;
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/perrybarr
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 28, 2021, 08:49:26 PM
Buses vice trains at Coventry Arena are now stopping at the bus station - last week they were apparently not serving Coventry Arena at all in the evening.
;
Any idea what the problem was/is?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on March 28, 2021, 09:36:16 PM
I'm not sure why the change in stand (unless it'd its a issue with the road and traffic near the station). I know there is staffing issues causing the bustitution
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on May 25, 2021, 11:25:09 AM
Lots of pictures on social media of the snow hill lines being completely packed. Trains undergoing repairs aren't helping
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on May 25, 2021, 08:31:13 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 25, 2021, 11:25:09 AM
Lots of pictures on social media of the snow hill lines being completely packed. Trains undergoing repairs aren't helping

Yeah, travelled yesterday into Birmingham in the afternoon, came back early evening. Two carriage train both ways, standing passengers on the train in, no chance of Social Distancing.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on June 07, 2021, 07:05:33 PM
Seems to be lots of cancellations on the Snow Hill line today.
Gap of 40 minutes from 17:25 to 18:04 at Solihull for instance.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: stephen ford on June 12, 2021, 12:20:29 PM
What's going on with snow hill line trains cancelled yesterday and today again gaps all over the place on a reduced service it's ridiculous.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 12, 2021, 06:29:25 PM
I would guess failure to agree rest day working with the unions.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on June 12, 2021, 07:10:00 PM
Quote from: mikestone on June 12, 2021, 06:29:25 PM
I would guess failure to agree rest day working with the unions.

Why would it involve the union?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ian Hardy on June 12, 2021, 09:55:28 PM
Quote from: Dom on June 12, 2021, 07:10:00 PM
Why would it involve the union?
On the railway quite of lot of weekend work especially Sunday is not rostered so to speak, it relies on crews working some of their rest days as they have more rest days than the minimum requirement.

If the unions have a gripe with the management, the first thing they do is to instruct their members not to do any rest day working, so there are no crews to work those services and therefore they are cancelled.

Some of the TOCs are trying to get an agreement that weekends are normal rostered days, but rest day working is paid more than normal working, so the unions don't want that to occur. 

So to put in bluntly - the rail unions don't care about the giving the rails users (who ultimately pay their wages) a good service 7 days a week so eventually there won't be any requirement for rest day working or normal rostered working as the unions will have forced the rail users to find another way to travel so they won't have a job.

P.S. I am a member of a TU (but nothing to do with transport).
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on June 12, 2021, 10:21:33 PM
Quote from: Ian Hardy on June 12, 2021, 09:55:28 PM
On the railway quite of lot of weekend work especially Sunday is not rostered so to speak, it relies on crews working some of their rest days as they have more rest days than the minimum requirement.

If the unions have a gripe with the management, the first thing they do is to instruct their members not to do any rest day working, so there are no crews to work those services and therefore they are cancelled.

Some of the TOCs are trying to get an agreement that weekends are normal rostered days, but rest day working is paid more than normal working, so the unions don't want that to occur. 

So to put in bluntly - the rail unions don't care about the giving the rails users (who ultimately pay their wages) a good service 7 days a week so eventually there won't be any requirement for rest day working or normal rostered working as the unions will have forced the rail users to find another way to travel so they won't have a job.

P.S. I am a member of a TU (but nothing to do with transport).

As a railway employee, that isn't the case anymore. Weekend working is rostered on both Saturdays and Sundays.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on June 12, 2021, 10:22:12 PM
Don't forget we're still in a pandemic
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Gareth on June 12, 2021, 11:03:23 PM
Quote from: Dom on June 12, 2021, 10:21:33 PM
As a railway employee, that isn't the case anymore. Weekend working is rostered on both Saturdays and Sundays.

I'm guessing that all new contracts are like that, but like in so many industries there are people on old contracts who's will be very different to yours.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 13, 2021, 02:28:10 PM
Rest day working certainly used to have to be sanctioned by the relevant union.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on June 13, 2021, 07:35:17 PM
Quote from: mikestone on June 13, 2021, 02:28:10 PM
Rest day working certainly used to have to be sanctioned by the relevant union.

Times have changed I guess. The union get very little say.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on June 20, 2021, 02:45:01 PM
 WMR not doing themselves any favours at Bromsgrove today , o k , a bus service is running Stourbridge - Kidderminster - Bromsgrove - Worcester [ plus other stations ] , BUT , the station announcements and the departure screen are both telling passsengers for Worcester to go to Platform 4 . . . .  After people realise there is no train to Worcester they return to the front of the station only to realise the replacement bus has gone .  No "customer service" staff seen either.   The local taxi firms are not complaining though !   
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on June 27, 2021, 01:30:43 PM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on June 20, 2021, 02:45:01 PM
WMR not doing themselves any favours at Bromsgrove today . . . . .

Pretty much the same again today. Nobody on hand for passenger assistance , at least one coach not displaying any route information.  And to add to the mix , according to the departure display and tannoy , there are [none existant] departures to Worcester from platform four at xx.55  AND  xx.56.    ;)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on July 10, 2021, 09:39:07 AM
No trains from local stations on the Dorridge line into Birmingham for 2 hours this morning. Pretty pathetic when you consider Birmingham's supposedly the second city. I think they're still blaming Covid for some reason while in reality, as has been the norm since the days of Central trains on this line, they just can't get the staff.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: stephen ford on July 10, 2021, 11:13:41 AM
Yes there's a load of cancellations again on snow hill line again its ridiculous.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on July 10, 2021, 04:23:53 PM
Quote from: WMT3000 on July 10, 2021, 09:39:07 AM
No trains from local stations on the Dorridge line into Birmingham for 2 hours this morning. Pretty pathetic when you consider Birmingham's supposedly the second city. I think they're still blaming Covid for some reason while in reality, as has been the norm since the days of Central trains on this line, they just can't get the staff.

Yeah they are a complete disgrace. The Williams review can't come into action fast enough. Twice this week the Wolverhampton- Birmingham New Street (originate from Shrewsbury) has been cancelled.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on July 10, 2021, 04:33:52 PM
https://twitter.com/WestMidRailway/status/1413830699929505797
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on July 10, 2021, 07:42:32 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 10, 2021, 04:23:53 PM
Yeah they are a complete disgrace. The Williams review can't come into action fast enough. Twice this week the Wolverhampton- Birmingham New Street (originate from Shrewsbury) has been cancelled.

They (London Northwestern Railway) reduced London-Birmingham service to 1tph, and then run some services with 4 carriages only, it's madness
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on July 10, 2021, 07:58:45 PM
Last Sunday, 4 carriage unit on a Liverpiol to Brum, F&S it was. People were even standing in the one loo!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on July 10, 2021, 10:20:16 PM
You have to wonder if they have a control office - nothing from New St to Rugeley between 19.11 and 21.49, yet the stoppers to Walsall all ran.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on July 11, 2021, 08:42:30 AM
Quote from: mikestone on July 10, 2021, 10:20:16 PM
You have to wonder if they have a control office - nothing from New St to Rugeley between 19.11 and 21.49, yet the stoppers to Walsall all ran.

For the 20:57 to Walsall they even used the Unit that should have made the 20:47 to Rugeley which was in platform 4c so had to miss Duddeston, Aston, Witton & Perry Barr stops out. If they do have a control office it looks like they always just choose the easiest option
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: stephen ford on July 11, 2021, 09:07:03 AM
It's a disgrace there are more cancelled trains on Stourbridge. line today than there is running, they might as well not bothered.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: dingding on July 11, 2021, 09:46:49 AM
From bitter experiance of the London to Birmingham route yes they always always will without any communication with their passengers.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ian Hardy on July 11, 2021, 09:47:55 AM
Some of the problems could be they have got staff that are getting pinged to isolate due the world beating track and trace app we have. Also WMR must rely on overtime working at weekends for a high proportion of the services and if none of the staff want to work overtime then with the shortage of the staff due to isolating staff then there is nobody to run them.

Also due to a sporting event going on at 20:00 this evening, I can imagine this will be the reason that lots of services will be cancelled later on today as nobody will want to do overtime:-)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on July 11, 2021, 09:51:16 AM
Quote from: Ian Hardy on July 11, 2021, 09:47:55 AM
Some of the problems could be they have got staff that are getting pinged to isolate due the world beating track and trace app we have. Also WMR must rely on overtime working at weekends for a high proportion of the services and if none of the staff want to work overtime then with the shortage of the staff due to isolating staff then there is nobody to run them.

Also due to a sporting event going on at 20:00 this evening, I can imagine this will be the reason that lots of services will be cancelled later on today as nobody will want to do overtime:-)

Yes, that is pretty much what it says here:
Rail services hit as England on track to final (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-birmingham-57668181?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=60e84e3d7700c04e4db4a5b2%26Rail%20services%20hit%20as%20England%20on%20track%20to%20final%262021-07-09T14%3A01%3A36%2B00%3A00&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:81c7c595-6f69-4f85-92ff-2699b9d29939&pinned_post_asset_id=60e84e3d7700c04e4db4a5b2&pinned_post_type=share)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: dingding on July 11, 2021, 10:11:21 AM
I was talking about those almost forgotten pre COVID days! Seems things improved drastically when there were none of those pesky passengers to slow things down! Sadly its not easy to change things on a railway. Where you can regulate and tweak bus services to fill or minimise gaps its almost impossible to react to late notice change on the railway.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on July 11, 2021, 11:15:34 AM
Quote from: dingding on July 11, 2021, 10:11:21 AM
I was talking about those almost forgotten pre COVID days! Seems things improved drastically when there were none of those pesky passengers to slow things down! Sadly its not easy to change things on a railway. Where you can regulate and tweak bus services to fill or minimise gaps its almost impossible to react to late notice change on the railway.

My daughter wasn't asking for change, just a train home, not sitting at New Street Station for 2 hours and eventually my wife having to drive an pick her up from Walsall because WMT don't seem to have any management over their staff.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: stephen ford on July 11, 2021, 11:59:33 AM
I agree Tony the drivers are paid to much compared with bus drivers and do not have the same aggravation to contend with traffic delays and irate or abusive people in your face.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steveminor on July 12, 2021, 07:50:34 AM
It's not all staffing issues. Sunday night was waiting in new street for lea hall line for the 21.38.(Already very late due to how many bloxwich trains were cancelled). We were stood next to the guard & driver when his train was diverted to make a departure to Wolverhampton. Reason our train was cancelled "shortage of train crew". I mean the guys were standing right there!!!!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on July 12, 2021, 08:06:47 AM
Quote from: Steveminor on July 12, 2021, 07:50:34 AM
It's not all staffing issues. Sunday night was waiting in new street for lea hall line for the 21.38.(Already very late due to how many bloxwich trains were cancelled). We were stood next to the guard & driver when his train was diverted to make a departure to Wolverhampton. Reason our train was cancelled "shortage of train crew". I mean the guys were standing right there!!!!

Lea Hall trains leave New Street at xx14 on a Sunday night?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steveminor on July 12, 2021, 10:32:51 AM
Was scheduled for 21.38 international shuttle ended up on the 22.20 that left at 22.30 through to london.
Think there was an amended timetable in place not really sure
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ian Hardy on July 12, 2021, 09:00:20 PM
Below is a link to Real Time Trains showing the trains from Birmingham New Street calling at Birmingham International between 18:30 & 00:30 on Sunday evening:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:BHM/to/gb-nr:BHI/2021-07-11/1830-0030?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:BHM/to/gb-nr:BHI/2021-07-11/1830-0030?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt)
There were no shuttles to Birmingham International scheduled to run last evening.

This is the link for next Sunday and there are no shuttles to BHI either:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:BHM/to/gb-nr:BHI/2021-07-18/1830-0030?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:BHM/to/gb-nr:BHI/2021-07-18/1830-0030?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt)

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on July 12, 2021, 10:11:47 PM
Quote from: Ian Hardy on July 12, 2021, 09:00:20 PM
Below is a link to Real Time Trains showing the trains from Birmingham New Street calling at Birmingham International between 18:30 & 00:30 on Sunday evening:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:BHM/to/gb-nr:BHI/2021-07-11/1830-0030?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:BHM/to/gb-nr:BHI/2021-07-11/1830-0030?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt)
There were no shuttles to Birmingham International scheduled to run last evening.

This is the link for next Sunday and there are no shuttles to BHI either:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:BHM/to/gb-nr:BHI/2021-07-18/1830-0030?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:BHM/to/gb-nr:BHI/2021-07-18/1830-0030?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt)

There never is on a Sunday evening. The xx13 always does all stations
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on July 13, 2021, 05:33:13 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 12, 2021, 10:11:47 PM
There never is on a Sunday evening. The xx13 always does all stations

There's no international shuttles on a Sunday at all. There's a couple one way BHI-BHM but that's only to collect stabled units.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on August 02, 2021, 09:07:01 AM
 WMT have announced a "revised" / reduced service on Snow Hill lines from today. It would appear that although they now have additional rolling stock , an increased number of staff are getting a C19 ping.   
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JoNi on August 02, 2021, 01:23:19 PM
Whilst at Jewellary Quarter a train from Dorridge being short tripped to Rowley Regis was formed Chiltern Trains liveried 172102 coupled to 3 car WMT 172.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on August 21, 2021, 09:37:36 AM
Hardly any trains on the Dorridge line again today. Nothing from Acocks Green, for example, towards Birmingham between 0940 and 1123! It's about time something was done about this farce. The management of this franchise is nothing short of pathetic.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on August 21, 2021, 12:16:56 PM
Quote from: WMT3000 on August 21, 2021, 09:37:36 AM
Hardly any trains on the Dorridge line again today. Nothing from Acocks Green, for example, towards Birmingham between 0940 and 1123! It's about time something was done about this farce. The management of this franchise is nothing short of pathetic.

