Arriva Trains Wales

[Ossie]

Noted a 2 x 2 car ATW formation while passing through Birmingham International on Sunday afternoon about 14:00, (presumably the 14:07 to Aberystwyth).   Nothing unusual in that - except that the lead unit was 150 242 !  The other unit was one of the usual 158s, which I couldn't identify as it was tucked behind the platform buildings.

Now I can't recall ever seeing a 150 on the Birmingham - Aberystwyths before - has anyone else seen one?

[the trainbasher]

The 150 would have only gone as far as Shrewsbury as only class 158s are allowed to Aberystwyth because they are the only arriva units ERTMS fitted

[Kevin]

Now I can't recall ever seeing a 150 on the Birmingham - Aberystwyths before - has anyone else seen one?

Used to be standard on that line, back in the days of Regional Railways

[Sh4318]

Noted a 2 x 2 car ATW formation while passing through Birmingham International on Sunday afternoon about 14:00, (presumably the 14:07 to Aberystwyth).   Nothing unusual in that - except that the lead unit was 150 242 !  The other unit was one of the usual 158s, which I couldn't identify as it was tucked behind the platform buildings.

I saw that unit whilst I was at Shrewsbury yesterday. The 158 & 150 uncoupled, and the 158 went forward to Aberstwyth while the 150 terminated at Shrewsbury.

Now I can't recall ever seeing a 150 on the Birmingham - Aberystwyths before - has anyone else seen one?

I do occasionally see a 158 x 150 coupled together, when another 158 isn't available. I remember one occasion when the 0518 Shrewsbury - Birmingham International was a 150/2, usually a 175/0

[Ossie]

The 150 would have only gone as far as Shrewsbury as only class 158s are allowed to Aberystwyth because they are the only arriva units ERTMS fitted

Ah yes, I did wonder ...... and thanks for the confirmation Sh4318 !

That's interesting, Kevin -  don't recall the Regional Railways days on that route (I was living in NSE territory at the time  :) )

[D10]

There was an interesting article on today's Midlands Today about the film project of the Cambrian Line.

Website for more info on the project:

http://oftimeandtherailway.com/

[598]

I've seen 150's coupled with 158's more often than you'd think to be honest. A few weeks back, the 1725 from New Street to Llandudno was a 150 on the front with the usual 158 on the back of it

[Kevin]

Ah yes, I did wonder ...... and thanks for the confirmation Sh4318 !

That's interesting, Kevin -  don't recall the Regional Railways days on that route (I was living in NSE territory at the time  :) )

Google "Class 150 Cambrian"
Video125 did a drivers eye view of the line from one, for some reason I can't paste the link here though, think me phone is playing up

[Trident 4194]

Why does arriva trains take so long from bhm to bhi?

[Tara4352]

Why does arriva trains take so long from bhm to bhi?

@Trident4194 probably to do with departure times and arrival etc and probably the 158s ageing a bit

[domino.99]

Why does arriva trains take so long from bhm to bhi?

They take the same as Virgin about 10-12 mins!

[Trident 4194]

They take the same as Virgin about 10-12 mins!

It leaves Birmingham new street at :30 and arr :50?

[domino.99]

Leaves :36 arrives :49

[Tony]

It leaves Birmingham new street at :30 and arr :50?

There is a Virgin departure at 30 every hour, so cannot leave at 30. Reason it takes a little longer is it follows the 33 minutes past Northampton which calls at Marston Green so cannot run at full line speed all the way

[Trident 4194]

There is a Virgin departure at 30 every hour, so cannot leave at 30. Reason it takes a little longer is it follows the 33 minutes past Northampton which calls at Marston Green so cannot run at full line speed all the way

Oh ok what time does it arr in bhm?