London Northwestern Railway (part of West Midlands Trains Ltd) will replace London Midland's west coast services for the next West Midlands rail franchise, which starts on 10 December.
London Northwestern is designed to reflect the increasing economic power and growth of the north western corridor – whilst placing the west midlands at its heart.
The new brand presents a contemporary take on the original heritage of the line, representing a credible alternative to existing operators, with a company parentage that includes international railway operators of Holland and Japan.
All remaining London Midland services, operating in and around Birmingham, will be rebranded to West Midlands Railway. This brand was announced last year, after being created by the West Midlands Combined Authority to better serve its local customer base.
Read full article here (https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk#/news/london-northwestern-brand-being-brought-back-to-the-uk-rail-network-281357)
(https://resources.mynewsdesk.com/image/upload/c_limit,dpr_1.0,f_auto,h_700,q_auto,w_750/hhlzdoukckpso4vpeo2b.jpg)
New website now available here: https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/
350373 is the 350 in LNWR livery. Today it is on Euston Northampton locals, so not coming to the West Midalnds
For anyone interested 350373, the unit in LNWR livery is booked to do the 11:49 Euston-Birmingham (due 14:02) and the 14:14 return. it will then do the 16:46 Euston-Crewe
It seems they haven't managed to reprogram all the 350's automatic announcements yet, as the one I was on earlier from New Street to Coventry said "Thank you for travelling with London Midland", right before before the guard said a a message which he ended with London Northwestern. Surely it must be a little confusing for the average customer?
Here's the new LNWR livery
http://wmbusphotos.com/Trains/class350/350373.html
Quote from: DJ98 on December 13, 2017, 09:59:35 PM
Surely it must be a little confusing for the average customer?
You'll more than likely find that the average passenger doesn't notice and doesn't care. Ultimately they want to know that the train on the platform when they get on the train is going where they are going and that it's on time. Colour and fleetname is just background noise.
Quote from: Gareth on December 14, 2017, 06:36:49 AM
You'll more than likely find that the average passenger doesn't notice and doesn't care. Ultimately they want to know that the train on the platform when they get on the train is going where they are going and that it's on time. Colour and fleetname is just background noise.
It's more than just background noise when you have tickets just for certain operators - you'll have people with tickets that say London Northwestern only, but a train turns up with London Midland branding and the onboard announcements say London Midland too.
Quote from: DJ98 on December 14, 2017, 09:27:04 AM
It's more than just background noise when you have tickets just for certain operators - you'll have people with tickets that say London Northwestern only, but a train turns up with London Midland branding and the onboard announcements say London Midland too.
Just throwing it out there, but it'd be impossible to repaint / brand / reconfigure announcements on every single train in their fleet in just 4 days...
Quote from: Kevin on December 14, 2017, 01:59:20 PM
Just throwing it out there, but it'd be impossible to repaint / brand / reconfigure announcements on every single train in their fleet in just 4 days...
Public address software update could be done in a couple of days/ nights TBH.
Any suggestion Crewe or West Midlands depots are to learn cl.319? 319012 and 319220 have been at Crewe for some time, one or both have been tyre turned and 319012 has had a damaged/missing cab door replaced .
@mikestone From what I've just read on Wikipedia WMT have leased 319012 & 319220 on a temporary basis while they get their 350/1's and 350/3's refurbished 8)
Quote from: Rob2832 on December 19, 2017, 08:49:31 PM
@mikestone From what I've just read on Wikipedia WMT have leased 319012 & 319220 on a temporary basis while they get their 350/1's and 350/3's refurbished 8)
They are taking 8 more in total
Quote from: Tony on December 21, 2017, 10:05:43 AM
They are taking 8 more in total
To cover 8 units away for refurbishment - simultaneously - is a massive ask for UK workshop capacity at the moment. I can only think that the work is being split between multiple locations.
Quote from: The Real 4778 on December 21, 2017, 02:23:12 PM
To cover 8 units away for refurbishment - simultaneously - is a massive ask for UK workshop capacity at the moment. I can only think that the work is being split between multiple locations.
I think the first two may be cover for corrosion repairs taking place on the 350/2 at Long marston, so only 6 of the 350/1 away at a time.
The other accident damage car from the Hanslope collision is due back from germany soon to pair up with the three stored 350/2 carriages at Northampton as well
What routes they gona use em on
Quote from: Bob on December 21, 2017, 03:00:14 PM
What routes they gona use em on
They'll be kept on Northampton-Euston as that's where the drivers are traction trained on them
They will need units to release 323s for Bromsgrove in May.
Quote from: The Real 4778 on December 14, 2017, 02:55:15 PM
Public address software update could be done in a couple of days/ nights TBH.
At New Street, the announcements, barely say North Western Railway Service or West Midlands Railway Service, they removed London Midland Service.
Caught a train christmas eve the guard announcmement " welcome a bird this london mid, sorry west midlands rds i, apologies london north western service to London euston".
Must be very confusing for the staff.
Not only for staff - at Stafford they were announcing as LN services.
Quote from: Tony on December 21, 2017, 10:05:43 AM
They are taking 8 more in total
A 3rd of the 8 I mentioned should now be at Bletchley (I haven't got the number) being made LNWR compatable
350121 has London Northwestern Railway logos.
The order for Vivarail Class 230s to operate Bletchley to Bedford from December 2018 has been confirmed
https://www.globalrailnews.com/2018/03/01/west-midlands-trains-strikes-rolling-stock-deal-with-vivarail/ (https://www.globalrailnews.com/2018/03/01/west-midlands-trains-strikes-rolling-stock-deal-with-vivarail/)
Theyll be nice and warm when they set on fire 😂
That was a cheap shot Bob.
I'm sure they got that issue sorted or they'd never allow the class on the network.
Id hope they have!