I don't know how they are getting away with it. They are meant to have put forward a new timetable which means the amount of services cancelled is reduced. The Shrewsbury new street services seem to have loads of cancelled services too, and these services are every 30 minutes.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on August 21, 2021, 07:02:11 PM
The faster Shrewsbury services have mostly been suspended since Covid first struck.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on August 21, 2021, 08:38:03 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 21, 2021, 12:16:56 PM
I don't know how they are getting away with it. They are meant to have put forward a new timetable which means the amount of services cancelled is reduced. The Shrewsbury new street services seem to have loads of cancelled services too, and these services are every 30 minutes.

Certainly seems like the Shrewsbury and Snow Hill lines are the worst affected. I'm boycotting both of them until West Midlands Railway get themselves in order
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: stephen ford on September 11, 2021, 08:04:41 PM
WMR are completely unreliable, caught the 18:33 of cradley heath last night to go to Bordesley for the blues match, it was 20 minutes late got to snow hill it was cancelled no explanation was given the next one was 30 late. Walked to Moor Street no buses around so had to get a taxi arrived in ground 20:02.will be driving next time, trains have be come to unpredictable rant over.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: ellspurs on September 11, 2021, 08:28:15 PM
Quote from: stephen ford on September 11, 2021, 08:04:41 PM
WMR are completely unreliable, caught the 18:33 of cradley heath last night to go to Bordesley for the blues match, it was 20 minutes late got to snow hill it was cancelled no explanation was given the next one was 30 late. Walked to Moor Street no buses around so had to get a taxi arrived in ground 20:02.will be driving next time, trains have be come to unpredictable rant over.

This response is quite apt given the discussions over traffic around the West Brom ground in the late journeys thread. The trains are struggling, pushing people into using cars. Meanwhile there are advertisements everywhere trying to woo people back onto the trains. If the above is the experience they are going to get, then more people will be driving and adding to the traffic issues.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on September 11, 2021, 08:45:25 PM
Quote from: ellspurs on September 11, 2021, 08:28:15 PM
This response is quite apt given the discussions over traffic around the West Brom ground in the late journeys thread. The trains are struggling, pushing people into using cars. Meanwhile there are advertisements everywhere trying to woo people back onto the trains. If the above is the experience they are going to get, then more people will be driving and adding to the traffic issues.

Yes, good points.

I had to laugh that they asked the BBC to go to Snow Hill yesterday morning to launch the campaign given the awful service now on the Snow Hill lines. There were numerous cancellations this afternoon, up to 3 trains in a row were cancelled on the Stourbridge line which must have been fun with WBA playing at home.

Even when things are "normal" now the service is bad. I caught a peak hour train on Wednesday afternoon, and it was only 3 carriages in length and full and standing, why do they think people want to put up with that given that a lot of people now have the choice to work from home.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on September 12, 2021, 04:20:23 AM
Tbf I used WMR last Sunday and the only problems I noticed was with a few WMR ex Londons (there again leaving WFJ I must admit the Avanti I used was quite fast, ended up in RUG 5 up!). Snow Hill was running to time and 5 car on the journey I used
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Justin Tyme on September 12, 2021, 11:19:30 AM
Unfortunately WMR's current slogan "Ready when you're ready" isn't appropriate at this time.

Reliability has got to get better before confidence to travel regularly will return.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on September 12, 2021, 01:14:52 PM
Quote from: Justin Tyme on September 12, 2021, 11:19:30 AM
Unfortunately WMR's current slogan "Ready when you're ready" isn't appropriate at this time.

Reliability has got to get better before confidence to travel regularly will return.

So the slogan should be 'NOT ready when you're ready'?

Under normal circumstances, the bus companies should be cleaning up, but with Covid affecting their staffing levels, I guess not?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steveminor on September 21, 2021, 08:54:21 PM
Bus from Mablethorpe to Skegness, train from Skegness to Nottingham, train from Nottingham to Birmingham new street & train from new street to lea hall.
Guess which one was delayed then cancelled
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on October 29, 2021, 03:45:22 PM
The 13:00 service from Whitlocks End to Birmingham Moor Street was showing on the departure board at the station at Whitlocks End as being "on time". 13:00 came and went and then it suddenly disappeared off the departure board to show the 14:00, despite no train having arrived. With no communication to passengers waiting on the station. Which is very poor to be honest.

Besides that there are a lot of cancellations on the Snow Hill Lines today, "due to a lorry striking a bridge in the Cradley Heath area" and "A shortage of train crew". With the announcements advising this morning to use National Express Bus services.

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on December 05, 2021, 01:08:37 AM
Chase line was shocking tonight. Got back from london about 930...pretty much everything cancelled from Rugeley Trent Valley to Cannock we had to get a taxi home
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on December 08, 2021, 07:17:15 PM
Quote from: 2206 on October 29, 2021, 03:45:22 PM
The 13:00 service from Whitlocks End to Birmingham Moor Street was showing on the departure board at the station at Whitlocks End as being "on time". 13:00 came and went and then it suddenly disappeared off the departure board to show the 14:00, despite no train having arrived. With no communication to passengers waiting on the station. Which is very poor to be honest.

Besides that there are a lot of cancellations on the Snow Hill Lines today, "due to a lorry striking a bridge in the Cradley Heath area" and "A shortage of train crew". With the announcements advising this morning to use National Express Bus services.

In certain industries, certain periods of the year staff cannot have annual leave, surely in the travel industry Christmas is a very busy period you would have thought this would be a big no no for annual leave due to higher volumes of people travelling either for work, or for Christmas shopping.

But it seems everyone weekend it's always same lame excuse 'Lack of crew' and passengers will get feed up and will revert to gas guzzlers
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steve3229vp on March 03, 2022, 08:42:43 AM
When Perry Barr station reopens, will the Rugeley Trent Valley be calling there as well, I would be surprised if it is still only two trains an hour after building a brand new station
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 03, 2022, 09:25:53 AM
Quote from: Steve3229vp on March 03, 2022, 08:42:43 AM
When Perry Barr station reopens, will the Rugeley Trent Valley be calling there as well, I would be surprised if it is still only two trains an hour after building a brand new station

It would need a whole timetable recast as the Rugeleys do not pass through Perry Barr
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steve3229vp on March 03, 2022, 10:51:48 AM
Thanks Tony, so it looks like it's still only going to be 2 trains per hour then.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on March 03, 2022, 05:28:37 PM
Quote from: Steve3229vp on March 03, 2022, 10:51:48 AM
Thanks Tony, so it looks like it's still only going to be 2 trains per hour then.

More than likely, as I presume the limiting factor for increasing the amount of services would be paths in/out of New Street. The only thing I could think of is diverting some Cross City trains to Walsall rather than up to Four Oaks/Lichfield for the duration of the games, if extra capacity is needed.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 03, 2022, 06:44:15 PM
Quote from: DJ on March 03, 2022, 05:28:37 PM
More than likely, as I presume the limiting factor for increasing the amount of services would be paths in/out of New Street. The only thing I could think of is diverting some Cross City trains to Walsall rather than up to Four Oaks/Lichfield for the duration of the games, if extra capacity is needed.

I suspect they will do what they do for football at Villa Park, just run extra shorts to Perry Barr out via Aston, back via Soho
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on March 03, 2022, 07:14:07 PM
Lets see what 2023 as install when the new stations open as the Wolverhampton via Darleston to Walsall could go direct to rugeley increasing
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on March 03, 2022, 08:37:39 PM
Quote from: DJ on March 03, 2022, 05:28:37 PM
More than likely, as I presume the limiting factor for increasing the amount of services would be paths in/out of New Street. The only thing I could think of is diverting some Cross City trains to Walsall rather than up to Four Oaks/Lichfield for the duration of the games, if extra capacity is needed.
They have I think said that it is not anticipated that CrossCity will revert to six tph post-Covid so two paths per hour may be available
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on March 26, 2022, 08:11:58 PM
Interesting that they decided they couldn't stop Rugeley trains at Hamstead this weekend, any other time trains are diverted via Soho they manage to stop them at Hamstead why not this time?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: tjwpsv on March 27, 2022, 03:20:36 PM
Does anyone know who/what is working the Stratford line rail replacement today, please?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: WMT3000 on March 27, 2022, 09:50:27 PM
Quote from: tjwpsv on March 27, 2022, 03:20:36 PM
Does anyone know who/what is working the Stratford line rail replacement today, please?
Saw a few on there today.

Mighty Travel NL02ZRX was on there until early afternoon when it was swapped for a coach.

Also a Brit Coaches Streetlite, South Staffs Mcv Evolution, Guru Travel Dennis Dart and a Warwickshire Travel Dennis Dart.

Saw a handful of coaches as well including a couple owned by Warwickshire Travel.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on March 30, 2022, 04:20:37 PM
Due to faults on the trains that serve the Stourbridge Junction – Stourbridge Town route, buses will run in place of trains until Friday 8 April inclusive.   
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on March 30, 2022, 04:23:55 PM
Quote from: Roy on March 30, 2022, 04:20:37 PM
Due to faults on the trains that serve the Stourbridge Junction – Stourbridge Town route, buses will run in place of trains until Friday 8 April inclusive.   

Stick a 172 on there ;)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: RW on March 31, 2022, 08:22:18 AM
Passed a single WMR coach on low loader heading North on M5 at Bristol on Tuesday. Not a driving unit and didn't have time to see whether it was part of a diesel or electric unit.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 4679 on March 31, 2022, 12:10:34 PM
Possibly from a 196 as saw a pic of one at Donnington RFT missing a couple of coaches
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on March 31, 2022, 12:43:58 PM
Who running the Stourbridge shuttle replacement bus
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 31, 2022, 09:01:44 PM
Quote from: RW on March 31, 2022, 08:22:18 AM
Passed a single WMR coach on low loader heading North on M5 at Bristol on Tuesday. Not a driving unit and didn't have time to see whether it was part of a diesel or electric unit.

It was a carriage of 196113
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: RW on April 01, 2022, 08:11:48 AM
Thanks for that Tony. Do you know where it's likely destination was?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JIM H on April 01, 2022, 10:26:38 AM
Destination for 196113 is likely to be Donnington Railfreight terminal. Several Class 196's have arrived there before forwarding to Tyseley for acceptance. 2 carriages from 196113 have already been seen at Donnington.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: RW on April 01, 2022, 09:29:53 PM
Thanks Jim. Any idea when they are supposed to start in service?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on April 05, 2022, 04:14:50 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on March 31, 2022, 12:43:58 PMWho running the Stourbridge shuttle replacement bus

Today on the working were  Streetlite SK68TWN and Transit X16STB.  HTH. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on April 05, 2022, 04:51:43 PM
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on April 05, 2022, 04:14:50 PMToday on the working were  Streetlite SK68TWN and Transit X16STB.  HTH.

X16STB is according to busdata owned by Hanif, Dudley (WM)
SK68TWN is according to busdata owned by AA Minibus, Halesowen (WM)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on April 05, 2022, 09:05:00 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 05, 2022, 04:51:43 PMX16STB is according to busdata owned by Hanif, Dudley (WM)
SK68TWN is according to busdata owned by AA Minibus, Halesowen (WM)

 Thanks for the extra info . There seem to be more and more vehicles running about in "all over white". 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on April 07, 2022, 07:24:06 PM
Bus replacement on the Stourbridge Town branch is now expected until at least 23rd April.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on April 07, 2022, 10:22:01 PM
@the trainbasher @B61 ANDREW  thanks for info I thought Streetlite was owned Brit coaches who use someone's yard to park
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on April 07, 2022, 10:43:21 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on April 07, 2022, 10:22:01 PM@the trainbasher @B61 ANDREW  thanks for info I thought Streetlite was owned Brit coaches who use someone's yard to park

Yeah, AA Minibus, Halesowen. Fleetname Brit Coaches
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on April 08, 2022, 09:07:54 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 07, 2022, 10:43:21 PMYeah, AA Minibus, Halesowen. Fleetname Brit Coaches
@thetrainbaser thanks
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 02, 2022, 10:02:23 PM
The high level platform at Lichfield TV is out of use due to unspecified damage until at least the end of the week.
.
What appears to be a secret unless you are on the gensheet group is that this means there is no access to the up LL platforn other than via a minibus shuttle from the station to the Burton Old Road carpark.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on May 07, 2022, 01:56:50 PM
Stourbridge Shuttle out of service again!

