I think from earlier discussions (post #3172) the cost for the 442 work averaged out across the 90 carriages includes the retractioning, which you’d expect takes up a large proportion of the cost, but is yet to really start.
There is a first class variant available, which is used on the GA Stadler units. That seems a bit more suitable for the job.
Yes, new cushions from Transcal.
I tend to agree about the 450s, especially given that the next South Eastern franchise requires the complete withdrawal of 1st Class. We have to remember that there have been high profile campaigns with apparently popular support to reduce or abolish 1st Class across the network, so the DfT is only doing what people want.
Can you imagine the uproar from some of the users of the Alton Line and Haslemere if First Class is removed on the 450s. On the 450s the First Class is still sufficiently different from Standard to justify a premium at least, even though the refurbished units are less comfortable than the unrefurbished ones.
The new 442 traction package will have to be pretty much gold plated, and there’s only 18 units to be done, but the 444/450 aren’t having anything done below the floor.
The 500k is an average and includes the retractioning. Most of the coaches will be a similar cost to refurb to the desiros.
That’s what I tried to get across yesterday, it mustn’t have come across right...
Considering most of SWR's trains now have fronts black with filth they'll fit in well...
Are those front covers I see?
Yes. 2405 and 2424 have been refitted with jumper covers when they were moved to Eastleigh from Ely papworth, they were also refitted with shoe gear at the same time, but now 2424 has had shoe gear removed and it looks like 2405's is also being removed again.
