Emergency withdrawal of Heathrow Express

According to this they are using Heathrow Connect train stock on the Heathrow Express line, operating on the same schedule. Heathrow Connect service consequently suspended.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-35686461

To quote my original post -

How long it will take to inspect and repair all those trains I do not know.

I still don't know, I'm afraid. I'm not an engineer nor do I have any friends involved in this particular issue.

We shall have to wait and see.

Yesterday people who wanted the Heathrow Connect service were directed to take the 140 bus to Hayes and Harlington and pick up a GWR train, although those with pre-paid tickets to Paddington were also allowed to use the 'substitute' Express service.

There is an additional shuttle train to Paddington running from Hayes but it is what ever can be spared so has been as few as two carriages although it has generally been running as 5 today. As you go by Old Oak Common you can see all the Hex trains in the sidings.

Thanks for the on-the-spot reporting...

Looking at this Railnews Report the effects of this might go on for some time. Partial refunds are now in place for those with HEx tickets to compensate for the lack of some of the usual facilities.

Piccadilly Line is part suspended this weekend too with no service between Hammersmith and Northfields.

The Express service is running - with the trains that normally run the Connect. So it effect it is the Connect that is the most disrupted - and those who commute into London on the stopping services. It does mean though that there are fewer seats than normal, no wifi etc, so there is currently a discount from the usual ticket prices that can be claimed.

How long this will last is anyone's guess and will depend on what is revealed from examination of each of the sets and the extent of any remedial work required.