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/dudley/2022/05/06/stourbridge-shuttle-out-of-service-due-to-track-repairs-and-potential-vehicle-defects/
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Gareth on May 07, 2022, 05:17:50 PM
If the problem is track repairs, say it's track repairs. Surely 'there might be a defect the vehicles, we don't know, it's potential so we'll blame that anyway' is just a way of making people think that there's so many issues they have no option other than close it.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on May 07, 2022, 05:52:15 PM
Any more issues & it's going to start rivalling the Metro for non reliability!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on May 10, 2022, 12:45:02 AM
From what I have been able to find out, the wheels on the 139s have damaged the track and so a thorough survey of the track has needed to be carried out and presumably remedial work on the 139s as well.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on May 10, 2022, 04:36:23 PM
Stourbridge Town branch now expected to be closed until end of day on Sunday.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on May 12, 2022, 12:06:03 PM
Services on the Stourbridge Town branch recommenced on Wednesday 11/05/22 using 139002.

However, just went past the station and 002 has developed another fault and so the service is currently not running again!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on May 12, 2022, 12:58:58 PM
The Town line is not having much luck at the moment. There was some discussion on RailUK Forums about it...

Quote from: High Dyke - RailUK Forums
 Seemingly a rough ride was reported across the points that access the Town branch, and remedial track repairs undertaken. However, I also understand one of the train units is out of traffic for repairs and the second unit requires inspection following the rough ride report.


Quote from: 172007 - RailUK ForumsI believe that 137 yards of check rail has to be replaced and both 139's inspected by a rolling stock technician before anything can move.

https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/stourbridge-shuttle-suspended-08-05-2022.231425/
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on May 12, 2022, 06:51:55 PM
Unit back up and running this afternoon.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 03, 2022, 10:25:14 PM
Can anyone confirm Perry Barr re-opened on 29th May?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on June 04, 2022, 10:02:14 AM
Quote from: mikestone on June 03, 2022, 10:25:14 PMCan anyone confirm Perry Barr re-opened on 29th May?

Yes, it did:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-61605232
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/perry-barr-station-ready-open-following-%C2%A330m-redevelopment
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on June 05, 2022, 04:14:12 PM
Thanks - I'd seen those but the BBC one issued last Sunday said opening on Sunday - not opening today, while the WMR one said "set to open it's doors" with no mention since.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on June 08, 2022, 02:17:00 PM
Forthcoming railway strike listened to the clip about closing tickets offices. Surely most bus stations have lost their ticket offices due to the way their passengers travel and tickets are now eTickets meaning you don't have to go to a ticket office to buy them you can buy from local shop before travel.  Surely it will be the same with trains stations and companies the way you sell your products, if 80% is now eTickets ie there train pass is on mobile phone surely you will have to adapt your business and it will be saft having someone just sitting there not selling tickets. You have to use the resources to the best of the availability
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on June 08, 2022, 03:49:11 PM
QuoteForthcoming railway strike listened to the clip about closing tickets offices. Surely most bus stations have lost their ticket offices due to the way their passengers travel and tickets are now eTickets meaning you don't have to go to a ticket office to buy them you can buy from local shop before travel.  Surely it will be the same with trains stations and companies the way you sell your products, if 80% is now eTickets ie there train pass is on mobile phone surely you will have to adapt your business and it will be saft having someone just sitting there not selling tickets. You have to use the resources to the best of the availability

Booking office staff on the railway do more than just sell tickets. E Tickets are a popular way for people to purchase their tickets, but have flaws. It leads to potential fare evasion (With the simplicity for passengers to purchase child rate tickets, add railcards they don't have or simply not buy one at all). 

How do you know that it's 80% E tickets?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 08, 2022, 03:59:27 PM
QuoteBooking office staff on the railway do more than just sell tickets. E Tickets are a popular way for people to purchase their tickets, but have flaws. It leads to potential fare evasion (With the simplicity for passengers to purchase child rate tickets, add railcards they don't have or simply not buy one at all).

How do you know that it's 80% E tickets?
I never use e-tickets when I am travelling for work, a nice paper ticket and receipt is far easier to attach to my expenses form.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on June 08, 2022, 06:27:52 PM
Quote from: Ginger66 on June 08, 2022, 02:17:00 PMForthcoming railway strike listened to the clip about closing tickets offices. Surely most bus stations have lost their ticket offices due to the way their passengers travel and tickets are now eTickets meaning you don't have to go to a ticket office to buy them you can buy from local shop before travel.  Surely it will be the same with trains stations and companies the way you sell your products, if 80% is now eTickets ie there train pass is on mobile phone surely you will have to adapt your business and it will be saft having someone just sitting there not selling tickets. You have to use the resources to the best of the availability
I doubt its down to eTickets, though they are becoming more popular.

Its more likely down to people either using the self-service machines at the station, or buying tickets online and then collecting them from the machine before travelling.

Admittedly I don't travel by train very often now, but it has been several years since I've needed to buy a ticket from staff in the booking office.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: markcf83 on June 08, 2022, 06:57:50 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 08, 2022, 03:59:27 PMI never use e-tickets when I am travelling for work, a nice paper ticket and receipt is far easier to attach to my expenses form.
Same here. Paper tickets are fail proof. Mobile tickets aren't. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on June 08, 2022, 08:09:07 PM
Quote from: Dom on June 08, 2022, 03:49:11 PMBooking office staff on the railway do more than just sell tickets. E Tickets are a popular way for people to purchase their tickets, but have flaws. It leads to potential fare evasion (With the simplicity for passengers to purchase child rate tickets, add railcards they don't have or simply not buy one at all).

How do you know that it's 80% E tickets?
The 80% comment was not meant to mean it was 80% but as a ballpark figure.   What I was trying to say was if the vast majority of tickets are either smartcard (swift/oyster) /mobile etickets.  Then surely you will have to look at your business profile and how you sell your products.  But I agree the ticket office do more than just sell tickets they provide travel advice.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Kevin on June 10, 2022, 11:37:19 AM
Quote from: Ginger66 on June 08, 2022, 08:09:07 PMThe 80% comment was not meant to mean it was 80% but as a ballpark figure.  What I was trying to say was if the vast majority of tickets are either smartcard (swift/oyster) /mobile etickets.  Then surely you will have to look at your business profile and how you sell your products.  But I agree the ticket office do more than just sell tickets they provide travel advice.

Alas, even providing travel advice looks like becoming a thing of the past these days, regular folk just Google a route & use Trainline for mobile tickets. Personally I hate both, neither of them knows things they just know data
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on June 16, 2022, 07:51:09 PM
Think WMR have no trains on Snow Hill line some days next week due to industrial action.
So would guess bus services that run near rail lines X2, 9/X8/X10, 4 etc might have extra passengers maybe.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: midlandred2003 on June 16, 2022, 08:08:19 PM
There are no trains Tuesday to Saturday.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on June 16, 2022, 08:27:49 PM
Quote from: midlandred2003 on June 16, 2022, 08:08:19 PMThere are no trains Tuesday to Saturday.
Yes, and on the Monday no service on the Dorridge and Whitlocks End lines and only an hourly service to Stourbridge.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on June 19, 2022, 08:32:07 AM
Regarding the strikes as railway passengers returned to pre COVID levels; we know bus passengers have not fully returned to pre COVID levels.

In business big bosses will look at everything to determine if a pay rise is viable.  Bosses will either use SWOT/PESTLE analysis.   

Strengths  - reliable train/bus service
Weaknesses - failing passenger numbers
Opportunities - new lines i.e. camp hill line but this could be years down the line
Threats  - another potential virus outbreak that could close country down again

Even if you look a PESTLE the two E's relate to economic and environmental.   The S relates to social.

Economic - The cost of fuel as gone meaning WMR/LNWR pays goes up for commercial diesel.
Social - Customer travel patterns change due to new ways of working ie hybrid working meaning only in office two or three times a week.
Environmental - Looking at cleaner electric or even hydrogen trains to replace diesel powered units. 




Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on June 19, 2022, 11:54:11 AM
Its not all about pay though. Its about safety as well.

Less NR staff = potential for another Hatfield
Less on board staff = potential for uncontrolled evacuations when things go wrong, more crime on-board, fare evasion increases.
Less station staff = more crime.

That's why I'm in favour of this industrial action.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: D10 on June 19, 2022, 08:25:55 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 19, 2022, 11:54:11 AMIts not all about pay though. Its about safety as well.

Less NR staff = potential for another Hatfield
Less on board staff = potential for uncontrolled evacuations when things go wrong, more crime on-board, fare evasion increases.
Less station staff = more crime.

That's why I'm in favour of this industrial action.
Don't disagree with your points at all. Unfortunately on the Snow Hill lines at least you very rarely see the conductors, so they don't provide any deterrent to anti-social behaviour or fare evasion. If the Unions are arguing that these staff are needed and deserve pay rises, they need to get out the rear cab and do these things. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on June 19, 2022, 09:00:15 PM
Quote from: D10 on June 19, 2022, 08:25:55 PMDon't disagree with your points at all. Unfortunately on the Snow Hill lines at least you very rarely see the conductors, so they don't provide any deterrent to anti-social behaviour or fare evasion. If the Unions are arguing that these staff are needed and deserve pay rises, they need to get out the rear cab and do these things.
The problem with services like the Snow Hill and Cross City is the closeness between stations, meaning its hard to do ticket checks, customer service and the safety critical duties, especially on the all stations routes.

What's needed is more RPIs, but we all know that the TOCs won't pay out for them
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on June 19, 2022, 09:05:42 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 19, 2022, 09:00:15 PMThe problem with services like the Snow Hill and Cross City is the closeness between stations, meaning its hard to do ticket checks, customer service and the safety critical duties, especially on the all stations routes.

What's needed is more RPIs, but we all know that the TOCs won't pay out for them
I noticed when they do check tickets, its certainly seems to be the same few that check them.
Plus if someone's journey is between 2 stations without barriers, even less chance of it getting checked.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: j789 on June 19, 2022, 11:03:17 PM
It's an unfortunate situation not helped by incompetent government ministers and equally incompetent union leaders. Everyone is always trying to save face rather than actually try to resolve these issues. 

The cost of living crisis is a genuine consideration for many in the transport industry but, come on, it is a joke to say a £45000 train driver needs an 8% rise to equal the increase in cost of living - they are hardly living on the breadline on minimum wage are they?

I have spent a large part of my working life  in the bus industry. I was always in the union and supported action when we needed to take it. However, one real issue I had with some of the transport unions was how they completely failed the bus industry because of their obsession with trains. 

Bus drivers today are paid around half of what a train driver can expect. This is a ridiculous situation when you consider what a skilled job bus driving is (no matter what the government or private companies may like to suggest). The unions should have put their energies into collective action to raise the pay across the industry for bus drivers. They sadly didn't though.

This is replicated in many other low paid industries like healthcare and education. Ultimately, the unions have failed the 'real' working class who genuinely do live on the breadline earning low wages. Whatever the union's rhetoric about helping the working class, the fact they are campaigning for 8% (or whatever) for well paid workers is a slap in the face for the average worker in other industries.

Therefore, it is the unions who are now creating this social divide between people as they are not focused on the actual working class individuals who do need help in these challenging times. This is clearly what the government also wants to happen as they can then get the public to turn against the unions when their lives get disrupted by this sort of industrial action. 

It's a losing situation for everyone and I truly hope some last minute common sense prevails from all sides.



Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: the trainbasher on June 19, 2022, 11:13:06 PM
Quote from: j789 on June 19, 2022, 11:03:17 PMThe cost of living crisis is a genuine consideration for many in the transport industry but, come on, it is a joke to say a £45000 train driver needs an 8% rise to equal the increase in cost of living - they are hardly living on the breadline on minimum wage are they?
It's not the train drivers taking Industrial Action. Its grades like cleaners, conductors, signallers, booking office staff, TOC social media staff, Customer Service staff, dispatchers, track inspectors.

And it's not just pay but T&Cs, job losses, Health and Safety.

As I said above, it's the loss/reduction of those staff that can lead to another Hatfield disaster, an increase in crime, a increase in fare evasion, less assistance avaliable to those in need.

Also known as the "working class".
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: bususer28 on June 20, 2022, 01:46:06 PM
The UK already has the most expensive set of rail fares in Europe so I know it's an uncomfortable reality but do things like ticket offices really need to stay open when they sell a single ticket a day? Network Rail know that passengers need a reliable service and I am sure that despite the unions' opinion, they will not compromise on safety. I am all for unions but someone really needs to think hard if holding the country to ransom is the way to win public support especially when the railway is crying for passengers to return. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on June 20, 2022, 02:01:10 PM
QuoteThe UK already has the most expensive set of rail fares in Europe so I know it's an uncomfortable reality but do things like ticket offices really need to stay open when they sell a single ticket a day? Network Rail know that passengers need a reliable service and I am sure that despite the unions' opinion, they will not compromise on safety. I am all for unions but someone really needs to think hard if holding the country to ransom is the way to win public support especially when the railway is crying for passengers to return.
I think you will find stations like Birmingham New Street sell a lot more tickets from the people behind the desks (not the automated machines) than more than 1 a day. 

For instance I buy an annual "Hednesford - Network 52 - wk add on" to add to my nNetwork Ticket. This ticket is not available on-line or via station ticket machines, so where am I supposed to buy my ticket from without ticket offices?

