Chiltern and W+S Interiors: Photos By Peter.

Harry Back From Vacation! No Week Review Today Though, As Peter Skuce Has Sent In Some Great Images Of His. 


First, Chiltern Rail. This is the interior of a Class 168 clubman, used on their services in Western England. Chiltern operate many types of this unit... 5 from 1999 (168001-005), 8 from the year 2000 (168107-113), 6 from 2004 (214/218/219 are 3-car, and 215-217 are 4-car) and also 2-car 168/3s numbered 168321-329.

Next, staying at Chiltern Rail, this is one of their 165/0 units. Note the 2+3 style seating to allow additional  capacity and the blue and red colour scheme.

As well as the 165 and 168 series, Chiltern also run 172/1s and also the 68 hauled MK3 sets (as recently reported here on GBRS - just click the Chiltern tab at the end of the post).

Newswise, as expected, Class 170s have transferred from TPE to Chiltern. Chiltern tell me that they will go for an overhaul, and will start to return in September for Driver Training. They will be in service with Chiltern from the December timetable changes. They will be used to operate Chiltern Railways’ new London Marylebone – Oxford Parkway via Bicester service which begins on 15th December 2016. This article may help with the affects to TPE, whom displaced 185s around the Network.

Two of the Oxford Parkway to London Marylebone services will also be formed of one of the MK3 sets, complete with Business Class - a small buffet area and First Class seating (as inherited from W&S, modified for usage with Chiltern). This weekday ONLY working will be the 07:24 Oxford Parkway to Marylebone (08:20) calling at Bicester Village only and returning at 18:18 from London calling at Haddenham + Thames Parkway, Bicester Village and Oxford Parkway (19:19).

The MK3 consists of 68008-015 hired from DRS (and rarely 67s) to haul the stock (as reported), and a fleet of 31 MK3 coaches and 6 DVTs (82301-305 and 82309). These MK3s have been heavily overhauled, including having plug sliding doors and retention loos fitted. The fleet is primarily deployed on the Birmingham - London corridor, with up to 4 sets in service at any one time.

Another story regarding Chiltern, as there may be a new connection at Old Oak Common which will allow access to CrossRail and HS2.

Also on the Chiltern Railways network is High Wycombe station. It is currently receiving a £4m overhaul, which includes a new footbridge and longer platforms. 

Talking of the West Midlands, there's plans for a new footbridge and platform at Shrewsbury. And until 2011, Wrexham and Shropshire Rail also operated services in the same region, connecting passengers to London.

These photos show the interior of the MK3 carriages used for the route, with 16 of these MK3s leased in total hauled by one of 5 67s and DVTs at the other end. When W+S ceased trading, this stock was transferred to Chiltern Rail (stated above) or Arriva Trains Wales (12 coaches, to be used with their 3 67s/DVTs for Holyhead-Cardiff and Manchester-Wales services). All photos (c) to Peter S. Thanks for sending them to us!

Harry.
Regards:

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