Class 221 for Grand Central

[3973EXL]

Realtime Trains | 8Q60 0956 Worksop Up Receptions to Barton Under Needwood Rsmd | 22/06/2023

Real-time train running information for 8Q60 0956 departure from Worksop Up Receptions to Barton Under Needwood Rsmd on 22/06/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[AJDesiro]

Did 221142 and 221143 receive the Avanti interior or are they the old VT one (as seen on XC 221's.)

I believe they had the Avanti interior.

Sidenote: the XC 221s did actually receive a refurb, it’s just not noticeable thanks to the VT seat covers in standard (which were apparently replaced with like for like covers). The main difference is the lack of a buffet.

 

[hexagon789]

Considering they’re due 8 more, I would imagine a repaint. Probably in the interests of Beacon Rail to get one done too - Crofton does have the facilities for it.

Is that set in stone?

I know that was part of my opening post, but sources conflict - within this thread there are posts referring to just two units, at least for trials anyway.

 

[43102EMR]

Is that set in stone?

I know that was part of my opening post, but sources conflict - within this thread there are posts referring to just two units, at least for trials anyway.

I was told by people I know who work for both GC and Avanti who are involved with the cascade - as always however, we await the official announcement.

 

[hexagon789]

I was told by people I know who work for both GC and Avanti who are involved with the cascade - as always however, we await the official announcement.

I appreciate the information nonetheless

 

[3973EXL]

37601 221142

Realtime Trains | 8Q60 0956 Worksop Up Receptions to Barton Under Needwood Rsmd | 22/06/2023

Real-time train running information for 8Q60 0956 departure from Worksop Up Receptions to Barton Under Needwood Rsmd on 22/06/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

37601 221142

So will this be arriving in GC branding?

 

[Halish Railway]

Is it likely that they’d be cleared to Hebden Bridge in case of disruption or to provide rush hour Hebden Bridge to Leeds trains?

 

[Neptune]

Is it likely that they’d be cleared to Hebden Bridge in case of disruption or to provide rush hour Hebden Bridge to Leeds trains?

No plans to reintroduce the Hebden Bridge extras. No need for them with reduced commuting. Yes trains are busy but nowhere near like pre 2020.

 

[3973EXL]

So will this be arriving in GC branding?

Image of 221142 on transfer posted om twitter

https://twitter.com/HiPa125/status/1671850346069602306/photo/1

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

https://twitter.com/HiPa125/status/1671850346069602306/photo/1

I wish you’d just said no, I got excited when that Tweet was loading

 

[Wyrleybart]

Also of relevance IIRC Sir Richard claimed the voyager cab shape as a Virgin Trains copyright so Bombardier had to give a slight tweak to the plastic when they built the Pioneer / Meridian family.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Also of relevance IIRC Sir Richard claimed the voyager cab shape as a Virgin Trains copyright so Bombardier had to give a slight tweak to the plastic when they built the Pioneer / Meridian family.

A good businessman doesn’t miss a trick.

 

[m79900]

Also of relevance IIRC Sir Richard claimed the voyager cab shape as a Virgin Trains copyright so Bombardier had to give a slight tweak to the plastic when they built the Pioneer / Meridian family.

So would the 222s have had the same nose as the 220/221s if he hadn’t done this?

 

[Energy]

So would the 222s have had the same nose as the 220/221s if he hadn’t done this?

Probably. Virgin treated the front of the trains as branding so put a lot more effort into it than other operators would have, such as getting PriestmannGoode (and other design firms) to do the concept for the front end.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Also of relevance IIRC Sir Richard claimed the voyager cab shape as a Virgin Trains copyright so Bombardier had to give a slight tweak to the plastic when they built the Pioneer / Meridian family.

Thought that was an urban legend dreamt up by Virgin fanboys.

 

[Lknowles78]

According to Modern Railways the move to GC is a short term lease to ”provide temporary coverage for the unavailability of its core fleet of 180s”.

 

[m79900]

Probably. Virgin treated the front of the trains as branding so put a lot more effort into it than other operators would have, such as getting PriestmannGoode (and other design firms) to do the concept for the front end.

That's funny that is, because many people seem to prefer the look of the 222s

 

[stevieinselby]

Probably. Virgin treated the front of the trains as branding so put a lot more effort into it than other operators would have, such as getting PriestmannGoode (and other design firms) to do the concept for the front end.

Ironic given that the 222 front end looks a heck of a lot better than the 220/221

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Ironic given that the 222 front end looks a heck of a lot better than the 220/221

To your eye maybe. Next to the 220/221 I think the 222 looks oddly podgy.

 

[43096]

To your eye maybe. Next to the 220/221 I think the 222 looks oddly podgy.

To your eye maybe.

The 222 is much better looking. The 220/221 front end is really nothing special.

 

[Energy]

That's funny that is, because many people seem to prefer the look of the 222s

Ironic given that the 222 front end looks a heck of a lot better than the 220/221

I prefer the 222s though they don't look good in EMR livery.

Virgin would be more concerned with the look of the pendolinos, the ones in other countries at the time aren't great looking

Image: Pendolino in Portugal
Bombardier's weren't exactly brilliant either

Image: X55 in Sweden

 

[sprinterguy]

To your eye maybe. Next to the 220/221 I think the 222 looks oddly podgy.

Personally I think it's the 220/221s that look lumpy and misshapen. The 222s are somewhat sleeker.

 

[Retorus]

Personally I think it's the 220/221s that look lumpy and misshapen. The 222s are somewhat sleeker.

I've always thought the 220/221s look more angular whilst the 222s have rounder edges at the front.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

To your eye maybe.

The 222 is much better looking. The 220/221 front end is really nothing special.

That’s why I said “I think.” I was giving my opinion. What you’ve done in bold is give your opinion and present it as fact. Tbh, they’re both sort of ugly looking.

 

[marsker]

What's all this got to do with the transfer of 2 Class 221s to Grand Central? It's all very subjective.

 

[ExRes]

What's all this got to do with the transfer of 2 Class 221s to Grand Central?

What a jolly good question

 

[class 9]

221143 at Crofton the other night, note the black cab sides.

 

[Russel]

221143 at Crofton the other night, note the black cab sides.

Isn't that just unbranded Avanti livery?

 

[Class15]

What's all this got to do with the transfer of 2 Class 221s to Grand Central? It's all very subjective.

You’re not the only one wondering that, I assure you. Mods, maybe a separate thread about “voyagers vs meridians” would be helpful.