This post isn't pro or anti the strikes and one thing that amuses me about the union is they have been wanting the railways nationalised since they were first privatised, but are now complaining about government intereference in this dispute. I'm sorry but if you want a nationalised industry then the Government of the day, which ever colour people have voted in are your bosses!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: don on August 23, 2022, 12:19:58 AM
There are lots of reasons why ticket offices should remain manned - not least because as you say, it's often impossible to buy an appropriate ticket on line or on machine - at my local station there are two ticket machines - they are regularly oversubscribed with big queues and are often out of order.

Unfortunately the current Secretary of State is either hopelessly ill informed or deliberately trying to mislead - he stated recently 'the Government doesn't own the railways you know', when of course it does and the arms length companies simply run it to the Government Department's requirements - dictated by the aforementioned SoS. He undoubtedly hasn't got a clue about ticketing complexities and although TfL managed to de-staff theirs on the Tube, their system for travel is very automated and doesn't carry the complexities the national rail system does in terms of journey complexity - and in any case they have to man each barrier to deal with faulty tickets (a regular issue with national rail tickets and travel cards) or leave it open. 

I can see where the unions are coming from - allegedly offered 8% pay rise but over 2 yrs (so really 4% against inflation exceeding 10%, per annum).

It's about time the Government offered some consistency and explanation - what appear to be reasonable pay demands are claimed to be inflationary whilst record profits by energy companies part of which are against a backdrop of record charges to consumers are somehow not considered as inflationary......the SoS sitting there making smug remarks about not getting involved in the disputes and leaving it to management is very rich, if not amounting to downright deception when it is he who has to approve any changes (it's written into Network Rail's legislation for instance). I suppose it's what you get when career politicians with no working knowledge are given SOS roles!! 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 888DUK on August 25, 2022, 08:54:55 PM
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/business/2022/08/25/new-ownership-for-west-midlands-trains/
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on August 25, 2022, 09:41:25 PM
Quotehttps://www.expressandstar.com/news/business/2022/08/25/new-ownership-for-west-midlands-trains/

Dominic Booth and other management have brought Abellio out and established the Transport UK Group. Deal should be completed by the end of the year. 

Don't know if Andy Street will try his luck to gain WMR from the new group. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: DJ on August 26, 2022, 10:17:21 AM
Quote from: BK63 YWP on August 25, 2022, 09:41:25 PMDominic Booth and other management have brought Abellio out and established the Transport UK Group. Deal should be completed by the end of the year.

Don't know if Andy Street will try his luck to gain WMR from the new group.
If my memory serves me right, WMR should be split off from the West Midlands Trains 'franchise' once it expires, with the WMCA having the power over the 'franchise', rather than the DfT.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on October 01, 2022, 07:57:58 AM
Looking at the strikes of WMT who picking random days striking to that of the WMM who are pretty much out on full strike from the start of November.

It seems WMM know how to strike and cause disruption to services.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: ellspurs on October 01, 2022, 09:06:46 AM
Quote from: Ginger66 on October 01, 2022, 07:57:58 AMLooking at the strikes of WMT who picking random days striking to that of the WMM who are pretty much out on full strike from the start of November.

It seems WMM know how to strike and cause disruption to services.

When the trains do it, they cause disruption for 2-3 days whilst only technically being on strike for 1.

I honestly don't think the trams being on strike are going to do much, unless the buses don't put on extra capacity to accommodate it. They've spent a lot of this year not operating, so people will be pretty used to it.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: JIM H on October 17, 2022, 04:12:06 PM
A replacement footbridge was installed yesterday at Kidderminster. It crosses S.V.R. & Network rail main lines but is not yet open to the public.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on October 17, 2022, 07:46:56 PM
A Cl196 entered service on the Shrewsbury route this morning.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: windy miller on December 07, 2022, 05:50:30 PM
  Is/was this likely to be repeated on a daily service or a temp measure?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 07, 2022, 05:54:49 PM
QuoteIs/was this likely to be repeated on a daily service or a temp measure?
They are slowly taking over all duties on the Shrewsbury line
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on December 07, 2022, 06:40:30 PM
Workings are posted on

https://partimespotter.wordpress.com


Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on December 12, 2022, 07:53:54 PM
Regarding the strikes, just seen the news about the latest pay offer and it seems 36.4% are happy with the latest offer,. Staff are realising at the end of the day they have bills to pay, mortgages ext.

Network Rail, which owns and maintains the railways, had offered a 5% pay rise this year and a 4% rise in 2023.
But RMT union boss Mick Lynch described the deal as "substandard", as 63.6% of members who voted rejected the deal.

You can see Mick not getting the deal he wants as staff will vote for the deal they want not what Mick wants I can see a 10% pay rise been accepted by the railway staff
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: markcf83 on December 12, 2022, 08:05:20 PM
Quote from: Ginger66 on December 12, 2022, 07:53:54 PMRegarding the strikes, just seen the news about the latest pay offer and it seems 36.4% are happy with the latest offer,. Staff are realising at the end of the day they have bills to pay, mortgages ext.

Network Rail, which owns and maintains the railways, had offered a 5% pay rise this year and a 4% rise in 2023.
But RMT union boss Mick Lynch described the deal as "substandard", as 63.6% of members who voted rejected the deal.

You can see Mick not getting the deal he wants as staff will vote for the deal they want not what Mick wants I can see a 10% pay rise been accepted by the railway staff
I did wonder what the split was in this regard. The gap will shrink over the next few weeks.....
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ash on December 20, 2022, 01:20:39 AM
323221 now out in the old centro livery, photos on flickr.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on February 16, 2023, 07:53:29 PM
How will the national rail strike get resolved as if it goes on any longer travellers will lose all confidence in the railway and use own car

1) if passengers don't come back could certain lines close fully or in part. Which results in less staff required such as station staff.   (I know RMT does not want staff loses).

2) New stations or lines shelved.

3) stations where passenger numbers that are very low closed or they become limited use one/two trains stopping per day.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: markcf83 on February 17, 2023, 10:03:25 AM
Quote from: Ginger66 on February 16, 2023, 07:53:29 PMHow will the national rail strike get resolved as if it goes on any longer travellers will lose all confidence in the railway and use own car

1) if passengers don't come back could certain lines close fully or in part. Which results in less staff required such as station staff.  (I know RMT does not want staff loses).

2) New stations or lines shelved.

3) stations where passenger numbers that are very low closed or they become limited use one/two trains stopping per day.
It gets resolved when the unions are bypassed. The train companies should be putting the offer to their staff directly.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Rachvince53 on February 17, 2023, 01:08:37 PM
Quote from: markcf83 on February 17, 2023, 10:03:25 AMIt gets resolved when the unions are bypassed. The train companies should be putting the offer to their staff directly.
Unfortunately that's not how the industry is set up. I understand that the unions are there to represent their members but surely with passenger numbers not having recovered from Covid, some changes are needed if the industry is not to go the way of British Rail. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on February 17, 2023, 05:34:29 PM
Quote from: Rachvince53 on February 17, 2023, 01:08:37 PMUnfortunately that's not how the industry is set up. I understand that the unions are there to represent their members but surely with passenger numbers not having recovered from Covid, some changes are needed if the industry is not to go the way of British Rail.
Agree I work in HE and the unions want pay rise of 12%, but to achieve this unis might have to put up fee's which in turn could result in less people going to uni.   Like wise if they put train fares up by extra 10% it will have an effect on people catching trains
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: windy miller on February 26, 2023, 06:02:38 PM
 As a senior railcard holder I generally save about £50-60 per year on rail fares
 After the inevitable 7 week wait to retrieve my booked (advance) fare last July due to
 strike action I have been reluctant to book Fares in advance.. Interestingly, Avanti have 
 been E mailing 'Club' invitations to their registered patrons and recently offered me a 10%
 discount off my next rail fare... unfortunately their small print does NOT include
 any national discount cards!!...Why should I consider a 10% discount at the 
 expense of a 1/3rd railcard allowance  and lose 20%??   All their mail shots are 'No reply @...........
 sicko
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 13, 2023, 05:44:53 PM
First Class is being abolished on all West Midlands Railway & London North Western Railway trains from the May timetable change
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on April 14, 2023, 01:41:18 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 13, 2023, 05:44:53 PMFirst Class is being abolished on all West Midlands Railway & London North Western Railway trains from the May timetable change
Everyone just sits in first class on the Walsall - Wolverhamptons, Rugeley - Birmingham Internationals anyway. Will be good for longer distance services though  :azn:
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 15, 2023, 03:14:36 PM
https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/service-disruptions/may-timetable-change-sunday-21-may-2023;
;
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/may23
;
is what comes up, but there are short cuts www.lnr.uk/may23 and www.wmr.uk/may23 which is what the CIS screens advertise.
;
An intersting change is that Lapworth gets an all day LM service - in the early dmu timetables it not only had an hourly service but also some extra trains turning back there but for many years only a peak service.  I wonder if it's deliberate, or just that whoever specified the timetable didn't realise?
;
Has anyone had a close enough look at a 730/1 to see if they have any first class innards?
;
I shall be interested to see how the five car working is handled on Euston-Crewe and Birmingham-Liverpool - wiki only refers to 350/2s going but obviously they must be replacing some others.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 15, 2023, 03:33:30 PM
Quote from: mikestone on April 15, 2023, 03:14:36 PMhttps://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/service-disruptions/may-timetable-change-sunday-21-may-2023;
;
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/may23
;
is what comes up, but there are short cuts www.lnr.uk/may23 and www.wmr.uk/may23 which is what the CIS screens advertise.
;
An intersting change is that Lapworth gets an all day LM service - in the early dmu timetables it not only had an hourly service but also some extra trains turning back there but for many years only a peak service.  I wonder if it's deliberate, or just that whoever specified the timetable didn't realise?
;
Has anyone had a close enough look at a 730/1 to see if they have any first class innards?
;
I shall be interested to see how the five car working is handled on Euston-Crewe and Birmingham-Liverpool - wiki only refers to 350/2s going but obviously they must be replacing some others.

All other 350s are staying, No LNWR service has first class from May 2023
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: ellspurs on April 15, 2023, 03:51:58 PM
Deleted.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on April 15, 2023, 03:59:31 PM
During the bus strikes, I used the train from Yardley Wood to Small Heath in order to get to work.

At the time I found it a little inconvenient that there was only one service per hour between those two stations, but I just made sure I was at the station in plenty of time so I didn't miss it!

And yes, it seemed a bit odd that there would be one train to Birmingham, then the next one was twenty minutes later, then a forty minute gap until the next one.

So I welcome this new timetable, and I will bear this in mind if I decide to use the train a little more often!

However I'm pretty sure that just a few years ago, there used to be three trains an hour calling at Yardley Wood, one hourly through to Stratford, with the other two 'shorts' terminating at Whitlocks End.

Interesting also that the trains through to Stratford will now stop at Danzey, Wood End, Wootton Wawen and The Lakes, these no longer being 'request stops'. Presumably this removes the requirement to have a 'senior conductor' going up and down the train.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 16, 2023, 03:18:50 PM
Both the Dorridge and Whitlocks End services were reduced to two trains an hour post Covid by deleting one of the three without changing the others, hence the gap. This May's timetable presumably implies there is no intention of going back to a combined ten minute service.
;
Whether the reason for CrossCity not changing is because it is harder to re-jig the times through New Street or they expect to revert to six per hour in due course I have no idea.
;
Obviously the cl.730 order predates the Covid cuts, which I presume will be permanent -  the reduction in the Euston-Northampton-Birmingham  services is presumably permanent as there were  track access amendments giving up paths.
I'm pretty sure at the time they said the Birmingham-Liverpool would be staying hourly eight-car rather than four car half-hourly because I remember wondering why they didn't have a TAA for that.
;
Presumably the idea of the five car sets was twelve-car workings would become 2 x 5 and some eight car single fives - whatever the reduction in services presumably means some other 350s will now be surplus.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 16, 2023, 03:52:55 PM
Quote from: mikestone on April 16, 2023, 03:18:50 PMObviously the cl.730 order predates the Covid cuts, which I presume will be permanent -  the reduction in the Euston-Northampton-Birmingham  services is presumably permanent as there were  track access amendments giving up paths.
I'm pretty sure at the time they said the Birmingham-Liverpool would be staying hourly eight-car rather than four car half-hourly because I remember wondering why they didn't have a TAA for that.
;
Presumably the idea of the five car sets was twelve-car workings would become 2 x 5 and some eight car single fives - whatever the reduction in services presumably means some other 350s will now be surplus.
The Trent Valley services which were the main ones out of Euston the 730s were ordered for are regularly 'full & standing' at 8 cars still, so will hopefully be 10 cars with the 730s. Last month on one Saturday one I was one actually left people at Milton Keynes who physically couldn't get on to Euston.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on April 16, 2023, 04:02:34 PM
The 730 orders have been amended to have more 3 car variant therefore releasing the 350s used on the local services back on to LNR routes.

@Stu small heath and Tyseley services are usually once per hour on a Whitlocks End service and once per hour on a Dorridge Service. From the timetable change both small heath and Tyseley will get 3 trains an hour from and to Birmingham. 

I have checked the timetable and Yardley Wood will be getting two trains an hour to Small Heath from 22nd May. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 16, 2023, 04:25:49 PM
Quote from: BK63 YWP on April 16, 2023, 04:02:34 PMThe 730 orders have been amended to have more 3 car variant therefore releasing the 350s used on the local services back on to LNR routes.

