Trouble at Newquay
Mark Lynam & Jon Hird
GWR's difficulties with its newly acquired Class 175 fleet continued on Thursday 9 July after another unit suffered a failure in Cornwall.
Unit 175011, which had been operating the day's Par–Newquay shuttle services, failed while working a Newquay–Par service. Running low on power, the train was unable to reach the summit of the steep gradient between Tregoss Moor and Roche. After coming to a stand, the unit eventually reversed and returned to Newquay.
GWR initially planned to use another Class 175, which had been undertaking staff training runs on the main line, to rescue the failed train. However, that unit also developed a fault at Truro and was deemed unsuitable for the task.
Rescue eventually arrived in the form of three-car unit 175115, which had been due to operate 2E11, the 1050 Penzance–Exeter service. The passenger service was terminated short at Par, with the unit then running instead as 1Z99 to Newquay to recover 175011 before returning the failed train to Laira for repairs.
After clearing the platform at Newquay, a few services were able to run using the rostered Class 150, until that unit also failed at Par shortly after 1600hrs.
The latest incident comes amid ongoing reliability concerns surrounding the fleet of 175's. In a recent statement, GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood confirmed that a regional taskforce has been established to improve the availability and reliability of the Class 175s.
Despite the operational setbacks, there was some positive news for the fleet on Thursday as 175103 emerged from Wolverton Works resplendent in a fresh coat of GWR green livery.
Unit 175011, which had been operating the day's Par–Newquay shuttle services, failed while working a Newquay–Par service. Running low on power, the train was unable to reach the summit of the steep gradient between Tregoss Moor and Roche. After coming to a stand, the unit eventually reversed and returned to Newquay.
GWR initially planned to use another Class 175, which had been undertaking staff training runs on the main line, to rescue the failed train. However, that unit also developed a fault at Truro and was deemed unsuitable for the task.
Rescue eventually arrived in the form of three-car unit 175115, which had been due to operate 2E11, the 1050 Penzance–Exeter service. The passenger service was terminated short at Par, with the unit then running instead as 1Z99 to Newquay to recover 175011 before returning the failed train to Laira for repairs.
After clearing the platform at Newquay, a few services were able to run using the rostered Class 150, until that unit also failed at Par shortly after 1600hrs.
The latest incident comes amid ongoing reliability concerns surrounding the fleet of 175's. In a recent statement, GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood confirmed that a regional taskforce has been established to improve the availability and reliability of the Class 175s.
Despite the operational setbacks, there was some positive news for the fleet on Thursday as 175103 emerged from Wolverton Works resplendent in a fresh coat of GWR green livery.
The ill-fated 175011 awaiting rescue at Newquay. 09.07.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
1Z99 rescue unit arrives in the form of 175115. 09.07.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
The driver of 175115 prepares to couple to failed 175011. 09.07.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
With the units coupled, 175115 prepares to depart for Laira. 09.07.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
1Z99 disappears around the curve from Newquay towards Trenance Viaduct. 09.07.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
1Z99 near the point of 175011's earlier failure, climbing towards the Iron Bridge on the Goss Moor as 175115 leads 175011 back to Laira. 09.07.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks Mark. The current issues with this fleet must be incredibly frustrating for railway staff, as well of course as the travelling public.
A CRS trip to Buckfastleigh
Roger Salter
The Walter Julian Memorial Plaque with Cornwall Railway Society Headboard being placed on the Autocoach by Tony Wright & Keith Jenkin. 07.09.2019, copyright Roger Salter.
Roger Winnen joins Tony and Keith for a photograph. 07.09.2019, copyright Roger Salter.
Many thanks indeed, Roger.
July 1976
Part 10
Roger Winnen
A Class 25 returns from Newquay. 10.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Road traffic on Goss Moor prior to building the present dual carriageway which opened in 2007. 10.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
An unamed Class 50 at Goss Moor. 10.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Gloucester Cross County Unit heads for Newquay. 10.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.