Arriva Trains Wales long-haul stock

[SprinterMan]

Hello all,
Just a few questions about ATW's long haul fleet, the 158s and 175s.

Do the PA systems in the 158s acknowledge request stops yet like the 175s do, or does it still ignore them, and does it still refer to Abergele & Pensarn as "Abergele & Pensar"?

Did the 175s use to have touch pads on the interior doors like a Pendolino or did I imagine this and they have always had buttons?

Why do some 175s have Virgin Trains-like audio controls in the armrests?

Do the refurbished 158s have the same seats as EMT 158s and FGW HSTs, and if so what sort/make of seats are these? (These are in my opinion the best train seats in the country)


Thanks, Adam

 

[David10]

Do the refurbished 158s have the same seats as EMT 158s and FGW HSTs, and if so what sort/make of seats are these?

Yes, manufactured by Grammer in Germany.

 

[andy1571]

Why do some 175s have Virgin Trains-like audio controls in the armrests?

Thanks, Adam

In First North Western days, the 175s used to have free music channels which you could get by plugging headphones into the audio controls. IIRC, there was a fair range (more than Virgin), though they didn't last long. I think one half of the centre cars of 175/1s were so fitted.

Andy M

 

[SprinterMan]

Thanks for the info guys
Adam

 

[Tracky]

The entertainment system was in the area now occupied by the intermediate door controls...

 

[317666]

I think the Class 158s are more comfortable, although I do prefer the unrefurbished ones as they have more tables, dimmer lighting and I prefer the seating. However the refurbished Class 158s and Class 175s are still very comfortable, and I'd say are fit-for-purpose.

 

[Chester025]

Correct answer: MK2s/MK3s.

 

[lm321412]

In First North Western days, the 175s used to have free music channels which you could get by plugging headphones into the audio controls. IIRC, there was a fair range (more than Virgin), though they didn't last long. I think one half of the centre cars of 175/1s were so fitted.

Andy M

I managed to get one of the headphone controls working in 2010, probably by more luck than judgement!

 

[SprinterMan]

I managed to get one of the headphone controls working in 2010, probably by more luck than judgement!

Did it pick anything up? :P

 

[Gareth Marston]

I think the Class 158s are more comfortable, although I do prefer the unrefurbished ones as they have more tables, dimmer lighting and I prefer the seating. However the refurbished Class 158s and Class 175s are still very comfortable, and I'd say are fit-for-purpose.

The refurb 158's would have fewer tables still if it wasn't for fuss SARPA made about the spec fortunately ATW listened and changed plans much to their credit- funders Welsh Government were insisting the original spec was best and would not be changed in reply's to successive Ministerial correspondence after SARPA members had a preview of the changed spec 1st unit at LNWR works in Crewe.

 

[anthony263]

The refurbished class 158's are alright but I must admit I still prefer the class 175's

 

[Robinson]

175 every time for me, having used both (albeit I haven't used either for a while now).

 

[4SRKT]

175s are absolutely my favourite DMU of any operator. It's a pleasure to ride in them and it's just a shame they aren't all 3-cars.

 

[Michael.Y]

There's a fantastic vid here from FGW -- if you've got the full 17 minutes please do watch it all -- it explains the ins and outs of a class 180 Adelante, which is basically a grown-up 175 (or a 175 is a baby 180, either way) -- much of the features are common to both, and therefore should be illuminating to those of us familiar with the 175.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeB_DnxZEUs