@Stu small heath and Tyseley services are usually once per hour on a Whitlocks End service and once per hour on a Dorridge Service. From the timetable change both small heath and Tyseley will get 3 trains an hour from and to Birmingham.

I have checked the timetable and Yardley Wood will be getting two trains an hour to Small Heath from 22nd May.
The 730s are also replacing the class 319s, as well as the 323s and 350/2
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: bususer28 on April 16, 2023, 11:10:50 PM
Quote from: mikestone on April 16, 2023, 03:18:50 PM;
Whether the reason for CrossCity not changing is because it is harder to re-jig the times through New Street or they expect to revert to six per hour in due course I have no idea.
;

I read in some rail magazine that the intention is to revert to six trains an hour in order to offer a 'turn up and go' service but this cannot happen until platforms 2 and 3 are restored at King's Norton to allow for Camp Hill services to terminate there and for Cross City Line services to use platform 4 uninterrupted. This won't happen until 2026 is at the very earliest... :)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: LiamsTransport1 on April 22, 2023, 10:33:24 PM
Quote from: bususer28 on April 16, 2023, 11:10:50 PMI read in some rail magazine that the intention is to revert to six trains an hour in order to offer a 'turn up and go' service but this cannot happen until platforms 2 and 3 are restored at King's Norton to allow for Camp Hill services to terminate there and for Cross City Line services to use platform 4 uninterrupted. This won't happen until 2026 is at the very earliest... :)
Great to hear, In my personal opinion it shouldn't be put back to 6 trains per hour till the 323s are gone anyway, the amount of issues with overcrowding previously on the 3 carriage diagrams pre-covid and even cases of people being left behind at stops in the peaks was a major issue. Bringing the service down to 4 trains each way per hour has helped certainty from my view of commuting on the service in the last 2 years. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steve3229vp on April 28, 2023, 07:21:15 AM
Witton Station can take up 6 coach trains which I think the new trains will be. But is the platform at Perry Barr long enough for 6 coach trains ?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on April 28, 2023, 08:14:55 AM
QuoteWitton Station can take up 6 coach trains which I think the new trains will be. But is the platform at Perry Barr long enough for 6 coach trains ?
Witton can only accommodate 6 carriages on the Birmingham-bound platform. Perry Barr can not accomodate 6 carriages.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steve3229vp on April 28, 2023, 02:33:50 PM
Quote from: Dom on April 28, 2023, 08:14:55 AMWitton can only accommodate 6 carriages on the Birmingham-bound platform. Perry Barr can not accomodate 6 carriages.
So the rebuilding of Perry Barr station was a waste of time then !
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 28, 2023, 02:58:45 PM
Why do you need more than 5 carriages (the length of the longest new sets) at Perry Barr?

Four carriages is plenty for the Walsall line
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steve3229vp on April 28, 2023, 03:50:01 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 28, 2023, 02:58:45 PMWhy do you need more than 5 carriages (the length of the longest new sets) at Perry Barr?

Four carriages is plenty for the Walsall line
Passenger growth for a so called regenerated area ? If it that did happen then what ?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 28, 2023, 04:08:58 PM
Quote from: Steve3229vp on April 28, 2023, 03:50:01 PMPassenger growth for a so called regenerated area ? If it that did happen then what ?
Rugeley trains physically cannot be any longer without a major rebuild of the station and track layout at Rugeley, None of the other stations on the line can take more than 5 cars, so pretty pointless extending Perry Barr
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steve3229vp on April 29, 2023, 09:36:14 AM
Quote from: Tony on April 28, 2023, 04:08:58 PMRugeley trains physically cannot be any longer without a major rebuild of the station and track layout at Rugeley, None of the other stations on the line can take more than 5 cars, so pretty pointless extending Perry Barr
So am I right in thinking that Class 730 5 car units will be used on the Walsall line ?
I take the capacity is bigger ?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 29, 2023, 10:53:17 AM
Quote from: Steve3229vp on April 29, 2023, 09:36:14 AMSo am I right in thinking that Class 730 5 car units will be used on the Walsall line ?
I take the capacity is bigger ?
They are not planned to be, they are for London -Crewe & Birmingham. Class 350 are staying on Walsalls
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on April 29, 2023, 09:50:04 PM
QuoteThey are not planned to be, they are for London -Crewe & Birmingham. Class 350 are staying on Walsalls
I thought the edited order for more 3 car 730s was to make all west midlands local services 730s to release all 350s currently used? 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on April 29, 2023, 10:08:42 PM
They are for the cross city

Class 730 fleet | West Midlands Railway (https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/whats-new/new-trains/class-730-fleet)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on April 30, 2023, 05:00:22 PM
Of course a ten-car 730 will not fit the bays at Crewe so the "little Londons" will either need reducing to five or finding a hole elsewhere, presumably 12.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on May 01, 2023, 07:22:46 PM
350104 noted at Stafford this morning in an extremely garish Eurovision wrap.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on May 17, 2023, 09:46:03 PM
Saturday should be the last day of Class 170s on WMR
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on July 06, 2023, 10:34:31 PM
Lots of cancelled trains on the Snow Hill Lines today.
18:15 Worcester - Dorridge, 18:24 Kidderminster - Whitlocks End and loads of others cancelled.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on July 06, 2023, 10:59:07 PM
QuoteLots of cancelled trains on the Snow Hill Lines today.
18:15 Worcester - Dorridge, 18:24 Kidderminster - Whitlocks End and loads of others cancelled.
Action short of strike, no Overtime
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on July 07, 2023, 04:46:06 AM
I need to buy an Nnetwork zones 1 to 5 day ticket, the £9.60 one. Theyre valid from and to Cannock. I dont have an active Swift card, so need a paper ticket. Can i get this on board the train, as cannock stn isnt a "staffed station"? Or would the ticket machine srll them ?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ginger66 on July 07, 2023, 06:15:32 AM
Quote from: Bob on July 07, 2023, 04:46:06 AMI need to buy an Nnetwork zones 1 to 5 day ticket, the £9.60 one. Theyre valid from and to Cannock. I dont have an active Swift card, so need a paper ticket. Can i get this on board the train, as cannock stn isnt a "staffed station"? Or would the ticket machine srll them ?
Top-up online
To top up your card online, log in to your Swift account (http://my.swiftcard.org.uk/ssp/swift/ng-app.jsp#/mainEntrance) and select the card you'd like to add money to. Choose the amount you want to add, and checkout.
You have to activate the top-up by using either:
TfWM (formerly Swift) app
If you have a smartphone you can activate the top-up on your card from home using the app.
For an Android device, get the app from the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wmca.swift.oneapp&hl=en_GB&gl=US).
For an iPhone, get the app from the App Store (https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/swift-app-by-tfwm/id1513880983).
When you've downloaded it:
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Bob on July 07, 2023, 06:48:06 AM
Quote from: Ginger66 on July 07, 2023, 06:15:32 AMTop-up online
To top up your card online, log in to your Swift account (http://my.swiftcard.org.uk/ssp/swift/ng-app.jsp#/mainEntrance) and select the card you'd like to add money to. Choose the amount you want to add, and checkout.
You have to activate the top-up by using either:
  • the TfWM app
  • an on-street Swift collector machine
  • a Swift kiosk
TfWM (formerly Swift) app
If you have a smartphone you can activate the top-up on your card from home using the app.
For an Android device, get the app from the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wmca.swift.oneapp&hl=en_GB&gl=US).
For an iPhone, get the app from the App Store (https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/swift-app-by-tfwm/id1513880983).
When you've downloaded it:
  • Open the app
  • Select the Swift Collector
  • Hold your Swift card to the back of your phone
  • Follow the on-screen instructions

Looking at it, you have to have an active swift card to do it that way. Which i dont have.  You can buy a papet n network ticket from staffed stations, but on the chase line the first staffed station after cannock is Walsall, so thats why i asked if it could be bought from the conductor. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on July 07, 2023, 07:09:11 AM
Quote from: Bob on July 07, 2023, 06:48:06 AMLooking at it, you have to have an active swift card to do it that way. Which i dont have.  You can buy a papet n network ticket from staffed stations, but on the chase line the first staffed station after cannock is Walsall, so thats why i asked if it could be bought from the conductor.
The machines do sell them, but nNetwork are not valid to Cannock,  only nTrain ones are so there's a small supplement to extend them from Bloxwich North
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Rachvince53 on July 07, 2023, 09:27:49 AM
Quote from: Tony on May 17, 2023, 09:46:03 PMSaturday should be the last day of Class 170s on WMR
Are they moving elsewhere or being mothballed?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on July 07, 2023, 09:48:58 AM
Quote from: Rachvince53 on July 07, 2023, 09:27:49 AMAre they moving elsewhere or being mothballed?
All of to East Midlands
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: B61 ANDREW on September 26, 2023, 01:21:08 PM
I popped to Bromsgrove Station earlier this morning to see 2 x 56's head south and was rather amused to read on the platform train departure displays that the "First departure from Platform 3 was the 2203 to Lichfield formed of 12 coaches . . . . ".  :embarrassed: :grin:  
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on October 27, 2023, 07:57:40 PM
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K05507/2023-10-28/detailed?fbclid=IwAR1RsPbYLJ08Lv9Ya3TCNxVJlX3g3ZeWVDf6zKuf5Ay3MUDRLLmMvgtGAm4
.
said to be the first 323 leaving for Northern.
;
Not seen any report of 730s in use.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on October 27, 2023, 10:04:25 PM
Quotehttps://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K05507/2023-10-28/detailed?fbclid=IwAR1RsPbYLJ08Lv9Ya3TCNxVJlX3g3ZeWVDf6zKuf5Ay3MUDRLLmMvgtGAm4
.
said to be the first 323 leaving for Northern.
;
Not seen any report of 730s in use.
The 730s are going to London Euston to Northampton's first replacing the 319s followed by wolves to walsall shortly. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: LiamsTransport1 on November 02, 2023, 09:48:22 PM
Quote from: mikestone on October 27, 2023, 07:57:40 PMhttps://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K05507/2023-10-28/detailed?fbclid=IwAR1RsPbYLJ08Lv9Ya3TCNxVJlX3g3ZeWVDf6zKuf5Ay3MUDRLLmMvgtGAm4
.
said to be the first 323 leaving for Northern.
;
Not seen any report of 730s in use.

Only the one 323 unit going for now. 730s not due till next year on the cross city.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 27, 2023, 11:34:47 AM
The first passenger use of a class 730 in the West Midlands is currently planned for 29th January, although I have been asked to not reveal exact details yet
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ronnoc on December 27, 2023, 08:14:24 PM
I'm assuming that all WMR services that will get 730s (Cross City, Walsall-Wolves, BHX to Rugeley) will use 6-car formations.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on December 27, 2023, 08:24:45 PM
Quote from: Ronnoc on December 27, 2023, 08:14:24 PMI'm assuming that all WMR services that will get 730s (Cross City, Walsall-Wolves, BHX to Rugeley) will use 6-car formations.
No, As per my Comment earlier today on the LNWR thread the Birmingham International to Rugeley is keeping 350s. You cannot run anything longer than 4 to Rugeley
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on December 27, 2023, 10:02:19 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 27, 2023, 11:34:47 AMThe first passenger use of a class 730 in the West Midlands is currently planned for 29th January, although I have been asked to not reveal exact details yet
I'm assuming it will be on the cross city line, I didn't know you knew things about the trains like admin stuff. But means we find out a lot more if you do. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on January 01, 2024, 10:42:40 AM
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 27, 2023, 10:02:19 PMI'm assuming it will be on the cross city line, I didn't know you knew things about the trains like admin stuff. But means we find out a lot more if you do.
I don't know if there's been a change of plan but WMT told stakeholders three months ago that the initial route in the West Midlands to get the 730/0s would be Walsall to Wolverhampton via New Street. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on January 01, 2024, 11:49:30 AM
Quote from: Roy on January 01, 2024, 10:42:40 AMI don't know if there's been a change of plan but WMT told stakeholders three months ago that the initial route in the West Midlands to get the 730/0s would be Walsall to Wolverhampton via New Street.
It'll be nice to see some new stock on the Stour Valley. I can't help but feel like we get spoilt. Hopefully they're treated better than the 350s currently do, they're a wastebin and foot rest on this particular route
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on January 01, 2024, 12:41:31 PM
QuoteIt'll be nice to see some new stock on the Stour Valley. I can't help but feel like we get spoilt. Hopefully they're treated better than the 350s currently do, they're a wastebin and foot rest on this particular route
Will be interesting to see how the 3 cars cope unless they are going to run some 6 cars with sdo
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 01, 2024, 02:35:13 PM
Quote from: BK63 YWP on January 01, 2024, 12:41:31 PMWill be interesting to see how the 3 cars cope unless they are going to run some 6 cars with sdo
They are longer cars than the 350s so a 3 car 730 has more capacity than a 4 car 350
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Steve3229vp on January 01, 2024, 03:52:16 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 01, 2024, 02:35:13 PMThey are longer cars than the 350s so a 3 car 730 has more capacity than a 4 car 350
Is that seating capacity or are you including standees as well ?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 01, 2024, 04:29:02 PM
Quote from: Steve3229vp on January 01, 2024, 03:52:16 PMIs that seating capacity or are you including standees as well ?
I believe seating capacity of a 730/0 is slightly higher than a class 350/1 (but less than a 350/2 due to the 3+2 seating)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on January 02, 2024, 02:17:45 AM
https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/west-midlands-trains-sets-out-aventra-emu-deployment-plan/64477.article
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 02, 2024, 11:14:20 AM
According to wikipedia a three car 730 seats 199 which is less than any variant of 350 except a 350/4 which seat 198!
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on January 02, 2024, 01:21:44 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 27, 2023, 08:24:45 PMNo, As per my Comment earlier today on the LNWR thread the Birmingham International to Rugeley is keeping 350s. You cannot run anything longer than 4 to Rugeley
This is a change of plan since September then.  I've just found the slides from the September WMT Stakeholder Conference, and WMT stated then that 4-car Class 350s would be replaced by 3-car 730/0s on B'ham International to Rugeley TV services as part of the roll out of the new units.  Walsall to Wolves would also be 3-car 730/0, while Cross City would be 6-car (2 x 730/0).
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 02, 2024, 01:25:09 PM
Quote from: Roy on January 02, 2024, 01:21:44 PMThis is a change of plan since September then.  I've just found the slides from the September WMT Stakeholder Conference, and WMT stated then that 4-car Class 350s would be replaced by 3-car 730/0s on B'ham International to Rugeley TV services as part of the roll out of the new units.  Walsall to Wolves would also be 3-car 730/0, while Cross City would be 6-car (2 x 730/0).

