DMU for AVR

[john2006]

If all goes to plan the former Midland branch line between Bristol and Bath will see Diesel Multiple Units running on it by the end of 2008 û after a gap of over 35 years....

http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/cgi-bi ... cle_id=131

[bristolian]

What has happened to the two-car Class 108 that was originally bound for the AVR and is in store at Long Marston?

Very Best Wishes,
Bob.

[free2grice]

I wonder if this is a good move by the Avon Valley Railway as the yard already resembles a diesel depot. Why not transfer the punters onto a vintage bus to Keynsham so that they could catch an alternative multiple unit to Bath and on down the Avon Valley to Bradford on Avon and Salisbury.
I'm sorry to sound so negative but this plan leaves me stone cold. <BJ>

[James]

Which would you rather have, MK1 DMU running or nothing running? They struggle for steam crews to run the timetable as it is. They could probably extend the timetable with a few extra DMU days as it takes a lot fewer people to run one of them than a steamer...plus of course with the Bath extension plans they'll need to run a two-train service eventually.

[free2grice]

......They struggle for steam crews to run the timetable as it is. They could probably extend the timetable with a few extra DMU days as it takes a lot fewer people to run one of them than a steamer...plus of course with the Bath extension plans they'll need to run a two-train service eventually.

It sounds as if you are suggesting that because of crew shortages in the future, rail services on the Avon Valley Railway could become diesel dominated. <BJ>

[James]

Er, no. I'm saying that there could be extra running days with a DMU that might not be possible otherwise.

[free2grice]

Oh well. Exciting times to come then. <BJ>

[stumpytrain]

...an alternative multiple unit to Bath and on down the Avon Valley to Bradford on Avon and Salisbury.

If only FGW used class 108s... far more comfortable than their motley collection of "second generation" stock.

Top Marks to the Avon Valley, can't beat a heritage unit.

Alex

[BristleGWR]

....with the Bath extension plans....

On the subject of the proposed extension, I've noticed recently whilst cycling along the Bristol to Bath Railway path that someone or a group of people have painted text in a number of places on the path objecting to the proposed extension. It also asks for people to "Boycott Bitton Station".

[get_that_bus_out]

Just to reiterate what James has said above, the acquisition of a DMU is intended as as expansion of current operations, not a contraction! There is NO plan to replace steam-hauled services with a DMU: apart from anything else, a 2-car DMU simply would not have the capacity to accommodate the loadings on many steam days.

A DMU has the potential to allow off-peak services to be operated very cheaply and with a minimum of staff: it would be possible in theory to operate with a driver and conductor only, given that mobile credit card handling machines are now available for taking fares, plus a responsible officer or crossing keeper at Bitton. This means that it may be possible to operate trains when there is currently no business case to do so using loco haulage (for example summer evenings or winter half term weeks). As James said it would also enable a two-train service to operate in the fullness of time.

The vehicles that are likely to be coming to Bitton are owned by Class 107 Ltd and have been used both at the Wensleydale Railway and the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway in recent years. Class 107 have done some reorganization of the interior so rather than "toastrack" seating the majority is arranged in facing bays with some fixed tables, making them better suited to groups and families - the unit should prove a very pleasant way to see the scenery on a nice day!

The class 108 unit (L231) is still in store at Long Marston - it is complete but requires bodywork repairs to the ends and various other jobs.

[James]

On the subject of the proposed extension, I've noticed recently whilst cycling along the Bristol to Bath Railway path that someone or a group of people have painted text in a number of places on the path objecting to the proposed extension. It also asks for people to "Boycott Bitton Station".

Funny that nothing appeared when the complete loss of the path to make way for a bus lane was proposed.

[john2006]

The Class 107 DMU for the AVR set to arrive w/c 22nd September.

http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/cgi-bi ... cle_id=150