Merseyrail Class 777 mock-up pictures revealed.

[507 001]

Some pictures of the new 777 mock-up have surfaced on Twitter.
Have to say, it’s not quite as bad as I was expecting, but it looks very ‘light-rail’. I’m still not entirely convinced.


https://twitter.com/go2alexuk/status/1011301524809617408?s=21

 

[DanNCL]

I think that looks rather good. Agreed on it looking quite 'light rail', makes me think that Stadler might also be planning on offering this design for the Tyne & Wear Metro fleet renewal in addition to Merseyrail.

 

[507 001]

It’s the seats, both the seats themselves and the layout that are doing it for me I think.
I’m still not convinced about the door layout either.

You’re right though, it does look extremely well suited to T&W.

 

[superalbs]

They look like very nice trains. Looking forward to trying them out.

 

[gazthomas]

It’s the seats, both the seats themselves and the layout that are doing it for me I think.
I’m still not convinced about the door layout either.

You’re right though, it does look extremely well suited to T&W.

I agree, especially the seats! The front of the train reminds me of a 1980s Sci-fi programme, the name escapes me at the moment!

 

[507 001]

I agree, especially the seats! The front if the train reminds me of a 1980s Sci-fi programme, the name escapes me at the moment!

I’m glad I’m not the only one then!

Don’t get me wrong, I think there are some positives to be had, the livery being one, the fact that they’re built by Stadler (which is generally never a bad thing) being the other. They also have some pretty nifty features.

But worthy successors to the current stock? As I say, I’m unconvinced!

 

[507021]

I’m glad I’m not the only one then!

Don’t get me wrong, I think there are some positives to be had, the livery being one, the fact that they’re built by Stadler (which is generally never a bad thing) being the other. They also have some pretty nifty features.

But worthy successors to the current stock? As I say, I’m unconvinced!

Completely agree.

 

[DenmarkRail]

They look perfect in my opinion. Clearly robustly built, and ready to tackle the next 40 years. It'll be interesting to see how these compare to the new tube for London stock, which will be roughly introduced at similar timescales (give or take a few years)...

I can see this design, becoming the fundamental design (with changes) for the T+W metro, DLR, and even for some of the South Eastern metro services. We'll have to wait and see, but I can see Stadtler becoming one of the big forces in UK rolling stock!

 

[Class465fan]

Weird looking seats.

 

[pdeaves]

Please, please do something more interesting than black for the fronts! The light chevron will take some getting used to (but then I'm still not used to seeing fancy light shapes on road vehicles, either).

 

[tommy_train]

To be honest, I think the seats on the mock-up look nicer than some newer Berlin U-Bahn Stock.

For the record, I really like the Berlin U-Bahn.

 

[WatcherZero]

Lol, if it wasn't for the screens you would think that berlin photo was taken in the 80's, even with the screens it looks 90's.

 

[507 001]

Lol, if it wasn't for the screens you would think that berlin photo was taken in the 80's, even with the screens it looks 90's.

It does look a bit.... retro?!

 

[xc170]

In the 4th photo, does anyone know what the 'fins' are for running along side the body under the windows?

 

[James James]

I think that looks rather good. Agreed on it looking quite 'light rail', makes me think that Stadler might also be planning on offering this design for the Tyne & Wear Metro fleet renewal in addition to Merseyrail.

This is just Stadler's standard "Metro" train, I suspect the main design factor is being low level entries with a single level (which requires some tradeoffs compared to the Flirt which is a full train, e.g. probably smaller wheels):
https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/products/detail/underground-trains/

 

[Camden]

The seats are too close together, so it will be uncomfortable for two people sitting side by side, particularly for the person sat closest to the window. I hope those headrests are just reflective of it being a mock-up, because they look like they'll act like magnets for vandals.

 

[birchesgreen]

I agree, especially the seats! The front of the train reminds me of a 1980s Sci-fi programme, the name escapes me at the moment!

Yes indeed

 

[jopsuk]

In the 4th photo, does anyone know what the 'fins' are for running along side the body under the windows?

They're to reduce the chances of anyone being able to fall between the train and platform

 

[AM9]

The seats are too close together, so it will be uncomfortable for two people sitting side by side, particularly for the person sat closest to the window. ...

To keep within the UK loading gauge, there aren't many options for high-density commuter stock. So either there is 2+2 seating of 3+2 sized seats with a decent gangway (ala classes 700/707/717), or longitudonal seats (ala classes 345/710). Some of those have combinations of those seat configurations but the bottom line is that high-density requirements mean narrower seats and fewer of them.

 

[gazthomas]

Yes indeed

That's exactly it!

 

[Mikey C]

Interesting that those Berlin trains have a similar layout to the London S8s, with transverse seats on one side and longitudinal on the other.

The S8s are the only train (AFAIK) in the UK which uses this layout, which is a bit of shame as to me it gives the best of both worlds, some transverse seats (with better width spacing than the 700s etc) plus decent standing room.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

They're to reduce the chances of anyone being able to fall between the train and platform

This is the first "skirted" stock since the Underground withdrew the CO/CP and R Stock isn't it?

 

[XCTurbostar]

Attached Images from twitter to enable future viewing.

 

[Pyreneenguy]

I grew up with the L.M.S class 502; saw the introduction of the class 508.........................can't say as I'm over enthusiastic about the new class 777. They appear narrow and out of place on the surface !

 

[Kneedown]

The front of the train reminds me of a 1980s Sci-fi programme, the name escapes me at the moment!

Terrahawks!

 

[sluf]

or marvin the paranoid android from the original TV series Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy.
certainly looks different to the 507/8!

 

[507 001]

or marvin the paranoid android from the original TV series Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy.
certainly looks different to the 507/8!

I think they should be known as ‘Marvins’ from now on.....

 

[whhistle]

Not a fan of different coloured lights.
Go full bright white LED or warm white, but don't mix and match!

 

[Lockwood]

I think they hit the jackpot with this class!

(I'll get my coat)

 

[Rick1984]

That's a really smart looking train. Like the use of LED's on front and around doors.
Interior a bit too spartan looking. A bit more yellow tastefully used wouldn't go amiss.