Northern ex-scotrail class 158

[Flyingsprinter]

I was on an ex-scotrail 158 earlier (I didn’t note the number, it was the 12:19 off Victoria to Leeds) along the Calder valley and it had a really odd interior. It had an old first class section (image attached) and I haven’t seen a 158 before with these particular seats. What’s the story behind these 158s? Are they original seats as they look like something out of an old MK2? The standard class seats were worse for wear as well and had an old green/turquoise moquette. The interior was quite frankly disgusting. Rips and tears in all the seats, really is in a poor condition. It looked as though it hadn’t had anything done to it since it was built expect for a new carpet. Why hasn’t this unit ever had a proper refurb?

 

[DarloRich]

The interior was quite frankly disgusting. Rips and tears in all the seats, really is in a poor condition. It looked as though it hadn’t had anything done to it since it was built expect for a new carpet. Why hasn’t this unit ever had a proper refurb?

yes it has had a proper refurb but not before in entered traffic for Norethern because they, rightly in my book, felt improving capacity was of more importance than paint and carpet.

 

[7522]

158786 - Had it on the Carlisle - Newcastle route a couple of times myself. I do agree with the comments about the interior being past its best. I believe (but not 100% sure) that the first class section was added during it's time at South West Trains at which point the standard class seats were red (there is still a red coloured seat in the middle vestibule). The turquoise coloured seats were done by Scotrail although i'm not sure when this will have been done. I actually do quite like this unit although have always been lucky to sit in the first class section in carriage 52786 so have never had to experience the standard seats. The first class seats do offer quite a lot of comfort in my opinion although they do tend to fill up fast.

Hopefully northern do get round to refurbishing this unit soon, along with the other ex Scotrail 158's which do seem to all be in varying degrees of poor condition. I am yet to experience a fully refurbished 158 from Northern so am unable to comment but i'm sure it will make a difference.

 

[Flyingsprinter]

yes it has had a proper refurb but not before in entered traffic for Norethern because they, rightly in my book, felt improving capacity was of more importance than paint and carpet.

I agree that northern have done right and put it straight into service, I was just wondering why it is so shabby. It’s probably the worst unit I’ve been on and I’m surprised it’s ever even had a refurb as the first class seats look very old fashioned and like it’s never been touched.
It is nice to ride on for novelty and nostalgia value though for the time being, I just personally never can get fully comfortable in dirty old seats so probably can’t enjoy it like others maybe.
Is this the only unit like this or are there others?

 

[Neptune]

158786 & 789 were both transferred to South West Trains many years ago from Central. They were refurbished as per the class 159’s at the time with their own blue FC seats (which they retain) and red/orange SC moquette. They were replaced by the 170’s (subsequently replaced by ex TPE 158’s) ending up at Scotrail.

Scotrail replaced the original SC seats with Chapmans and with the original ATW moquette (the one they have now) which presumably came direct from ATW 158’s when they were refurbished with Grammar seats. 158782 also received these seats around the same time, although this unit recently returned from refurbishment.

Although not in the best nick they are a train to use which is infinitely better than having no train.

 

[hexagon789]

I was on an ex-scotrail 158 earlier (I didn’t note the number, it was the 12:19 off Victoria to Leeds) along the Calder valley and it had a really odd interior. It had an old first class section (image attached) and I haven’t seen a 158 before with these particular seats. What’s the story behind these 158s? Are they original seats as they look like something out of an old MK2? The standard class seats were worse for wear as well and had an old green/turquoise moquette. The interior was quite frankly disgusting. Rips and tears in all the seats, really is in a poor condition. It looked as though it hadn’t had anything done to it since it was built expect for a new carpet. Why hasn’t this unit ever had a proper refurb?

The First Class is SWT-style. When ScotRail 158s had First Class it was 2+2 and had table lamps.

 

[Wst71Pa2]

Those ones with the first class armchairs weren't refurbished when ScotRail got them, bare minimum only. Ex Alphaline? Silver bullets?

Drivers desks were also a nightmare state of various hotchpotch modifications

 

[47271]

Those old SWT units are luxury. If you think this is a bad Scotrail 158 you obviously never experienced one of the Haymarket 'collapsed seat' specials - all original Scottish units - with broken aircon, thankfully all now refurbed. They really were very memorable over three hours on a warm summer day between Edinburgh and Inverness.