350373. The least amount of yellow you can get away with or doesn't it matter these days?
https://www.flickr.com/gp/92409298@N06/qX6892
I think the ruling changed so that they weren't required to have yellow ends as long as the headlights are bright enough. If you look at the new Crossrail Units they don't have Yellow ends at all.
Quote from: WB Driver on March 08, 2018, 08:19:26 PM
I think the ruling changed so that they weren't required to have yellow ends as long as the headlights are bright enough. If you look at the new Crossrail Units they don't have Yellow ends at all.
Thanks wasn't sure if that was the case, saw one parked at Crewe with Elizabeth line on side.
Quote from: WB Driver on March 08, 2018, 08:19:26 PM
I think the ruling changed so that they weren't required to have yellow ends as long as the headlights are bright enough. If you look at the new Crossrail Units they don't have Yellow ends at all.
It's not quite as simple as the lights being 'bright enough,' although that's obviously one of the variables in the acceptance process. It's more about complying with a certain lighting configuration, including lamp strength.
Anyone who wants to read the detail, can check the relevant Standard, here: https://www.rssb.co.uk/rgs/standards/GMRT2131%20Iss%201.pdf
Link doesn't work. To my mind more surprising than the small amount of yellow is that the ends of the coaches are the same colour as the doors - apparently that is compliant although it sems to me there is a possibility of someone seeing the gap between the two dark green areas when sets are coupled as a door.
Quote from: The Real 4778 on March 09, 2018, 12:56:10 PM
It's not quite as simple as the lights being 'bright enough,' although that's obviously one of the variables in the acceptance process. It's more about complying with a certain lighting configuration, including lamp strength.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/92409298@N06/t280J9
Taken at Crewe today I see the orange stripe for overhead is rightly still there.
The carriage numbers are six figure and dont start with an E, M, S or W now....
Quote from: mikestone on March 09, 2018, 07:41:05 PM
Link doesn't work. To my mind more surprising than the small amount of yellow is that the ends of the coaches are the same colour as the doors - apparently that is compliant although it sems to me there is a possibility of someone seeing the gap between the two dark green areas when sets are coupled as a door.
Link working okay - may be your settings. Not noticed the door/ ends situation, I'll have a look....
Quote from: JoNi on March 09, 2018, 08:10:49 PM
https://www.flickr.com/gp/92409298@N06/t280J9
Taken at Crewe today I see the orange stripe for overhead is rightly still there.
The carriage numbers are six figure and dont start with an E, M, S or W now....
That's funny!!!! Regional prefixes were phased out thirty (30) years ago!!!!
I got on a LNWR class 350 the other week, the automated announcement inside the train as the doors opened said "Welcome aboard this service to Crewe" abellio have just removed the london midland part out of it.
Presumably a path for cl.230 delivery tomorrow
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http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K74251/2018/09/13/advanced
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Doesn't appear to have run.
230003 reported out on main line testing earlier, but doesn't appear to have left for Bletchley.
0Z68 currently heading from Leicester to Long Marston possibly to loco haul 230003 to Bletchley?
230003 should definitely move today in the 1310 path from Longe Marstob
Quote from: Tony on September 18, 2018, 10:51:10 AM
230003 should definitely move today in the 1310 path from Longe Marstob
Thanks for tip, it left late according to Real Time Trains because there was another train in front that left Long Marsden 90 minutes late to Wembley which could be where loco went. Aim to see it in Coventry if poss. I assume the unit is under its own power and not hauled.
Quote from: JoNi on September 18, 2018, 03:18:01 PM
Thanks for tip, it left late according to Real Time Trains because there was another train in front that left Long Marsden 90 minutes late to Wembley which could be where loco went. Aim to see it in Coventry if poss. I assume the unit is under its own power and not hauled.
Yes, running under its own power. The other train was also interesting it was 50008 with some freight wagons
It zoomed past Coventry War Memorial with the mimimum of noise. Grateful toTony and forum for the info.
Quote from: JoNi on September 18, 2018, 05:07:56 PM
It zoomed past Coventry War Memorial with the mimimum of noise. Grateful toTony and forum for the info.
Yes, I've just photographed it in Coventry station. It didn't go up to the yard, extremely quiet
Here is 230003 at Coventry
http://wmbusphotos.com/Trains/class230/230003.html
Nuneaton under the paintbrush today gaining a lick of dark green on doors and other woodwork.
230004 on its way to Bletchley.
Quote from: mikestone on February 07, 2019, 05:08:47 PM
230004 on its way to Bletchley.
Beginning of April likely start date now
Where do rail replacement buses load in Wolves now?
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I thought it might be the bus station and park at Falkland Street but saw two Aman's turning out of Lichfield Street this morning
Quote from: mikestone on February 08, 2019, 12:19:21 PM
Where do rail replacement buses load in Wolves now?
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I thought it might be the bus station and park at Falkland Street but saw two Aman's turning out of Lichfield Street this morning
In the new rail replacement bus area which as you come out the main entrance is just to the left
Reported that the 150 diagram on the Marston Vale line is to be worked by a 153 after this weekend.
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From what I can see from May the Chase line, including Walsall, will involve three cl.323s, seven dmu.s and thirty-six cl.350s.
Quote from: mikestone on February 14, 2019, 08:00:21 PM
Reported that the 150 diagram on the Marston Vale line is to be worked by a 153 after this weekend.
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From what I can see from May the Chase line, including Walsall, will involve three cl.323s, seven dmu.s and thirty-six cl.350s.
Been told 1st April is the current aim for the 230s
Quote from: Tony on February 14, 2019, 08:01:42 PM
Been told 1st April is the current aim for the 230s
The 323s wont go further than Walsall presumably? Whats happening to WMRs 150s ?
Quote from: Tony on February 14, 2019, 08:01:42 PM
Been told 1st April is the current aim for the 230s
Some Chase line workings will continue to be DMU run? Lets hope the firat train of the day isnt. Its horrendously busy and 2 carriages
No - diesels and 323s don't go beyond Walsall. There is a Tyseley-Rugeley ecs but I assume that is an error.
