It's a shame that that's all that they're doing, as the 2+2 Northern Spirit seats, while being the most comfortable type of seating fitted to the Northern 142s, have never been particularly durable or resistant to damage, particularly the headrests which always seem quite flaccid and flimsy. It's a shame that the Northern 142s haven't been given a refurb the same as the ATW Pacers.
Over on the far side of the shed was Heaton’s 142019, fresh from repaint. This is the first ex-ATN (Arriva Trains Northern) 142 to be refreshed, being the test bed for all the other ex-ATN 142s with their 2+2 seating. The lighting has been brightened up, the dull lighting being a regular source of complaint along the Mid Cheshire Line in the evenings, this from conductors who struggle to see the screens on their AVantix ticket machines and from passengers struggling to read. The intention had been to upgrade the seating, but this proved to be too expensive due to railway vehicle acceptance procedures, so the old seats have been sent away for reupholstering and re-covering. Sadly, this is only a “refresh”, not a “refurbishment”, so there’ll be no more space for luggage, prams/pushcairs or bikes, quite a problem on these units. Fortunately, we don’t get them along our line very often.
From MCRUA's site:
No it's not one of the units that Northern have gained from London Midland, it's been with Northern for a good few years.Then onto the unit refresh area in which stood 150211, the same unit as featured in its failed state in our January blog on unit failures seem to be rising. Externally it had been rubbed down and the body filled in the lower areas. The hole above the drivers cab as seen in the post above was still there, to be filled in later prior to repaint. Internally all the fittings in the passenger and cab areas were removed. Floors were being renewed with high quality marine ply, with the seats sent away for reupholster and re-covering. Once completed it would be next in the paint shop.
Also from that site. Is this an ex LM unit because I wasn't aware flooring was being touched
I don't mind the 2+3 seating and very useful sitting next to a large person!
The one on Blackpool south line last Wednesday had new seat covers and looked quite decent.
I don't mind the 2+3 seating and very useful sitting next to a large person!
The ride quality is dreadful, the bounce, and the airtime etc I thought it would be an idea for Northern to name the BPS line units after roller coasters - 'Big Dipper' 'Grand National' Big One' etc.
This unit has now entered service with photos on a number of sites including this one: http://www.northernrailways.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=10735&start=30 Looks very good with the lighting improved, new flooring, new upholstery, internal repaint, new side panels. Out of interest why are there overhead luggage racks on one side only?
Also the class 144 refurbishment programme is reported complete
When are they gonna repaint the rest of the exLM 150s?
It concerns the majority of the Heaton allocated 142s. Off the top of my head, 29 units will be involved in this refurb/refresh. Obviously the more recent additions to the Heaton Pacer fleet, those that have returned from loan with FGW and others that were reallocated from Newton Heath in fairly recent times, won't be similarly treated as they still retain the original 3+2 bus benches.What will be the total number of units that will be involved in this refurbishment programme ?
It concerns the majority of the Heaton allocated 142s. Off the top of my head, 29 units will be involved in this refurb/refresh. Obviously the more recent additions to the Heaton Pacer fleet, those that have returned from loan with FGW and others that were reallocated from Newton Heath in fairly recent times, won't be similarly treated as they still retain the original 3+2 bus benches.
I think there are just 2 left in Central Trains green left now, one is a 150/1 the other is a 150/2. Unless I just keep seeing the same 2 over and over again
All the ex-ATN 142s are officially allocated to Heaton, so I should imagine that at some point they will all rotate back to Heaton, even if they spend periods working on the west side.Any ex-ATN that are on the west side would be switched around with ex-FNW ones or refurbished ex-ATN ones on the east side to ensure they all get done.