Transpenine Express 185 'burning' smell

I was on the 0558 York - Manchester Piccadilly service this morning (unit 185146) and shortly after boarding I could smell 'burning' - the best way to describe the smell was similar to burnt toast! I thought it might have been coming from the heating but that was obviously turned off in the middle of summer!

After a short while the smell seemed to clear and no problems on route although when I got off it did seem to take the driver quite a few attempts to 'rev up' the engine again!

Is there some explanation as to the smell as I don't think I've ever experienced it before! Unless my nose is just super sensitive at 6am

Most likely a unit with the hydrodynamic brake isolated on the vehicle you were travelling in. This means only the friction brake is used and creates a warm toasty smell.

Possibly related to the moor fire still ongoing, smoke was clearly visible and slightly smellable between Diggle and Stalybridge yesterday evening.

The only other thing I can think of is, given the time of the morning and if they have them, possible use of the Webasto heater has been switched on prior to entry to service?

johntea said:

After a short while the smell seemed to clear and no problems on route although when I got off it did seem to take the driver quite a few attempts to 'rev up' the engine again!

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I'm not sure about the smell, but the unusual behaviour of the engine could well be related to the Eco mode on 185s which tries to reduce fuel usage by shutting down/restarting engines at set points.

fgwrich said:

The only other thing I can think of is, given the time of the morning and if they have them, possible use of the Webasto heater has been switched on prior to entry to service?

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Preheaters are permanently OOU on the 185s now

Dust on the bodyside heaters burning off most likely