Quote from: Tony on February 14, 2019, 08:01:42 PM
Been told 1st April is the current aim for the 230s
Now likely to be the 8th as they don't want to start them on April Fools day!
If that is really the reason I would suggest the management needs to grow up.
Quote from: mikestone on February 16, 2019, 11:24:36 AM
If that is really the reason I would suggest the management needs to grow up.
I could see a lot worse press if something went wrong on day 1 if they did start them on the 1st
They should be putting them in traffic when they are confident of reliability and have crews trained, regardless of the date - Northern had the right idea starting electric working via Bolton on Monday without fanfare.
Quote from: Bob on February 14, 2019, 09:53:49 PM
The 323s wont go further than Walsall presumably? Whats happening to WMRs 150s ?
WM's 150s are moving to Northern. I can't find the scheduled date just now, but IIRC it should already have happened.
Quote from: mikestone on February 15, 2019, 04:54:30 PM
No - diesels and 323s don't go beyond Walsall. There is a Tyseley-Rugeley ecs but I assume that is an error.
The May timetable proposal submitted by WMT to Network Rail included a diesel train from Rugeley Trent Valley to Shrewsbury at 06:22. This was turned down by NR and now starts from Walsall at 06:54. This would explain the proposed ecs working from Tyseley arriving at Rugeley at 0612. WMT have said that they hope that this train will start back at Rugeley from the December timetable when the arrival of the 350/4s from TPE will mean that they won't have to substitute diesels for electrics in an emergency.
In addition, WMT applied for the 23:18 service from New Street to be extended from Hednesford to Rugeley Trent Valley but Network Rail refused as they want the line cleared in time for any overnight engineering works, and that is the same reason they gave for not allowing the 21:49 Euston to Crewe service to stop at Rugeley Trent Valley even though WMT requested it.
Quote from: Roy on February 18, 2019, 12:07:28 PM
The May timetable proposal submitted by WMT to Network Rail included a diesel train from Rugeley Trent Valley to Shrewsbury at 06:22. This was turned down by NR and now starts from Walsall at 06:54. This would explain the proposed ecs working from Tyseley arriving at Rugeley at 0612. WMT have said that they hope that this train will start back at Rugeley from the December timetable when the arrival of the 350/4s from TPE will mean that they won't have to substitute diesels for electrics in an emergency.
In addition, WMT applied for the 23:18 service from New Street to be extended from Hednesford to Rugeley Trent Valley but Network Rail refused as they want the line cleared in time for any overnight engineering works, and that is the same reason they gave for not allowing the 21:49 Euston to Crewe service to stop at Rugeley Trent Valley even though WMT requested it.
The 2149 is in the schedules as stopping at Rugeley at 23:22
Quote from: Tony on February 18, 2019, 12:23:03 PM
The 2149 is in the schedules as stopping at Rugeley at 23:22
That's good news. The information I got came from a colleague who attended a Chase Line meeting with WMT in January, although WMT said at the meeting that they were still trying to sort this out with NR who were saying that the service had to clear the line by a certain time and the only way this could be achieved was by cutting out a couple of stops (Atherstone and Rugeley) to reduce running time by a few minutes. It appears that WMT have managed to convince NR to reverse the decision at Rugeley.
Quote from: Roy on February 18, 2019, 12:50:12 PM
That's good news. The information I got came from a colleague who attended a Chase Line meeting with WMT in January, although WMT said at the meeting that they were still trying to sort this out with NR who were saying that the service had to clear the line by a certain time and the only way this could be achieved was by cutting out a couple of stops (Atherstone and Rugeley) to reduce running time by a few minutes. It appears that WMT have managed to convince NR to reverse the decision at Rugeley.
I believe a lot more services will be 8 cars as well now they don't go via Alsage, Kidsgrove and Stone.
Quote from: Tony on February 18, 2019, 12:52:57 PM
I believe a lot more services will be 8 cars as well now they don't go via Alsage, Kidsgrove and Stone.
Looking at the email I was sent about the meeting, WMT said that they would be tight on the number of electric units available in May and would be running about a third of Trent Valley services as 8-car from May. They were taking on a few more class 319s for use south of Northampton to release 350s, and the ten 350/4s operated by TPE were expected in the summer. This will allow most Trent Valley services to be increased to 8-car from December.
Quote from: The Real 4778 on February 18, 2019, 10:09:17 AM
WM's 150s are moving to Northern. I can't find the scheduled date just now, but IIRC it should already have happened.
They are on lease until the beginning of May
I've had a go at working out the emu diagrams and it looks like about two-thirds of the TV services will be eight cars - given that the 16.46 and 17.46 already are, most of the services to be covered are off-peak.
Although stated ob another group they were no longer to be used on the Marston Vale line one in Bletchley CS.
15.01 Birmingham-Liverpool noted with eight cars today - I don't recall that for previous Grand Nationals.
Quote from: Tony on February 15, 2019, 05:52:32 PM
Now likely to be the 8th as they don't want to start them on April Fools day!
Presume it didn't hapen from the lack of reports or press releases?
Quote from: mikestone on April 08, 2019, 10:54:05 PM
Presume it didn't hapen from the lack of reports or press releases?
Put back until the 23rd
Thanks.
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The detaching of the second Chase line train from the Euston-Crewe service has now been added to the schedules - perhaps surprisingly so has the attachment of Liverpool-Birmingham trains to the corresponding Crewe-Euston.
Quote from: Tony on February 08, 2019, 12:37:21 PM
In the new rail replacement bus area which as you come out the main entrance is just to the left
Rather amazingly national rail enquiries does actually carry the information that they
do load outside Wetherspoons - I don't drive but I find it hard to believe it could ever have been thought a full size coach could negotiate the station front.
