Rail Franchises

[Ameecher]

Do you not get what I've said about four times? Patronage for Virgin services at Stafford is very low.

You don't get that services can change depending on demand!

That's our point, if there was demand, the services would exist.

Would you prefer a HSR station at Wolverhampton or Stafford?

Neither, ta.

[JamieLei]

There will be a tunnel under the city centre, so it will not "obliterate" it!

You ignored what I said that even the Japanese, masters at HSR railway building, don't even tunnel under cities. Not even the smaller ones. Because it's so bloody expensive. And they're pretty loose when it comes to spending money on railway lines to nowhere and building stations to serve communities with a few old people.

If they won't even do it, then why would we?

[Geo Ghost]

Hi guys. regarding a prior debate about HS1 speeds, I have some info.

I spoke to someone at Railfest who works on the 395s at Ashford depot.
The top speed permitted right across the HS1 line is 140mph - including the tunnels. However, "it is not uncommon for drivers to ease-off slightly when rolling through the tunnel between Stratford and St Pancras" as the gentlemen I spoke to said.

I'm popping down to Ebbsfleet on Wednesday evening so I can still try ask a driver directly what they do if anyone would like to know still I don't know if what I've been told includes the HS line from Ashford to the Channel Tunnel or just St Pan' to Ashford.
HOWEVER.. the 395 does have a pretty big sign inside saying "MAX SPEED - 140MPH" so I'm guessing that's across the whole line.

All the best!

[Ameecher]

Ebbsfleet to the chunnel is definitely 186mph

[Geo Ghost]

Well, I've travelled down to Ashford before and the speed isn't faster between Ebbsfleet and there. The Max speed of 395s is 160mph anyway and they are limited to 140mph. So I don't really know what to say there. The Eurostars might go faster and I can find out tomorrow possibly. But I am 110% certain that it is not that fast between Ebbsfleet and Ashford.

Edit: Corrected class number

[Ameecher]

Line speed is 186 mph, just the 395s can only do 140mph hence why you won't notice an increased speed

[Pilot]

The Max speed of 365s is 160mph anyway and they are limited to 140mph.

Bloody Hell, have FCC been doing a few changes to them?!?!

[Geo Ghost]

Line speed is 186 mph, just the 395s can only do 140mph hence why you won't notice an increased speed

Hmm, fair point there. I keep getting the two mixed up don't I

A321 Pilot - Yup indeed. FCC made some pretty big improvements over night

[Pilot]

A321 Pilot - Yup indeed. FCC made some pretty big improvements over night

Very nice, can we "Borrow" them up in Manchester

[Geo Ghost]

Neverrr! 365s are ours and will forever stay here! Get your own

[Pilot]

Darn it! We can give you the 323s in return

[Geo Ghost]

The spaceships? Hmm... I still prefer the sound and look of ours Sorry.

[Pilot]

Please, take them, I hate the 323s! They have that annoying Whine, from the Transmission I think, annoys me a lot.

[JamieLei]

Please, take them, I hate the 323s! They have that annoying Whine, from the Transmission I think, annoys me a lot.

I love the LM 323s! Although the 365s make pretty much the same noise so it's not as if I miss it much.

[Geo Ghost]

323s sound like like a 365 on a major sugar rush.

[Pilot]

I love the LM 323s!

You poor, poor person.

323s sound like like a 365 on a major sugar rush.

I still want the 365s! The 365s have more capacity, and the 323s are always loaded to the Max between Manchester Airport and Piccadilly, though I imagine you need them more down there .

[Geo Ghost]

Oh you have no idea
We could do with more on some timetables really but not enough platforms at Kings Cross really and not many stations are long enough to take more than 8 cars. Bit of a pity, but we get by. I do wish FCC would do-up the interior or 313s and 317s. They are so bland and horrible. Yuk!

[Pilot]

At least they are not like some of the Seats and Interiors we get up here. I have one word, Pacers!

[EXTspotter]

TBH Pacers are worse than busses. The interiors of a 142 (because the 143s that I've been on are nicer) and a (30 y.o.) bus are very similar, the only difference is busses have a better ride quality....

[Pilot]

the only difference is busses have a better ride quality....

And they don't Screech as they go round corners