The first unit was due to arrive at the end of November, but was cancelled due to the snowThe first one to Wabtec has yet to be announced, but one may leave for Doncaster this month. That's the latest I've heard, although I don't know if the shenanigans with the 380s will delay them any further. I don't know how long the work will take, but it's likely to be quite a while, as it is extensive work. As well as the relivery there will also be; an internal refurbishment, fitting of a toilet, works to allow 90mph running, and work to the underframe
And the moves themselves will be interesting. They'll be making their own way down the WCML
The units are going to be stripped down and new flooring laid. New seat covers will be applied. The interior is also being removed and refreshed. The toilet will displace seats that will be used where the current wheelchair location is. The toilet coach (DTSA as far as I am aware) will have a new section for wheelchair users. This area will have call for aid stations that will provide communication with the driver.
The doors will have audible warning tones (the 'ping, ping, ping' noise) when released fitted.
When trains are undergoing a pretty major refurb they have to have them fitted
Southern's Class 313s underwent a "pretty major" refurb but they didn't have toilets fitted!
The same applies to the Class 320, the route is short enough not to require a toilet
However, the route is to be shared with the Class 318 units
The decision was made to make them of equal standard; 90mph with a single toilet
Fitting the toilet in the Class 320 would have been relatively easy several years ago (as the original design took this into account)
However, it now requires to be one that meets the current DDA requirements and so has been made slightly more complicated
The same as the Class 318, a retention tank will also be fitted (as required for use between Bridgeton - Partick and High Street - Partick)
Yes, from memory it is 15 seats that go in that coachOut of curiosity, will the refurb result in a net loss of seats as a result of the toilet installation?
No, just new flooring and seating material (as per specified, similar to the Class 380)so will the 318s and 320s end up with exactly the same layout in them?
Yes, they are still there...Out of interest have the interiors stood the test of time?
Yes, from memory it is 15 seats that go in that coach
However, 3 seats will be gained in the other coach
Overall a loss of 12 seats
so will the 318s and 320s end up with exactly the same layout in them?
Expect to see the unit (Class 320) back in Scotland at the end of Aprilhows this work prgressing? Anybody know?
Expect to see the unit (Class 320) back in Scotland at the end of April
Contract is slightly behind but should catch back up as some of the work is completed at Kilmarnock
Class 380s seem to still be suffering two steps forward, one step back
Expect to see the unit (Class 320) back in Scotland at the end of April
Contract is slightly behind but should catch back up as some of the work is completed at Kilmarnock
Class 380s seem to still be suffering two steps forward, one step back
Nothing new, just three unresolved issues that came to be highlighted as more passenger services were introducedmust be pressurised with 380s as the timetable change comes nearer. Whats wrong now?
The timescale has completely been destroyed now, it is likely to be completed near the end of this yearDid the 320s need doing urgently?
Nothing new, just three unresolved issues that came to be highlighted as more passenger services were introduced
Splitting and joining of sets is taking longer than planned
In passenger use this could result in a set being sent into service with 3 or 4 cars instead of the diagrammed 7
This process of joining is still taking place at depots, so that an alternative set is readily available, in extreme cases replaced by a different Class of EMU (318 or 334)
Largs services are still restricted to a maximum of 6 cars (two sets of 3) instead of the planned 7 cars
This is resulting in the occasional use of a 4 car set instead
It seems there is concern another Largs accident might happen, even though drivers have been advised to take car when driving pairs of units
Ayr services have reverted to 8 cars instead of the planned 7 cars
This is mainly due to logistics though, plus again to ensure the train does not SPAD on arrival at Ayr
I take it you missed all the gen on scot-rail - there was a problem with the 380s meaning that they couldn't go out alone recently and had to operate in pairs. It's now been resolved and ScotRail are back to nine units in service per day.
I'm not convinced that that's the reason that Largs has been six car units.
And why is a 7-car unit more likely to SPAD than an 8-car unit?!
Ewan