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Creation of class 230 DEMUs from ex-LU D78s by Vivarail
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reddragon
Established Member
The D78s at Long Marston are getting quite weather worn!
The electric one was nice outside but still untouched inside
The electric one was nice outside but still untouched inside
Dstock7080
Established Member
They were fitted with cab air-cooling during LU refurbishment 2003-2005.
Southern Dvr
Member
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Is Marston Vale 100% Class 230 operation these days? I’m considering sampling them tomorrow (Saturday) but don’t want to waste the trip!
gazthomas
Established Member
It is
DarloRich
Veteran Member
yes. 2 of the 3 trains are in use at any one time. Reliability has been pretty good recently.
thanks - i thought it had been upgraded to cab air con but apparently not.
yoyothehobo
Member
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i had my first experience on the Marston Vale line in many years on Monday and I got to ride on the 230 for the first time and I must say the following:
Disappointed it isnt a pair of 31s top and tailing 2 coaches.
Beyond that I was pleasantly surprised.
Big windows.
Charging points.
Seats, a nice mix of arrangements, could be more of them, but the mix allows for bikes to be carried for short distances, wheelchairs.
Ride was comfortable
Looked good inside and outside.
Downside i thought that the doors were quite slow in opening, not slower than a 158 but not quick either
Whilst standing at a station there was a revving noise seemingly high up in the cabin (aircon?), not sure whether it was a motor to keep things running whilst stopped but it was noticeable, but the units are quiet compared to running round on 142s and 150s in the North.
I was skeptical of them, but I would happily have them on a line if it meant an improved service.
Disappointed it isnt a pair of 31s top and tailing 2 coaches.
Beyond that I was pleasantly surprised.
Big windows.
Charging points.
Seats, a nice mix of arrangements, could be more of them, but the mix allows for bikes to be carried for short distances, wheelchairs.
Ride was comfortable
Looked good inside and outside.
Downside i thought that the doors were quite slow in opening, not slower than a 158 but not quick either
Whilst standing at a station there was a revving noise seemingly high up in the cabin (aircon?), not sure whether it was a motor to keep things running whilst stopped but it was noticeable, but the units are quiet compared to running round on 142s and 150s in the North.
I was skeptical of them, but I would happily have them on a line if it meant an improved service.
Just looking at the first couple of pages of this thread and it's now quite amusing. Sorry to focus on these posts in particular: there were many more like it.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
There have been a lot of seemingly bizarre ideas that have actually happened in recent years. I'd probably suggest the TPE LHCS and 230s as being the most seemingly bizarre things that actually came true.
Seen one of them TPE LHCS the other day, although I only saw the outside, they look incredible. I have no interest in the project but from what I can see they’re a great idea and done to a high standard. Sorry to go off thread. Back on thread, the 230’s have exceeded most people’s expectations I think. I bet even Paul S likes um.
gazthomas
Established Member
That I would very much doubt!
HSTEd
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Now we just need diesel Class 323s
krus_aragon
Established Member
I'll let him speak for himself, but I think the jury's still out, there.
I've yet to encounter one in the flesh, for that matter. I'm sure we'll both get the opportunity soon enough, when they start operating closer to home.
(onboard) Nuclear
LOL The Irony
On Moderation
EE Andy b1
Established Member
That's a bit overkill, having 4 Class 31s on a train!!
Glad at least someone has got a project like this up and running in service.
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
Firstly, for the benefit of those still not "in the know", I now use my new website username, but have slightly amended my website signature.
Secondly, I do not "like um" as they still portray a 20th century visual image of the pantomime "new lamps for old" scenario in the 21st century.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Have you been on one yet?
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
The line in question is not one that I would ever find the need to use as there is no reason, at the age of 74, why I would need to visit the area in question. I am sure that the countless YouTube videos and pictorial images of what the Class 230 units actually portray that I have seen are more than enough to convince me still that my original comments concerning the outdated visual external experience of the Class 230 units are still correct.
I think it was an American politician of note who once said that "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig"...or words to that effect.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
I think in that regard the Pompey Direct might be more to your taste
As Petersfield has a railway station on that line, which has allowed us to visit places of note in its environs very many times over the years, you are correct.
You never know, a TfW one passing through Prestbury and Macclesfield if their random unit generator just happened to send one your way on a diversion. (Indulge me everyone, I know the chances are 0.0000000001%!) would you get on one, (if so arranged) if it stopped in your beautiful part of Cheshire!?
D365
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They're definitely a lot quieter inside than what videos make out.
And that's from me only having sampled the prototype unit on the Log Marston test track.
And that's from me only having sampled the prototype unit on the Log Marston test track.
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
In days of yore, Class 142 Pacer units were noted passing through Prestbury on a very few early morning services, but one can only take so much in the way of innovationary units that might disrupt the equilibrium of the village...
DarloRich
Veteran Member
I agree Bedford is pretty grotty but at Bletchley we have:
- Bletchley Park
- National Museum of Computing
(they are well worth a visit even if you detest maths like I do! The national museum of computing is fantastically bonkers but does contain working bombe, Heath Robinson and Colossus replicas which were crucial to the work of Blethcley Park)
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Bedford town centre is a bit grotty but it's nice down by the river, wouldn't travel a long way to visit it, though.
DarloRich
Veteran Member
i wouldn't travel from Wixams to visit it!
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
ExRes
Established Member
A lot of people visit Bedford whether they want to or not, Her Majesty insists on it and even provides accomodation
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
I doubt they get to play on the 230s, though.
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