Avanti West Coast Rolling Stock Updates

[Blindtraveler]

Pendos I seem to recall had some kind of signal enhancer fitted. Can only assume these went during refurb and have never returned

 

[87015]

Pendos I seem to recall had some kind of signal enhancer fitted. Can only assume these went during refurb and have never returned

They didnt. Was made up Virgin stickers because people lapped it up if they claimed to be doing so. Nothing was done in reality.

 

[Carlisle]

Pendos I seem to recall had some kind of signal enhancer fitted. Can only assume these went during refurb and have never returned

Don’t think they’ve worked for quite a while now, long before refurbishment started, happy to be corrected if wrong .

 

[Bald Rick]

Apologies if this has been covered already, but I was on 390157 this morning for the first time post-refurb, from Manchester to Euston, and it felt like the phone signal and mobile data is now significantly worse than before? I know it has never been great on a 390, but even as we got south of Watford Junction it was virtually non-existant, when previously it would be 4/5G all the way.

Wouldn't mind, but the onboard Wifi doesn't allow Spotify or BBC Sounds to access it, so I couldn't really listen to any of my music.

The seats are also terrible as well *runs for cover*

I have used a few refurbed units now and havent had the ssme issue. Although to be fair I rarely used 4G south of Watford as it was always rubbish.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Looks like 390124 is working the 1820 Euston to Manchester with a stop at MKC. I might try and get a go on a refurb...finally...though not if it is full and standing!

Does anyone have an up to date full list?

 

[SansHache]

Looks like 390124 is working the 1820 Euston to Manchester with a stop at MKC. I might try and get a go on a refurb...finally...though not if it is full and standing!

Does anyone have an up to date full list?

390104
390019 (next out of Widnes)
390123
390124
390125
390131
390148
390154
390155
390156
390157

 

[Trackman]

390104
390019 (next out of Widnes)
390123
390124
390125
390131
390148
390154
390155
390156
390157

Thanks @SansHache , I'm still too trying to bag one. I just hope for the best and *try* not look at this thread or RTT so it will be a surprise!

 

[JakeMurphy]

Thanks @SansHache , I'm still too trying to bag one. I just hope for the best and *try* not look at this thread or RTT so it will be a surprise!

390128 went to Widnes last night..

 

[Huntergreed]

Is 119 out?

 

[Liam L]

Is 119 out?

Not yet I believe

 

[steve099]

The seats are also terrible as well *runs for cover*

Agree, the seats are really hard

On table seats, the main issue is that the table feels at the wrong height, which makes for an awkward seating position.

There is also a huge block on the window side due to the plug sockets that reduces space overall.

Did the designer sit down at these for more than 2 minutes? Get out a laptop?

 

[Bletchleyite]

So I finally found one and have done a decent length trip.

First thing: LEGROOM! I fit in all seats with almost as much space free as I have in a priority seat in an original one.

The actual seats I find much better. A bit hard, but less bolt-upright, good underthigh support and no lumbar support (which I am counting as a plus, as lumbar support is very individual so unless it is adjustable it is better not to have it). The seat cushions are quite thick so I think will soften over time. Very sensible shape with central support and sides having the space where needed. Big wings for a kip, but not so low down they clout my shoulders. I think this is a real winner. I might even prefer these over the venerable Grammer IC3000! Minor point: folding tables could do with a cup "slot".

Not tried the buffet, 1st, or a table as they were all occupied.

Lighting slightly cooler in temperature but not excessive.

Lime green on end panels a bit manky, would go for fake wood myself instead. Otherwise colour scheme pleasant, though I think they will regret light headrests and should start using antimacassars.

But overall, I like it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Aug 2022 ==

Also...any idea what the round thing next to the bog engaged sign is/was for? (Pictured)

 

[WarrenTManager]

Apologies if this has been covered already, but I was on 390157 this morning for the first time post-refurb, from Manchester to Euston, and it felt like the phone signal and mobile data is now significantly worse than before? I know it has never been great on a 390, but even as we got south of Watford Junction it was virtually non-existant, when previously it would be 4/5G all the way.

Wouldn't mind, but the onboard Wifi doesn't allow Spotify or BBC Sounds to access it, so I couldn't really listen to any of my music.

The seats are also terrible as well *runs for cover*

I would imagine they have used solar filming to cut down UV and reduce the HVAC demand as part of carbon neutral improvements and that has impacted your devices signal quality

 

[Chiltern006]

So I finally found one and have done a decent length trip.

First thing: LEGROOM! I fit in all seats with almost as much space free as I have in a priority seat in an original one.

The actual seats I find much better. A bit hard, but less bolt-upright, good underthigh support and no lumbar support (which I am counting as a plus, as lumbar support is very individual so unless it is adjustable it is better not to have it). The seat cushions are quite thick so I think will soften over time. Very sensible shape with central support and sides having the space where needed. Big wings for a kip, but not so low down they clout my shoulders. I think this is a real winner. I might even prefer these over the venerable Grammer IC3000! Minor point: folding tables could do with a cup "slot".

Not tried the buffet, 1st, or a table as they were all occupied.

Lighting slightly cooler in temperature but not excessive.

Lime green on end panels a bit manky, would go for fake wood myself instead. Otherwise colour scheme pleasant, though I think they will regret light headrests and should start using antimacassars.

