Atomic Systems

Does anyone know what the deal is with the fare supplement? For example, would I have to pay if I went from Faversham to Chatham despite that section not being on the CTRL?

I've only been on two 180s but I have to say they're a lot more comfortable than 158s. Really? I've travelled on both types of unit and found the the 158s much more comfortable. The 180s are better laid out in terms of seating, but the ride from the bogies was pretty harsh. Of course, nothing can b...

Has nobody realised that the high-speed commuter service actually won't have a great demand? For most commuters, Cannon St., London Bridge, Blackfriars and Charing Cross are more useful for the major office areas in London. Time gained by 140mph running will be lost again on the buses or the tube -...

alexnick wrote:Does anyone know what will happen to the 395s after 2012?

AN

They'll go back to operating the CTRL domestic services presumably.

Ah, that would be Hyundai Rotem as well then. Personally I'd like to see the order go to Bombardier purely for the fact that they'd be made in Britain and it'd help keep some of the countries train fleets compatible. Would not be happy to see it go to China! Having some compatibility would make mor...

The FGW DMU order, which doesn't have to be 172's, is part of a new order for 202 DMU carriages of which Northern, FGW and TPE will benefit. As nobody wants to buy diesel trains a new ROSCO has been set up by the government and is called Diesel Trains Ltd, with the idea it can be sold after the cre...

I think they're looking at operating some London-Norwich peak services with 12car 321s. I don't think the 360s are cleared to operate to Norwich though.

I think what would be quite good for that line is something along the lines of the Irish 22000 class.

Why bother adding more units unless they're of the same design? Salisbury depot have got the best equipment for maintaining the 158/159 fleet they have and get the best MPC of that design as it was purpose built. What's happened with FGW getting some 172s for Portsmouth-Cardiff though? i'm not sugg...

Why bother adding more units unless they're of the same design? Salisbury depot have got the best equipment for maintaining the 158/159 fleet they have and get the best MPC of that design as it was purpose built.

What's happened with FGW getting some 172s for Portsmouth-Cardiff though?

It was a nice piece of entertainment and nothing more. The sight of Clarkson covered in soot and praising a steam engine was worth the licence fee alone

richard222 wrote:Are NXEA getting the ex LM 321s then?

Yes. Though some work will need to be done as there's no provision for DOO on the 321/4s.

In reverse order, SWT's 170s were exchanged with 158s to provide a homogenous diesel fleet for SWT, whilst providing newer rolling stock for TPE (given that TPE couldn't operate 185s to certain destinations because of their weight). That and the lack of gangways when operating with the 159s making r...

I think read somewhere that all the 455s would go back to SWT from Southern, who would then get new suburban stock. Presumably this may include the 456s too.

In any event, 456s would be freed up when TfL take over the SLL.

There are charging sockets underneath the seats apparently. There's no 1st class as the journey times don't warrant it...

But you're right, the interiors are dull and not what you would expect for the UK's second fastest trains.