Stourbridge Branch Line

[bususer12]

Quick question for everyone, which did (do) you prefer?

The class 153's that use to run or the PPM of today.

Poll going as well

[Isle of Stroma]

Neither of the above. Much prefer a proper bubble car, or a 48xx/Autotrailer combo meself....

[nitromatt1]

Quick question for everyone, which did (do) you prefer?

The class 153's that use to run or the PPM of today.

Poll going as well

As somebody who knows very little about trains, what does PPM mean?

[Trident 4609]

Quick question for everyone, which did (do) you prefer?

The class 153's that use to run or the PPM of today.

Poll going as well

As somebody who knows very little about trains, what does PPM mean?

Parry People Movers?
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parry_People_Movers

[Rob H]

Quick question for everyone, which did (do) you prefer?

The class 153's that use to run or the PPM of today.

Poll going as well

I don't mind either but if I had to chose one of them then I'd pick the 153 :)

[nitromatt1]

Ahh, those things! They're quite uncomfortable and I think rather too small for the Stourbridge branch line

[Sh4318]

Anyone who knows me knows I love Sprinters. I'd happily take a 153 over a 139. I must stay the 139s are very unsufficient at peak times. There's two of them, so couldn't they be coupled together and used in service during busy times

[Stu]

Anyone who knows me knows I love Sprinters. I'd happily take a 153 over a 139. I must stay the 139s are very unsufficient at peak times. There's two of them, so couldn't they be coupled together and used in service during busy times

I heard on the radio the other day that the Stourbridge shuttle was out of use, and taxis were being provided as a replacement!

[nitromatt1]

Anyone who knows me knows I love Sprinters. I'd happily take a 153 over a 139. I must stay the 139s are very unsufficient at peak times. There's two of them, so couldn't they be coupled together and used in service during busy times

I heard on the radio the other day that the Stourbridge shuttle was out of use, and taxis were being provided as a replacement!

Me too, although I heard it was a replacement bus service

[trident4370]

153 everytime, I find the 139s boring.

[Stuharris 6360]

I actually like the original bubble cars, the ones in the early 55000 series, they were really good, was a shame when they were moved to Laira depot for the cornish branch line and replaced by 55026, 55032/3/4.

[Kevin]

To me the PPM seems sufficient, shame to waste anything more substantial on such a short slow service. I did have ideas a while back to extend the metro (that doesn't seem is ever gonna happen now anyway) from Merry Hill to Stourbridge and onto the town branch. Probably would be shot down in flames for that suggestion though

[Tony]

To me the PPM seems sufficient, shame to waste anything more substantial on such a short slow service. I did have ideas a while back to extend the metro (that doesn't seem is ever gonna happen now anyway) from Merry Hill to Stourbridge and onto the town branch. Probably would be shot down in flames for that suggestion though

No very sensible. Other option I liked was to use a bigger PPM Stourbridge to Merry hill to link with the Metro

[Stuharris 6360]

Aren't PPM supposed to be building some new larger vehicles for the branch?

[DJ]

I'd start a new topic since this one is pretty old, but I can't exactly justify starting a new one for exactly the same purpose.
Managed to go on the Stourbridge Branch Line for the first time in years today, the last time I used it was when it had a 153 running it. I've seen a fair bit of praise for the 139, and while it did the job and I'm sure is really efficient with the flywheel stuff, it seemed to just be a bus on wheels, a sorta mini pacer if you will. While I understand it doesn't need to have amazing levels of comfort for such short journeys, it was rather unpleasant, and the interior itself is looking a bit worn out nowadays compared to when it was new. I can't see this being changed or refurbished though until the new franchise is awarded.

Overall, it did the job of getting from the bus station to the main train station, which is what it's meant for. It's far from a pleasant experience though.