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| image_filename = Unit 57064 at London Paddington station pulling the Night Riviera sleeper train in 2011.jpg
| image_filename = Unit 57064 at London Paddington station pulling the Night Riviera sleeper train in 2011.jpg
| widthpx = 300px
| widthpx = 300px
| franchise = Part of Great Western [[Rail franchising in Great Britain|franchise]]
| franchise = Part of [[Greater Western franchise|Great Western franchise]]
| logo_filename = Night Riviera branding.jpg
| logo_filename = Night Riviera branding.jpg
| nameforarea = route
| nameforarea = route
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On July 11 1983 the London - Penzance sleeper service was relaunched as the ''Night Riviera'', designed to complement the long-established daytime [[Cornish Riviera Express|Cornish Riviera]]. New [[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3]] air-conditioned sleeping cars were introduced on this service which incorporated many new safety features that had been lacking in the [[British Rail Mark 1|Mark 1]] carriages that had caught fire at Taunton a few years before.<ref name=MR420>{{cite journal | title = Night Riviera cuts sleeper travel costs | journal = Modern Railways | volume = 40 | issue = 420 | pages = 454 | publisher = Ian Allan Publishing | id = ISSN 0026-8356 | year = 1983 }}</ref> These were the first on the route to feature controlled emission toilets and so discharge facilities had to be provided at [[Laira TMD|Plymouth Laira]] and [[Penzance TMD|Penzance Long Rock]] depots where the carriages were serviced, although for a time being the carriages were taken from Paddington to [[Willesden TMD|Willesden Depot]] for discharging as [[Old Oak Common TMD|Old Oak Common]] was not initially equipped.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Abbott | first = James | title = Controlled emission toilets | journal = Modern Railways | volume = 40 | issue = 421 | pages = 554 | publisher = Ian Allan Publishing | id = ISSN 0026-8356 | year = 1983 }}</ref> A new pricing scheme was also introduced. Instead of paying a sleeping berth supplement on top of the fare for the journey, all-inclusive fares were introduced that were set at competitive rates. The seating carriages that formed part of the train were mainly [[British Rail Mark 2|Mark 2]] carriages.<ref name=MR420/> The train by now was again leaving London at midnight, actually shown in the timetables as 23:59.<ref>{{cite book |title= British Rail Passenger Timetable |date= 29 September 1986 |publisher= British Railways |location= London }}</ref>
On July 11 1983 the London - Penzance sleeper service was relaunched as the ''Night Riviera'', designed to complement the long-established daytime [[Cornish Riviera Express|Cornish Riviera]]. New [[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3]] air-conditioned sleeping cars were introduced on this service which incorporated many new safety features that had been lacking in the [[British Rail Mark 1|Mark 1]] carriages that had caught fire at Taunton a few years before.<ref name=MR420>{{cite journal | title = Night Riviera cuts sleeper travel costs | journal = Modern Railways | volume = 40 | issue = 420 | pages = 454 | publisher = Ian Allan Publishing | id = ISSN 0026-8356 | year = 1983 }}</ref> These were the first on the route to feature controlled emission toilets and so discharge facilities had to be provided at [[Laira TMD|Plymouth Laira]] and [[Penzance TMD|Penzance Long Rock]] depots where the carriages were serviced, although for a time being the carriages were taken from Paddington to [[Willesden TMD|Willesden Depot]] for discharging as [[Old Oak Common TMD|Old Oak Common]] was not initially equipped.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Abbott | first = James | title = Controlled emission toilets | journal = Modern Railways | volume = 40 | issue = 421 | pages = 554 | publisher = Ian Allan Publishing | id = ISSN 0026-8356 | year = 1983 }}</ref> A new pricing scheme was also introduced. Instead of paying a sleeping berth supplement on top of the fare for the journey, all-inclusive fares were introduced that were set at competitive rates. The seating carriages that formed part of the train were mainly [[British Rail Mark 2|Mark 2]] carriages.<ref name=MR420/> The train by now was again leaving London at midnight, actually shown in the timetables as 23:59.<ref>{{cite book |title= British Rail Passenger Timetable |date= 29 September 1986 |publisher= British Railways |location= London }}</ref>


[[File:British Rail Mark 3A SLEP 10590 at Penzane.JPG|thumb|right|Great Western Trains livery which continued to be used by First Great Western until 2008.]]
[[File:British Rail Mark 3A SLEP 10590 at Penzane.JPG|thumb|right|Great Western Trains livery which continued to be used by First Great Western until 2008]]