But overall, I like it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Aug 2022 ==

Also...any idea what the round thing next to the bog engaged sign is/was for? (Pictured)

looks like a brake dial from the picture however could be wrong

 

[Bletchleyite]

looks like a brake dial from the picture however could be wrong

It looked like a circular mounting for something, with the X being a pencil marking to drill the hole.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Aug 2022 ==

I would imagine they have used solar filming to cut down UV and reduce the HVAC demand as part of carbon neutral improvements and that has impacted your devices signal quality

I also noticed reduced signal quality but didn't notice any form of window film. I think they should fit a repeater.

 

[Trackman]

Also...any idea what the round thing next to the bog engaged sign is/was for? (Pictured)

Bog reset button?
Seen them and operated on non-Avanti/VT DMU units.
Not sure about 390's but Voyagers will lock the door if there are any problems.
On 390's I'm sure there is there is a dead bolt system so to speak - when you lock the door there is a thud from the door about 5 seconds later, just as when you are ... etc..

 

[Skie]

I would imagine they have used solar filming to cut down UV and reduce the HVAC demand as part of carbon neutral improvements and that has impacted your devices signal quality

As delivered they had a window film that reduced solar gain and was one of the contributors to poor mobile signal. Not a new addition from the refurb (though they might have replaced the film, as it does degrade)

 

[Huntergreed]

I’m assuming the current plan is to complete all /1’s before they start on the /0’s?

I’m asking as I’m interested to see if the /0’s are retaining the same layout they have just now.

Realistically, they’d be better off with half of coach H being converted to standard, giving 2.5 first class and 6.5 standard class coaches, but I’m doubtful that will happen!

Surely 119 will also be due out very soon.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I believe they are reducing to 2 1st in the 9 cars, aren't they?

 

[Huntergreed]

I believe they are reducing to 2 1st in the 9 cars, aren't they?

Presumably 1 Standard Premium (J) and first being in K in that case (the staff won’t be happy, permanently losing their staff room in coach K!)

That’s an even more sensible decision given recent loadings, but I fear that will cause massive inflation in the fares for first (they’ll only be able to allocate a very small number of advances in case of walk-ups, and those advances won’t be cheap I imagine!)

 

[Agent_Squash]

You wouldn’t believe these trains used to be 4 first and 4 standard when they first came in. It’s a shame they weren’t all extended to 11 car, as Avanti could still make first a genuinely popular product if done right.

 

[Huntergreed]

You wouldn’t believe these trains used to be 4 first and 4 standard when they first came in. It’s a shame they weren’t all extended to 11 car, as Avanti could still make first a genuinely popular product if done right.

If money allowed (which it clearly doesn’t) then I imagine they would have wanted to use this refurb programme to extend all the /0’s to 11 cars.

I do wonder who Avanti’s target market is for first class these days. It certainly isn’t leisure travelers given the prices, but many businesses will only pay for standard these days too. Is first really that busy at all anymore?

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

If money allowed (which it clearly doesn’t) then I imagine they would have wanted to use this refurb programme to extend all the /0’s to 11 cars.

It's not about money now.
The 106-car order (by DfT, not Virgin) in 2008, for 4x11-car and 31x2-car extensions, was the very last for the 390 version of the Pendolino.
Any subsequent orders for the UK would have been for the new generation of the Pendolino, as used in Switzerland and elsewhere, but once DfT forced the IEP solution on the ECML they never contemplated a new Pendolino order for the UK.
When FirstGroup bid for the franchise they went with Hitachi AT300s (ie the IEP stable).
Once HS2 takes the bulk of WCML long distance traffic, it might be possible to reconfigure some 9-car 390s to 11-car (ie using fewer sets).
But technically it might not be feasible, and commercially maybe not needed by then.

 

[Chiltern006]

what about reconfiguring them to be mostly 10 car??

 

[Trackman]

I believe they are reducing to 2 1st in the 9 cars, aren't they?

Presumably 1 Standard Premium (J) and first being in K in that case (the staff won’t be happy, permanently losing their staff room in coach K!)

I was under the impression 9 cars would remain same, I could be wrong.

However, you can actually find out with rough calculations, as they are creating an extra 2,000 standard seats... if someone wants to work that one out.

Also K is only 18 seats and doesn't have a disabled spot, saying that SP doesn't either but I think we've opened that tin of worms before.

 

[Bald Rick]

If money allowed (which it clearly doesn’t) then I imagine they would have wanted to use this refurb programme to extend all the /0’s to 11 cars.

not able to build anymore, hence Hitachi…

It certainly isn’t leisure travelers given the prices, but many businesses will only pay for standard these days too.

The same as before, business and leisure. Certainly it is mostly leisure travellers I see in Avanti first.

 

[Carlisle]

Bog reset button?

It’s not a button or dial but here’s a closer view if anyone can tell what it might be .

 

[Bletchleyite]

It’s not a button or dial but here’s a closer view if anyone can tell what it might be .

Ah, I can answer it myself with that closer view! I suspect that is a light sensor - the new LED lighting can vary its brightness.

 

[Sorcerer]

Since I've lost track in recent weeks, what's the current progress on the fleet refurbishments? I want to ride on one of the newly done sets at some point and thus want to try and weigh my odds of catching one.

 

[Carlisle]

Ah, I can answer it myself with that closer view! I suspect that is a light sensor - the new LED lighting can vary its brightness.

Thanks.