WMR 172s, Why so dirty?

[Russel]

Odd question maybe, but why specifically are WMR 172s so filthy externally, especially the windows?

I've not noticed the issue on other Tyesley maintained stock including other WMR and XC 170s, yet on the 172s, its a struggle to see out of the windows.

 

[Pigeon]

I've noticed that as well. Pain it is, peering out of the window through brown gunk smeared all over the outside. The units look reasonably clean from the platform, but getting on board and trying to look out of the window soon reveals that they're not. I thought we'd left this behind years and years ago.

 

[tfw756rider]

I think this was discussed in another thread (I'm not sure which one). From what I remember, something to do with the carriage wash that, for some reason, affects the 172s the most.

 

[Russel]

I think this was discussed in another thread (I'm not sure which one). From what I remember, something to do with the carriage wash that, for some reason, affects the 172s the most.

The state of them would suggest the carrage wash effects the 172s the least!

 

[Snow1964]

I think this was discussed in another thread (I'm not sure which one). From what I remember, something to do with the carriage wash that, for some reason, affects the 172s the most.

What's the point of a carriage wash that doesn't manage one simple task, washing the carriages.

If it is useless, then needs fixing or replacing

 

[Russel]

What's the point of a carriage wash that doesn't manage one simple task, washing the carriages.

If it is useless, then needs fixing or replacing

WMR Seem happy with how things are done, the 172s have been like this for as long as I can remember!

 

[BlythPower]

They're recreating the classic days of Tyseley Bog Carts!

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Honestly it doesn't help that they're in purple with gold while the 196s and 730s are in purple with orange, because gold is darker and less bright than orange anyway, so combined with the fact the 196/730 fleet is newer, the Turbostars look very drab, dirty and faded compared to the newer fleet -- as if they were once orange but haven't been looked after. I reckon some orange over the top of the gold would be ideal.

 

[CR165022]

Honestly it doesn't help that they're in purple with gold while the 196s and 730s are in purple with orange, because gold is darker and less bright than orange anyway, so combined with the fact the 196/730 fleet is newer, the Turbostars look very drab, dirty and faded compared to the newer fleet -- as if they were once orange but haven't been looked after. I reckon some orange over the top of the gold would be ideal.

I doubt they'll get reliveried until whenever it is that they're due for a repaint, which would hopefully be soon!
Underneath their current vinyls are still the London Midland, Overground and Chiltern liveries

 

[Fidelis]

WMR Seem happy with how things are done, the 172s have been like this for as long as I can remember!

As mentioned in a much earlier thread last year, the windows were etched by a solvent in the train-wash water used by a previous franchise holder, creating pitting of the glass. I assure you that having discussed this on several occasions with WMR they are not happy with presentation of the trains. But as the remedy is to replace all exterior glazing, which would probably require completely new windows, this would be at an unacceptable cost to WMR and the Treasury.

 

[Snow1964]

As mentioned in a much earlier thread last year, the windows were etched by a solvent in the train-wash water used by a previous franchise holder, creating pitting of the glass. I assure you that having discussed this on several occasions with WMR they are not happy with presentation of the trains. But as the remedy is to replace all exterior glazing, which would probably require completely new windows, this would be at an unacceptable cost to WMR and the Treasury.

Although shouldn't really have accepted damaged trains at the start of their contract, without compensation funds to rectify them. Unless I am mistaken there are standards that should have been met on handover.

 

[Russel]

Honestly it doesn't help that they're in purple with gold while the 196s and 730s are in purple with orange, because gold is darker and less bright than orange anyway, so combined with the fact the 196/730 fleet is newer, the Turbostars look very drab, dirty and faded compared to the newer fleet -- as if they were once orange but haven't been looked after. I reckon some orange over the top of the gold would be ideal.

Indeed, I do wonder why they choose gold for the 172s and orange for the rest of the fleet, orange would look so much better.

As mentioned in a much earlier thread last year, the windows were etched by a solvent in the train-wash water used by a previous franchise holder, creating pitting of the glass. I assure you that having discussed this on several occasions with WMR they are not happy with presentation of the trains. But as the remedy is to replace all exterior glazing, which would probably require completely new windows, this would be at an unacceptable cost to WMR and the Treasury.

Shouldn't the cost of replacement be covered by the previous franchise holders, given they caused the damage?

 

[tfw756rider]

The state of them would suggest the carrage wash effects the 172s the least!

I wasn't sure how to word it, you knew what I meant though And I know my first post in here wasn't very helpful, but I just can't find the thread I was referring to for some reason.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 Apr 2026 ==

As mentioned in a much earlier thread last year, the windows were etched by a solvent in the train-wash water used by a previous franchise holder, creating pitting of the glass. I assure you that having discussed this on several occasions with WMR they are not happy with presentation of the trains. But as the remedy is to replace all exterior glazing, which would probably require completely new windows, this would be at an unacceptable cost to WMR and the Treasury.

Can you find / link to the relevant post/page of that earlier thread in here if possible please? I wanted to do so but I just couldn't find it.

 

[david1212]

I have experienced this today on a 170 and two different 172 sets.
The appearance of the windows is like when stored under trees for a long time but if the glass is etched / damaged manual cleaning will not help.

As mentioned in a much earlier thread last year, the windows were etched by a solvent in the train-wash water used by a previous franchise holder, creating pitting of the glass. .....

Can you find / link to the relevant post/page of that earlier thread in here if possible please? I wanted to do so but I just couldn't find it.

I've just had a quick search but can not find a post that fits this.

 

[Chris172]

The 730s orange is starting to bleach, it's paler than when new.

 

[Russel]

The 730s orange is starting to bleach, it's paler than when new.

Yeah I noticed this myself, hopefully it doesn't get too bad because I actually like the livery on the 730s, it's much better than the mess that is gold and purple on the 172s!

 

[TRAX]

Already, what did they use, ball point pens ?