GA Fleet Change

[LowLevel]

What was so wrong with the 156s? They had been fully refurbed to PRM standards.

Crossed wires. The Northern 4, 470, 473, 497, 498 were in a manky state in 2011 in contrast to the recently refurbished EMT units and notices were put up to apologise.

However the GA 156s also arrived in a disgraceful condition, torn dado panels, bogs that stank like they'd never been serviced, the graffiti in the cabs and door panels should have seen some P45s issued to the perps (our depots slapped some random paint over some of it it was so nasty), one unit (922) had to go for main depot repairs because it had a hole in the roof that had just been left to rot, and there were many complaints from traincrew about bites from fleas or mites.

It was quite clear that GA had stopped bothering with them quite some time before. Considering they have the same heritage as the EMT 156s until 2005 they couldn't be in a more different condition.

 

[dk1]

They were filthy!

Well part from that

Crossed wires. The Northern 4, 470, 473, 497, 498 were in a manky state in 2011 in contrast to the recently refurbished EMT units and notices were put up to apologise.

However the GA 156s also arrived in a disgraceful condition, torn dado panels, bogs that stank like they'd never been survived, the graffiti in the cabs and door panels should have seen some P45s issued to the perps (our depots slapped some random paint over some of it it was so nasty), one unit (922) had to go for main depot repairs because it had a hole in the roof that had just been left to rot, and there were many complaints from traincrew about bites from fleas or mites.

It was quite clear that GA had stopped bothering with them quite some time before. Considering they have the same heritage as the EMT 156s until 2005 they couldn't be in a more different condition.

But they had nice amost new PRM compliant toilets and a dance floor behind I thought all units had grafitti in the door panels etc. Many of the staff they referred to are still here. We had a few leaks with them but then we are getting that now with the Stadler fleet.

 

[OTRail]

To be fair the 360 interior is really not bad, the seats have been recovered in the last few years (i think), its not going be like when those 156s transferred to East Midlands trains in such a shambolic state they put signs up saying sorry!

That is true, but they aren’t suited for the Corby service. They need to be reconfigured to 2+2 in standard and 2+1 in first, not to mention a repaint into EMR livery.

The original plan was to send them in service in the same condition as they left GA, but with the electrification delay EMR now plans to refurbish them prior to entering service.

 

[86246]

To be fair the 360 interior is really not bad, the seats have been recovered in the last few years (i think), its not going be like when those 156s transferred to East Midlands trains in such a shambolic state they put signs up saying sorry!

Yes, the 360 seats were recovered a few years back when the original First purple coloured ones were rather threadbare in many examples.

 

[dk1]

Yes, the 360 seats were recovered a few years back when the original First purple coloured ones were rather threadbare in many examples.

They had got really bad in places. GA used a black variant of moquet on the fleet. Was roughly the same time as the 170 fleet was so treated.

 

[ExRes]

The most impressive GA fleet change for me has to be the reintroduction of loco hauled services, bringing in those ROG 37s and 47s to haul their trains is a public relations masterstroke ..........

 

[LowLevel]

Well part from that


But they had nice amost new PRM compliant toilets and a dance floor behind I thought all units had grafitti in the door panels etc. Many of the staff they referred to are still here. We had a few leaks with them but then we are getting that now with the Stadler fleet.

Ours have had CCTV fitted for the last 10 years or so. There is the odd bit of football banter from a long time ago but nothing like the personal nastiness in some of the GA units.

The nice new bogs only stay nice and new if you look after them and I suspect with the ongoing farce about depots at GA Crown Point had little time to worry about anything other than the essentials of keeping the wheels turning and not turning when needed. Contrast to now when gangs of cleaners descend upon the Stadlers when they arrive into Norwich!

The grey slime all over the front of the units is a novel touch too

 

[dk1]

Ours have had CCTV fitted for the last 10 years or so. There is the odd bit of football banter from a long time ago but nothing like the personal nastiness in some of the GA units.

The nice new bogs only stay nice and new if you look after them and I suspect with the ongoing farce about depots at GA Crown Point had little time to worry about anything other than the essentials of keeping the wheels turning and not turning when needed. Contrast to now when gangs of cleaners descend upon the Stadlers when they arrive into Norwich!

The grey slime all over the front of the units is a novel touch too

Most annoying thing about those toilets was the bin that used to flap & hit your legs as you had a sit down. Couldn't seem to get to grips with the flimsy locks. Worse than the crappy ones fitted by BR to the MK3s.