What trains are running on the real Dorset Coast?

[NiallGray]

Indeed Geoff, there is always 458s on the Windsor lines to and from Reading

Niall, there has been 458s to Windsor and Eton...such as the picture I found here:

http://britishrail1980sand1990s.fotopic ... 80522.html

Also lets not forget the original 458 route from Waterloo - Alton and IIRC Basingstoke.


Cheers,

James.

That's a caption, hardly proof. Windsor is my local line and I know what runs to here and it's not 458s!

[tubemad]

Niall,

Yes you have a point that it's a caption, just didn't have much luck trying to find a photo. I know in 2005 I have had a 458 from Windsor & Eton to Waterloo, and there was another 458 in the platform too, Mind you I'm not from the area and I'm not saying they go there at all times...the 458 I was on was more likely 458 vice 450 (same for the other 458 too?)

[jontrains12]

hi Its 450/5s on the Windsor and Eton as with the Weybrige-waterloo on sta's Portsmouth-waterloo via guildford is 450/0's

[Lamtrain]

450's run Waterloo to Poole services, ECS to/from Northam as well as outer suburban services and some Portsmouth Harbour services in either 8 or 12 coach formations.
444's run majority of the express services such as Waterloo - Weymouth, Waterloo - Portsmouth Harbour and ECS to/from Northam.
Until May, the two slamdoor EMU's work the Lymington Branch, when they will be replaced with 158's.
158's run the Salisbury - Romsey shuttle. FGW 158's work Brighton or Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central and I think Great Malvern and Gloucester.
Southern run 377's or 375's on London Victoria or Brighton to Southampton Central. The mid afternoon working going back via Eastleigh to do a "school run" I beleive.
Either 455's or 458's can be seen working 5B39 Wimbledon - Bournemouth and 5B40 Bournemouth - Wimbledon moves for bogie overhauls at Bournemouth. These run most days at the moment.
Arriva use 220 and 221 Voyagers to/from Bournemouth to Manchester and further. These get refueled & cleaned at Eastleigh DBS depot so ECS runs between here and Bourenmouth happen.
Various Freighliner and DBS 66's working Intermodals between Southampton and the rest of the country. Most of these branch off at Basingstoke and head for the North via Didcot.
Freightliner run a sand train between Wool and Neasdon. The empties head to Wool on a Monday and Wednesday with loaded going to Neasdon on the Tuesday and Thursday.
DBS run engineers trains to/from Eastleigh to Westbury, Hinksey or Hoo Junction using 66's most weekdays.
Most weekdays an MOD runs from Marchwood to Eastleigh and then onto Wembley (did run to Didcot but now picks up the Wembley enterprise.)
GBRf 66's and 73's can be seen heading to and from Eastleigh for weekend engineering works. GBRf sometimes run a Gypsum train empty to Southampton Docks then loaded back to Mountsorrel. This used to run every weekday until a few months ago.
Class 59's work stone trains from Whatley, Merehead or Westbury to either Hamworthy Quay, Woking, Fareham or Chichester. These can be regular performers for a few weeks then stop for a another few weeks, etc.
Network Rail test trains happen from time to time, using 31's and DBSO, 37's or 73's. The HST has been down once. It ran a month or so ago when it worked to Weymouth from Old Oak Common.

Andy.

Why did Southwest trains decide to get rid of the 442's and give them to the Gatwick express?? They seem like the perfict EMU, minus a buffet.

[mckenziejames03]

Hi Lamtrain. I think i know why.

442s had More First AND second class seating than a 444
442s accelerated a tiny bit quicker
442s had a lounge in a buffet car like a HST
But i think the reason was SWT wanted Their express trains to be up to date with their 450s, 458 etc..

I hoped that helped

Daniel mckenzie

[tubemad]

I agree, I think they just wanted modern EMUs

Although I don't *think* SWT actually gave Gatwick Express (Or rather, Southern as it is now) the units, I think they were handed back to the leasing company, then Southern took them on (I might be wrong, that's just my estimate!)


