Class 321 first class

[Bringback309s]

Watching a video of a brand new 321/3 on test in 1988, I remembered the very first units had a poor quality first class section which caused an uproar by disgruntled passengers on the GE. The window layout with two identical windows shows this, I'm sure the spacing of the seats was one issue, hence why the smoking compartment could accommodate eight, but think the seats were grammar seats in a 2+2 layout, soon replaced by the existing seats as used in 442 standard class. The layout was changed before the 321/4s got built, hence why one window was reduced in size behind the drivers cab. Did first class have bad seats? Does anyone have more info and / or pics?

 

[hexagon789]

Watching a video of a brand new 321/3 on test in 1988, I remembered the very first units had a poor quality first class section which caused an uproar by disgruntled passengers on the GE. The window layout with two identical windows shows this, I'm sure the spacing of the seats was one issue, hence why the smoking compartment could accommodate eight, but think the seats were grammar seats in a 2+2 layout, soon replaced by the existing seats as used in 442 standard class. The layout was changed before the 321/4s got built, hence why one window was reduced in size behind the drivers cab. Did first class have bad seats? Does anyone have more info and / or pics?

Didn't they also extend it from just the area behind the cab, to also one window bays of the middle section?

 

[superjohn]

Didn't they also extend it from just the area behind the cab, to also one window bays of the middle section?

Yes and later cut it back again by declassifying the additional, very laid back first class seats. They are still there to this day on the units in question and popular with those in the know.

 

[Bringback309s]

Didn't they also extend it from just the area behind the cab, to also one window bays of the middle section?

The 321/4s had the extra first class seats in the middle section, for the Northampton line that they were built for originally. The section behind the cab originally had a smoking compartment with a partition between it and non-smoking, hence why the window layout was changed. See 2:12 on this video, shows the old arrangement well.

 

[hexagon789]

Yes and later cut it back again by declassifying the additional, very laid back first class seats. They are still there to this day on the units in question and popular with those in the know.

I seem to remember that FGE ran them from the early 2000s with the centre section declassified, while Silverlink didn't.

 

[hexagon789]

The 321/4s had the extra first class seats in the middle section, for the Northampton line that they were built for originally. The section behind the cab originally had a smoking compartment with a partition between it and non-smoking, hence why the window layout was changed. See 2:12 on this video, shows the old arrangement well.

So only the 321/4 had the additional First Class and they were for the WCML services?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I seem to remember that FGE ran them from the early 2000s with the centre section declassified, while Silverlink didn't.

Yep, half the coach was 1st in the entire time they were in service with Silverlink/LM. The row of Standard airline seats adjacent to 1st were the prize seats - excellent legroom and 2+2!

 

[hexagon789]

Yep, half the coach was 1st in the entire time they were in service with Silverlink/LM. The row of Standard airline seats adjacent to 1st were the prize seats - excellent legroom and 2+2!

Always the case, if there's a declassified bit of First Class, the regulars soon get to know of it and make full use!

 

[Bringback309s]

I seem to remember that FGE ran them from the early 2000s with the centre section declassified, while Silverlink didn't.

Indeed, FCC also kept that section first class right up until the end under GN when they went to GA to cover renatus refurbs - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:V_F_CC_321404_DTCO_First_Class_Interior.JPG

 

[hexagon789]

Indeed, FCC also kept that section first class right up until the end under GN when they went to GA to cover renatus refurbs - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:V_F_CC_321404_DTCO_First_Class_Interior.JPG

Did FCC have more first class traffic or was there some other reason I wonder.

 

[Bringback309s]

Just thought I'd "bump" this one to see if anyone who might have missed it remembers - the first 321/3's were built with a first class area occupying the area between the drives cab and first set of doors only - the 321/4's had the extended first class area for the Northampton line. When built, they had eight seats behind the cab in a smoking compartment, then with a partition and door leading to another twelve seats for non smoking. They were then changed to having the partition moved, the window behind the driver reduced in size to accomodate (see pics attached) and only four seats in the smoking compartment. I believe this was because there was an outrage from first class passengers that the seating was too cramped and uncomfortable. Can anyone confirm and / or does anyone have pics of the original first class compartment? They were in service a very short time.

 

[alangla]

Yep, half the coach was 1st in the entire time they were in service with Silverlink/LM. The row of Standard airline seats adjacent to 1st were the prize seats - excellent legroom and 2+2!

They were fully declassified but otherwise unchanged when they were first converted to 320/4s for ScotRail. It always made for a comfortable journey if you were at the right end when one came in. Unfortunately they’ve now been fitted with some spectacularly cramped standard class seating