Should the 80xs be refitted with ICE3 seating?

[ainsworth74]

So there's fairly wide agreement that the seats in the various different types of 80x running around the network are pretty poor overall. Leg room maybe excellent but that's about it. Whilst I don't have strong negative feelings about them I can certainly sympathise with those that do have strong negative feelings for them.

So I was wondering if perhaps it would be a step in the right direction to re-seat them with the same seats from Deutsche Bahn's ICE3 fleet? I've used both 1st class and 2nd class seats on the ICE3 and I'd have to say that both are a step up from what's been fitted to the 80xs. So why not use the same seats?

And I do mean the same seats as Deutsche Bahn are currently offering for sale both 1st class (doubles and singles) and 2nd class seats (and 2nd class tables) from ICE3s via their online shop:

Double 1st class seat

Deutsche Bahn is currently renewing its trains. For example, when redesigning the ICE 3, a large part of the interior of this high-speed fleet is replaced piece by piece.

With the unusual eye-catchers such as old train seats, tables and other furnishings, you can bring a very special travel flair to your home.

The train seats are particularly popular here: The double seats from the 1st class of the ICE 3 with their wide seat and high-quality leather cover ensure unique seating comfort.

The seats are delivered with two feet. The feet are enclosed with the seat and must be installed independently and screwed to the floor to ensure a secure stand.
The seats show signs of wear and are non-returnable.

Dimensions: approx. 115 x 140 x 55 cm
Weight: approx. 96 kg

Single 1st class seat

Deutsche Bahn is currently renewing its trains. For example, when redesigning the ICE 3, a large part of the interior of this high-speed fleet is replaced piece by piece.

With the unusual eye-catchers, such as old train seats, tables and other furnishings, you can bring a very special travel flair to your home.

The train seats are particularly popular: the single seats from the 1st class of the ICE 3 with their wide seat and high-quality leather cover ensure unique seating comfort.

The seats are delivered with two feet. The feet are enclosed with the seat and must be installed independently and screwed to the floor to ensure a secure stand.
The seats show signs of wear and are non-returnable.

Dimensions: approx. 115 x 70 x 55 cm
Weight: approx. 20 kg

Double 2nd class seat

Deutsche Bahn is currently renewing its trains. For example, when redesigning the ICE 3, a large part of the interior of this high-speed fleet is replaced piece by piece.

With the unusual eye-catchers such as old train seats, tables and other furnishings, you can bring a very special travel flair to your home.

The train seats are particularly popular: the double seats from the 2nd class of the ICE 3 with the well-known upholstery design not only offer a high level of recognition, but also very good seating comfort.

The seats are delivered with two feet. The feet are enclosed with the seat and must be installed independently and screwed to the floor to ensure a secure stand.
The seats show signs of wear and are non-returnable.

Dimensions: approx. 130 x 115 x 55 cm
Weight: approx. 96 kg

Double 2nd class table

Deutsche Bahn is currently renewing its trains. For example, when redesigning the ICE 3, a large part of the interior of this high-speed fleet is replaced piece by piece.

With the unusual eye-catchers such as old train seats, tables and other furnishings, you can bring a very special travel flair to your home.

Dimensions: approx. 72 x 50 x 103 cm
Weight: approx. 40 kg

Now obviously individually they are a bit steep in price terms for instance a bay of four 2nd class seats with table would be 1.177,00 € or around £1,000 which would get pricey over the full length of an 80x unit. But I'm sure it would be possible to negotiate some sort of bulk discount considering the numbers that would be involved!

So I have to say perhaps this is the answer to the complaints! Re-seat the 80xs with the same seats as fitted to the ICE3!

 

[hexagon789]

So there's fairly wide agreement that the seats in the various different types of 80x running around the network are pretty poor overall. Leg room maybe excellent but that's about it. Whilst I don't have strong negative feelings about them I can certainly sympathise with those that do have strong negative feelings for them.

So I was wondering if perhaps it would be a step in the right direction to re-seat them with the same seats from Deutsche Bahn's ICE3 fleet? I've used both 1st class and 2nd class seats on the ICE3 and I'd have to say that both are a step up from what's been fitted to the 80xs. So why not use the same seats?

And I do mean the same seats as Deutsche Bahn are currently offering for sale both 1st class (doubles and singles) and 2nd class seats (and 2nd class tables) from ICE3s via their online shop:

Double 1st class seat



Single 1st class seat



Double 2nd class seat



Double 2nd class table



Now obviously individually they are a bit steep in price terms for instance a bay of four 2nd class seats with table would be 1.177,00€ or around £1,000 which would get pricey over the full length of an 80x unit. But I'm sure it would be possible to negotiate some sort of bulk discount considering the numbers that would be involved!

So I have to say perhaps this is the answer to the complaints! Re-seat the 80xs with the same seats as fitted to the ICE3!

First thing I'm thinking - would they be compliant with the regs? A big deal was made of that with the 80x seats.

 

[Energy]

I have to be honest, I dislike the appearance of the ICE seats. The leather seems in not great shape in every photo.

