I noticed another issue with class 387s on GN that seems to cause some extra delay (and passenger irritation) on occasion. Some of the PM peak trains with pairs, such as 2C32 and 2C34 (the 18:22 and 18:52 Royston / Cambridge splitters) consist of an all day diagram that combines with a set empty from Hornsey in the platform at King's Cross. Class 317s allowed the driver coupling the sets to release the doors from where they were located to couple up - in the centre cab.
387s seem not to allow this, so the driver has to close down that cab, walk from their to the now leading north end cab and then open up that cab before the passenger doors are released and boarding can commence. This means that the passengers are camped outside the train and that departure isn't possible until at least 90 seconds after the driver is in position at the north end.
Yesterday a delay to 2C32 (which would have been a bit late anyway) was exacerbated because the passengers were kept on the platform, cold and distinctly unimpressed until all this 'faffing around' (as they will have perceived it) took place. Had this been a pair of 317s, they would have finished boarding as the driver walked up to the north end - and the train could depart as soon as he was ready, rather than then having to wait for everyone to shuffle on.
To make matters worse, 2C32 seemed to be hit by an object (I presume a stone thrown at it - it sounded like a hard door knock) just after Wood Green tunnel. The driver stopped at New Southgate to check for damage, having clearly and understandably been a bit shaken by this; as we were braking to a stop he said over the PA that we had had a 'collision' with an object. For a moment I suspected a PUT, but we were soon underway and with the fast line to Welwyn Garden City, we got recovered the time lost at New Southgate. Looking at the front once we got to Welwyn Garden City, nothing appeared to be amiss. Subsequent trains were clearly cautioned as 2C34 behind was 22 minutes late according to RTT...
Sad to hear that 317348 is now out of service again, no sooner had it returned from Ilford. It looks quite smart, with a repainted (black background) and buffed up nameplate. In the couple of weeks it has been back, I hadn't got the chance for a last trip aboard...
These trains are just a pain all round. Fundamentally the basic design is ok, although it could do with a bit more efficient use of interior space, it's just completely spoiled by some annoying features.
It's so annoying sitting on a train at King's Cross waiting to depart and keep hearing the door bleeps every time someone gets on, then a few seconds later the doors self-close, only to be opened up again almost immediately. 15 or 20 minutes of this is enough to do one's head in. It must also put a lot of needless wear on the doors. The self-close delay needs to be extended a little.
The seats remain awfully uncomfortable, and the ride quality on these units is atrocious in places. Far worse than 317s, 321s or 365s.
The interior is stuffy, and it's noticeable some units are starting to run around with the windows open now. Wonder how that's happening?
Meanwhile we *still* have the ridiculous situation where the fleet is split with first class at opposite ends. This is an absolute nuisance particularly in the morning peak. Have GTR started turning any trains yet, or made any effort to have the recent arrivals arrive facing the 'right' way, whatever GTR in their non-existent infinite wisdom have decided is such?
Worst of all, the seating availability on an 8-car train is substantially reduced compared to 2x365, let alone 2x317. This simply isn't good enough. Removing the luggage stacks and replacing with seats would be a start. Whilst they're a "nice to have", the trains don't serve any airports on the GN, so given the reduction in seating these are a feature we could manage without. On busy trains these end up with people sitting on them anyway. Of course, on the 365s there are copious luggage racks at the vehicle ends which are well used, and don't impinge on seating availability.
I for one would happily return to 317s and 321s - much more comfortable. I know a few people moan about the legroom, but it seems to be the case of "as long as *I* get a seat and someone else is standing then all is well". In the off-peak legroom isn't an issue as most of the time there won't be someone sitting opposite. In the peak there's a trade-off between getting a seat and having spacious legroom - quite simply people can't have both. It's not like the 317s/321s are unbearable - the 317s have been running on the GN for three decades and I don't recall hearing mass moaning about legroom, it's just a fact of life if one chooses to commute in the high peak.