EMR Regional and Connect refurbishments

[westcoaster]

Only thing I can think of is EMR were waiting for enough to run a pair in service considering they’re almost always in 8 car formation?

Im wondering if it was a compatability issue, maybe the new PIS system is not compatible with the older version.
Or some other software change.

 

[tram21]

. I just hope once all are done they actually look at running certain peak services as 12-car services.

There's still the issue that that would need two train managers in the rear two units.

 

[LowLevel]

They've had some technical issue with the refurbished set that they have been working to resolve, something to do with the PIS I think. Presumably if they've had this launch they're about there.

 

[Helvellyn]

There's still the issue that that would need two train managers in the rear two units.

Two Train Managers, or a third member of staff in the middle unit?

If EMR will never be able (or allowed) to run 12-car units then what is the point of refurbishing all 21.

 

[tram21]

Two Train Managers, or a third member of staff in the middle unit?

If EMR will never be able (or allowed) to run 12-car units then what is the point of refurbishing all 21.

Feel free to correct me if wrong, but I believe the current union arrangement is that it needs to be a Train manager. This could potentially change.

 

[sabanda]

Saw these stickers on 360116 on Wednesday for the first time advertising the refurb.

Not a great image, the sticker says: “To enhance your rail experience, these trains are being refurbished. Thank you for your patience.”

Very peculiar way of phrasing it. AI involvement or just modern marketing talk?

 

[43102EMR]

360107 seems to be running to Corby tonight, potential test run? https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:J09875/2026-06-09/detailed#allox_id=1

 

[Merle Haggard]

360107 seems to be running to Corby tonight, potential test run? https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:J09875/2026-06-09/detailed#allox_id=1

It's then going to Stp Pancras and back, although only the return working is on RTT.
It's occasionally done this same round trip in the past, presumably some sort of test runs because ithey call at the usual Connect / Luton Airport Express stations.

 

[Mordac]

Is the former SWR 158 being refurbished to be the same as the others?

 

[Mariner16]

170510 and 170511 swapped yesterday Etches-Crewe.

 

[InTheEastMids]

They've had some technical issue with the refurbished set that they have been working to resolve, something to do with the PIS I think. Presumably if they've had this launch they're about there.

EMR have published the story below, saying that the refurbished trains won't start to enter service until July.

There are photos, usual canned quotes about what an enormous step change it is, and a 17 second video.
The PR is a bit disappointing in that the only benefit of electrification they seem able to identify is lower carbon emissions.

EMR unveils first refurbished Class 360 in £30 million transformation, bringing modern interiors and new features to EMR Connect | East Midlands Railway News

EMR unveils newly refurbished Class 360 train. First train in £30 million programme to modernise the EMR Connect fleet. Refurbishment will improve customer experience with redesigned interior, including new 2+2 seating. Other improvements upgraded luggage facilities, power and USB charging...

news.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk

 

[Merle Haggard]

EMR have published the story below, saying that the refurbished trains won't start to enter service until July.

There are photos, usual canned quotes about what an enormous step change it is, and a 17 second video.
The PR is a bit disappointing in that the only benefit of electrification they seem able to identify is lower carbon emissions.

EMR unveils first refurbished Class 360 in £30 million transformation, bringing modern interiors and new features to EMR Connect | East Midlands Railway News

EMR unveils newly refurbished Class 360 train. First train in £30 million programme to modernise the EMR Connect fleet. Refurbishment will improve customer experience with redesigned interior, including new 2+2 seating. Other improvements upgraded luggage facilities, power and USB charging...

news.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk

My bold.

They have to step carefully. Perhaps they think that silence is the best course.
Passengers from Wellingborough and Corby may well remember that, before electrification and the 360s, the previous diesel trains already provided such features as 2+2 seating, luggage accommodation, wheelchair access (aka enhanced accessibility features) etc - which are now being touted as an 'enormous change'...

 

[43102EMR]

Is the former SWR 158 being refurbished to be the same as the others?

