GWR - 158956 + Overhaul Summary
FURTHER TO LIAM'A REPORT, I BRING YOU ALL A BRIEF TOC FOCUS, HIGHLIGHTING THE PROGRESS OF OVERHAULS AT GWR.....
This is 158956, a hybrid unit at GWR. What makes this unit different to the rest is that two units have been combined into one - so 1 driver cab off a 158 is attached to a 2-car 158, leading to 3 cabs (though only 2 operational, obviously). All 158/7 series was apparently 2-cars originally, converted to 3-cars, except the unused cab was removed. So this is why 056 is so different!
This unit underwent an overhaul this spring, in order to add new Disabled toilets (to meet the DDA act) which are also CET (controlled emission toilets, with tanks). More here.
Class 150s at GWR are also common at becoming 3-car Hybrids, like 150938 which was temporarily renumbed from the 150/2 series. 150219 collided with a HST power car in April, causing damage to the front end. So it teamed up with 150238 to form a 3 car unit. Rather than having two carriages out of action, GWR maximised the usage of the carriages available and put the non-damaged train back onto the network. And 150927 is also still a hybrid!
Talking of 3 car 150s, we turn our attention to 150001, one of two (001/002) of the 150/0 3-car type at GWR. This unit is now in GWR colours (repainted by Wabtec at Doncaster), with the sister unit following soon.
The reason these GWR 150/1s (no through gangways between units) haven't been overhauled is because approx 15 will allegedly be transferring to Northern Rail (a further 2 in 2018), whilst the 153s will also be cascaded (6 to London Midland) and 143s withdrawn/transferred too.
The case for both of these types if because the 165 Networker Turbos are being displaced further South West by the arrival of other units, GWR will get 37 new class 387 4-car units built at Derby
What's more, the First Class section of the 165s are declassified, as they were removed during 2015 to add a further 500 standard seats daily between Paddington/Readjng to reduce overcrowding. These units will go to the Bristol Depot once the 37 new class 387 4-car units built at Derby anyway, so First Class facilities won't be needed on these new routes. It's still being confirmed whether the 21 365s will now come to GWR.
What's more, the First Class section of the 165s are declassified, as they were removed during 2015 to add a further 500 standard seats daily between Paddington/Readjng to reduce overcrowding. These units will go to the Bristol Depot once the 37 new class 387 4-car units built at Derby anyway, so First Class facilities won't be needed on these new routes. It's still being confirmed whether the 21 365s will now come to GWR.
HSTs: All Special Liveries Stated Here (Along With Commemorative Names). Add 43005 too in GWR livery, as it was recently repainted. Carriages are also being overhauled and repainted, with approximately 2 sets currently in GWR livery.
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| Andy L (C) |
All 20 carriages will be overhauled at Wolveton, repainted into GWR green and also internally refurbished. Two remaining coaches will be used to provide spares for the upgraded fleet.
150/2 SPRINTERS: Only 232/247 are in GWR livery. More here about the others.
Networker Turbos: From 2011, these underwent a planned overhaul for retrimmed seating, repainted interiors, a new GPS-operated PIS system, upgraded toilets and new flooring too.
FLEET SUMMARY HERE...
That's a wrap! Jonathan's here tomorrow! I'll have more Social Media updates this afternoon. Harry.