When are the May timetables set to be published on WMR & LNR sites, it's getting pretty close to the change date, I would've thought they would be live by now
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/may-timetable-changes
Quote from: Steveminor on April 15, 2019, 05:43:00 PM
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/may-timetable-changes
The changes have been published, but the actual timetables haven't
Just picked up Chase Line, TV and Liverpool - Birmingham timetables. Presumably they go to the printers electronically, possibly even as pdf s so it beggars belief they aren't on the website.
Something that hadn't occured to me was that it introduces first class to the Chase Line - good luck policing that!
Quote from: mikestone on April 18, 2019, 07:15:44 PM
Just picked up Chase Line, TV and Liverpool - Birmingham timetables. Presumably they go to the printers electronically, possibly even as pdf s so it beggars belief they aren't on the website.
Something that hadn't occured to me was that it introduces first class to the Chase Line - good luck policing that!
LNWM first class is far from luxurious. Literally just a seat cushion that says first class is the only difference?
The first class 230 is still timetabled to enter service next Tuesday. The other diagram should still be a class 153
Quote from: mikestone on April 18, 2019, 07:15:44 PM
Just picked up Chase Line, TV and Liverpool - Birmingham timetables. Presumably they go to the printers electronically, possibly even as pdf s so it beggars belief they aren't on the website.
Something that hadn't occured to me was that it introduces first class to the Chase Line - good luck policing that!
Where did you get those from ? Walsall?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 18, 2019, 07:30:50 PM
LNWM first class is far from luxurious. Literally just a seat cushion that says first class is the only difference?
Plug sockets too
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 18, 2019, 07:30:50 PM
LNWM first class is far from luxurious. Literally just a seat cushion that says first class is the only difference?
And plug ports? Extra seat room? I'd rather spend a 3 hour journey to London in there then in standard class (especially on the /2s), questionable whether it's actually worth paying extra for though
Quote from: Westy on April 18, 2019, 09:52:07 PM
Where did you get those from ? Walsall?
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No, Stafford.
I didn't realise that was what they were at first as they were lying on the base of the stand with the current editions one on. Strangely the EMT Derby-Crewe leaflet was also on display at Crewe unmarked, making me wonder if they have come from the printers embargoed and they forget to tell other TOCs not to display them.
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At Nuneaton there was an A5 notice with a summary of changes, but as with the banners posted at Trent Valley stations for a couple of months they were only really appropriate for station south of Rugby.
Cl.230 entered service on one diagram today.
While on a trip to sample a Cl.230 picked up a Euston-Northampton leaflet, which revealed almost all weekend services will be eight cars. It appears Rugeley trains detach at New St to reattach on the up, and Liverpool trains will be eight cars throughout.
350368 reportedly seen at Rugeley Town yesterday.
Trains are screwed between Birmingham International and Coventry due to a broken down train which will lead to the X1's being screwed up.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/220502.aspx
Not convinced the NR reason was correct - a special from Northampton in place of a failure further south was showing at Berkswell, with the next two berths showing **** and according to RTT the preceding train got to New Street.
New downloadable May 2019 timetables now available on Network Rail website. 40mb!
https://cdn.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/May-2019-Timetable-separate-PDFs.zip
350123 is almost in 'retro' livery. looking very similar to how it did when first delivered to Silverlink
http://wmbusphotos.com/Trains/class350/350123.html
Every Chase line train looks to have made it to Rugeley on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday one ran ECS from New St to Rugeley then ECS back again - can understand that on the main lines to maintain driver balances, but to Rugeley?
350403 reported to be en route back to Ardwick rather than Northampton.
I'm never sure whether this should be posted under LNR or WMR.
The current situation on the Chase Line has been picked up by the Express and Star today.
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/08/09/200m-chase-line-plagued-by-delays-and-cancellations/
In addition, local campaign group Campaign for Rail has sent out a press release calling for an emergency timetable to be introduced.
http://www.campaignforrail.org.uk/chase%20line%20shambles.html
I see Frances Thompson does say that they are looking to seperate the Chase Line from Euston-Walsall in the medium term, whatever that means.
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To be honest I think Network Rail are at least partly to blame as they should have rejected the proposed timetable as an unacceptable performance risk.
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Did anyone ask for a Walsall to London service in the first place?
Quote from: Westy on August 09, 2019, 05:55:37 PM
Did anyone ask for a Walsall to London service in the first place?
Yes, check the press before it happened.
The problem is that services like Walsall to London might work, but if they are run separate to everything else, having to wait for other services to come in and couple up can only lead to delays and once a delay starts it just gets worse. 5 minute delay in the early morning can mean by the afternoon 30 minutes or more.
AFJ Travel B13AFJ was on standby at Rugeley TV yesterday, presumably to convey passengers turning up from the main line for a cancelled connection if and only if they make a fuss, as it clearly hadn't run to Hednesford vice the cancelled 17.19.
Do they have a standby at Hednesford?
Quote from: Roy on August 09, 2019, 12:52:44 PM
I'm never sure whether this should be posted under LNR or WMR.
The current situation on the Chase Line has been picked up by the Express and Star today.
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/08/09/200m-chase-line-plagued-by-delays-and-cancellations/
In addition, local campaign group Campaign for Rail has sent out a press release calling for an emergency timetable to be introduced.
http://www.campaignforrail.org.uk/chase%20line%20shambles.html
Going to Brum for work all i can say is thank god for the X51 from Cannock. Its pretty much always on time and not filthy inside like a lot of the 350s some of which are downright minging!
Quote from: Bob on August 14, 2019, 07:11:25 PM
and not filthy inside like a lot of the 350s some of which are downright minging!
Can't say the same for some of the other vehicles National Express run on the 11 service.
6137 awful smell of passengers smoking weed and all sat at the back of the top deck on the 11A service this evening, never seen it happen on rail services.
Some of the seats on 4534 on the 11C were filthy on the top deck today, covered in a layer of dirt.
NXWM have also still got threadbear vehicles still operating in the Solihull area.
