Decided to get 1F99 the 19:30 FGW back to Fareham and then connections to Barnham and Bognor.. but no. FGW werent having that.
The 19:30 failed at Newport on the incoming service at Newport - or so they said - and said to go to Newport where the service will start at 19:44. So we hopped on the 19:25 FGW HST to Newport, went to the platform and there sat 158778 - as dead as a doughnut. lights off and nobody to be seen.
Ticket office had just shut and no FGW staff to be seen anywhere. The departure board said "ontime" when clearly it was not - by this time it was at least 10 minutes after scheduled departure.
We waited and waited and then a couple of FGW staff (driver and conductor) come up to us and they go down the platform to start up failed 158778. Which it did. So...we eventually departed somwhat slowly 23 minutes late. As we went down the line, we got later and later and later. Guard comes over the PA and says we are encountering technical problems and a unit swap will take place at Bristol Temple Meads.
We arrived at Bristol 28 late and were directed to platform 11 where 158855 stood. Yipee we thought. but no. No driver to be seen. Conductor comes on the PA and says we are awaiting a driver but if you wish to apply for a job with FGW please do so lol!!
anywho, we eventually left Bristol at 21:01 - 39 late. Immediately, i realised there was summt wrong with the engine on 158855. It was really bad. By the time we reached Wetbury - 65 minutes late
Was rediculous. But until Salisbury we stayed roughly about 63/64/65 late. After departure from Salisbury the guard come down asking passengers if they had any connection, because we were VERY late and most services beginning to dwindle. He came to us and said that we would have to have Road replacement transport from Fratton back to Bognor.
So upon arrival at Bognor we awaited our Taxi and were back safely tucked up in bed by 00:30 - £50 taxi on behalf of FGW which was the only good bit about the return journey.
BUT to top it all off, when getting off 158855, we realised that futher down the carriage, the seat cushions werent attached to the seats, covers were half hanging off, and arm rests were 'dangling' from seats.. blooming rediculous. This post and its content will be going to FGW i think...
Now thats a good service isnt it.....
Carl
hehe