The interiors are pretty vile but the rest of the units seem very solid still - I personally think the Desiro UK is the best EMU the country's ever had for build quality, certainly in the post-privatisation era. I definitely think they can last not just 30 years, but probably 40+ - given the current climate of sweating rolling stock assets they probably will.The fact Greater Anglia have fitted dimmer more yellow internal lights to them all than First Great Eastern doesn't help them and neither does the recent poor maintenance of the air-conditioning systems. The colour scheme of a mix of green poles, purple carpets and black seats and some black carpet is also awful now, a real podge job of the original but that is nothing a proper refurbishment couldn't sort out.
They are 16 years old but the panels are still properly locked down and don't suffer from vibration (Bombardier can only wish for that!) they give a good ride, the passenger information system works well, they perform very well and fast and in general the bodywork is standing up very well, the seats are hardwearing, and I've never seen a problem with the doors, even if they are a little slow by today's standards.
I'd challenge you to find any other train that has lasted 16 years without any kind of refurbishment that is in as good nick. The only think they've had done to them since new is new seat covers and replacement carpet in the door area and some changes in First Class, they have never and will never can be repainted externally easily, which is a big factor in East Midlands choosing purple I'm told
Not that I'm aware of - as far as I can tell the 158s will be staying put.Are the 158s leaving EMR franchise as well as 153 and 156??
Abellio/EMR have said the entire current fleet will be replaced. Class 360 cascade and new build for London trains, by cascade for the 15x fleet. That obviously doesn’t include the Liverpool-Nottingham service that will transfer out.Not that I'm aware of - as far as I can tell the 158s will be staying put.
Fair enough, I stand corrected. What with though, I can't tell. Are they after the TfW 175s? Is there any point in carrying out that replacement? New build DMUs is another matter but I assumed they'd be hoping to minimise the amount of new stock that has to be ordered.Abellio/EMR have said the entire current fleet will be replaced. Class 360 cascade and new build for London trains, by cascade for the 15x fleet. That obviously doesn’t include the Liverpool-Nottingham service that will transfer out.
But no bi-mode option...
Fair enough, I stand corrected. What with though, I can't tell. Are they after the TfW 175s? Is there any point in carrying out that replacement? New build DMUs is another matter but I assumed they'd be hoping to minimise the amount of new stock that has to be ordered.
don't EMT also have 153s and 156s...?The reigonal fleet is likey to be all of WMT's class 170s, 4 class 170s from Scotrail and 171s from Southern. This would mean that all the class 158s will be released.
But no bi-mode option...
The reigonal fleet is likey to be all of WMT's class 170s, 4 class 170s from Scotrail and 171s from Southern. This would mean that all the class 158s will be released.
Siemens seem pretty aware that they got the future UK rolling stock requirement thinking bit wrong.Yes that Desiro Verve seems more a proposal for what was won by the CAF Class 397
They don't.Do Southern have spare 171s to release to EMR or are they looking at DMU or bi-mode replacements for the 171s?
I suspect if 171s have been included in "plan A" the reality of what was required may have dawned once it was brought up with DfT and GTR hence lack of announcements.I must admit my money is still on the 175s having a roll on EMR when it comes to dealing with the regional fleet.
I suspect if 171s have been included in "plan A" the reality of what was required may have dawned once it was brought up with DfT and GTR hence lack of announcements.
Im saying NorthernI must admit my money is still on the 175s having a roll on EMR when it comes to dealing with the regional fleet.
They got a bit ahead of themselves and didn't see grayling coming.Siemens seem pretty aware that they got the future UK rolling stock requirement thinking bit wrong.
I wonder if there is confusion over this and it’s actually the remaining five Eversholt units with ScotRail (170416-420) that are moving; these were due to move to Southern but are seemingly not wanted.I suspect if 171s have been included in "plan A" the reality of what was required may have dawned once it was brought up with DfT and GTR hence lack of announcements.
They are going to be modded for 110mph operation, as per the West Midlands 350s.
Do they get new seats ? - they're particularly uncomfortable at present.
I'd be surprised if they were not used too.I must admit my money is still on the 175s having a roll on EMR when it comes to dealing with the regional fleet.
Although I haven't seen anyone moan about the end doors, they seem to do okay on the Welsh lines.
And while it might be nice (in theory) for TfW to keep some 175s for West Wales services instead of acquiring Greater Anglia's 170s, TfW need both fleets to tide them over until 2021/22 when the new Civity fleet comes online. (The 170s are indirectly replacing Pacers.)If Transport for Wales have dibs on some 170s, there won't be enough for EMR to have a total regional fleet of them, which is shame.
Not bi mode as in diesel and electric, but the Verve brochure says they offer it as a battery hybrid:But no bi-mode option...
We also offer Desiro Verve optionally as a hybrid vehicle. This means that you can replace diesel-driven units on partly electrified lines and standardise your fleet.
Not bi mode as in diesel and electric, but the Verve brochure says they offer it as a battery hybrid:
Batteries made from unobtainium...Does it have batteries that'll get from Mkt Harborough to Sheffield and back?
Well it'd be possible but by that stage you'd basically be running a 'battery vehicle' in addition to the passenger vehicles. Charging it could be interesting too!Batteries made from unobtainium...
Unfortunately for Siemens the Bombardier and Hitachi options can come with diesel.Batteries made from unobtainium...