Quote from: 2206 on August 14, 2019, 08:50:57 PM
Can't say the same for some of the other vehicles National Express run on the 11 service.
6137 awful smell of passengers smoking weed and all sat at the back of the top deck on the 11A service this evening, never seen it happen on rail services.
Some of the seats on 4534 on the 11C were filthy on the top deck today, covered in a layer of dirt.
NXWM have also still got threadbear vehicles still operating in the Solihull area.
The 11 travels through some of the most scummy areas of Brum, i dont blame NX for using the worst vehicles
Quote from: Bob on August 18, 2019, 09:25:31 AM
The 11 travels through some of the most scummy areas of Brum, i dont blame NX for using the worst vehicles
Not realy any worse than a lot of other places in Birmingham.
Those passengers smoking weed were also travelling in the Yardley/Acocks Green area, probably not regarded by many as the most "scummy" area of Birmingham either.
To be honest most of the ones used aren't that bad, just those two.
The 6111 - 6148 batch are quite tidy and in good condition to be honest from what I've seen after 8 months on there, and a nice upgrade over what was previously used, not realy the worst they'v got in use.
Yesterday I was on 230005 and the engine cut out mid way through the journey. I suppose this backs up the point a guard made on the marston vale about the 230's being problematic of late
Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 18, 2019, 09:59:07 AM
Yesterday I was on 230005 and the engine cut out mid way through the journey. I suppose this backs up the point a guard made on the marston vale about the 230's being problematic of late
Similar thing happened to me with 230003 on 29th June heading back to Bletchley from Bedford it wouldn't go any faster than 30mph when at Ridgmont the driver had to switch the unit off and restart it to get it back to 100%.
Quote from: Rob2832 on August 18, 2019, 08:54:59 PM
Similar thing happened to me with 230003 on 29th June heading back to Bletchley from Bedford it wouldn't go any faster than 30mph when at Ridgmont the driver had to switch the unit off and restart it to get it back to 100%.
Sounds like it's a regular problem with the units
Any clue why an 8 car unit came into London Euston for the 19.55 to Crewe and then decoupled? Left a 4 car unit with barely any standing room
Quote from: nathanielrwi on August 19, 2019, 11:13:05 PM
Any clue why an 8 car unit came into London Euston for the 19.55 to Crewe and then decoupled? Left a 4 car unit with barely any standing room
Could it have been split to form another service?
Quote from: nathanielrwi on August 19, 2019, 11:13:05 PM
Any clue why an 8 car unit came into London Euston for the 19.55 to Crewe and then decoupled? Left a 4 car unit with barely any standing room
Probably diagrammed to do so
Booked to work the 20.04 to Tring.
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Cannock Chase Council have organised a public meeting to discuss the problems on the Chase Line
https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/council/news/articles/public-meeting-called-chase-line%E2%80%99s-performance
I have been told that a second meeting has been arranged to take place on Friday 13 September at Lea Hall Social Club in Rugeley which is situated alongside Rugeley Town station when Managers will be available between 2 pm and 7.30 pm.
The through London to Rugeley TV services to go from next May:
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/09/04/200m-chase-line-service-scrapped-over-complaints/
Despite claiming that nothing could be done until May, according to RTT the second Chase line service is from Wolverhampton from December, the set detached off the Euston-Crewe forming an all stations Walsall instead. Hopefully this means terminating consecutive trains at Hednesford should become a thing of the past.
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There is also an additional New St-International stopper with changes to stopping patterns of other trains on the Coventry corridor - on the face of it slightly odd given the reported VT complaints of delays over that section, but it does mean the train in front of the down Scotches now starts from International.
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This at present only seems to apply on Mondays to Fridays.
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Why did they apparently not say this at the meetings - are they going to claim they've taken the comments on board and managed to make changes earlier?
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Well tonight 21.47 despite showing as on time 10 min before is cancelled...and the network rail office at new st couldnt even find out why and the 22.20 is cancelled and 23.18 delayed. An absolute joke of a service. Franchise should be removed. Say what you like about british rail im sure the Sprinter service was never this horrific!
Quote from: Bob on September 13, 2019, 10:01:37 PM
Well tonight 21.47 despite showing as on time 10 min before is cancelled...and the network rail office at new st couldnt even find out why and the 22.20 is cancelled and 23.18 delayed. An absolute joke of a service. Franchise should be removed. Say what you like about british rail im sure the Sprinter service was never this horrific!
Write to your MP about it. Unfortunately they don't have to be down in London, all because of that blond Tory idiot and his unlawful coup. It'll no doubt be better for the railway after the next general election when Labour start the nationalisation process (yes, I want Labour to get in!)
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 14, 2019, 01:28:51 AM
Write to your MP about it. Unfortunately they don't have to be down in London, all because of that blond Tory idiot and his unlawful coup. It'll no doubt be better for the railway after the next general election when Labour start the nationalisation process (yes, I want Labour to get in!)
Cannock also has a dreadful blonde Tory MP who actually chats s##t about the rail service and has plenty of photo shoot opportunities but does pretty much nothing lol. Shes awful. ( not rail related but google Tory whip shoves MP back in seat and youll see her in action, its famously gone viral this week)
Quote from: Bob on September 14, 2019, 05:31:25 AM
Cannock also has a dreadful blonde Tory MP who actually chats s##t about the rail service and has plenty of photo shoot opportunities but does pretty much nothing lol. Shes awful. ( not rail related but google Tory whip shoves MP back in seat and youll see her in action, its famously gone viral this week)
Ours likes his photo opportunities too!
Good old Eddie:(
Another day of cancellations galore on Chase Line people were waiting at Cannock since 6pm!
They were all cancelled going back to Cannock last night as well! People wouldve been stranded
Currently on a refurbished 350/1, think I have been on two of them so far (105 and 115 I think), done a nice job with new comfy seat cushions, new carpets, internal screens, charging points.
