What type of trains on Cambrian Coast

MrHillingdon · Post by **MrHillingdon** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 10:53 pm

I'm about to start work on making an activity based around 76079's proposed Cambrian Coast exploits later this month. Could someone please enlighten me as to what type of trains work on the Cambrian Coast, are they 156's, 158's etc? What livery are they in as well?
Thanks.

Paul

charlierc · Post by **charlierc** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 11:03 pm

All I know is that they are Arriva Trains Wales 158 DMUs.

MrHillingdon · Post by **MrHillingdon** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 11:20 pm

That's great, thanks.

allypally · Post by **allypally** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 8:52 am

The Ex Central ones that Anton recently uploaded, to be precise, with occasional silver ex Wales and Borders liveried units thrown in for variety.

salopiangrowler · Post by **salopiangrowler** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:27 pm

all 158's that belong to arriva have been up there on one time or another ive seen a GINSTERS liveried one with a Arriva liveried one. all summer services up there on saturdays are 4 or 6 cars depending on demand. You might want to throw in a tamper at machynlleth thats been a commn sight.

allypally · Post by **allypally** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 3:07 pm

Obviously any Arriva 158 can make it up there, but the green ones are most common, being maintained at Machynellyth. Silver/Ginsters ones are more common on the Chester runs and Cardiff trains (Although on occasion a 175 is on Chester to New Street).

salopiangrowler · Post by **salopiangrowler** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:49 pm

to be honest alex the last time i seen an ex central on the aber was last thursday and that was the first time in 2 months.

im not too sure but i think what with the stock moves next year i can see 175's going up there guaging and service.

tuitr · Post by **tuitr** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 7:03 am

I live in Aberystwyth and I can see the railway line from where I live. I can tell you that the usual trains round here are a good mix of ex-Central, silver and Ginsters livery. The 0925 from Aberystwyth on weekdays is usually a 4-car train, all others as far as I know are generally 2-car consists. The liveries are pretty random, for example the 0730 service which left just before I posted this was a silver livery but I don't think they run in any particular pattern. The only variations on the usual 158s recently have been the timber trains for Chirk (back in April I think) and No 7802 Bradley Manor in March on a Past-Time Rail excursion.

allypally · Post by **allypally** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:53 am

I've still been seeing plenty of green ones zip past - and Central don't have that many round here, since a fair amount of their 158 fleet is at Eascroft for East Midlands services. 175s haven't been so common recently. I doubt they will get clearance for the Cambrian, the Turbostars couldn't cope with Talerddig, I don't have much hope for them, either.

arabiandisco · Post by **arabiandisco** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 10:05 am

I would be surprised if every arriva 158 could go there - isn't the Barmouth line (I can't spell where it actually ends!) fitted with some experimental radio signalling system?

Which I guess raises questions around kettles too...

I'm probably very wrong, then!

tuitr · Post by **tuitr** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 12:20 pm

The Cambrian line is due to be fitted with an experimental radio signalling system, but this is, I believe, not yet fitted. If I remember correctly, a recent issue of RAIL magazine suggested this system was to be fitted in around 2007. I've just had a look for the article, but I can't find it.

I hope this doesn't raise issues as far as running steam engines on the line is concerned. I know there is a steam engine coming soon but I will be away when it comes. I don't know whether to be disappointed or not though, since although I'll miss this one, I'll be on the Torbay Express on the 28th.

arabiandisco · Post by **arabiandisco** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 12:47 pm

well, when this system is fitted, all trains which run along the line will need to be fitted with the appropriate signalling gear. And by then OTMR will be needed for everything too.

No technical reason why kettles couldn't have it fitted, but it's not likely that many will be fitted with everything necessary.