The next West Midlands franchise

[DJ]

@DJ98 It looks very good and much better from a safety prespective. For people working on the track, the more yellow the better as it is easier to spot than duller colours.

Yeah, that too, I just prefer it from a design standpoint. Either way though, you really should put safety over looks. Even if having less is still considered safe, I'd still rather have something even safer.

[Tony]

Yeah, that too, I just prefer it from a design standpoint. Either way though, you really should put safety over looks. Even if having less is still considered safe, I'd still rather have something even safer.

It's not safer now though.  Look at any modern train at a distance and you will see the headlight a long time before even a full yellow front

[DJ]

It's not safer now though.  Look at any modern train at a distance and you will see the headlight a long time before even a full yellow front

I know, but having a highly visible paint job *and* a high powered light is going to be the best option. There could be an issue with the lights or something similar, so it'd be harder to spot without the paint on there.

Even ignoring the safety aspect, it just looks nicer with a full yellow front.

[andyr]

if a problem with the headlight the  the train would be withdrawn from service till rectified the same as a bus....

[DJ]

if a problem with the headlight the  the train would be withdrawn from service till rectified the same as a bus....

Yes, I know, but problems can happen while at speed, and it can take a short while for a 110 mph train to stop, during that time it'll be beneficial to have the yellow front end.

[The Real 4778]

If it goes ahead, it is one of a couple of sites being looked at, it will be on the site of the old wagon works

Indeed, the foundations of the carriage servicing shed are long since built over!

[mikestone]

According to correspondence on the ORR website the Coventry-Leamington service will be a cl.172.
;
http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/25811/london-midland-reply-chiltern-2017-10-06.pdf

[Tony]

According to correspondence on the ORR website the Coventry-Leamington service will be a cl.172.
;
http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/25811/london-midland-reply-chiltern-2017-10-06.pdf

There is on big benefit in using the 172, that is the Leamington based drivers are already Traction Trained on 172s, but are not Traction Trained on 153s.

The one thing that might cause a problem though is 172s are not yet cleared for the Coventry to Leamington line, so Network rail will need to get a move on with that one!

[mikestone]

Presumably no LM crews sign the route either, but the "joint managing director" of Warwickshire CC says Mr Grayling has told her everything is hunky-dory. Of course it may be on Sunday, but will it on Monday?

[Tony]

Presumably no LM crews sign the route either, but the "joint managing director" of Warwickshire CC says Mr Grayling has told her everything is hunky-dory. Of course it may be on Sunday, but will it on Monday?

about two days route learning for each driver due to the reversing procedures at both ends. It's not just into the platform, change ends. Leamington (LM) depot is probably the smallest in the company, so at least not many to do.

[D10]

According to correspondence on the ORR website the Coventry-Leamington service will be a cl.172.
;
http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/25811/london-midland-reply-chiltern-2017-10-06.pdf

Did I hear somewhere that the London Overground 172s are due to be transferred up to the Midlands from the Gospel Oak to Barking line, partly because of the extra units needed including at Kenilworth?

[Roy]

Did I hear somewhere that the London Overground 172s are due to be transferred up to the Midlands from the Gospel Oak to Barking line, partly because of the extra units needed including at Kenilworth?

Yes, the Class 172/0s are due to be transferred in December 2018.

[mikestone]

A number of trains, particularly on Sunday afternoon are booked to cross at Kenilworth, previously not permitted in the train planning rules.

[mikestone]

Kenilworth train services now shown cancelled up to 15 December, but with driver trainers running M-Th.

[Kevin]

Kenilworth train services now shown cancelled up to 15 December, but with driver trainers running M-Th.

What spare units have they magically found to run these services then?