Slam Door 3-CIG units to be withdrawn from Lymington Heritage Line.

[ashurstdave]

It seems likely that the last of the slam door trains working on our National Rail system will be withdrawn from service between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier on Saturday 18th April 2009. It is planned that the service will be replaced by a 2-car 158 diesel unit as from Sunday 19th April 2009. On some days, the service may be worked by Desiro 450 units, although one coach has to be locked out of use.

The 3-CIG units require some heavy maintenance and whilst I understand that there is a plan to restore them, it may not happen quickly and therefore is no guarantee that they will return to the branch. So, if you are able to come to the line - get your photos now just in case they do not return.

[ashurstdave]

The news of the imminent withdrawal of the slam door stock was announced on BBC South Today on Monday 23rd March 2009. The news item indicated that they will not return.

[class47]

Sad news, especially as we have not seen them on the branch yet.
Do you think that they will ever return??

[ashurstdave]

It would appear that both units are suffering corrosion and South West Trains cannot justify on the heavy and expensive re-build, which both units really require. Unconfirmed sources tell me that a private buyer has been lined up for the units. There is a chance that the slam door trains will continue on some days to 15th May 2009, while driver training on the 158's takes place. The current plan is to bring a 158 unit from Salisbury to Southampton Central attached to the last Sunday - Thursdays Three Rivers link train, detach it at Southampton Central and leave it there overnight for a Bournemouth crew to take it to Brockenhurst the following morning to work the branch and then it will return to Salisbury at the end of the day for fuel. A fresh unit will be sent again for the following day's services. At weekends a 4 car- 450 Desiro will be used.

[class47]

[Ed J]

I tried to find out more about the withdrawal of these slam door trains yesterday by telephoning South West Trains. At first it was difficult to speak to anyone who was able to give me information, but eventually a very helpful supervisor managed to speak to someone at the depot where they are kept and relayed the information back to me that they are to be withdrawn, as parts are now not easy to obtain, but not until next year. The first person I spoke to, said that it was the first he had heard about it !!!! I must say though that even though I spoke to 4 different members of staff ( I kept being passed along the line!) they were all most polite and helpful and did their best to get the required information. It is very sad that the units will be going, particularly that the line is seen as a heritage line.

[ashurstdave]

That is interesting news - at least we will have a few more months to enjoy the stock and photograph. I had a trip on the line today ( 1st May ) and the journeys were well patronised. However, on the down-side, the connections off the ferry services inbound are not being maintained. I came on the 15.00 sailing from Yarmouth to Lymington and as the link-span was being lowered to let the foot passengers off, the 15.44 departure left meaning a 16.14 departure for Brockenhurst. It did not bother me, as I was out for pleasure, but it did not go down well with others, who were journeying longer distances.

[class47]

So does this mean that the old units are working again??

If so, Andy and I will be heading down

[ashurstdave]

Yes indeed. However, when the units are out for servicing, exam, turning etc., a Desiro would be used. There has been some rather disturbing journalism recently, reporting that a group of councillors would like to see the branch line closed between the Pier and a point north of the town's level crossing, where a new station could be built. The reports - anti-rail and anti-new ferry - have come about by fears that the wash from the new ferries which ply between Lymington Pier and Yarmouth could capsize smaller yachts and sailing craft. On 29th April, I was a foot passenger on the 18.15 ferry from Yarmouth and various sailing crafts were definitely sailing too close to the inbound ferry, which currently are restricted to 6 knots. Whilst I assume the sailors may be wanting to prove a point to Wightlink, I maintain that small vessels can easily steer away from the ferries and there should be no need for any danger at all.

[73109]

I tried to find out more about the withdrawal of these slam door trains yesterday by telephoning South West Trains. At first it was difficult to speak to anyone who was able to give me information, but eventually a very helpful supervisor managed to speak to someone at the depot where they are kept and relayed the information back to me that they are to be withdrawn, as parts are now not easy to obtain, but not until next year. The first person I spoke to, said that it was the first he had heard about it !!!! I must say though that even though I spoke to 4 different members of staff ( I kept being passed along the line!) they were all most polite and helpful and did their best to get the required information. It is very sad that the units will be going, particularly that the line is seen as a heritage line.

The Truth is SWT are not getting through this Recession , as for the slammers it would not suprise me if a certain person brought them both