43096
On Moderation
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Actually, just looked: the current LNER version is more sensible.
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Ex-LNER Mk4 sets for Grand Central (Blackpool - Euston)
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py_megapixel
Established Member
I wonder why GC have done such a bad job then?
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
The seats look misaligned in 1st - are they, or are they just the same as a normal Mk4 and the plan is off?
43096
On Moderation
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I have seen similarly badly drawn seat plans elsewhere - I just can’t remember where!
Edit: their HST and 180 plans are/were the same, that must be it. http://ehelp.thetrainline.com/euf/assets/images/seating-map-grandcentral.pdf
GC definitely seem to be from the schematic school of map drawing!
I think they just use the same Mk4 lettering as LNER. A is technically the loco and D will be the extra coach inserted if they get busy enough to need lengthening.
hexagon789
Veteran Member
Not quite, on LNER Coach F is the Std Class accessible and H is the buffet, G doesn't exist. So they have made changes.
james60059
Member
NewSt
Member
*NOT MY PICS* But here are some images of the interiors of the sets... 
hexagon789
Veteran Member
So no real difference except re-branding in GC colours?
Massive missed opportunity to refit with flat cloth ironing boards?
So perfect then?!
hexagon789
Veteran Member
If anything we should be thankful they haven't! 
hexagon789
Veteran Member
I think so, they are one of the better train interiors for comfort. Not perfect but pretty decent tbh
hexagon789
Veteran Member
Myself included. When they said "thorough refurbishment" I almost anticipated they might change the seats but thankfully not.
XCTurbostar
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This is as I expected. The Mallard interior was hardly life expired and it will still make it look new to those non train savvy. As far as seating is concerned, if the new IETs for Avanti enter service with those dreadful seats then those will easily be the worse on the west coast.
hexagon789
Veteran Member
Exactly, it wasn't life expired. A refrsh, good clean, retrim in GC colours and those Mk4s were good to go. That's exactly what they've done and it looks pretty good.
ash39
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Strange decision to reupholster the interior. They look great, but the red moquette Virgin put in is less than 5 years old and still looked fine!
Didn't suit Grand Central though did it. Nothing strange about it IMO.
py_megapixel
Established Member
Going slightly off topic here but IIRC the AT300s for both Avanti and open access east coast along with the pendos will be getting a new design of seat which FirstGroup have submitted for regulatory approval.
ash39
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No it didn't suit, but that didn't stop them retaining the purple First Great Western interiors in the 180's for years after they started using them.
Throwing money at replacing 5 year old seat coverings for a venture with no confirmed start date and no guarantees of how the rail travel picture will look once it does? Pretty reckless.
The contract was in place for the refurbishment long before COVID-19. The penalties for cancelling it and then going on to re-tender for the work to be done anyway would have been at a much higher cost than just getting the work done now.
James90012
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The capital cost isn't important to Grand Central, it will be funded through the lease with Eversholt. Even if you could reverse out the costs it wouldn't amount to much in the scheme of things - and indeed it might even be part of the base package that Eversholt offered. Also I think getting the brand out there is important at launch.
61653 HTAFC
Veteran Member
Indeed. After all, their 180s ran for the best part of a decade with threadbare FirstGroup seat covers in standard... I'm pleasantly surprised they've bothered doing anything!
I would also think that seat coverings are something that get's replaced on a semi-frequent basis anyway - I certainly would expect that after 5 years the original fabric will be well worn down. Changing the pattern and colour of the fabric doesn't cost very much more, particularly if you don't have access to the original fabric
Martin222002
Member
It also has to be remembered that GC is starting this with existing direct competition from Blackpool, unlike with their North East and West Riding services. With the exception of Bradford when they started they started they had no direct competition, and excluding Sunderland now still don't, at the stations they serve off the ECML to and from London. With their Blackpool services they already have competition from Avanti and London Northwestern Railway at all the stations to and from London. This means image and appearance is going to be a much more important factor to complete for custom from Avanti and London Northwestern Railway.
Jamesrob637
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I hope they do good Advances. £1 Preston to Blackpool at the start?!
At the start maybe to get people to try GC but long term probably not although maybe reduced priced family tickets, similar to Chiltern having super cheap tickets to London for children.
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