• Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

EMR Regional and Connect refurbishments

Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

Killingworth

Established Member
Joined
30 May 2018
Messages
5,716
Location
Sheffield

Discuss223

Member
Joined
30 Oct 2024
Messages
375
Location
Rowsley
There were rumours that it was to be known as aubergine but because of connotations of the aubergine emoji, EMR were rumoured to ban staff from using that term for it.

The colour on the vinyled Meridians looks much darker than a standard purple.

The purple on 158847 in the picture makes the unit look like one of the original Northern Spirit TransPennine 158s.
 

LowLevel

Established Member
Joined
26 Oct 2013
Messages
8,224
There were rumours that it was to be known as aubergine but because of connotations of the aubergine emoji, EMR were rumoured to ban staff from using that term for it.

The colour on the vinyled Meridians looks much darker than a standard purple.

The purple on 158847 in the picture makes the unit look like one of the original Northern Spirit TransPennine 158s.
It's known internally as aubergine officially.
 

AirRail

Member
Joined
2 Sep 2020
Messages
41
Location
London Kings Cross
There were rumours that it was to be known as aubergine but because of connotations of the aubergine emoji, EMR were rumoured to ban staff from using that term for it.

The colour on the vinyled Meridians looks much darker than a standard purple.

The purple on 158847 in the picture makes the unit look like one of the original Northern Spirit TransPennine 158s.
Recent communications by EMR and social media refer to it as aubergine . So i don't think that rumour is untrue. We're adults afterall right !?
 
Last edited:

MCR247

Established Member
Joined
7 Nov 2008
Messages
9,959
There were rumours that it was to be known as aubergine but because of connotations of the aubergine emoji, EMR were rumoured to ban staff from using that term for it.

The colour on the vinyled Meridians looks much darker than a standard purple.

The purple on 158847 in the picture makes the unit look like one of the original Northern Spirit TransPennine 158s.

Recent communications by EMR and social media refer to it as aubergine . So i don't think that rumour is true. We're adults afterall right !?
Imagine if EMR ran pendolinos…
 

43055

Established Member
Joined
8 Mar 2018
Messages
3,331

Could this be 501 coming back from refurb by any chance?
Presumably if it does run there is a return path for the next unit:
 

Jacob Porrett

Established Member
Joined
28 Jan 2022
Messages
1,235
Location
Telford
Presumably if it does run there is a return path for the next unit:
I thought it would be to early to send it back. From what I could see recently it wasn't finished yet. Who knows.
 

DanielTheEMid

Member
Joined
13 Mar 2019
Messages
49

Jacob Porrett

Established Member
Joined
28 Jan 2022
Messages
1,235
Location
Telford
170501 report:

Having been on the unit today at work I can say the new refurb looks very nice. A much needed refresh over the London Midland look.

The seats are comfortable which is good (similar to the new cross country 170 seats), the tables are good with plug, USB and USB C sockets, tables on backs of seats are alright, also back of sest plug and USB sockets. The overall appearance inside looks the part now. New screens as well just the announcements are a bit loud I must say. The carpets is good. Fold down seats in places as well.

It's almost ready to go just doing all the computer/tech stuff at the moment.

I was impressed with it. Very purple now haha.


If all goes to plan 170501 should leave this weekend.

Another path for a 170 into Crewe depot as well https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K29956/2025-03-16/detailed
 
Last edited:

reecestrains

Member
Joined
22 Aug 2023
Messages
347
Location
Leeds, West Yorkshire
170501 report:

Having been on the unit today at work I can say the new refurb looks very nice. A much needed refresh over the London Midland look.

The seats are comfortable which is good (similar to the new cross country 170 seats), the tables are good with plug, USB and USB C sockets, tables on backs of seats are alright, also back of sest plug and USB sockets. The overall appearance inside looks the part now. New screens as well just the announcements are a bit loud I must say. The carpets is good. Fold down seats in places as well.

It's almost ready to go just doing all the computer/tech stuff at the moment.

I was impressed with it. Very purple now haha.


If all goes to plan 170501 should leave this weekend.

Another path for a 170 into Crewe depot as well https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K29956/2025-03-16/detailed
I'm presuming the new passenger information screens are the same as they've fitted on CrossCountry's 170101?
 

DanielTheEMid

Member
Joined
13 Mar 2019
Messages
49
170501 report:

Having been on the unit today at work I can say the new refurb looks very nice. A much needed refresh over the London Midland look.

The seats are comfortable which is good (similar to the new cross country 170 seats), the tables are good with plug, USB and USB C sockets, tables on backs of seats are alright, also back of sest plug and USB sockets. The overall appearance inside looks the part now. New screens as well just the announcements are a bit loud I must say. The carpets is good. Fold down seats in places as well.

It's almost ready to go just doing all the computer/tech stuff at the moment.

I was impressed with it. Very purple now haha.


If all goes to plan 170501 should leave this weekend.

Another path for a 170 into Crewe depot as well https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K29956/2025-03-16/detailed
Speaking of, do you know what unit will be the next in line to enter the works?
 

STINT47

Member
Joined
16 Aug 2020
Messages
686
Location
Nottingham
Hopefully the rest of the refurbishment will go quicker now that the first unit is nearly done and the team have some experience.

It's taken longer than expected but I am looking forward to seeing the end result and our area finally having some good quality rolling stock.
 

Jacob Porrett

Established Member
Joined
28 Jan 2022
Messages
1,235
Location
Telford
501 apparently may not be quite ready yet so might slip back a bit.
In what way do you know please?

Hopefully the rest of the refurbishment will go quicker now that the first unit is nearly done and the team have some experience.

It's taken longer than expected but I am looking forward to seeing the end result and our area finally having some good quality rolling stock.
It's been at Crewe since 11/11/24.
 

Top