CrossCountry XC Class 170 refurbishment

[WesternLancer]

There was a trolley service on the 1107 Nottingham to Cardiff on Monday.

Thanks for info

 

[43096]

I disagree, this way phone chargers won’t be sharply twisted just beneath the plug when attempting to use the phone while it’s charging. The more this is done the more likely the charging lead is to stop working.

The usual position (how these would be if rotated as you suggest) is better for laptops on tables, and these will now be twisted slightly, but laptop charging leads tend to be a lot thicker and more robust than flimsy phone leads, so I consider this move an improvement.

Agreed, looks a sensible layout to me. Similarly, on the Anglia FLIRTs I like the socket being upside down between the seats - it’s far more natural to plug in that way when the socket is underneath the seat that twisting it around.

 

[Amos390]

I can conform having seen the newley refurbished 170101 in person, they have kitted out the whole inside with charging ports, new seats, removed first class and the obvious new livery (attached)

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

I can confirm having seen the newley refurbished 170101 in person, they have kitted out the whole inside with charging ports, new seats, removed first class and the obvious new livery (attached)

I don’t think anybody ever disbelieved that

 

[Russel]

Agreed, looks a sensible layout to me. Similarly, on the Anglia FLIRTs I like the socket being upside down between the seats - it’s far more natural to plug in that way when the socket is underneath the seat that twisting it around.

Only issue with this is anyone expecting the plug to be the standard way up then rams the live and neutral pins into the 2 USB sockets, which probably explains why so many of the USB sockets don't work on the GA Flirts.

 

[Bikeman78]

Yes, the FISA LEAN, also used on the Greater Anglia and TfW FLIRTs and the 196s.

It's not an uncomfortable seat, but its thick-backed frame does mean poor legroom. Though because the 170s had very thick backed seats before it might still give a small improvement.

The 170/1 were known for poor legroom when they were new. Has it improved with the refurb?

 

[Jacob Porrett]

The 170/1 were known for poor legroom when they were new. Has it improved with the refurb?

Leg room is fine yeah. I had no issues when I went on it a few weeks back.

 

[Rick1984]

I guess it depends which way your wire comes out charger.

 

[The_Train]

I disagree, this way phone chargers won’t be sharply twisted just beneath the plug when attempting to use the phone while it’s charging. The more this is done the more likely the charging lead is to stop working.

The usual position (how these would be if rotated as you suggest) is better for laptops on tables, and these will now be twisted slightly, but laptop charging leads tend to be a lot thicker and more robust than flimsy phone leads, so I consider this move an improvement.

Totally agree with this assessment. They look perfectly positioned to me

 

[E B]

Any updates on 170112?

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Any updates on 170112?

I'll see of I can see any progress when I'm back at work this week.

 

[E B]

I'll see of I can see any progress when I'm back at work this week.

Ok. Thank you.

 

[Envoy]

Presumably nobody can see out if they are behind the cabs? How crazy is that?

 

[Bletchleyite]

That's a variant of the old livery, not the new one. The new one doesn't have the X over the windows.

 

[E B]

I'll see of I can see any progress when I'm back at work this week.

Any progress?

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Any progress?

Unfortunately at this moment in time I haven't been able to see the progress as it's in the wheel lathe and I don't go in there on a regular basis.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Apr 2025 ==

Any progress?

So I can give an update as the door is open. It has received the red livery colour now. That's as much as I can see.

 

[PupCuff]

Presumably nobody can see out if they are behind the cabs? How crazy is that?

Nah, I've had that unit a few times, the visibility through the decals is fine. From that photo the level of opacity looks higher than it actually is, probably a combination of outdoor lighting conditions and the camera image processing.

 

[E B]

Unfortunately at this moment in time I haven't been able to see the progress as it's in the wheel lathe and I don't go in there on a regular basis.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Apr 2025 ==


So I can give an update as the door is open. It has received the red livery colour now. That's as much as I can see.

Ok, thanks a lot

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Update on 170112: as of today the unit has now got the full livery applied to it and it's now receiving the cross country stickers on the side of the unit. Inside the majority of the seats are in position bar a few still need installing. A lot of electrical work is needed by the looks of it and today they had the information screens on testing them out. Hopefully should be out soon by the sounds of it.

 

[childwallblues]

Saw 170101 in its new livery at Tamworth on Tuesday. It certainly catches the eye.

 

[Jamesrob637]

I hope I get lucky and have this or another refurbished unit on the 12:22 Birmingham to Stansted on 26.04

 

[Jacob Porrett]

170112 has now had all stickers applied and all seats are now fitted. Work on the cabs needed still however but it's coming along nicely. I was told it was having an inspection today so fingers crossed that goes well.

 

[E B]

Do you think 112 will be out from next week?

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Do you think 112 will be out from next week?

Could be. You'll have to keep an eye out for paths out of Crewe depot on RTT.

 

[vicbury]

First trip on a refurbished unit for me this morning and I'm quite impressed. The exterior looks really good. The interior is nicely specced too, smart carpet and colours.

In the former first class section, the seats are a definite upgrade, with good back support and large seatback tables. My only criticism is that the edges of the seat base are quite raised and press into your thighs somewhat.

I do also like that the information displays are a simple white text on black background. Much more classy than on some other operators!

 

[Chiltern006]

I am surprised that they didn’t go for info screens like what a lot of other TOCs have now (TPE, LNWR, Southern to name a few)

 

[tfw756rider]

I am surprised that they didn’t go for info screens like what a lot of other TOCs have now (TPE, LNWR, Southern to name a few)

The "computer monitor"-style screens that are fitted to 195s/196s/197s/331s/TfW Mark 4s (on their own), 172/0/2/3s*/805s/807s (in addition to the "stretched bars") and 185s/350s/397s (in addition to the dot matrix screens)?

(I wasn't aware of Southern using those but I haven't yet travelled with them.)

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

The "computer monitor"-style screens that are fitted to 195s/196s/197s/331s/TfW Mark 4s (on their own), 805s/807s (in addition to the "stretched bars") and 185s/350s/397s (in addition to the dot matrix screens)?

(I wasn't aware of Southern using those but I haven't yet travelled with them.)

390s too, now.

 

[tfw756rider]

390s too, now.

Thought so, thanks, but I haven't actually been on one since the final days of Virgin.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Apr 2025 ==

I am surprised that they didn’t go for info screens like what a lot of other TOCs have now (TPE, LNWR, Southern to name a few)

Perhaps they were just not deemed necessary for whatever reason. With them though (in addition to the screens they did get), they would've been most similar to the setups on the 172/0/2/3s.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Thought so, thanks, but I haven't actually been on one since the final days of Virgin.

Even as a famous fan of the Virgin brand I have to admit they’ve been completely revolutionised now, a really worthy UK flagship.