Class 701 'Aventra' trains for South Western Railway: progress updates

[JamesC357]

Anyone else think the front of the 701 looks like an angry wasp? I like it!

 

[Goldfish62]

Anyone else think the front of the 701 looks like an angry wasp? I like it!

Good description! It's certainly one of the better looking new trains.

 

[Wivenswold]

I first spotted the "fishtank" on a 313 back in 1985. It's a problem with the PEP window design, not especially just down to SWR running them into the ground, though algae doesn't appear overnight.

 

[samuelmorris]

I first spotted the "fishtank" on a 313 back in 1985. It's a problem with the PEP window design, not especially just down to SWR running them into the ground, though algae doesn't appear overnight.

That complaint was about the 458s though, not the PEPs? (which only count for one carriage on a 455 anyway)

 

[Goldfish62]

I first spotted the "fishtank" on a 313 back in 1985. It's a problem with the PEP window design, not especially just down to SWR running them into the ground, though algae doesn't appear overnight.

It's always been an issue on the 455 "normal" coaches as well. I used to see it regularly in NSE days.

 

[ZL exile]

Remember the hired in West Coast Railways (Carnforth) loco hauled set at a Keighley gala a few years ago had a lot of fish tanks for windows too.

 

[spark001uk]

What's the red strip in the middle of the windscsreen, is it a demister?

 

[Bletchleyite]

While I do agree with you that it's disgusting and does show a sad lack of care and attention, some of those "fishtank" windows can be a little amusing on a long and dull journey. I had a Voyager back a few weeks ago and the added window wave effect did raise a smile or two. I did even tweet a video of it to XC who, somewhat unsurprisingly wasn't that bothered.

They're less common than they used to be, as a kid they used to be present very often on Merseyrail units.

 

[crablab]

They're increasingly common on these trains, some of which are really quite shabby inside. Some of the "fishtanks" have been marked with an "X", but that started in Summer 2018 and they still haven't replaced them so...

 

[Goldfish62]

They're increasingly common on these trains, some of which are really quite shabby inside. Some of the "fishtanks" have been marked with an "X", but that started in Summer 2018 and they still haven't replaced them so...

Which trains are these?

 

[crablab]

Which trains are these?

The 458s

 

[Goldfish62]

The 458s

They've always had problems with their glazing including water leaks around the emergency hoppers. Not sure any of this has ever been addressed.

 

[43096]

They've always had problems with their glazing including water leaks around the emergency hoppers. Not sure any of this has ever been addressed.

They have definitely got worse in the last couple of years - there is no attempt to fix them now. I do hope the vehicle owner is going to do an audit (on handback if not before) and SWR get suitably penalised.

 

[crablab]

I do hope the vehicle owner is going to do an audit (on handback if not before) and SWR get suitably penalised.

That would be Porterbrook.

 

[hwl]

That would be Porterbrook.

The glazing units could have been damaged during the 5car conversion and refurb programme in which case it wouldn't be SWT/R's fault.

 

[43096]

The glazing units could have been damaged during the 5car conversion and refurb programme in which case it wouldn't be SWT/R's fault.

Ifs, buts and maybes. SWR are going to struggle to prove that.

 

[hwl]

Ifs, buts and maybes. SWR are going to struggle to prove that.

Probably no one will be able to prove anything. Only an issue worth arguing about if they are going to a new home.

 

[crablab]

Has their ultimate destiny been confirmed yet?

 

[Scottychoo]

Although Bombardier have bungled the Aventra introduction thus far.

I’ll get me coat......

By George that wins today's prize!

 

[K.o.R]

What's the red strip in the middle of the windscsreen, is it a demister?

Do you mean along the top? That's the orange "danger, overhead wires" line. Otherwise can you point to it on a picture?

 

[swt_passenger]

Do you mean along the top? That's the orange "danger, overhead wires" line. Otherwise can you point to it on a picture?

I think he means the red lines in the middle of the windscreen visible on a couple of the test track pics linked in post #1315?

eg this one: https://mark5812.smugmug.com/Trains-2020/February-2020-Czech-Republic/i-T4b9wMw/A

 

[K.o.R]

I think he means the red lines in the middle of the windscreen visible on a couple of the test track pics linked in post #1315?

eg this one: https://mark5812.smugmug.com/Trains-2020/February-2020-Czech-Republic/i-T4b9wMw/A

Absolutely no clue on that. I would guess it's something used as part of the testing, as none of the "in use" pictures seem to have it. Maybe a target zone for bird strike testing?

 

[swt_passenger]

Absolutely no clue on that. I would guess it's something used as part of the testing, as none of the "in use" pictures seem to have it. Maybe a target zone for bird strike testing?

I was wondering as well. Given the significant problems with distortion on those Scottish Hitachi EMUs, maybe for test purposes they are defining an area of screen that’s designed to be distortion free, or something.

In any case, it’s a bit more of an interesting question than the recent irrelevant diversion into 458 double glazing issues...

 

[Domh245]

Would more likely be to do with visibility testing I'd think. I couldn't tell you what it is supposed to do but the shape looks very familiar to the one in this image relating to the design of the cl. 700s, probably to do with the standard visibility from the driving seat?

 

[swt_passenger]

Would more likely be to do with visibility testing I'd think. I couldn't tell you what it is supposed to do but the shape looks very familiar to the one in this image relating to the design of the cl. 700s, probably to do with the standard visibility from the driving seat?

I’d definitely say you’ve answered that question...

 

[Roger B]

By George that wins today's prize!

S'pose such 'Rainbow'-themed posts were inevitable, although they do demonstrate a certain lack of self-control, or is it more akin to some malign compulsion . Note to self - never, EVER, refer to 'zippy' again.

 

[spark001uk]

Would more likely be to do with visibility testing I'd think. I couldn't tell you what it is supposed to do but the shape looks very familiar to the one in this image relating to the design of the cl. 700s, probably to do with the standard visibility from the driving seat?

Thanks, that looks remarkably like it. Maybe it marks out the "fails mot if any cracks in this area bigger than a 5p" !!

 

[Bigfoot]

SWR have launched an internal staff competition to name the new 701 fleet.

 

[Malcolmffc]

Shame they haven't bothered to address other issues like some of the graffiti tags which have been around for weeks. Or, indeed, things like blown window seals, especially on the windows with the emergency opening hoppers at the top. These are now commonplace with some now getting water ingress with the resulting "fishtank" between the two window panes. This is a particularly disgusting example:
View attachment 73384

Given SWR’s financial problems, probably understandable they aren’t too bothered with cosmetic maintenance for units that will likely be scrapped in the next 12-18 months

 

[Ethano92]

I thought the idea was for the 10 car units to be introduced first, supposedly easier as there aren't issues surrounding working in multiple, does anyone know how many 10 cars are complete if any, there appears to have only been media of 5 car testing, not 10.