Privatisation saw the service become part of the [[Great Western Trains]] franchise and the rolling stock was repainted into their green and white livery. Between 29 May 1995 and 26 September 1998 the service operated from [[London Waterloo railway station|London Waterloo]].<ref>{{cite web |title = RAIL CHRONOLOGY : SHEEPCOTE LANE CURVE, LONDON : its passenger services|url = http://www.avoe05.dsl.pipex.com/Sheepcote%20Lane%20curve.htm|format=[[HTML]]|accessdate=2011-06-06}}</ref> The business was sold in March 1998 and rebranded [[First Great Western]].
Privatisation saw the service become part of the [[Great Western Trains]] franchise and the rolling stock was repainted into their green and white livery. Between 29 May 1995 and 26 September 1998 the service operated from [[London Waterloo railway station|London Waterloo]].<ref>{{cite web |title = RAIL CHRONOLOGY : SHEEPCOTE LANE CURVE, LONDON : its passenger services|url = http://www.avoe05.dsl.pipex.com/Sheepcote%20Lane%20curve.htm|format=[[HTML]]|accessdate=2011-06-06}}</ref> The business was sold in March 1998 and rebranded [[First Great Western]].


Following the franchise being re-tendered and retained by First Great Western, the service was revised in December 2006. The carriage that used to be detached at Plymouth was withdrawn as it typically only carried four passengers, the train still calls but passengers need to alight straight away rather than stay in their berths until ready to leave. The stop at {{stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}} was also withdrawn to introduce flexibility to divert the service during overnight engineering works.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Perren | first = Brian | title = First Group’s ten-year plans for the Western | journal = Modern Railways | volume = 63 | issue = 697 | pages = 61–66 | publisher = Ian Allan Publishing | id = ISSN 0026-8356 | accessdate = }}</ref> The Class 47s were replaced in 2004 by [[British Rail Class 57|Class 57s]].<ref>Rail Magazine Issue 488 26 May 2004 Page 42</ref> In 2006 former [[Virgin Trains|Virgin West Coast]] [[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3 carriages]] replaced the [[British Rail Mark 2|Mark 2 carriages]].<ref>Rail Magazine Issue 539 10 May 2006 Page 11</ref> The carriages were refurbished by [[Wolverton railway works|Railcare, Wolverton]] in 2008 and repainted into [[FirstGroup|First's]] neon blue livery.<ref name=MR719>{{cite journal | last = Marsden | first = Colin J | title = Night Riviera refurbished | journal = Modern Railways | volume = 65 | issue = 719 | pages = 70 | publisher = Ian Allan Publishing | year = 2008 | id = ISSN 0026-8356 }}</ref><ref>{{citation| journal=Rail Magazine |issue= 595 |date=2 July 2008 |page =16}}</ref>
Following the franchise being re-tendered and retained by First Great Western, the service was revised in December 2006. The carriage that used to be detached at Plymouth was withdrawn as it typically only carried four passengers, the train still calls but passengers need to alight straight away rather than stay in their berths until ready to leave. The stop at {{stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}} was also withdrawn to introduce flexibility to divert the service during overnight engineering works.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Perren | first = Brian | title = First Group’s ten-year plans for the Western | journal = Modern Railways | volume = 63 | issue = 697 | pages = 61–66 | publisher = Ian Allan Publishing | id = ISSN 0026-8356 | accessdate = }}</ref> The Class 47s were replaced in 2004 by [[British Rail Class 57|Class 57s]].<ref>''Rail Magazine'' Issue 488 26 May 2004 Page 42</ref> In 2006 former [[Virgin Trains|Virgin West Coast]] [[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3 carriages]] replaced the [[British Rail Mark 2|Mark 2 carriages]].<ref>''Rail Magazine'' Issue 539 10 May 2006 Page 11</ref> The carriages were refurbished by [[Wolverton railway works|Railcare, Wolverton]] in 2008 and repainted into [[FirstGroup|First's]] blue livery.<ref name=MR719>{{cite journal | last = Marsden | first = Colin J | title = Night Riviera refurbished | journal = Modern Railways | volume = 65 | issue = 719 | pages = 70 | publisher = Ian Allan Publishing | year = 2008 | id = ISSN 0026-8356 }}</ref><ref>{{citation| journal=Rail Magazine |issue= 595 |date=2 July 2008 |page =16}}</ref>
uth]]) 9 June 2012</ref>


⚫
==Current operations==
⚫
With the Great Western franchise up for renewal in 2013, the service's future was confirmed by the [[Secretary of State for Transport]] in June 2012.<ref>http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Sleeper-train-Penzance-capital-saved/story-16322181-detail/story.html</ref>

⚫
== Current operations ==
===Route===
===Route===
{|{{Railway line header}}
{|{{Railway line header}}
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† Limited or asymmetric service
† Limited or asymmetric service
|}
|}
The westbound service operates with [[headcode]] 1C99, the return as 1A40.<ref>http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/C21166/2011/12/12</ref><ref>http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/C21037/2011/12/12</ref>
The westbound service operates with [[headcode]] 1C99, the return as 1A40.<ref>[http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/C21166/2011/12/12 1C99 23:45 London Paddington to Penzance] Open Trains Times</ref><ref>[http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/C21037/2011/12/12 1A40 21:45 Penzance to London Paddington] Open Train Times</ref>