I believe the Walsall-Wolverhampton & Cross-City is still the plan
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on January 02, 2024, 08:14:04 PM
If there not delayed how often is the train from Walsall to Perry Barr I would get the bus to get to one stop but I don't fancy crossing the A34. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: ellspurs on January 02, 2024, 08:44:58 PM
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on January 02, 2024, 08:14:04 PMIf there not delayed how often is the train from Walsall to Perry Barr I would get the bus to get to one stop but I don't fancy crossing the A34.
On the new road layout there's a pedestrian crossing right next to the bus stop to cross over to One Stop.

Trains are up to two trains an hour (https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/train-times/walsall-to-perry-barr) between Walsall and Perry Barr.

The closest the x51 stops to the One Stop is at the junction with Perry Avenue.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on January 02, 2024, 08:50:19 PM
Quote from: ellspurs on January 02, 2024, 08:44:58 PMOn the new road layout there's a pedestrian crossing right next to the bus stop to cross over to One Stop.

Trains are up to two trains an hour (https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/train-times/walsall-to-perry-barr) between Walsall and Perry Barr.

The closest the x51 stops to the One Stop is at the junction with Perry Avenue.
How about the 51 I do believe that stops near doesn't it. Or it used to 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: LiamsTransport1 on January 03, 2024, 01:36:02 PM
323212 leaves WMT tomorrow heading for Wolverton, 323220 will follow it at the weekend.

The units will go through handback repairs before transfer to allerton. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: cardew on January 03, 2024, 01:46:11 PM
Quote from: LiamsTransport1 on January 03, 2024, 01:36:02 PM323212 leaves WMT tomorrow heading for Wolverton, 323220 will follow it at the weekend.

The units will go through handback repairs before transfer to allerton.

With the inevitable increase of rammed 3 car units on the cross city for months until the new trains arrives. Theres one on today. Terrific.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: LiamsTransport1 on January 03, 2024, 02:47:57 PM
Quote from: cardew on January 03, 2024, 01:46:11 PMWith the inevitable increase of rammed 3 car units on the cross city for months until the new trains arrives. Theres one on today. Terrific.
I think these will be the last transfers until the new units come in now as stated in the Rail mag which had the information about these two units going this month.

Hopefully the impact won't be too major
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: ellspurs on January 03, 2024, 03:38:17 PM
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on January 02, 2024, 08:50:19 PMHow about the 51 I do believe that stops near doesn't it. Or it used to
Yeah the 51 stops there. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Cheese on January 04, 2024, 08:05:58 PM
Quote from: LiamsTransport1 on January 03, 2024, 02:47:57 PMI think these will be the last transfers until the new units come in now as stated in the Rail mag which had the information about these two units going this month.

Hopefully the impact won't be too major
Think there was more than one short formed today, the 1715 Redditch was only a 3 car so many left behind (that service wasn't mentioned on the WMR app as short formed) luckily the 1723 Bromsgrove behind was 6 car.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: LiamsTransport1 on January 05, 2024, 03:40:30 PM
Quote from: Cheese on January 04, 2024, 08:05:58 PM(that service wasn't mentioned on the WMR app as short formed)
For some reason, they not displaying which ones are short formed anymore, I did put a request in to WMT on Twitter about it back in November, All I got back was they passed it on to relevant people to look into it. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on January 06, 2024, 09:46:28 PM
I've just seen a post on Facebook, 196 107, 4 coach unit, was used on the Birmingham new street to Hereford line today, I didn't think 4 coach units was allowed on the line, I thought it had to be 2 2 coach units making the 4 coach formation, the reason I was told the 4 coach units was not allowed on that line was due to university station something to do with guard/conductor having restricted view. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: uniquicity on January 06, 2024, 09:53:37 PM
Changed since the December timetable, the 4 car 196s pull up right to the end of platform 1 to negate the sighting issues. Bloody long walk from that end to the current exit though
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: LiamsTransport1 on January 08, 2024, 07:28:05 PM
EX WMT 323208 entered service with Northern today. 

https://twitter.com/mikemcniven/status/1744305360607801848
https://x.co https://x.com/mikemcniven/status/1744305360607801848?s=20 m/mikemcniven/status/1744305360607801848?s=20 https://x.com/mikemcniven/status/1744305360607801848?s=20
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: cardew on January 10, 2024, 07:36:18 PM
Quote from: Cheese on January 04, 2024, 08:05:58 PMThink there was more than one short formed today, the 1715 Redditch was only a 3 car so many left behind (that service wasn't mentioned on the WMR app as short formed) luckily the 1723 Bromsgrove behind was 6 car.
The social media team at WMR are going to need thick skins for a few months. Totally foreseeable.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on January 16, 2024, 10:31:35 AM
Have any details been released of when any of the 730s will be out in service,
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 16, 2024, 01:00:59 PM
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 16, 2024, 10:31:35 AMHave any details been released of when any of the 730s will be out in service,
See my post previously.

Already in service on London - Tring services, In the West Midlands first passenger carrying journey is expected to be 29th January
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on January 16, 2024, 02:28:11 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 16, 2024, 01:00:59 PMSee my post previously.

Already in service on London - Tring services, In the West Midlands first passenger carrying journey is expected to be 29th January
Yeah I know some of the West Midlands railway was helping out London northwestern railway for the London Euston to tring line.

I was more talking about the ones coming into service on the cross city line or any lines oporated by West Midlands railway. So 29th January is the date and any ideas what time and line it will be on please?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on January 16, 2024, 03:05:38 PM
QuoteYeah I know some of the West Midlands railway was helping out London northwestern railway for the London Euston to tring line.

I was more talking about the ones coming into service on the cross city line or any lines oporated by West Midlands railway. So 29th January is the date and any ideas what time and line it will be on please?
Walsall to wolves and not confirmed yet which service 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 16, 2024, 03:42:24 PM
Quote from: BK63 YWP on January 16, 2024, 03:05:38 PMWalsall to wolves and not confirmed yet which service
The first few days is just one journey, not Walsall to Wolverhampton, but I have been asked not to disclose the exact journey 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 29, 2024, 12:33:47 PM
Entry into service of the 730s in the West Midlands has been delayed by another two weeks, so won't be happening today.

Now due to be on the 12th Feb. From 13th Feb hopefully the diagram that starts with the 06:18 Wolverhampton to Walsall will be the first regular use
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on January 29, 2024, 08:57:09 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 29, 2024, 12:33:47 PMEntry into service of the 730s in the West Midlands has been delayed by another two weeks, so won't be happening today.

Now due to be on the 12th Feb. From 13th Feb hopefully the diagram that starts with the 06:18 Wolverhampton to Walsall will be the first regular use
Correct, this could have been shared a while ago, I know West Midlands railway staff who tell me info it's no big secret you could have revealed this the other day.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 29, 2024, 09:16:55 PM
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 29, 2024, 08:57:09 PMCorrect, this could have been shared a while ago, I know West Midlands railway staff who tell me info it's no big secret you could have revealed this the other day.
No I couldn't as it was still supposed to be this evening

When a senior manager asks me not to tell people, I don't so I can keep their trust.

Unlike the obnoxious post you have just made.

If you knew why didn't you post it?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on January 29, 2024, 10:01:11 PM
Quote from: Tony on January 29, 2024, 09:16:55 PMNo I couldn't as it was still supposed to be this evening

When a senior manager asks me not to tell people, I don't so I can keep their trust.

Unlike the obnoxious post you have just made.

If you knew why didn't you post it?
My post was not obnoxious, I was just saying lots of people knew it was no big secret, 

You could have updated us all a while ago.

I understand about trust ect, I didn't post because I was told to keep to myself but I have seen a few posts going around I didn't know you was told by senior management, 

By far was my post obnoxious.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Gareth on January 29, 2024, 10:41:33 PM
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 29, 2024, 10:01:11 PMMy post was not obnoxious, I was just saying lots of people knew it was no big secret,

You could have updated us all a while ago.

I understand about trust ect, I didn't post because I was told to keep to myself but I have seen a few posts going around I didn't know you was told by senior management,

By far was my post obnoxious.
You didn't tell anyone because you were told to keep it to yourself. So you didn't.
Tony didn't tell anyone because he was told to keep it to himself. So he didn't.

See where I'm coming from? Before jumping straight onto your keyboard. Think what you want to say and review it internally. Then review it again.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on January 29, 2024, 10:47:26 PM
Quote from: Gareth on January 29, 2024, 10:41:33 PMYou didn't tell anyone because you were told to keep it to yourself. So you didn't.
Tony didn't tell anyone because he was told to keep it to himself. So he didn't.

See where I'm coming from? Before jumping straight onto your keyboard. Think what you want to say and review it internally. Then review it again.
Yeah now I get that but I thought he found it on Facebook or something, my comment wasent obnoxious or hurtful in any way I appologise. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 30, 2024, 09:56:32 AM
Also note that the Wolves -Walsall diagram is from Tuesday 13th January (at the moment), but the first day will be on the 12th on a different working which they still don't want disclosed yet
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on January 30, 2024, 10:06:08 AM
Quote from: Tony on January 30, 2024, 09:56:32 AMAlso note that the Wolves -Walsall diagram is from Tuesday 13th January (at the moment), but the first day will be on the 12th on a different working which they still don't want disclosed yet
I think someone already but it on a group, someone said it is on one of the cross city lines, and one may run on the new street to London Euston line.

Question is on the ones from Wolverhampton to Walsall diagrams will they be using the West Midlands railway 730s or will they be using the London north western 730s?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 30, 2024, 10:38:35 AM
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 30, 2024, 10:06:08 AMI think someone already but it on a group, someone said it is on one of the cross city lines, and one may run on the new street to London Euston line.

Question is on the ones from Wolverhampton to Walsall diagrams will they be using the West Midlands railway 730s or will they be using the London north western 730s?
No, no cross city plans yet and definitely no Birmingham London just yet.

As Euston to Tring is currently using West Midlands ones because none of the 5 cars are anywhere near ready I think we know which ones they will be
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on January 30, 2024, 11:36:13 AM
Quote from: Tony on January 30, 2024, 10:38:35 AMNo, no cross city plans yet and definitely no Birmingham London just yet.

As Euston to Tring is currently using West Midlands ones because none of the 5 cars are anywhere near ready I think we know which ones they will be
Oh will probably be Birmingham new street to Liverpool then, 

Would the 5 car 730s fit on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line I know stations like Sandwell and Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton possibly, Birmingham new street they will fit but stations like bescot stadium, hamstead, I wonder if a 5 car would fit onto the platform. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on January 30, 2024, 11:48:55 AM
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 30, 2024, 11:36:13 AMOh will probably be Birmingham new street to Liverpool then,

Would the 5 car 730s fit on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line I know stations like Sandwell and Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton possibly, Birmingham new street they will fit but stations like bescot stadium, hamstead, I wonder if a 5 car would fit onto the platform.
The 3 car 730s will be used on the Walsall to Wolves, no?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 30, 2024, 12:42:49 PM
The 5 car sets will not fit Wolverhampton p5 so I would suggest use on the Walsall service is highly unlikely.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 30, 2024, 02:18:28 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 30, 2024, 12:42:49 PMThe 5 car sets will not fit Wolverhampton p5 so I would suggest use on the Walsall service is highly unlikely.
The 5 car sets are 'Long Distance' units so won't be on commuter runs.