One of the prototype DEMU ex London underground units appears to be working
the LNWR link between Bedford and Bletchley as noted at Bletchley @ 09.45am
on Thursday 24th October. (Unit 230 005) These carriages were developed
by Viva rail Ltd, Long Marston, Warwickshire utilising carriages from
Ex LUL D78 stock 7066 + 7128 This is the fifth unit in the series
Nothing else has worked the service since the 150s went to Northern in May.
Currently delayed at Crewe driver having personal needs break until 10:47. Train now terminating at Liverpool South Parkway. If u catch another train into Liverpool you will only be charged £3 to travel on the Metro!
Fortunately I've brought my Walrus with me. He's sad because Merseytravel are going to put him down and replace him with a nondescript Metrocard!
Quote from: JoNi on October 30, 2019, 10:42:16 AM
Currently delayed at Crewe driver having personal needs break until 10:47. Train now terminating at Liverpool South Parkway. If u catch another train into Liverpool you will only be charged £3 to travel on the Metro!
Fortunately I've brought my Walrus with me. He's sad because Merseytravel are going to put him down and replace him with a nondescript Metrocard!
JoNi, unless you had a LNWR/WMT only ticket then your ticket should have been valid on Merseyrail from Liverpool South Parkway to Liverpool Lime Street Low Level without any extra charge.
Also there were other trains from Liverpool South Parkway to Liverpool Lime Street High Level which departed from pt 2 at 11:21 & 11:25 & 11:46 which should have accepted your ticket as there was disruption without extra charge.
Quote from: Ian Hardy on October 30, 2019, 09:40:31 PM
JoNi, unless you had a LNWR/WMT only ticket then your ticket should have been valid on Merseyrail from Liverpool South Parkway to Liverpool Lime Street Low Level without any extra charge.
Also there were other trains from Liverpool South Parkway to Liverpool Lime Street High Level which departed from pt 2 at 11:21 & 11:25 & 11:46 which should have accepted your ticket as there was disruption without extra charge.
I had all Operator return to Lime Street in case there were problems later. Topped up Walrus and bussed to city on Gillmoss Enviro on 82 which turned up straight away! The LNWR train at 18:34 was cancelled from Lime Street. LNWR passengers were advised to catch train to Liverpool South Parkway.....a pacer bound for Manchester Oxford Road.
I caught Virgin train to Stafford. Woman opposite travelling with friends arranged for husband to drive to Crewe to pick them up as there hadn't been a train to Winsford since 3pm allegedly.
People slag Cross Country and Virgin off but they got me home.
Another day in Liverpool.
Came up to Brum to catch thru train. Late so caught 09:20 Crewe to Wolves. Liverpool train rolled in only 10 minutes late. Set off "I I'd like to apologise this train will terminate at Crewe today as no senior conductor available. I am unable to advise you on options as control aren't answering the phone when I call them"!
Quote from: JoNi on November 01, 2019, 10:16:05 AM
Another day in Liverpool.
Came up to Brum to catch thru train. Late so caught 09:20 Crewe to Wolves. Liverpool train rolled in only 10 minutes late. Set off "I I'd like to apologise this train will terminate at Crewe today as no senior conductor available. I am unable to advise you on options as control aren't answering the phone when I call them"!
This franchise is a joke 😂
Strikes coming from the 16th November every Saturday until new year.
Source: Rail and Maritime Union
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 01, 2019, 03:58:48 PM
Strikes coming from the 16th November every Saturday until new year.
Source: Rail and Maritime Union
Considering strike action came second in the ballot out of three options I find this strange
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 01, 2019, 11:48:52 AM
This franchise is a joke 😂
More cancellations on the Snow Hill lines tonight. Both LNWR and WMR seem to have given up completely. I love it how they've started using the "lack of available train crew" excuse at every opportunity, as if it just happens purely by chance. They're LNWR's employees and LNWR's problem. If the company can' t do something as simple as provide an adequate level of staff, they'll never run a decent service. There is never a contingency, only excuse after excuse. They've totally lost touch with reality. Their staff are generally extremely rude as well. There needs to be a government review into railways in the West Midlands. Passengers are being failed daily by these morons and it needs to stop.
Birmingham New Street. Departure screen says Crewe, Staff say Northampton, signal off London end of platform. Guard says first stop Stechford. Driver getting in London end and we're off.
Recorded message "We're sorry if your journey has been delayed today, you can pick up a delay repay form at one of our stations"
Quote from: WMT3000 on November 02, 2019, 07:54:49 PM
More cancellations on the Snow Hill lines tonight. Both LNWR and WMR seem to have given up completely. I love it how they've started using the "lack of available train crew" excuse at every opportunity, as if it just happens purely by chance. They're LNWR's employees and LNWR's problem. If the company can' t do something as simple as provide an adequate level of staff, they'll never run a decent service. There is never a contingency, only excuse after excuse. They've totally lost touch with reality. Their staff are generally extremely rude as well. There needs to be a government review into railways in the West Midlands. Passengers are being failed daily by these morons and it needs to stop.
I don't quite know how they never seem to have enough staff? Surely that's the most crucial thing in any business. And if they haven't got enough get recruiting or use some agencies if need be!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 02, 2019, 09:39:50 PM
I don't quite know how they never seem to have enough staff? Surely that's the most crucial thing in any business. And if they haven't got enough get recruiting or use some agencies if need be!
Perhaps you can tell us who these agencies are?
Quote from: WMT3000 on November 02, 2019, 07:54:49 PMThere needs to be a government review into railways in the West Midlands.
That will never happen under a Tory Government. They would rather sell off things like the railways and the NHS to their fat cat mates instead of organising a review into the complete shockingness of the WM franchise.
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 02, 2019, 11:06:23 PM
That will never happen under a Tory Government. They would rather sell off things like the railways and the NHS to their fat cat mates instead of organising a review into the complete shockingness of the WM franchise.