 

[Cowley]

I have to be honest, I dislike the appearance of the ICE seats. The leather seems loon in not great shape in every photo.

Loon?

 

[Energy]

Loon?

Remove loon, autocorrect is not always my friend

 

[Peter Mugridge]

I certainly wouldn't be keen on travelling first class in that leather looking seat - it looks rather slippery and unyielding to me.

 

[superalbs]

Definitely the best seats I have ever sat in. This is a great idea!

 

[superalbs]

I'm honestly tempted myself, but the collection would just be a nightmare...

Seems they offer delivery for €19.90.

 

[Aictos]

I'm honestly tempted myself, but the collection would just be a nightmare...

Seems they offer delivery for €19.90.

No idea if the seats are included but if you order stuff like clocks, bags, toys etc then they deliver for free to a German address.

 

[ainsworth74]

No idea if the seats are included but if you order stuff like clocks, bags, toys etc then they deliver for free to a German address.

The website states free delivery for the seats in Germany.

 

[Aictos]

The website states free delivery for the seats in Germany.

My German isn’t as good as it should be, I knew small items were included but weren’t sure if large and bulky items were included or not.

Thank you for clarifying.

 

[Mag_seven]

I certainly wouldn't be keen on travelling first class in that leather looking seat - it looks rather slippery and unyielding to me.

If we could have an upholstered version I would be all for it. The Swiss originally had leather seats in their ICN units but those were replaced with an upholstered version.

 

[Bevan Price]

I prefer fabric covered seats rather than plastic or (imitation) leather -- the latter can get rather "sticky" in hot weather (even if Air Con is working.)
I have yet to encounter any seats as comfortable as those in Bulleid SR open / corridor coaches, although I doubt they comply with current fire regulations.

 

[greatvoyager]

Personally I'd be happy with anything other than the current 80x seats.

 

[43096]

The answer to the question is an absolute yes.

 

[HSTEd]

Why are they selling ICE3 seats on their website?

Are they scrapping ICE3s or refurbishing or something?

 

[ainsworth74]

Are they scrapping ICE3s or refurbishing or something?

As stated in the quoted passages from the website they're refurbishing them.

 

[HSTEd]

As stated in the quoted passages from the website they're refurbishing them.

Oh cool sorry, missed that.
Getting old.

Honestly I need an armchair for my new house... might buy one and stick it onto a suitable base.

 

[ainsworth74]

Honestly I need an armchair for my new house... might buy one and stick it onto a suitable base.

If you're up for it I know a Forum member who has bought one but is in need of someone able to mount it on a suitable base

 

[superalbs]

Why are they selling ICE3 seats on their website?

Are they scrapping ICE3s or refurbishing or something?

Refitting them with new (very-good-but-not-quite-as-good) seats from Clerprem. Here's an image of the new interior

(https://inside.bahn.de/wordpress/uploads/2017/04/ICE-3-redesign-2-klasse-01.jpg)

 

[Bletchleyite]

DB dumping Grammer, that's a turn for the books.

I agree with those who say they prefer fabric (ideally proper moquette), by the way, though I do think a vinyl/leather headrest both looks classy and means you don't get hair grease ground into the headrest cushion.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

If we could have an upholstered version I would be all for it. The Swiss originally had leather seats in their ICN units but those were replaced with an upholstered version.

Yes, that fabric design looks a lot more suitable.

 

[Doomotron]

What about the seats from 395s? Last time I travelled on one in October, I think they have changed the bases, and they're superbly soft and comfy. Lovely seats.

 

[WideRanger]

I really wish we had Japanese seats in the UK - they are very comfortable, and flexible: passengers can choose to use them as airline seats or in bays. I'm assuming the main reason we don't get them is because they have enormous seat pitch.

 

[class26]

There was a meeting in York recently of stakeholders on the ECML and several from the LNER management were . I was there in my capacity on the Lincolnshire Railfutures committee. There was one moment when the LNER guy (forget his name) spoke about the "ergonomically designed seats" etc, etc on the Azumas at which point the entire audience just erupted in laughter and disbelief ! He got the message.

 

[Bletchleyite]

What about the seats from 395s? Last time I travelled on one in October, I think they have changed the bases, and they're superbly soft and comfy. Lovely seats.

I had hoped that the 80x would have seats similar to those being basically a stretched version of the same train - how wrong I was

 

[Bletchleyite]

I really wish we had Japanese seats in the UK - they are very comfortable, and flexible: passengers can choose to use them as airline seats or in bays. I'm assuming the main reason we don't get them is because they have enormous seat pitch.

Probably so. For rotating seats to work there is a minimum pitch to allow them to rotate, and it is quite generous. Also cost.

 

[class26]

In the news this morning the government are proposing to move the House of Lords to York and have identified a site close to York station for this purpose. Should this actually happen, I wonder how long it would take for the seats on the Azuma`s to get replaced ?

 

[31160]

In the news this morning the government are proposing to move the House of Lords to York and have identified a site close to York station for this purpose. Should this actually happen, I wonder how long it would take for the seats on the Azuma`s to get replaced ?

Well the first class seats anyway