Here it is!
Looks great imo, much better than what the line got in the end - but it seems a huge investment for such an old train that a new train like the Stadler Cl. 755 might make more sense if Scotrail felt like spending that kind of cash.
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5x Class 153 conversion to bike and baggage vans for Scotrail
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Looks great imo, much better than what the line got in the end - but it seems a huge investment for such an old train that a new train like the Stadler Cl. 755 might make more sense if Scotrail felt like spending that kind of cash.
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What an improvement that would have been on the WHL, I wish they built a demonstrator unit.
Killingworth
Established Member
Any news on how many are complete and ready for potential service in May and by the end of the summer?
If they're successful we could use 3 or 4 on the Hope Valley line to beef up the current 150 services as we also have issues with back packers and bikers. Curiously Northern have quite a few of them about to become spare at the end of the year as currently configured!
None! Don't expect to see them until next year now due to multiple issues including Driver training.
Highlandspring
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I heard a rumour the other day that ASLEF have kicked off big time about the 153s...
I can't confirm that, but I do know that our reps have visited Brodies to have a look and they were not impressed at all! To be fair I don't blame them as the cabs on any 15x sprinter are beyond a joke and should all be condemned!!!
They're certainly an interesting place to spend your working day when you're not used to them. Filling out any paperwork is a chore with the lack of desk space. Definitely a step compared compared to anything else in traffic I would have said.
GrimShady
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Wonderful!
Well those cabs are no different to what they've had for last 25 years.....no.2 end cab always polarises opinion, some hate it others prefer it.
The 156 cab is similar in size to No.1 end on a 153 although the layout is different. No.2 end is probably half the width and is probably the smallest cab in service today
The 156 cab is similar in size to No.1 end on a 153 although the layout is different. No.2 end is probably half the width and is probably the smallest cab in service today
GrimShady
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Is the cafe station/micro buffet still being implemented?
Unlikely to see them until at least next Summer at the earliest. 3 units in various states of repair at Brodies in Kilmarnock. Major corrosion repairs currently being carried out and also work is being done to investigate if they can make the small end cab a bit bigger. I suspect they'll not be able to make the small end cab any bigger which will result in the whole idea getting binned.
If these 153s are going to be sandwiched in between the coaches of a 156 then there surely isn't any need to make the small cab bigger as it won't be used in service.
they're not going to be "sandwiched" in the middle of the 156. They'll just be coupled onto the 156 at one end, so both cabs will require to be used.
In that case would it not make sense to have the small cab end coupled to the 156 leaving the regular cab operational at the other?
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
The small cab is less of an issue than people think it is. Some drivers actually prefer it.
hexagon789
Veteran Member
Some drivers prefer the small cab, I think they are supposed to have better legroom.
As they will be attached/detached regularly it would be too awkward to try and always keep the small cab end against the 156 anyway.
Drivers that have experience on 153s yes, but how many Scotrail drivers have driven 153s? I'd gather not many, if any at all so I don't see how they can "prefer" something they have no experience of.
The only people whose opinion matters - ScotRail's drivers - say that it's an issue.
irish_rail
Established Member
Well wait until they actually drive one and then you can bet your bottom dollar they will prefer the small end. Vastly superior leg room plus better view out of the side window. I used to detest driving 153s in the big end.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
All of them? Have you been around and asked each one?
No, of course not. But enough of them that the project is being delayed.
I don't doubt you. But it's neither me nor 99% of other forum members that need to be convinced of this.
DarloRich
Veteran Member
but surely these issues are known. Surely the unit is already "passed" for service and does not require any re certification.
Highlandspring
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Anything's (im)possible when the ScotRail ASLEF awkward squad get involved.
DarloRich
Veteran Member
sigh. these trains are already in service. They have worked in Scotland before. Any issues must already have been raised and rectified to the satisfaction of ALSEF or they wouldn't be in service!
DarloRich
Veteran Member
I could be wrong. I thought they had run in Scotland may years ago.
In any event they are passed for use on the national network therefore they are acceptable in Scotland regardless of any petty political point scoring.
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