Funnily enough I saw it a bit ago attached to 158865, the latter had the refurbishment stickers on it but the former did not

 

[43055]

170510 is back out on the Matlock - Cleethorpes service today

 

[DanielTheEMid]

170510 is back out on the Matlock - Cleethorpes service today

Bound to be my train to Lincoln from
Doncaster

 

[D365]

They look really nice! But why on earth have they needed so long to reintroduce the refurbished units, given how long ago 107 returned? Is there some sort process change that's needed to accommodate the refurbished units or something?

In short, yes.

 

[Merle Haggard]

In short, yes.

Sounds like EMR should think about the concept of Critical Path Analysis. Related changes don't have to be sequential.

 

[M60lad]

What's the reason why 158783 has had the interior refurbishment but still retains its Stagecoach livery? I thought repaints and refurbishments were done at the same time.

I noticed that despite what Realtime Trains is showing that 158799 has had full refurbishment and looks freshly repainted as well.

 

[liamf656]

What's the reason why 158783 has had the interior refurbishment but still retains its Stagecoach livery? I thought repaints and refurbishments were done at the same time.

It was one of the first units to be refurbished at Eastcroft, which at the time weren't doing exteriors. I believe they are now so I'd imagine it'll go back in for it when there's time

 

[LowLevel]

What's the reason why 158783 has had the interior refurbishment but still retains its Stagecoach livery? I thought repaints and refurbishments were done at the same time.

I noticed that despite what Realtime Trains is showing that 158799 has had full refurbishment and looks freshly repainted as well.

You've got it the wrong way round. 783 has had the full in and out job. 799 is interior only and will be vinyled at some point. Different rolling stock owners doing the job differently.

 

[Mariner16]

158813 is the first wrapped at Eastcroft and is almost done. The others will return for that and some other internal works at some point.

158810 is the next unit for a refresh.

 

[CR165022]

Will the units that are wrapped be repainted eventually or will they be left like that? Surely having some units that are painted and some that are vinyl isn't the best look?

 

[transportphoto]

Will the units that are wrapped be repainted eventually or will they be left like that? Surely having some units that are painted and some that are vinyl isn't the best look?

As @LowLevel has said, this is two different rolling stock owners (ROSCOs) doing things differently. It may well be that they’re operating to different paint schedules, or indeed they may be on the same paint schedule but due at different times.

 

[43102EMR]

As @LowLevel has said, this is two different rolling stock owners (ROSCOs) doing things differently. It may well be that they’re operating to different paint schedules, or indeed they may be on the same paint schedule but due at different times.

Likely the former as I remember 773 and 774 were the only ones not treated at the time of the EMR takeover for PRM mods/relivery, hence why they were the first (and only) 158s to receive the outgoing livery

 

[NY SAARSS]

Photo confirmation of 158783 in new colours at Chesterfield

 

[Amos390]

One very good thing that I noticed in the heat of the week just gone, saw quite a few of the refurbished 158s at Trowell, and every single one had kept the openable bucket windows and had all of them open, something that I’m sure the people inside he train were glad for. It’s good to see that they’ve kept the openable bucket windows instead of sealing them shut like other operators have done with their bucket windows (probably to assist the air con system).

 

[dk1]

One very good thing that I noticed in the heat of the week just gone, saw quite a few of the refurbished 158s at Trowell, and every single one had kept the openable bucket windows and had all of them open, something that I’m sure the people inside he train were glad for. It’s good to see that they’ve kept the openable bucket windows instead of sealing them shut like other operators have done with their bucket windows (probably to assist the air con system).

I’ve never heard the hopper windows called bucket before.

 

[Amos390]

I’ve never heard the hopper windows called bucket before.

Meh, hopper, bucket all the same, I think I’ve heard both used at some point.

 

[dk1]

Meh, hopper, bucket all the same, I think I’ve heard both used at some point.

Not a criticism. Just since new they were always known as hopper windows to me. Hadn’t once heard them called bucket.

 

[Amos390]

Not a criticism. Just since new they were always known as hopper windows to me. Hadn’t once heard them called bucket.

Yeah, I didn’t mean to make it sound like it was a criticism, no matter what it is, it is still good that they’ve kept them. Do they have to be opened by the guard though, or can any passenger open them (as if on a bus)?