Ex-LNER Mk4 sets for Grand Central (Blackpool - Euston)

[DB]

I would also think that seat coverings are something that get's replaced on a semi-frequent basis anyway - I certainly would expect that after 5 years the original fabric will be well worn down. Changing the pattern and colour of the fabric doesn't cost very much more, particularly if you don't have access to the original fabric

They are actually in very good condition still. Up until mid march I was travelling on the LNER ones regularly.

 

[route101]

Looking forward to trying this service out!

 

[DB]

The headrest wings look quite big in standard.... Is it the same as LNER's MK4 sets, or is more akin to GC's 180s which is very uncomfy if you're above 5'5"?

Think it's the same - just looks more pronounced because of the contrasting materials used in the new covers.

 

[DB]

*NOT MY PICS* But here are some images of the interiors of the sets... View attachment 80344
View attachment 80343

*NOT MY PICS* But here are some images of the interiors of the sets... View attachment 80344
View attachment 80343

It does look good - but it's a pity they have copied Virgin/LNER and included that ridiculous oval piece on the top section of the first class seats - it serves no purpose and is fixed in position, meaning that if you are tall (as I am) the beading round the top edge digs into the back of your head. I guess the same will apply with the bottom edge for people who are short.

If they really must have a contrasting section there, the GWR / Scotrail approach, with a flat piece stitched on, works much better.

 

[james60059]

Looking forward to trying this service out!

You're not the only one , I've already told my better half don't bother making any plans for May next year, as I've got 90's to bash

 

[Ladder23]

any idea on when we will see these run?

 

[43 302]

any idea on when we will see these run?

May timetable change iirc

 

[Ladder23]

May timetable change iirc

a while then! thanks

 

[Helvellyn]

*NOT MY PICS* But here are some images of the interiors of the sets... View attachment 80344
View attachment 80343

Shame the seat frames haven't been tidied up (zoom in on the first class one to see chipped paint) and look at the torn seal between the window frames. It is only small detail, but if repeated across the carriage will detract. Repair and make good surely isn't that difficult?

 

[DBS92042]

Supposedly another two sets heading to Wembley today. I think its just GC01 and GC04 left at Widnes so will presumably be these two sets

Realtime Trains - 533R 1720 Widnes Transport Tech to Wembley Inter City Depot

Realtime Trains provides live realtime running information for the Great British railway network using open data.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[43 302]

Supposedly another two sets heading to Wembley today. I think its just GC01 and GC04 left at Widnes so will presumably be these two sets

Realtime Trains - 533R 1720 Widnes Transport Tech to Wembley Inter City Depot

Realtime Trains provides live realtime running information for the Great British railway network using open data.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

90026 + 90020 + GC04 + GC01. Shame they didn't keep the WB prefix I much preferred it.

 

[Spirit555]

Formation on 5Z90 was
90026 + 90020 + 82230 11322 10301 12316 12452 12210 82201 11319 10318 12319 12434 12211

Mark

 

[Spartacus]

67006 has been noted dragging 90037 & 90039 to Toton, both bound for the paint shop.

 

[43 302]

67006 has been noted dragging 90037 & 90039 to Toton, both bound for the paint shop.

37 isn't for GC is it?

 

[Spartacus]

I know it wasn't originally going to be, but perhaps plans have changed.

 

[43 302]

I know it wasn't originally going to be, but perhaps plans have changed.

Nope, 37 for DB apparently and 39 for GC.

 

[59CosG95]

Nope, 37 for DB apparently and 39 for GC.

90021 is supposed to be the 5th 90 for GC, after 20, 26, 29 & 39.

 

[43 302]

90021 is supposed to be the 5th 90 for GC, after 20, 26, 29 & 39.

Indeed it is.

 

[LOL The Irony]

*NOT MY PICS* But here are some images of the interiors of the sets... View attachment 80344
View attachment 80343

I must say that the standard offering looks very classy and is a definite rival for avanti looking forwards.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I must say that the standard offering looks very classy and is a definite rival for avanti looking forwards.

I'll judge when I sit in one. It looks very much like that seat goes up at the back and is thus partly sloped the wrong way (like the appalling GNER single piece cushion which while it existed was for me the worst seat on the network, guaranteeing back pain after about 20 minutes) and so is likely to be very uncomfortable for me.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

I must say that the standard offering looks very classy and is a definite rival for avanti looking forwards.

But, much as I adore MK4, as a fairly regular Avanti traveller (around two three times per month COVID excluded), I want to make use of Crewe, I want to make use of Manchester and Liverpool and sometimes Glasgow. These are the stations where most passengers seem to get on and off too. I don’t know many people rely on Avanti West Coast’s to get to Nuneaton or Blackpool but I seriously doubt that if they switch to Grand Central they are going to cause serious loss in revenue for AWC. Bar services to Preston, there doesn’t seem much similarity in terms of service that could be seen as threatening for them.

 

[LOL The Irony]

I'll judge when I sit in one. It looks very much like that seat goes up at the back and is thus partly sloped the wrong way (like the appalling GNER single piece cushion which while it existed was for me the worst seat on the network, guaranteeing back pain after about 20 minutes) and so is likely to be very uncomfortable for me.

Of course, the proof will be in the pudding but on initial looks, it's good.

 

[DB]

From.the photos, it's just the GNER interior with new seat covers and carpets, pretty much!

 

[Bletchleyite]

From.the photos, it's just the GNER interior with new seat covers and carpets, pretty much!

New cushions too, they're a different shape from the Virgin ones.

 

[DB]

New cushions too, they're a different shape from the Virgin ones.

Not sure that they are, but difficult to be sure from the photos.

 

[XAM2175]

I must say that the standard offering looks very classy and is a definite rival for avanti looking forwards.

Must be remembered that GC technically aren't allowed to be a rival to Avanti, or at least not in any major way.