Cheers,

James.

[01pictoa]

Why did Southwest trains decide to get rid of the 442's and give them to the Gatwick express?? They seem like the perfict EMU, minus a buffet.

It was due to Stagecoach re-bidding for the SWT franchise I believe. They promised to pay back more than they really could and as the Wessie's where up for overhaul, it would've cost too much to keep them and pay back the Government, so they had to go. It was the DfT that stepped in and gave the 442's over to Southern as they needed stock but couldn't get enough new Electrostars. The Desiro's are maintained by Siemens under a contract, unlike the 442's. They did have buffets and a "snug" in the centre (motor) coach before they got refurbed for use with Southern. It's a damn shame they went as they were the best EMU's in my opinion and my favorites. Desiros are good but they'll never be as good as a Wessex!

That's what I know through what i've read and questions i've asked. If anyone else knows better then please do correct me!

Andy.

[Lamtrain]

Thanks for the info, i kind of get there reasoning but still, none of the current EMUs can hold a candle to the Wessex's but the new 385 Javilen that does 140mph is pretty damn good. Plus, they looked like they where from 2008 not 1988!

[michaelhendle]

The Wessies were actualy older than that they used parts from the the old 1960's 4RES units, the frames and the traction motors.

Michael

[energize]

Until May, the two slamdoor EMU's work the Lymington Branch, when they will be replaced with 158's.
158's run the Salisbury - Romsey shuttle. FGW 158's work Brighton or Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central and I think Great Malvern and Gloucester.

Until 22 May, two 3CIGs will be in use on the Lymington branch. The two CIGs are 4CIGs painted BR green and BR blue/grey respectively with a TSO removed.

The Great Malvern and Gloucester services are almost always 150 or 153 operated. The 08:23 from Southampton to Great Malvern, from my experience, is almost always a 150. Likewise, the 17:54 Worcester Foregate Street to Southampton Central is usually formed of two 153s, one of which is detached at Westbury. 150s often make an appearance on Brighton services, and occasionally those to Portsmouth. I'm not sure whether 153s are used on those or not, although FGW did ask permission from NR to run 153s to Portsmouth.

[gswindale]

hi Its 450/5s on the Windsor and Eton as with the Weybrige-waterloo on sta's Portsmouth-waterloo via guildford is 450/0's

With the odd 455? I've seen a couple of 455's heading towards either Windsor or Weybridge at weekends. They also occasionally appear on the Reading line in emergencies - not a nice journey

[tubemad]

From what I've heard 153s are banned from Portsmouth for some odd reason, but I've heard of one going there with NR's permission as energize said.

The Great Malvern - Brighton and return can be a 150 or 158...but I've seen it as a 150 mainly while others have seen it as a 158, so depends.

Cardiff <-> pompey can still kick out a 150...depends on the situation with 158/9s really.

[jontrains12]

and some Times you get a SWT 158/9 at Portsmouth

[NiallGray]

Until May, the two slamdoor EMU's work the Lymington Branch, when they will be replaced with 158's.
158's run the Salisbury - Romsey shuttle. FGW 158's work Brighton or Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central and I think Great Malvern and Gloucester.

Until 22 May, two 3CIGs will be in use on the Lymington branch. The two CIGs are 4CIGs painted BR green and BR blue/grey respectively with a TSO removed.

The Great Malvern and Gloucester services are almost always 150 or 153 operated. The 08:23 from Southampton to Great Malvern, from my experience, is almost always a 150. Likewise, the 17:54 Worcester Foregate Street to Southampton Central is usually formed of two 153s, one of which is detached at Westbury. 150s often make an appearance on Brighton services, and occasionally those to Portsmouth. I'm not sure whether 153s are used on those or not, although FGW did ask permission from NR to run 153s to Portsmouth.

I was on the Lymington Branch today. It was 1498 (Green) and it was lovely!