They are for
Euston-Crewe
Euston-Birmingham
Birmingham - Liverpool

The 3 car sets are for
Cross city
Wolverhampton/Birmingham International to Walsall

All other lines are intended to keep 350s
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: markcf83 on January 30, 2024, 03:06:16 PM
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 30, 2024, 11:36:13 AMOh will probably be Birmingham new street to Liverpool then,

Would the 5 car 730s fit on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line I know stations like Sandwell and Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton possibly, Birmingham new street they will fit but stations like bescot stadium, hamstead, I wonder if a 5 car would fit onto the platform.
Smethwick? 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on January 30, 2024, 05:13:27 PM
Quote from: markcf83 on January 30, 2024, 03:06:16 PMSmethwick?
I don't think Galton bridge would be a problem, I think more Rolfe street would be.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on January 30, 2024, 05:54:12 PM
QuoteI don't think Galton bridge would be a problem, I think more Rolfe street would be.
That's what's SDO is for. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 30, 2024, 06:05:16 PM
Quote from: BK63 YWP on January 30, 2024, 05:54:12 PMThat's what's SDO is for.
I don't know if 730s have SDO or UDS like the 350s.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: markcf83 on January 30, 2024, 08:48:37 PM
T
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 30, 2024, 05:13:27 PMI don't think Galton bridge would be a problem, I think more Rolfe street would be.
That's the one I meant. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 30, 2024, 09:03:37 PM
I have just had it confirmed that 730s do have SDO (selective door opening) not UDS (Unit de-select) like the 350s do, so no intermediate stations would be a problem, only terminals if there isn't room for turnaround would be a problem
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on January 31, 2024, 01:32:43 PM
Someone would have to pay to fit the equipment at stations though.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on January 31, 2024, 02:45:27 PM
Quote from: mikestone on January 31, 2024, 01:32:43 PMSomeone would have to pay to fit the equipment at stations though.
What equipment?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 01, 2024, 11:31:04 AM
I had assumed some kind of balise was required but looking at wikipedia it may not be a requirement.
;
That said the Rule Book does refer to reporting a fault due to defective lineside equipment.
;
RSSB group standard refers examples of both balise and GPS activated systems.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 01, 2024, 02:08:05 PM
Quote from: mikestone on February 01, 2024, 11:31:04 AMI had assumed some kind of balise was required but looking at wikipedia it may not be a requirement.
;
That said the Rule Book does refer to reporting a fault due to defective lineside equipment.
;
RSSB group standard refers examples of both balise and GPS activated systems.
South West Trains use GPS SDO which requires lineside equipment, but West Midlands Trains just use Guard operated. With the 170s the guard just has to be in the last carriage that the doors are going to open and can select that carriage plus any in front. This is fairly safe as as long as the conductor can see platform where he is all the doors he is opening will be by the platform.

With the 350s which have unit de-select it is similar the conductor has to be in the front cab of the first unit the doors will not be opening in.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on February 03, 2024, 11:00:56 PM
QuoteI have just had it confirmed that 730s do have SDO (selective door opening) not UDS (Unit de-select) like the 350s do, so no intermediate stations would be a problem, only terminals if there isn't room for turnaround would be a problem
It's ASDO the Class 730s are fitted with. Infestructure is already in place. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 08, 2024, 01:34:42 PM
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/new-era-rail-travel-begin-west-midlands-railway-unveils-electric-train-fleet
;
says start on Walsall-Wolves next week.
;
Not convinced that the increase in standing space at the expense of seats is anything to crow about.
';
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:WVH/2024-02-08/0600-2000?stp=S&show=all&order=wtt&toc=LM

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on February 08, 2024, 04:34:35 PM
I assume these 730's will be used on the eventual new Wolverhampton to Walsall Line Via Willenhall and Darlaston and then when they extends down to Birmingham. I did read somewhere Darlaston and Willenhall would be built for 4 car trains so at the time 350's but I assume this will change now considering neither station is built. Or are 350's going to run the line and maybe come of the Chase Line. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 08, 2024, 05:10:14 PM
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on February 08, 2024, 04:34:35 PMI assume these 730's will be used on the eventual new Wolverhampton to Walsall Line Via Willenhall and Darlaston and then when they extends down to Birmingham. I did read somewhere Darlaston and Willenhall would be built for 4 car trains so at the time 350's but I assume this will change now considering neither station is built. Or are 350's going to run the line and maybe come of the Chase Line.
Not sure how they will cope with Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton without batteries although they were used in the publicity shot!  New Black Country railway stations will be served by fast route from Shrewsbury to New Street | Shropshire Star (https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/transport/2023/12/12/new-black-country-railway-stations-will-be-served-by-fast-route-from-shrewsbury-to-new-street/) 

If anyone want to travel on the very first passenger run in this area you will need to be a nightowl...It is booked to be the 22:41 Birmingham to Wolverhampton on Monday, then start the regular diagram on Tuesday which commences with the 06:18 Wolverhampton to Walsall
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on February 08, 2024, 05:53:10 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 08, 2024, 05:10:14 PMNot sure how they will cope with Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton without batteries although they were used in the publicity shot!  New Black Country railway stations will be served by fast route from Shrewsbury to New Street | Shropshire Star (https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/transport/2023/12/12/new-black-country-railway-stations-will-be-served-by-fast-route-from-shrewsbury-to-new-street/)

If anyone want to travel on the very first passenger run in this area you will need to be a nightowl...It is booked to be the 22:41 Birmingham to Wolverhampton on Monday, then start the regular diagram on Tuesday which commences with the 06:18 Wolverhampton to Walsall
I thought that the Walsall - Wolverhampton services were supplemented by the Shrewsbury service for an initial half hourly service so you got a mix of EMU's and DMU's if I had read it right 350's and 196's on the Shrewsbury service. I assume if this isn't the case the 196 will be Line tested unless something else will run in the line.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 08, 2024, 06:07:44 PM
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on February 08, 2024, 05:53:10 PMI thought that the Walsall - Wolverhampton services were supplemented by the Shrewsbury service for an initial half hourly service so you got a mix of EMU's and DMU's if I had read it right 350's and 196's on the Shrewsbury service. I assume if this isn't the case the 196 will be Line tested unless something else will run in the line.
How can 350s operate the Shrewsbury service?  The 196s don't need to be line tested, they have been operating all Shrewsbury services for months
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Ronnoc on February 08, 2024, 07:10:22 PM
It is going to be 196s, unless they want to put 172s on it then there is no other alternative. There are plans to electrify the line to Shrewsbury from Wolves and upgrade the speed limit to 90mph from 75mph, but knowing the ambitiousness of this country, it will likely be shelved.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on February 08, 2024, 11:33:04 PM
QuoteIt is going to be 196s, unless they want to put 172s on it then there is no other alternative. There are plans to electrify the line to Shrewsbury from Wolves and upgrade the speed limit to 90mph from 75mph, but knowing the ambitiousness of this country, it will likely be shelved.
Don't think the 172s are cleared for BHM to SHR. Snow Hill need to use all the 172 available to enable 5 car workings and up to four in maintenance 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on February 09, 2024, 01:45:25 AM
Quote from: Tony on February 08, 2024, 06:07:44 PMHow can 350s operate the Shrewsbury service?  The 196s don't need to be line tested, they have been operating all Shrewsbury services for months
Oh I know I originally thought it was just Walsall to Wolverhampton every hour with a train extended to Birmingham. I then thought the Shrewsbury Service replaced one of these, I wasn't aware that it was just a Shrewsbury Service. Last I heard the Crewe/Stoke to Brum 350's were using the line, so I thought they were going to operate it. There has been that many changes and the Station isn't anywhere near completion yet I haven't kept up. So I assume 196's will run on the line,  and I meant the 196's needed tested on the Wolverhampton to Walsall Line I assume they would be cleared but don't all trains have to be tested on lines. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 09, 2024, 01:07:01 PM
172s are not cleared north of Galton Jcn.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Solo1 on February 09, 2024, 11:08:08 PM
What was coaches doing at the side of moor st station tonight 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on February 10, 2024, 05:26:49 PM
QuoteWhat was coaches doing at the side of moor st station tonight
Rail replacement services for Chiltern due to issues last night caused by signalling issues 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 10, 2024, 06:26:51 PM
Interestingly the 06.18 from Wolves has a VAR schedule to use 5B instead of 4C - but only on Tuesday.
;
Following the working through it appears to end at Soho, so is a different turn the rest of the week, or a different unit?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Dom on February 11, 2024, 02:14:43 PM
QuoteInterestingly the 06.18 from Wolves has a VAR schedule to use 5B instead of 4C - but only on Tuesday.
;
Following the working through it appears to end at Soho, so is a different turn the rest of the week, or a different unit?
The unit that starts the day on the 0618 ends at Soho with a fresh unit coming off Soho about 22:25 to form the 22:41 BHM-WVH.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 13, 2024, 08:57:39 PM
730018 did the honours of being the first 730 into service in this area
730018 (wmbusphotos.com) (https://wmbusphotos.com/Trains/class730/730018.html)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 14, 2024, 05:12:01 PM
730007  today - on the 12.48 from Wolves on departure from Smethwick Rolfe Street started to announce and display Perry Barr as the next stop!
;
I'm guessing incorrect GPS location?
;
At New St correctly showing Duddeston.
'
Interesting screen display showing seating availability in each car.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on February 21, 2024, 05:14:10 PM
Realtime Trains is now showing the changes to Stourbridge line services from June.  

Services terminating at Kidderminster will stop at Langley Green, Old Hill and Lye rather than Hagley and Blakedown.

Services terminating at Worcester will stop at Hagley and Blakedown rather than Langley Green, Old Hill and Lye.

Stourbridge Town branch services will depart from Stourbridge Junction at 00, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 with departures from Stourbridge Town at 05, 15, 25, 35, 45 and 55.

Although Saturday services have not been updated yet, the 2116 service from Snow Hill to Worcester will be withdrawn and replaced by a service at 2233 from Snow Hill to Worcester.
  
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: mikestone on February 22, 2024, 05:05:04 PM
Thanks - I hadn't spotted the change in stopping patterns.
;
Saturday service is in now - its actually 22.31, the 22.03 from Dorridge extended to give better spacing.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on February 22, 2024, 06:17:39 PM
It now looks like 730s will eventually take of the Rugeley Line, but not until after all the cross-city has changed over
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on February 22, 2024, 07:22:25 PM
QuoteThanks - I hadn't spotted the change in stopping patterns.
;
Saturday service is in now - its actually 22.31, the 22.03 from Dorridge extended to give better spacing.

I'm happy the 2231 is back, the 2300 most Saturdays have been full and standing. It will help when the Christmas market returns.

Also the 2 car Leamington Spa train weekday mornings that pass through BSW at 0700 will start at BSW and do Leamington and back. The Stourbridge Junction to Snow Hill part is discontinued.

Time to get the Langley Green, Old Hill and Lye passengers used to getting the Kidderminster service and Hagley and Blakedown passengers used to getting the Worcester again! 

The change that I would of liked to see would of been the last Leamington Spa service on Saturday to have begun at Snow Hill instead of Moor Street. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on February 23, 2024, 10:07:41 AM
It was the Stourbridge Line User Group (SLUG) who instigated all of these changes.  It received a lot of complaints from people in Hagley and Blakedown about the loss of through services to Worcester and produced an alternative timetable that only changed stopping times at stations from Kidderminster to Langley Green, thus not conflicting with other services.  West Midlands Railway took the proposals on board and a thorough review of journey patterns proved that a lot more people travelled to Worcester from Hagley and Blakedown than from Langley Green, Old Hill and Lye.  SLUG also pressed for the retiming of Stourbridge Town services to better connect with the new main line timetable and for the reinstatement of a train at about 22:30 on Saturdays – and was happy to accept WMR's compromise of withdrawing the 21:16 service to get the unit back to Tyseley.  There are a couple of things on the table that SLUG will continue to campaign for – a later Saturday evening departure from Worcester (it used to be 22:44, it's now 22:12 which is too early) and the extension of two off-peak services to/from Foregate Street (they are now terminated at Shrub Hill to allow the set to be split in the morning and strengthened in the afternoon).  SLUG is also campaigning for better Sunday services and the reinstatement of a through service from Smethwick Galton Bridge to Birmingham International.
 
West Midlands Railway said at a recent meeting that it would be making sure that the changes are fully publicised as it will affect every station from Kidderminster to Langley Green (for instance Stourbridge Junction departure times change by about 5 minutes on every journey) and SLUG has offered its help.  The SLUG website and Facebook pages will be updated over the weekend with details of the changes, and members will be informed in its next newsletter next month.       
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on February 24, 2024, 09:20:37 PM
Sunday service enhancements are long overdue, the loss of a direct service between Smethwick Galton Bridge and Birmingham International perplexes me. Definitely makes more sense for the Kiddy terminators to call at Langley/Old Hill/Lye and for Hagley/Blakedown to have direct services to Worcester
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on February 25, 2024, 04:10:23 PM
QuoteSunday service enhancements are long overdue, the loss of a direct service between Smethwick Galton Bridge and Birmingham International perplexes me. Definitely makes more sense for the Kiddy terminators to call at Langley/Old Hill/Lye and for Hagley/Blakedown to have direct services to Worcester
Doubt Sunday's will be enhanced due to it being ran on OT. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on February 25, 2024, 04:48:38 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 24, 2024, 09:20:37 PMSunday service enhancements are long overdue, the loss of a direct service between Smethwick Galton Bridge and Birmingham International perplexes me. Definitely makes more sense for the Kiddy terminators to call at Langley/Old Hill/Lye and for Hagley/Blakedown to have direct services to Worcester
The Transport for Wales services used to serve Galton Bridge. I think it was London Northwestern who used to call at Sandwell & Dudley. A couple of years ago, this was switched round for some reason, can't remember why now.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: 2206 on February 25, 2024, 06:30:30 PM
Quote from: Stu on February 25, 2024, 04:48:38 PMThe Transport for Wales services used to serve Galton Bridge. I think it was London Northwestern who used to call at Sandwell & Dudley. A couple of years ago, this was switched round for some reason, can't remember why now.

