Recent content by northernbelle

The collective industry has done very well to get things back up and running as quickly as it has. The fact that you're not privy to the detail around why things are how they are doesn't mean that people have 'given up'.

The TfW units have Perkins engines with which GWR is very familiar - being fitted to their Class 165 and 166s.

I always take that source with a huge pinch of salt - it appears when it appears

It's been done because of the quick turnaround on the St Ives line and the cabs not cooling in time if it doesn't operate when keyed out.

They've been modified so that it works at any time.

Thanks all - learnt something there! Much appreciated.

Does anybody know the reason why the first passenger window was modified on these trains early in life? The full window was glazed when new, but this was later partially panelled over as shown in the pictures. Was the cab bulkhead modified resulting it intruding further into the passenger saloon?

It's an upgrade - i.e. it's a change/improvement in what's offered. I'm sure that's worth mentioning as it relates to something people have complained about for years. I see social media posts all the time about people improving or replacing their cars.

Indeed - the 158s too..the current comfy cushions were a later development!

The seats displayed were the slightly narrower 'end' seats which are next to the door pocket. They are the same frames as now and so retain the width and legroom of before. Having tried them they are a lot better than the originals - I'm told the new bases are pocket sprung and a different...

16 of 26 sets are now with GWR, with further deliveries from Wolverton imminent during July and August. The end of the year is achievable, notwithstanding trains going back for their turn in the refurbishment programme.

Yes, providing they're not calling at short platforms. 2E28 ran as a double set with both in use on Friday night. Thankfully it is finally starting to feel like there's some more breathing space in the fleet - despite the obvious teething.

It's not quite dismantled as of yesterday - seen with most of the back end stripped away but the centre body and cab section still intact.

Same seats but with new moquette and repainted grab handles, carpets etc. I don't think there's any change to lighting.

I'm pretty certain the pale grey on TPE livery is also part of the vinyl wrap - the finished pale grey is slightly different to the base coat of grey paint in that it has a slightly metallic finish. The Nova fleets are base painted grey, and the 185s are dark blue from memory. You can just...