Unlike the [[Caledonian Sleeper]], the Night Riviera operates along a single route. From [[London Paddington]], the train stops first at {{stnlnk|Reading}} then has a long run without advertised stops to {{stnlnk|Taunton}}. This allows it to use a variety of different routes depending on engineering work or other blockades each night:
Unlike the [[Caledonian Sleeper]], the Night Riviera operates along a single route. From [[London Paddington]], the train stops first at {{stnlnk|Reading}} then has a long run without advertised stops to {{stnlnk|Taunton}}. This allows it to use a variety of different routes depending on engineering work or other blockades each night:
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File:Night Riviera BUO 17173.jpg|Mark 3 Brake First Open
File:Night Riviera BUO 17173.jpg|Mark 3 Brake First Open
</gallery>
</gallery>

==Future==
⚫
With the Great Western franchise up for renewal in 2013, the service's future was confirmed by the [[Secretary of State for Transport]] in June 2012.<ref>[http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Sleeper-train-Penzance-capital-saved/story-16322181-detail/story.html Sleeper train from Penzance to capital is saved] ''[[Western Morning News]]'' ([[Plymouth]]) 9 June 2012</ref>



==References==
==References==

Revision as of 10:12, 17 October 2012

Night Riviera
Franchise(s)Part of Great Western franchise
Main route(s)London - Cornwall
Other route(s)
None
Fleet size4 Class 57 locomotives
10 Mark 3 Sleeping carriages
8 Mark 3 Seating carriages
Stations called at
15
Parent company
First
Other
Websitewww.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Your-journey/On-board/Night-Riviera-Sleeper

The Night Riviera is a sleeper train service operated by First Great Western. It is one of only two remaining sleeper services on the railway in the United Kingdom (the other being the Caledonian Sleeper). It runs six nights a week (Sunday - Friday) between London Paddington and Penzance with one train in each direction.

History

The first sleeping car train on the Great Western Railway was introduced at the end of 1877 for a service from London Paddington station to Plymouth. This was provided with a 84 broad gauge carriages with two dormitories, one with seven gentlemen’s berths and the other with four ladies’ berths. These were replaced in 1881 by new carriages with six individual compartments.[1]

An additional service was soon added from London to Penzance, which eventually became known as the Night Riviera. For example, in 1920 the two trains left London at 22:00 for Penzance, and at midnight for Plymouth;[2] by 1947 they had been brought forward to 21:50 and 23:50.[3] Under British Railways sleeping cars were limited to just the Penzance service.[4]

On 6 July 1978 the up train left Penzance at 21:30 but never reached London. Approaching Taunton early the next morning the emergency brake was activated and it came to a stand short of the station with one of the carriages on fire. This had been caused by dirty linen that had been placed near a heater. This had been a standard and safe practice when the train had been steam heated. This tragedy occurred very shortly after the train had switched to an electrical heating system.[citation needed] Twelve people died and thirteen people were injured.[5] At this time the down train left London at 00:05.[6]

On July 11 1983 the London - Penzance sleeper service was relaunched as the Night Riviera, designed to complement the long-established daytime Cornish Riviera. New Mark 3 air-conditioned sleeping cars were introduced on this service which incorporated many new safety features that had been lacking in the Mark 1 carriages that had caught fire at Taunton a few years before.[7] These were the first on the route to feature controlled emission toilets and so discharge facilities had to be provided at Plymouth Laira and Penzance Long Rock depots where the carriages were serviced, although for a time being the carriages were taken from Paddington to Willesden Depot for discharging as Old Oak Common was not initially equipped.[8] A new pricing scheme was also introduced. Instead of paying a sleeping berth supplement on top of the fare for the journey, all-inclusive fares were introduced that were set at competitive rates. The seating carriages that formed part of the train were mainly Mark 2 carriages.[7] The train by now was again leaving London at midnight, actually shown in the timetables as 23:59.[9]

Great Western Trains livery which continued to be used by First Great Western until 2008

Privatisation saw the service become part of the Great Western Trains franchise and the rolling stock was repainted into their green and white livery. Between 29 May 1995 and 26 September 1998 the service operated from London Waterloo.[10] The business was sold in March 1998 and rebranded First Great Western.

