5x Class 153 conversion to bike and baggage vans for Scotrail

[scotrail170407]

Any clues as to when 377 will enter service

 

[sprinterguy]

Any clues as to when 377 will enter service

The first two units are planned to enter service from 1st April this year, though I'm dubious of that depending on how much corrosion or other issues are discovered.

 

[Charlie Smythe]

I can't decide whether of not is a good idea. One the one hand It keep bicycles out the way and in a separate carriage, however, on the other hand that carriage is also needed to provide additional passenger capacity.

 

[59CosG95]

I can't decide whether of not is a good idea. One the one hand It keep bicycles out the way and in a separate carriage, however, on the other hand that carriage is also needed to provide additional passenger capacity.

The 153 does provide a "halfway house" of sorts, as it still has *some* seats within it.

 

[Charlie Smythe]

The 153 does provide a "halfway house" of sorts, as it still has *some* seats within it.

But are there enough bicycles users using the train to justify half a carriage or so of bikes.

 

[marks87]

But are there enough bicycles users using the train to justify half a carriage or so of bikes.

Do you think ScotRail would be doing this if there weren't?

 

[najaB]

But are there enough bicycles users using the train to justify half a carriage or so of bikes.

Yes. And then some. Plus hikers with large rucksacks, tents, etc.

 

[Craig2601]

And also skiers heading up to Aonoch Mor.

 

[Charlie Smythe]

Have ScotRail said that they are going to do this or is just an idea that they have come up with? Is there any photos of mock ups or designers visions of what it will be like anywhere on the internet?.

 

[GusB]

Have ScotRail said that they are going to do this or is just an idea that they have come up with? Is there any photos of mock ups or designers visions of what it will be like anywhere on the internet?.

Try looking back a few pages on this thread

 

[Charlie Smythe]

Ah yes, looks smart. I think that all bikes should be stored upright on trains as it uses far less space.

 

[najaB]

Have ScotRail said that they are going to do this or is just an idea that they have come up with? Is there any photos of mock ups or designers visions of what it will be like anywhere on the internet?.

Given that the first unit has already been sent north for conversion one would hope they are past the artist's rendering stage!

 

[Charlie Smythe]

Given that the first unit has already been sent north for conversation would hope they are past the artist's rendering stage!

I haven't really been paying attention to this project, hence why I thought it was still in the design phase.

 

[alangla]

Also, having a baggage van might allow the option of removing the luggage stacks that the WHL units have fitted. The extra seats would be useful when the units are doing EK or Kilmarnock jobs.

 

[adamedwards]

Also, having a baggage van might allow the option of removing the luggage stacks that the WHL units have fitted. The extra seats would be useful when the units are doing EK or Kilmarnock jobs.

Is there any point given 158s are replacing the 156s?

 

[Southsider]

Is there any point given 158s are replacing the 156s?

I think that idea has been shelved owing to clearance issues.

 

[jopsuk]

Ah yes, looks smart. I think that all bikes should be stored upright on trains as it uses far less space.

It's OK for lightweight bikes being used by riders that can lift them- and if the rear wheel is on the ground, only if they don't have a rear mudguard. My mum, with her heavy e-bike with full length mudguards, cannot use vertical bike racks.

 

[Maxfly]

I think that idea has been shelved owing to clearance issues.

I've been hearing the 153's currently have a greater number of clearance issues than the 158's. Would that be down to the steps maybe? So if removed they will mostly be ok?

 

[Highland37]

Would it not make sense to address the structure issues so that all rolling stock can use the route?

 

[adamedwards]

It's OK for lightweight bikes being used by riders that can lift them- and if the rear wheel is on the ground, only if they don't have a rear mudguard. My mum, with her heavy e-bike with full length mudguards, cannot use vertical bike racks.

My partner has a trike so banned from trains where a wheelchair is not. For touring we use a tandem. These are banned by ScotRail so we can only get north on Virgin and temporarily by LNER. So the 153s could be good news for disabled cycling if they allow for a few non vertical bike racks.

 

[OmniCity999]

Would it not make sense to address the structure issues so that all rolling stock can use the route?

That would make far too much sense though...

 

[Highland37]

My partner has a trike so banned from trains where a wheelchair is not. For touring we use a tandem. These are banned by ScotRail so we can only get north on Virgin and temporarily by LNER. So the 153s could be good news for disabled cycling if they allow for a few non vertical bike racks.

Agreed. I have a tandem too and this could be really useful if the door is wide enough

 

[marks87]

Would it not make sense to address the structure issues so that all rolling stock can use the route?

That depends on the number of issues.

Far easier to shave an inch or so off a step board to get the 153s in use, than fix multiple platforms.

My partner has a trike so banned from trains where a wheelchair is not. For touring we use a tandem. These are banned by ScotRail so we can only get north on Virgin and temporarily by LNER. So the 153s could be good news for disabled cycling if they allow for a few non vertical bike racks.

The renderings in the Scotsman article posted a few pages ago show horizontal racks on the other side of the carriage.

https://www.scotsman.com/news/trans...aloXZQ-V2L23GJaBHtvOrKCDDfFdeNQISUgEbxFDegTBE

 

[Highland37]

I was sort of hoping that the do-the-bare-minimum approach would not be the chosen one but I think history may repeat itself.

 

[HaggisBotherer]

April 1st has come early, how about new units to to replace the 158’s that are now 30 years old, that include the necessary accommodation and facilities?

Surprised nobody has started talking about Clsss 26s, Mk1s and sticking a BG on the back... any excuse for a bit of misty-eyed nostalgia

 

[najaB]

Would it not make sense to address the structure issues so that all rolling stock can use the route?

Not if there is already suitable stock - why spend money on fixing a problem that doesn't exist?

 

[VioletEclipse]

Would it not make sense to address the structure issues so that all rolling stock can use the route?

Not going to happen anytime soon, anyway as it's a line in the Highlands most people don't really expect it to be compatible with all types of rolling stock.

 

[jopsuk]

My partner has a trike so banned from trains where a wheelchair is not. For touring we use a tandem. These are banned by ScotRail so we can only get north on Virgin and temporarily by LNER. So the 153s could be good news for disabled cycling if they allow for a few non vertical bike racks.

Yup. Too many people think only of fully fit cyclists with no mobility impairments. So many more people than that can cycle and are excluded. This is an ideal line for providing inclusive cycle storage.

 

[Southsider]

Not if there is already suitable stock - why spend money on fixing a problem that doesn't exist?

The problem was created by the announcement of 158 scenic stock. I recall the then transport minister being horrified when, after much fanfare, he was informed that the trains wouldn’t fit the stations.

 

[najaB]

The problem was created by the announcement of 158 scenic stock. I recall the then transport minister being horrified when, after much fanfare, he was informed that the trains wouldn’t fit the stations.

Well, that's kinda the point I was making - the problem on exists when you try to use stock that won't fit. Seeing as there are plenty of 156s, there isn't a problem!