Class 168 Refurbishment Discussion and Updates

[AJDesiro]

I couldn’t find much difference with the interior apart from it looked all clean and new. Same design and stuff, just new paint and fabrics

I've saw some pictures roughly 2 or 3 months ago, if I recall the seat fabric is grey, but it's moquette now istr.

 

[MerlinRail 804]

I've saw some pictures roughly 2 or 3 months ago, if I recall the seat fabric is grey, but it's moquette now istr.

i noticed the moquette! Quite similar to before though so I won’t expect any passengers to notice. They’ll notice the livery though

 

[CR165022]

I couldn’t find much difference with the interior apart from it looked all clean and new. Same design and stuff, just new paint and fabrics

It also appears to have new lighting, it's a lot whiter than before inside

 

[Mikey C]

The Chiltern 168s are very nice inside, so don't need a major refurbishment programme. Indeed such a programme would probably only introduce less comfortable seating anyway

 

[MerlinRail 804]

It also appears to have new lighting, it's a lot whiter than before inside

I think the whole idea of blue and white in the colouring is a very modern thing. I noticed the tiniest spots of red in the seats

 

[Jacob Porrett]

I believe at Crewe depot we have 168001 going through similar treatment at the moment.

 

[Russel]

The Chiltern 168s are very nice inside, so don't need a major refurbishment programme. Indeed such a programme would probably only introduce less comfortable seating anyway

Agreed, the current interiors are worn and need the refurb, but a simple like for like replacement is all that is required.

 

[MerlinRail 804]

I believe at Crewe depot we have 168001 going through similar treatment at the moment.

Oh good. I shall keep the most watchful eye ever on RTT for the next few days or weeks?

 

[Bornin1980s]

More likely to be under diesel more than steam

I just went to Paris on Eurostar, and got electric-lagged.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Agreed, the current interiors are worn and need the refurb, but a simple like for like replacement is all that is required.

Though almost all the folding tables are broken on the seat backs. I wonder have those been fixed? Might be difficult without replacing the seat frames.

 

[CR165022]

Something is planned to go off to Crewe tomorrow, will assume its either another 168/0 or 168106 which also needs front end repairs.

 

[Russel]

Though almost all the folding tables are broken on the seat backs. I wonder have those been fixed? Might be difficult without replacing the seat frames.

Never noticed that, but I don't use Chiltern much any more and the last few times I have I've sat at a table.

 

[MerlinRail 804]

Something is planned to go off to Crewe tomorrow, will assume it’s either another 168/0 or 168106 which also needs front end repairs.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K19136/2024-09-11/detailed
Also wasn’t there a something scheduled to go up on Monday that got cancelled? Or was it never intended to run in the first place?

 

[12LDA28C]

Oh good. I shall keep the most watchful eye ever on RTT for the next few days or weeks?

Then you'll have a long wait. It's not been there long so I'd be surprised if it reappears this year.

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Something is planned to go off to Crewe tomorrow, will assume its either another 168/0 or 168106 which also needs front end repairs.

It will be 168106.

 

[MerlinRail 804]

Then you'll have a long wait. It's not been there long so I'd be surprised if it reappears this year.

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It will be 168106.

Eternities then

 

[12LDA28C]

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K19136/2024-09-11/detailed
Also wasn’t there a something scheduled to go up on Monday that got cancelled? Or was it never intended to run in the first place?

There was, it got delayed until tomorrow

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Then you'll have a long wait. It's not been there long so I'd be surprised if it reappears this year.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Sep 2024 ==



It will be 168106.

168106 confirmed as I've seen it at work today. One end has a massive crack on it and the bumpers are damaged as well.

 

[MerlinRail 804]

168106 confirmed as I've seen it at work today. One end has a massive crack on it and the bumpers are damaged as well.

So this could take quite a while then

 

[12LDA28C]

168106 confirmed as I've seen it at work today. One end has a massive crack on it and the bumpers are damaged as well.

It was involved in a fatality at Haddenham a few weeks ago. I'm not sure trains have 'bumpers' though...

 

[A60stock]

Meanwhile, the 165s, older, and which have never been as pleasant internally, continue to trundle on as they have been since the 2003-2005 refurbishment

 

[12LDA28C]

Meanwhile, the 165s, older, and which have never been as pleasant internally, continue to trundle on as they have been since the 2003-2005 refurbishment

But Chiltern did put out a tender for their replacement...

 

[MerlinRail 804]

Meanwhile, the 165s, older, and which have never been as pleasant internally, continue to trundle on as they have been since the 2003-2005 refurbishment

Exactly. 168s could’ve waited while 165s get completely redone. Would probably improve reliability issues too. Either way, chiltern need more and nicer trains especially for local services

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Sep 2024 ==

But Chiltern did put out a tender for their replacement...

I thought they pulled out of that because of changed dft regulations or something

 

[12LDA28C]

Exactly. 168s could’ve waited while 165s get completely redone. Would probably improve reliability issues too. Either way, chiltern need more and nicer trains especially for local services

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Sep 2024 ==


I thought they pulled out of that because of changed dft regulations or something

They had two tenders out, one of which was withdrawn. I believe it's still the plan to replace the 165s as soon as suitable new stock can be procured, which is why 165s aren't having a complete refurb like the 168s are.

What exactly are the 'reliability issues' with the 165s that you mention?

 

[A60stock]

Even with a possible replacement lined up, surely they could receive a basic refurbishment internally?

 

[MerlinRail 804]

What exactly are the 'reliability issues' with the 165s that you mention?

I thought they had availability issues because of their age etc

 

[12LDA28C]

I thought they had availability issues because of their age etc

Their electronics are obsolete and it's difficult to source some replacement parts but reliability is pretty good. It wouldn't be cost-effective to replace electronic systems and suchlike when the fleet is due replacement. Especially when a cascade of other stock is in the offing which may enable further cascade of 168s to replace some 165s.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Sep 2024 ==

Even with a possible replacement lined up, surely they could receive a basic refurbishment internally?

I travel regularly on 165s and the interiors certainly don't seem that bad.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I travel regularly on 165s and the interiors certainly don't seem that bad.

The only big issue I've noticed with them is that the grab handle above the doors is dented downwards on some units, it appears due to kids swinging on it and it not being strong enough for that misuse. I wouldn't care but I've banged my head on it a few times

 

[MerlinRail 804]

I travel regularly on 165s and the interiors certainly don't seem that bad.

The seats can be uncomfortable at times. They also just feel a bit worn. I was once on one and the lights went out...
... in the dark!

 

[12LDA28C]

The seats can be uncomfortable at times. They also just feel a bit worn. I was once on one and the lights went out...
... in the dark!

That usually happens at a terminus when the engines shut down due to no driver's key in the desk. Very unusual to have it happen whilst the train is moving.

 

[MerlinRail 804]

That usually happens at a terminus when the engines shut down due to no driver's key in the desk. Very unusual to have it happen whilst the train is moving.

Certainly made the, let’s just say lively, people on the train get even louder! (Not angrily though)