Following the franchise being re-tendered and retained by First Great Western, the service was revised in December 2006. The carriage that used to be detached at Plymouth was withdrawn as it typically only carried four passengers, the train still calls but passengers need to alight straight away rather than stay in their berths until ready to leave. The stop at Bristol Temple Meads was also withdrawn to introduce flexibility to divert the service during overnight engineering works.[11] The Class 47s were replaced in 2004 by Class 57s.[12] In 2006 former Virgin West Coast Mark 3 carriages replaced the Mark 2 carriages.[13] The carriages were refurbished by Railcare, Wolverton in 2008 and repainted into First's blue livery.[14][15] uth]]) 9 June 2012</ref>

Current operations

Route

Template:UKrail-header2Template:BS-table1Template:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BSTemplate:BS

† Limited or asymmetric service |} The westbound service operates with headcode 1C99, the return as 1A40.[16][17]

Unlike the Caledonian Sleeper, the Night Riviera operates along a single route. From London Paddington, the train stops first at Reading then has a long run without advertised stops to Taunton. This allows it to use a variety of different routes depending on engineering work or other blockades each night:

Up and Down services pass at Taunton

In exceptional circumstances it can be diverted between Castle Cary and Exeter St Davids via Yeovil Pen Mill, Yeovil Junction and Honiton. This means it cannot call at Taunton and has to reverse at Exeter.

It then continues to Exeter St Davids, Newton Abbot and Plymouth. The train then crosses into Cornwall and calls at Liskeard then most stations down the Cornish Main Line to the terminus at Penzance.

The 2009 timetable serves Totnes, Lostwithiel and Hayle in one direction only with no service stops at Par or Taunton for the eastbound train on Sunday night/Monday morning.[18]

Sleeper passengers have the use of waiting facilities at Paddington that are usually reserved for First Class passengers.[19]

Rolling stock

57605 and Night Riviera carriages at Penzance Long Rock Depot

The service is usually hauled by one of four dedicated Class 57 locomotives. These are rebuilt and re-engined Class 47s delivered in 2004. They follow the tradition of Great Western Railway 4073 Class steam locomotives that once worked the route by carrying the names of Castles in Devon and Cornwall:

All carriges, both sleeping and seated carriages, are air-conditioned Mark 3s.[14] Passengers pay standard fares with a supplementary charge for a sleeping berth (a single berth is more expensive per person than twin bunk berths).[19]

  • Mark 3 Sleeper
    Mark 3 Sleeper
  • Mark 3 Buffet
    Mark 3 Buffet
  • Mark 3 Tourist Standard Open
    Mark 3 Tourist Standard Open
  • Mark 3 Brake First Open
    Mark 3 Brake First Open

Future

With the Great Western franchise up for renewal in 2013, the service's future was confirmed by the Secretary of State for Transport in June 2012.[20]


References

  1. ^ MacDermot, E T (1931). History of the Great Western Railway. Vol. 2 (1863-1921) (1 ed.). London: Great Western Railway.
  2. ^ Time Tables. London: Great Western Railway. 4 October 1920.
  3. ^ Time Tables. London: Great Western Railway. 6 October 1947.
  4. ^ Western Region Timetable. London: British Railways. 14 June 1965.
  5. ^ Vaughan, Adrian (2003) [2000]. Tracks to Disaster. Hersham: Ian Allan Publishing. ISBN 0-7110-2985-7.
  6. ^ Passenger Timetable, Great Britain. London: British Rail. 2 May 1977.
  7. ^ a b "Night Riviera cuts sleeper travel costs". Modern Railways. 40 (420). Ian Allan Publishing: 454. 1983. ISSN 0026-8356.
  8. ^ Abbott, James (1983). "Controlled emission toilets". Modern Railways. 40 (421). Ian Allan Publishing: 554. ISSN 0026-8356.
  9. ^ British Rail Passenger Timetable. London: British Railways. 29 September 1986.
  10. ^ "RAIL CHRONOLOGY : SHEEPCOTE LANE CURVE, LONDON : its passenger services" (HTML). Retrieved 2011-06-06.
  11. ^ Perren, Brian. "First Group's ten-year plans for the Western". Modern Railways. 63 (697). Ian Allan Publishing: 61–66. ISSN 0026-8356.
  12. ^ Rail Magazine Issue 488 26 May 2004 Page 42
  13. ^ Rail Magazine Issue 539 10 May 2006 Page 11
  14. ^ a b Marsden, Colin J (2008). "Night Riviera refurbished". Modern Railways. 65 (719). Ian Allan Publishing: 70. ISSN 0026-8356.
  15. ^ Rail Magazine (595): 16, 2 July 2008 {{citation}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  16. ^ 1C99 23:45 London Paddington to Penzance Open Trains Times
  17. ^ 1A40 21:45 Penzance to London Paddington Open Train Times
  18. ^ "National Rail Timetable 135 (Summer 2009)" (PDF). Network Rail. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
  19. ^ a b "Night Riviera Sleeper Service". First Great Western. Retrieved 2009-10-16.
  20. ^ Sleeper train from Penzance to capital is saved Western Morning News (Plymouth) 9 June 2012

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Night Riviera.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Night_Riviera&oldid=518294597"