Where would you like the extra loops to be built so that the (now xx20ish) Padd-Exeter semi fast can overtake the Bedwyn Turbo and/or the stone empties that it currently overtakes at Woodborough? And an extra Class 80x will also be required as the xx09-35 turnround at Padd will no longer work. Other than that - great plan!
No need for sarcasm. What do you propose? The current timetable isn't working ,FACT. Something needs doing. The turnarounds already don't work, so changing these would be no bad thing. Do GWR need extra sets? Yes, of course. Hopefully these may be forthcoming if 175s are brought in freeing up some 5 cars. This may allow some changes to be made. Because something needs to change, the current situation is untenable long term.
One of the big problems with the xx35 isn't what you mention, but the fact it usually leaves Paddington late. The 1635 is a particular offender as it is booked to couple to another set in Padd Station 20 minutes before departure, one set ex Oxford the other ex Exeter. Needless to say problems tend to occur. If anything the Bedwyn Turbo and freight could potentially be altered to allow the xx35 to leave slightly earlier, where there is a will there is a way!
The days when trains could "make up time" are long gone. Speed is strictly controlled so any late running pretty much stay that way.
1c94 yesterday would suggest otherwise. 26 late passing Bedwyn on realtime trains, and on time at Penzance. Given a decent run (does occasionally happen), there is plenty of scope to make up time, it's just it is very rare for control / signallers to be proactive enough to hold a stopper for a couple of minutes here or there. By the looks of it, 1c94 yesterday was able to make up so much time as it was allowed to pass stopper 1c93 in the platform at Newbury which made a huge difference. Controllers and signallers should be given the freedom to be affecting descions like this more often.