Status of 221114

[Train Boy]

Good evening all,

I am curious to know the status of 221114 (ex-Avanti Voyager that transferred to XC) which was involved in a fatality near Durham on 5th July. I am led to believe it is still at Tyne Yard after being moved there on the aforementioned day.

Is there any idea when the unit may be moved for repairs (which are presumably required)?

Many thanks.

 

[Minilad]

It was on Central Rivers last night (Wed 14th)

 

[Train Boy]

It was on Central Rivers last night (Wed 14th)

Cheers.

 

[occone]

I'm on 221114 now, a joy compared to the legacy XC Voyagers, and I could swear we are tilting.

For some reason I assumed XC would have found a reason to make their ex-Avanti Voyagers not tilt given the mechanism presumably needs maintenance, which presumably costs money that XC would rather send to DB than provide any noticeable improvement.

Either way, it's a lovely journey, it's changed my mind somewhat on what Voyagers are and can be.

 

[MCR247]

I'm on 221114 now, a joy compared to the legacy XC Voyagers, and I could swear we are tilting.

For some reason I assumed XC would have found a reason to make their ex-Avanti Voyagers not tilt given the mechanism presumably needs maintenance, which presumably costs money that XC would rather send to DB than provide any noticeable improvement.

Either way, it's a lovely journey, it's changed my mind somewhat on what Voyagers are and can be.

There’s not many places on the XC network where 221s can actually tilt to be fair. I think somewhere near Banbury and some WCML bits?

 

[D365]

I’ve been informed that the ex-Avanti 221s have their tilt equipment isolated at Central Rivers or Litchurch Lane.

 

[Davester50]

Did I not read something years ago about Cross Country not having the paperwork/authority to operate tilting trains, or am I speaking rubbish?!

 

[RUK]

given the mechanism presumably needs maintenance, which presumably costs money that XC would rather send to DB than provide any noticeable improvement.

Just as a side note, Arriva’s been sold by Deutsche Bahn to I Squared Capital as of June 2024. I think the Department for Transport controls expenditure more so than the train operating companies themselves at the moment, in any case.

 

[voyagerdude220]

I'm on 221114 now, a joy compared to the legacy XC Voyagers, and I could swear we are tilting.

Either way, it's a lovely journey, it's changed my mind somewhat on what Voyagers are and can be.

I've always felt that the Avanti 221s are in a far superior condition compared with their Cross Country counterparts.

Not only does the refurb done to the Avanti ones help, I've also noticed that the Cross Country ones seem visibly far more worn in general- e.g. Notably more rattly panels, broken seat reclines, windows looking dirty.

My theory is that maybe the Avanti ones have more time at depots because they're not used as thoroughly as the Cross Country ones. (or at least they certainly weren't before Cross Country got hold of some Avanti 221s)

 

[sh24]

The Voyagers are good trains, let down by the incredibly noisy vibrating engines and stinky bathrooms as well as insufficient coaches. The seating, the windows and general on board ambience are pretty decent.

 

[voyagerdude220]

stinky bathrooms

I think Virgin made alterations to their 221s soon after Cross Country took their 220/221s. I think it was done as part of the mini refurbishment which included installing the additional CCTV.

Personally I don't think the refurbished are as bad as the Cross Country ones.

 

[Razorblades]

The only time I've ever had a bath on a train was when the aircon fluids were leaking through the ceiling panels.

On further reflection that was more of a shower.

 

[occone]

Not only does the refurb done to the Avanti ones help, I've also noticed that the Cross Country ones seem visibly far more worn in general- e.g. Notably more rattly panels, broken seat reclines, windows looking dirty.

The rattly panels, dented seats (presumably from people slamming over-filled suitcases down from the racks), dirty window blinds, scuffed sides, worn fabric, and failed windows really sets XC apart in a bad way.

The ex-Avanti ones interestingly still have internal doors that chop you in half, I figured they'd had added sensors but it's not a huge deal presuming someone doesn't have a skeletal condition.

But it was a really pleasant journey overall. I did wonder if the engines were better tuned or better mounted to not rattle and shake so much when idle, but I don't have any details on how the engines are mounted.

I find it interesting that the 180s have the same engine as the Voyagers, but they glide like butter in comparison even to the nicest voyager, but then Voyagers are workhorses and incredibly reliable.

 

[fgwrich]

The rattly panels, dented seats (presumably from people slamming over-filled suitcases down from the racks), dirty window blinds, scuffed sides, worn fabric, and failed windows really sets XC apart in a bad way.

The ex-Avanti ones interestingly still have internal doors that chop you in half, I figured they'd had added sensors but it's not a huge deal presuming someone doesn't have a skeletal condition.

But it was a really pleasant journey overall. I did wonder if the engines were better tuned or better mounted to not rattle and shake so much when idle, but I don't have any details on how the engines are mounted.

I find it interesting that the 180s have the same engine as the Voyagers, but they glide like butter in comparison even to the nicest voyager, but then Voyagers are workhorses and incredibly reliable.

The difference between a smooth Voith Hydraulic transmission and a DEMU set up where the engine is predominantly a power pack.

But the difference between the ex Avanti units and XCs natives are incredible. Travelling in an Avanti unit, particularly with the shop open, can actually be a pleasurable experience.

 

[YorksLad12]

The ex-Avanti ones interestingly still have internal doors that chop you in half, I figured they'd had added sensors but it's not a huge deal presuming someone doesn't have a skeletal condition.

The XC ones constantly close on people waiting to alight or board, which is just nuts.

I find it interesting that the 180s have the same engine as the Voyagers, but they glide like butter in comparison even to the nicest voyager, but then Voyagers are workhorses and incredibly reliable.

I find it interesting that the door controls are the other way around on the ex-Avanti sets to the XC natives. I think they have Open over Close, with XC being Close over Open. Or the other way round.

 

[occone]

I think they have Open over Close, with XC being Close over Open.

Oh it wasn't me being silly then! I definitely reached for the wrong one and figured I was just tired xD

That's a great spot