I think it was swapped with the Shrewsbury service.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Trident 4194 on February 25, 2024, 06:37:51 PM

Quote from: 2206 on February 25, 2024, 06:30:30 PMI think it was swapped with the Shrewsbury service

yes it was swapped with WMT Shrewsbury service 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on February 25, 2024, 06:56:44 PM
Quote from: 2206 on February 25, 2024, 06:30:30 PMI think it was swapped with the Shrewsbury service.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 25, 2024, 06:37:51 PMyes it was swapped with WMT Shrewsbury service
Yes, you're both correct, found the article now, it was in 2022:
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2022/11/17/changes-scheduled-for-shrewsbury-to-birmingham-train-line/

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on February 25, 2024, 07:57:59 PM
Quote from: Stu on February 25, 2024, 06:56:44 PMYes, you're both correct, found the article now, it was in 2022:
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2022/11/17/changes-scheduled-for-shrewsbury-to-birmingham-train-line/


Wonder if that's the same reporter that now works for the Beeb, via Bauer Radio?
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: danny on February 27, 2024, 09:12:29 PM
Tbf makes more sense as at S&D can swap for the fast Avanti services, I know it can be argued that Can do this at Birmingham NS or wolves but same platform at S&D, still feels mad can get a train from there too Edinburgh 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Sh4318 on February 28, 2024, 12:13:44 AM
Quote from: danny on February 27, 2024, 09:12:29 PMTbf makes more sense as at S&D can swap for the fast Avanti services, I know it can be argued that Can do this at Birmingham NS or wolves but same platform at S&D, still feels mad can get a train from there too Edinburgh
It makes more sense for transport for wales services call at Sandwell & Dudley? I completely disagree

While Sandwell and Dudley now has another service to Birmingham International. There is now no direct services from Smethwick to the Airport, which, yes, of course, you can change at New Street, but the TfW calls meant that connections from Snow Hill line stations to the Airport were available, the same going the other way, to Wales.

A lot of journey opportunities that were available have been severed, and now an extra change is required, or, of course, a 10 minute walk across the city centre
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Roy on February 28, 2024, 12:54:27 PM
The December 2022 timetable revamp included passive provision for a second Shrewsbury service and a second Liverpool service every hour.  It meant that there was a path at xx22 for the TfW service and at xx26 for the second Shrewsbury service.  Thus, if the stopping patterns had remained the same, the Shrewsbury service would have caught up the TfW service while it picked up at Galton Bridge.  Therefore, the stops were swapped.  

As it turns out, the second Shrewsbury service will be introduced in June at xx26 but will run via Tame Bridge Parkway.  The other Shrewsbury service will move from xx56 to xx52, taking the slot previously used by the Birmingham to Crewe via Stoke service.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on February 29, 2024, 05:59:46 PM
Today the 730 on the walsall to wolverhampton line is 730 021.

The 2 196s on the nuneaton to leamington spa line are 196 002 and 196 011.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on February 29, 2024, 10:09:51 PM
QuoteToday the 730 on the walsall to wolverhampton line is 730 021.

The 2 196s on the nuneaton to leamington spa line are 196 002 and 196 011.
196s are the booked allocation for Nuckle since last May. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 01, 2024, 10:44:58 AM
Quote from: Roy on February 28, 2024, 12:54:27 PMThe December 2022 timetable revamp included passive provision for a second Shrewsbury service and a second Liverpool service every hour.  It meant that there was a path at xx22 for the TfW service and at xx26 for the second Shrewsbury service.  Thus, if the stopping patterns had remained the same, the Shrewsbury service would have caught up the TfW service while it picked up at Galton Bridge.  Therefore, the stops were swapped. 

As it turns out, the second Shrewsbury service will be introduced in June at xx26 but will run via Tame Bridge Parkway.  The other Shrewsbury service will move from xx56 to xx52, taking the slot previously used by the Birmingham to Crewe via Stoke service.
That xx26 will be serving the new Darlaston and Willenhall Stations soon whenever they actually open at this rate J10 will be finished before they open and the Midland Metro will be in Dudley 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on March 05, 2024, 09:48:48 AM
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 01, 2024, 10:44:58 AMThat xx26 will be serving the new Darlaston and Willenhall Stations soon whenever they actually open at this rate J10 will be finished before they open and the Midland Metro will be in Dudley
This new line Birmingham to Shrewsbury will they serve tame bridge parkway or will they just pass it? I did see something about them going that way. Also will this line be run by the 196s as after so long up towards Shrewsbury area the lines aren't electricflied so would have to be deisiel trains. Unless they use the 172s on the line.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 05, 2024, 11:08:19 AM
Quote from: Wba_lad on March 05, 2024, 09:48:48 AMThis new line Birmingham to Shrewsbury will they serve tame bridge parkway or will they just pass it? I did see something about them going that way. Also will this line be run by the 196s as after so long up towards Shrewsbury area the lines aren't electricflied so would have to be deisiel trains. Unless they use the 172s on the line.
Yes, they will serve Tame Bridge Parkway.

As has been said further up this thread 172s are not cleared for the Shrewsbury services
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Wba_lad on March 05, 2024, 11:09:19 AM
Quote from: Tony on March 05, 2024, 11:08:19 AMYes, they will serve Tame Bridge Parkway.

As has been said further up this thread 172s are not cleared for the Shrewsbury services
Ah okay thank you. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 09, 2024, 11:07:31 AM
It is hidden behind a pay wall but the E&S saying there is a Landslip at Wellington which could cause months if disruption Shrewsbury Trains were terminating at Wolverhampton, and TFW services at Shrewsbury 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: cardew on March 09, 2024, 11:19:54 AM
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 09, 2024, 11:07:31 AMIt is hidden behind a pay wall but the E&S saying there is a Landslip at Wellington which could cause months if disruption Shrewsbury Trains were terminating at Wolverhampton, and TFW services at Shrewsbury

Potential disruption until 28th March

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service-disruptions/wellington-20240309/
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 09, 2024, 06:26:41 PM
National Rail still list the NX5 it had been operated by Banga for a while now
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 14, 2024, 01:08:06 PM
Just an idea if there is enough demand to reopen Darlaston and Willenhall there must be enough demand for passengers to want to travel on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line so here is an idea. 
The Journey time between Walsall and Wolverhampton is 15 minutes so why not at peak times run an every 15 minute service from Walsall to Wolverhampton 
Leaving Walsall sat say 07:15 and then either doing a 07:40 train back to Walsall from Wolverhampton probably require two units. Then during the day they could run this every half an hour or have that unit do other services until say 4PM when it could start the service back. With J10 still being not complete and as a result the 529's being in a mess they could trail it would be a way to keep Services down the line ready for when it opens and also a trail of planned service you could even extend a service to Birmingham semi fast from Walsall stopping at Bescot and Tame Bridge like the original proposal but without stopping at Willenhall and Darlaston as they aren't open yet. 

Speaking of Darlaston I passed over the Bridge by the Station on Monday on the 37 and there is absolutely no way that Station is opening any time soon. I have no idea about Willenhall as I don't go that way. But I believe Darlaston was due to open first. I know they had contractor issues but surely these have been resolved there was no sign of anything happening when I past around 1/2 PM on Monday on the bus
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Rachvince53 on March 14, 2024, 01:56:24 PM
The issue is would that service be viable?  The previous attempt wasn't generally well used. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BK63 YWP on March 14, 2024, 03:53:24 PM
QuoteJust an idea if there is enough demand to reopen Darlaston and Willenhall there must be enough demand for passengers to want to travel on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line so here is an idea.
The Journey time between Walsall and Wolverhampton is 15 minutes so why not at peak times run an every 15 minute service from Walsall to Wolverhampton
Leaving Walsall sat say 07:15 and then either doing a 07:40 train back to Walsall from Wolverhampton probably require two units. Then during the day they could run this every half an hour or have that unit do other services until say 4PM when it could start the service back. With J10 still being not complete and as a result the 529's being in a mess they could trail it would be a way to keep Services down the line ready for when it opens and also a trail of planned service you could even extend a service to Birmingham semi fast from Walsall stopping at Bescot and Tame Bridge like the original proposal but without stopping at Willenhall and Darlaston as they aren't open yet.

Speaking of Darlaston I passed over the Bridge by the Station on Monday on the 37 and there is absolutely no way that Station is opening any time soon. I have no idea about Willenhall as I don't go that way. But I believe Darlaston was due to open first. I know they had contractor issues but surely these have been resolved there was no sign of anything happening when I past around 1/2 PM on Monday on the bus
Where are the train crew going to be sourced from, would involve a recast of the Walsall line to facilitate extra trains, availability of rolling stock and wouldn't it be best to trial a lower frequency to guage usage (walk before you can run)
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Westy on March 14, 2024, 05:24:32 PM
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 14, 2024, 01:08:06 PMJust an idea if there is enough demand to reopen Darlaston and Willenhall there must be enough demand for passengers to want to travel on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line so here is an idea.
The Journey time between Walsall and Wolverhampton is 15 minutes so why not at peak times run an every 15 minute service from Walsall to Wolverhampton
Leaving Walsall sat say 07:15 and then either doing a 07:40 train back to Walsall from Wolverhampton probably require two units. Then during the day they could run this every half an hour or have that unit do other services until say 4PM when it could start the service back. With J10 still being not complete and as a result the 529's being in a mess they could trail it would be a way to keep Services down the line ready for when it opens and also a trail of planned service you could even extend a service to Birmingham semi fast from Walsall stopping at Bescot and Tame Bridge like the original proposal but without stopping at Willenhall and Darlaston as they aren't open yet.

Speaking of Darlaston I passed over the Bridge by the Station on Monday on the 37 and there is absolutely no way that Station is opening any time soon. I have no idea about Willenhall as I don't go that way. But I believe Darlaston was due to open first. I know they had contractor issues but surely these have been resolved there was no sign of anything happening when I past around 1/2 PM on Monday on the bus
I pass Willenhall everyday.

Dont see much happening, unless they do stuff while Im at work.

(Railway Lane is still shut as well, so Im having to go up & down over the Bilston Street/Rose Hill bridge, which adds a few more minutes to my walk.)

Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Stu on March 14, 2024, 07:44:16 PM
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 14, 2024, 01:08:06 PMJust an idea if there is enough demand to reopen Darlaston and Willenhall there must be enough demand for passengers to want to travel on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line so here is an idea. 
The Journey time between Walsall and Wolverhampton is 15 minutes so why not at peak times run an every 15 minute service from Walsall to Wolverhampton 
It is currently faster (and cheaper) to get the bus if travelling directly between Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 14, 2024, 10:40:12 PM
Quote from: Rachvince53 on March 14, 2024, 01:56:24 PMThe issue is would that service be viable?  The previous attempt wasn't generally well used.
Must be if they plan to reopen the line surely they did market research, not being funny just because the train station in Darlaston is there doesn't mean it will be used. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 14, 2024, 10:41:09 PM
Quote from: BK63 YWP on March 14, 2024, 03:53:24 PMWhere are the train crew going to be sourced from, would involve a recast of the Walsall line to facilitate extra trains, availability of rolling stock and wouldn't it be best to trial a lower frequency to guage usage (walk before you can run)
Well Every 30 minutes or hourly could use the 196's on Staff Training as they are going to be running the line 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 14, 2024, 10:43:00 PM
Quote from: Stu on March 14, 2024, 07:44:16 PMIt is currently faster (and cheaper) to get the bus if travelling directly between Walsall and Wolverhampton.
40 minutes on the 529 directly on the Walsall to Wolverhampton Line it is 15 minutes, Quicker if you ran the train hourly hence I stated 15 minutes at Peak Time. The 529 is still Every 7 but The train will probably beat it at Portobello 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: LiamsTransport1 on March 17, 2024, 12:54:58 PM
For those interested, 323202 and 323206 are due to leave WMR in the next month or so. Still got time for anyone who would want to capture them on cross city workings. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: cardew on March 17, 2024, 03:54:08 PM
Quote from: LiamsTransport1 on March 17, 2024, 12:54:58 PMFor those interested, 323202 and 323206 are due to leave WMR in the next month or so. Still got time for anyone who would want to capture them on cross city workings.
Probably wishful thinking but please not before they are replaced by new 730s, there's more than enough short length trains on there as it is.
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: LiamsTransport1 on March 19, 2024, 10:42:49 PM
Quote from: cardew on March 17, 2024, 03:54:08 PMProbably wishful thinking but please not before they are replaced by new 730s, there's more than enough short length trains on there as it is.
I was hoping they would of stayed after the first 730 diagram started and was displaced onto short form diagrams. However I presume with the 3 already gone, They will leave to allow 2 more 730s to take their place. 
Title: Re: West Midlands Railway
Post by: Tony on March 20, 2024, 06:51:48 PM
I believe everything is now in place for a new West Midlands Trains depot at Bescot for class 730s with maintenance facilities being on the site of the old stem shed with stabling further down the yard towards Tame Bridge