Although I dread the thought of Corbyn as pm I have to agree. Labour's policy of re-nationalisation seems the best option at the moment. And I'd include more than just the railways. As you say there's the NHS, but also utilities etc. It seems as though all services are deteriorating and/or becoming more expensive under the current government. The fact that much needed reviews never happen explains how the frankly imbecilic management are able to keep their jobs year after year, franchise after franchise.
I wonder if the managers who have been trained up to cover the potential striking guards have been used prematurely and the guards have refused to work overtime and rest days?
;
Quote from: WMT3000 on November 02, 2019, 11:28:59 PM
Although I dread the thought of Corbyn as pm I have to agree. Labour's policy of re-nationalisation seems the best option at the moment. And I'd include more than just the railways. As you say there's the NHS, but also utilities etc. It seems as though all services are deteriorating and/or becoming more expensive under the current government. The fact that much needed reviews never happen explains how the frankly imbecilic management are able to keep their jobs year after year, franchise after franchise.
We are going to have to do a lot of soul searching for this election, aren't we?
I'm already at the end of my tether with this terrible franchise, shortformed trains, lack of proper planning, several trains cancelled due to train crew unavailability, very slow responses on social media. I will be practicing what I preach and be complaining
Are any journeys on the Chase Line to Cannock 323 operated?
21.20 and 21.58 from New St on Saturdays in the latest diagrams I have.
Quote from: mikestone on November 19, 2019, 07:07:47 PM
21.20 and 21.58 from New St on Saturdays in the latest diagrams I have.
So....none for the foreseable future!
Caught the train from Stechford to Marston Green and back earlier this afternoon. Both times it was extermly (and probably dangerously) overcrowded. It was difficult to get on the train, once on the train was rammed and then it was difficult to get off the train again.
A very poor service I think.
Clearly they need to do something, to cope with the volume of passengers using this service. More trains or carriages.
Seems to be the same for every single peak time service, every time I have used this line.
The train I caught back was the 17:49 service from Marston Green to Liverpool Lime Street.
Quote from: 2206 on November 28, 2019, 06:50:20 PM
Caught the train from Stechford to Marston Green and back earlier this afternoon. Both times it was extermly (and probably dangerously) overcrowded. It was difficult to get on the train, once on the train was rammed and then it was difficult to get off the train again.
A very poor service I think.
Clearly they need to do something, to cope with the volume of passengers using this service. More trains or carriages.
Seems to be the same for every single peak time service, every time I have used this line.
The train I caught back was the 17:49 service from Marston Green to Liverpool Lime Street.
I guess it's fortunate that arrival of the Transpennine Express 350/4s are imminent
A big change in regards to the RMT WMT strike to come this weekend.
In what way - apart from not attempting to run the Marston Vale and Abbey Flyer?
;
Stafford-Nuneaton bus shown serving Rugeley this week - presume lack was an error in previous weeks?
Been having a peruse of the new timetables today
So they've admitted there's an issue with all their services coming from London and vowed to address it... And no they've still made it overly complicated with through services everywhere... Haven't learned have they?
Quote from: Kevin on November 28, 2019, 08:44:58 PM
Been having a peruse of the new timetables today
So they've admitted there's an issue with all their services coming from London and vowed to address it... And no they've still made it overly complicated with through services everywhere... Haven't learned have they?
They have done the best they can. They cannot change the base timetable until next May. Not long enough to get the new paths of Network Rail. Changing the xx20 to Rugeley which is the most unreliable service in the whole timetable with the xx.26 to Walsall which is one of the most reliable will make a massive difference
Shortage of train crew on most trains so lots of cancellations!! Couldnt organise a piss up in a brewery
Didn't one of the predecessors have similar issues when they first started?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 13, 2019, 03:39:21 PM
Shortage of train crew on most trains so lots of cancellations!! Couldnt organise a piss up in a brewery
I went to catch the 17:47 WMR from Yardley Wood to Snow Hill last night, it arrived 3 mins late so I didn't miss it, which was lucky because the next one due at 18:07 was showing as Cancelled.
Quote from: Westy on December 13, 2019, 05:30:58 PM
Didn't one of the predecessors have similar issues when they first started?
London Midland had similar issues as well (not just when they started).
Different name, same problems...
350404 now in use, currently on 2H58 (09:48 WVH to RGL). Should do 1Y22 next.
There's an 'unadvertised passenger' service on the Trent Valley line tomorrow from Crewe to Rugby details in the link
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:S83151/2023-05-28/detailed
This will be the first ever 12 car service calling at these stations
Seems a bit pointless as they are likely to become 730/1 once they enter traffic - presumably/hopefully they will have full SDO to enable ten rather than five car working.
Quote from: mikestone on May 27, 2023, 05:31:05 PMSeems a bit pointless as they are likely to become 730/1 once they enter traffic - presumably/hopefully they will have full SDO to enable ten rather than five car working.
The 730s have GPS auto SDO. 10 car 730s are about the same length as 12 car 350, so it might be for if they need to substitute
This evening I have been looking at options to travel to/from the Coventry City game which is in Shrewsbury tomorrow. As it's a strike day for LNWR, I checked the journey planners for trains back from Birmingham New St (as TFW seem to be terminating there after 5pm). The last train is the 1950 to Northampton - conveniently calling at Hampton-in-Arden, Berkswell, Tile Hill, Canley, Long Buckby and Northampton only - with no Coventry or Birmingham Int'l where I would usually get off. At first glance I thought this was a mistake but even the LNWR twitter team have told me this service is only stopping at the listed stations - how strange!
Quote from: stellasteve on July 21, 2023, 11:44:02 PMThis evening I have been looking at options to travel to/from the Coventry City game which is in Shrewsbury tomorrow. As it's a strike day for LNWR, I checked the journey planners for trains back from Birmingham New St (as TFW seem to be terminating there after 5pm). The last train is the 1950 to Northampton - conveniently calling at Hampton-in-Arden, Berkswell, Tile Hill, Canley, Long Buckby and Northampton only - with no Coventry or Birmingham Int'l where I would usually get off. At first glance I thought this was a mistake but even the LNWR twitter team have told me this service is only stopping at the listed stations - how strange!
