Grand Central HST formations

[richard222]

Does anyone know how Grand Central plan to run their HSTS?

Considering they are running through non express stations, I guess they will have to be shorter than the current FGW/GNER ones

[jamesinbolton]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that they would be five coaches (and a pair of power cars obviously).

Can't for the life of me remember where though...

[AlistairW]

Yup, AFAIK it will be:

PowerCar + TF + TRFB + TSO + TSO + TGS + PowerCar.

Taken from Grand Central's website:

First Class
First class passengers can expect to enjoy traditional seating patterns with wider, reclining seats and adjacent power points for phones, personal entertainment or laptops. Complimentary beverages and a regional newspaper to hand, the first class carriage is a welcome haven for those working on the move or wanting to enjoy a more relaxed and spacious environment. Curtains at the windows will offer additional privacy and shade.

Standard Class
Standard class passengers will benefit from inter-city levels of comfort with improved seating and leg room, which will have the added advantage of providing additional space for luggage. Power points will also be provided for working, personal entertainment or phones.

On-board Catering
Restaurant and buffet facilities will be provided for passengers ensuring the traditional high quality environment of the route is maintained.

Cyclists Welcome!
Cyclists will be welcome aboard Grand Central's trains.

How this will "offer an improvement on what is currently available" or how they'll make 1st Class seats wider without making the aisle smaller I’m not sure, but we'll see, I like the Black and Silver livery mind.

http://www.grandcentralrail.co.uk/index.html

[JSReeves86]

Does anyone know how Grand Central plan to run their HSTS?

Considering they are running through non express stations, I guess they will have to be shorter than the current FGW/GNER ones

And why is it a problem and needing shorter sets? MML HSTs and 9/8 Car Meridians stop at Long Eaton & Loughbourgh both of which can only accomadate 4 cars or so, they just anounce you can only alight from the front (or rear) 4 coaches.

Also from thier description it sounds like the coaches are to get the 'mallard' treatment.

JR

[enotayokel]

Probably because HST's have been stopping at those stations under BR so grandfather rights apply

[jamesinbolton]

And why is it a problem and needing shorter sets? MML HSTs and 9/8 Car Meridians stop at Long Eaton & Loughbourgh both of which can only accomadate 4 cars or so, they just anounce you can only alight from the front (or rear) 4 coaches.

I think the newer stock can use shorter platforms if it has selective door interlocking.

I'm aware that HST's currently use platforms which are shorter than the consist, but as stated, BR's "grandfather" rights do allow for this.

I would imagine with the introduction of the HST replacement whenever it happens will see the introduction of selective door locking eradicate the possibility of opening a door which isn't adjacent to a platform.

Unless someone stops in the wrong place or selects the wrong doors god forbid!

[chriscooper]

Short formations also improve acceleration. A 2+5 HST is slightly faster than a Voyager or Meridien, and a 2+6 can keep to the same timings as long as a fair amount of slack is available, and they are driven hard.
As for the improvements, I think this means over the existing trains on the route, rarther than over the current state of the Mk3s.

[arabiandisco]

I doubt the shorter sets has much to do with platform lengths (FGW are fitting SDO to their refurbed sets to stop at Cotswold & Cornish stations - I know they do now, but they have to unlock doors which are not at the platform, which is something to avoid).

I would suggest that the short formation is because there won't be the demand to fill longer trains.

Unlike half-hourly Leeds - London trains which would fill a full length set.

[andylloyd]

Hi all,
have just read this online regarding rolling stock:
http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/jour ... _page.html

Regards

Andy

[metromuppet]

When is grand central planning to start? cant find any mention in the times on national rail...

[spartacus]

Last I heard it was planned for the May timetable, but I don't know how the refubishment of the HSTs is doing, so it might be part was into the timetable.