225s upgrade

[Bridge189]

It's a "concept" remember, no confirmation that it's going to happen or that those interiors will be the ones selected.

I highly doubt their will be four classes onboard, I can't see those deck chair things making an appearance either.

 

[MCR247]

Yeah, although I could see there being 3 classes, but without the OTT 'deck chair' things as described above!

 

[LE Greys]

The idea has now reached Railway Magazine, alongside an idea to bring in an ED version of TRAXX (something I support for goods, although that would have to be a slower Co-Co to give better adhesion, not so sure about passenger work). So I've had a good chance to compare the images alongside each other (something that's a bit hard with a single screen). I can't see the 'deck chair' idea being very popular, it looks considerably less comfortable than the first class seats. As usual, all the seats could do with thickened cushions, but it could be worse on balance.

 

[Bridge189]

A concept animation of the Mark 4 rebuild, showing the galley in the DVT as well as the buisness class, first class, standard class and premier class.

http://www.eversholtrail.co.uk/MKIV.html

Looks O.K. in my opinion, but not great. Hopefully the seats can be more aligned to the windows though. And as for premier class... It is totally unnecessary and a complete waste of space.

Those interiors actually have a sort of back to the future echo of the original MK4 BR spec designed back in the early 90s. I remember STD on those things always seemed knackered looking towards the end even though they were a similar age to Mallard now which has stood the test of time/utilisation much better.

http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gb/car/Mk4/MK4-FO/Mk4_GNER_unrefurbished_FO_2.jpg

STD
http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/gb/car/Mk4/MK4-TSO/gner2001_1.jpg

 

[Anon Mouse]

Reminds me of the interiors of the 158's in Taiwan!

Thailand

The whole concept of adding Premium Class and Business Class is barmy. For starters the current standard class provision can already prove to be too low at busy periods. The addition of Premium & Business will cause a reduction in 1st class tickets and force 1st class ticket holders to pay more cash in upgrading their tickets and make ticketing even more complex and will make the Guards and Revenue staff's job much more difficult with much more disputes with passengers. It also seems that the Buffet Car will be reduced in size which will reduce the choice of refreshments to standard class passengers and by moving the pantry to the DVT it will severly reduce luggage space for large items such as bikes. The seat designs are shocking also!

 

[ainsworth74]

The whole concept of adding Premium Class and Business Class is barmy. For starters the current standard class provision can already prove to be too low at busy periods. The addition of Premium & Business will cause a reduction in 1st class tickets and force 1st class ticket holders to pay more cash in upgrading their tickets

I agree that Premium is not going to happen. But I could see the introduction of Business Class either replacing a whole coach of traditional First Class or perhaps composited into a First Class coach (so fifty/fifty for each). I think with some clever marketing it could attract some custom.

It is, of course, worth bearing in mind that this is Eversholt kind of brainstorming ideas. When it comes down to it I wouldn't be at all surprised if the operator that takes this forward (assuming, of course that they do at all!) would just stick to the traditional two class structure.

It also seems that the Buffet Car will be reduced in size which will reduce the choice of refreshments to standard class passengers

Reduce it to what? The most complex item a standard class customer can purchase from the buffet at present is a panini! How much preparation space does that require? Looking at a current CaféBAR menu, to me at least, it doesn't look like there's anything on it that requires a full kitchen.

We can debate the rights and wrongs of removing anything more than panini's or baguette's from standard class passengers, but it has happened and I don't see it going back to previous styles of catering. Even if someone like First, who on their FGW operation have a Travelling Chef or Pullman Dining available to all, were to win the ICEC franchise.

and by moving the pantry to the DVT it will severly reduce luggage space for large items such as bikes.

I actually think that moving the kitchen facilities to the DVT makes sense (especially if you feel like converting a vehicle of First Class into something 'fancy') and it's what operators like EMT and VT have done and then moved their buffet's to a more central location in the train, which has got to be better for passengers.

Though without finding a replacement space for bikes and what have you it seems like it would create more trouble than it's worth!

I think this video/proposal is interesting and puts forward some interesting ideas/concepts and it's by no means certain that anything we've seen here will come to fruition but I think it's worth talking about at least.

 

[Anon Mouse]

Hmm good to see another slant on things.

I certainly dont think the addition of a new class or two is needed especially in the current climate. Companies and Goverment departments have already stopped paying for 1st class tickets and the ecisting 1st class fares are already sky high. Who would readilly pay for Business & Premium? Also Business & Premium will confuse passengers already used to 1st & Standard. What will happen if a 1st class passenger does not realise the difference between Business & Premium, or if a passenger thinks Business is the same as 1st class etc? Guards and Revenue staff already have enough on their plate with two classes and the public are already baffled with the existing ticketing system, why complicate it further?

Yes its good that new ideas and concepts are being discussed, but some ideas are best kept in PR Guru's heads IMO!