Presumably due to the strike there is nobody to dispatch at this time at Birmingham International or Coventry due to the strike! And they can't self dispatch.
Quote from: Straightlines on July 21, 2023, 11:50:49 PMPresumably due to the strike there is nobody to dispatch at this time at Birmingham International or Coventry due to the strike! And they can't self dispatch.
Would probably be best to get the X1 if you need International and Coventry.
Quote from: stellasteve on July 21, 2023, 11:44:02 PMThis evening I have been looking at options to travel to/from the Coventry City game which is in Shrewsbury tomorrow. As it's a strike day for LNWR, I checked the journey planners for trains back from Birmingham New St (as TFW seem to be terminating there after 5pm). The last train is the 1950 to Northampton - conveniently calling at Hampton-in-Arden, Berkswell, Tile Hill, Canley, Long Buckby and Northampton only - with no Coventry or Birmingham Int'l where I would usually get off. At first glance I thought this was a mistake but even the LNWR twitter team have told me this service is only stopping at the listed stations - how strange!
Probably to try and not get the train overwhelmed.
As 2206 mentioned, probably best to just get the x1.
Or lack of train despatch staff.
Complete shambles yesterday afternoon - not a single Crewe-Euston after 12.13!
;
Worth noting that only some were showing cancelled or altered at the time
First class 730s entered service today
The FIRST Class 730 in service from Bletchley to Euston! - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2yHqYqYiNk)
Rather belatedly I have spotted that the 05.33 Birmingham-Liverpool is booked off platform 4C, which sees much more use from December with the reversion to four-car working on the Liverpool route. It appears from RTT to be formed off the previous nights 23.16 arrival from Wolverhampton.
;
Some mornings RTT has the platform changed, but on at least two mornings, including today, it hasn't yet the 11.33 ex Liverpool has been eight cars with no obvious opportunity for a swap or attachment - on one occasion the 05.33 was overtime at Wolverhampton, but not I would have thought enough to do an attachment, and it wasn't this morning.
Meant to mention before but fifteen car test trains with the three 730/1-2 delivered have been running out of Oxley via Cannock, presumably because they are too long to reverse at Wolverhampton.
QuoteRather belatedly I have spotted that the 05.33 Birmingham-Liverpool is booked off platform 4C, which sees much more use from December with the reversion to four-car working on the Liverpool route. It appears from RTT to be formed off the previous nights 23.16 arrival from Wolverhampton.
;
Some mornings RTT has the platform changed, but on at least two mornings, including today, it hasn't yet the 11.33 ex Liverpool has been eight cars with no obvious opportunity for a swap or attachment - on one occasion the 05.33 was overtime at Wolverhampton, but not I would have thought enough to do an attachment, and it wasn't this morning.
The 05:33 Liverpool attaches at Lime Street to form an 8 car for its back working, 07:33 Liverpool-New Street.
From December, all Monday-Friday Liverpool services are formed of 4 carriages, however there is a service uplift in the peaks with services running every 30 minutes. These services will run express from Crewe to Runcorn and vice versa, bar one service in each direction which will call additionally at Hartford due to the high footfall. This paves the way for further uplifts back to a similar sort of timetable seen pre covid.
Additionally, on Saturdays, the Liverpool services will run half hourly all day with a mixture of 4 and 8 car units.
Thanks - It looks like the first two from Lime St were four, giving the opportunity to work a set into Lime Street couple to the 07.33.
When will the 350s be replaced I have heard they will be replaced by 730s, does this mean the Walsall line will be operated by 730s. If they are being replaced by 730s what variant will replace them the 3 coach version or the 5 coach variant.
Also when are the London north western 730/2 due to come into service, I've seen a few up and down Nuneaton and Trent valley line on testing, also seen a few West Midlands railway 730/0 on testing stopping at Nuneaton then going back to Crewe,
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 27, 2023, 11:33:39 AMWhen will the 350s be replaced I have heard they will be replaced by 730s, does this mean the Walsall line will be operated by 730s. If they are being replaced by 730s what variant will replace them the 3 coach version or the 5 coach variant.
Also when are the London north western 730/2 due to come into service, I've seen a few up and down Nuneaton and Trent valley line on testing, also seen a few West Midlands railway 730/0 on testing stopping at Nuneaton then going back to Crewe,
No all the 350s are not being replaced by 730s. The 350/1, /3 & /4 are all staying including services on the Rugeley line
Quote from: Tony on December 27, 2023, 11:36:07 AMNo all the 350s are not being replaced by 730s. The 350/1, /3 & /4 are all staying including services on the Rugeley line
So all the 350/2s are being replaced,
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 27, 2023, 11:42:21 AMSo all the 350/2s are being replaced,
He's just said they are staying?
Quote from: Jack on December 27, 2023, 12:46:01 PMHe's just said they are staying?
No he didn't include the 350/2
Quote from: Jack on December 27, 2023, 12:46:01 PMHe's just said they are staying?
The 350/2 units are going off lease, replaced by the 5 car 730s
Quote from: Tony on December 27, 2023, 02:10:03 PMThe 350/2 units are going off lease, replaced by the 5 car 730s
Got ya.
I've just seen 350 373 i think it was at tame bridge parkway and it's got a name badge on it now, vic hall, any ideas what this is for.
Empty unit ran through a landslip at Long Lawford this morning, up line expected to be blocked until at least Tuesday.
;
Buses Coventry-Northampton.
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 26, 2024, 05:28:36 PMI've just seen 350 373 i think it was at tame bridge parkway and it's got a name badge on it now, vic hall, any ideas what this is for.
350375
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https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/train-honour-watford-junction-legend-vic-hall
730210 on Trent Valley test runs today, while 730206 noted at Wolverhamton en route to Loughborough behind 37510.