Chiltern Class 168 potential refurbishment

[Bletchleyite]

Am I right in thinking that the 168s have slightly different seats in certain parts of the carriage?

Some older sets do, not all.

 

[dooton]

Yes, when the 0's were introduced Chiltern staff voted on their faveourite type of seats. 2 seats came joint first - so Shooter fitted both! This was replicated on future versions (except for the /3's which came from TPE much later).

 

[Vanmanyo]

Am I right in thinking that the 168s have slightly different seats in certain parts of the carriage?

Yes, the /0s, /1s /2s all have the big seats with headrest wings and then some of the flat more uncomfy seats, whereas the /3 has all flat uncomfortable ones

 

[Mitchell Hurd]

I've had an update on the 168s, according to multiple sources they are getting a light internal refurbishment (New seat covers, carpets etc.) and a small external repaint, what that is I'm not sure at the moment. The 168/3s are also getting upgraded TPWS and the APT removed but thats further down the line (next few years).

Elsewhere apparently the 165s are also getting a light refurbishment so hopefully new seat covers and stuff. The 68s are staying but no Mk3 refurbishment.

The Mark 3's, having been on the Chiltern ones only twice, are that nice that from Bicester Village back to Oxford nearly 5 years ago I thought I was in the Business Zone!

 

[Mollman]

The Mark 3's, having been on the Chiltern ones only twice, are that nice that from Bicester Village back to Oxford nearly 5 years ago I thought I was in the Business Zone!

Travelled on a set from Moor Street on Friday when platform indicators weren't working. Some people seemed confused as they seemed "posher than the usual trains"

 

[Bletchleyite]

Travelled on a set from Moor Street on Friday when platform indicators weren't working. Some people seemed confused as they seemed "posher than the usual trains"

My Polish mate more used to the diet of newish units on the WCML said they were "like something out of the Soviet Union" when we got on one. I don't think it was an overly positive sentiment. Mk3s do look old now.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

My Polish mate more used to the diet of newish units on the WCML said they were "like something out of the Soviet Union" when we got on one. I don't think it was an overly positive sentiment. Mk3s do look old now.

Yes, I certainly think they look depressing inside when compared to a Pendolino or Voyager personally.

 

[43096]

My Polish mate more used to the diet of newish units on the WCML said they were "like something out of the Soviet Union" when we got on one. I don't think it was an overly positive sentiment. Mk3s do look old now.

If he’s been subject to you banging on about it for as long as we have, then he probably said it just to keep you quiet.

 

[Vanmanyo]

Yes, I certainly think they look depressing inside when compared to a Pendolino or Voyager personally.

I would not say they look bad, Chiltern have done a good job at refurbishment, they look better than the unrefurbished 390s and the XC voyagers. The exteriors do look old, but nothing wrong with that.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I would not say they look bad, Chiltern have done a good job at refurbishment, they look better than the unrefurbished 390s and the XC voyagers. The exteriors do look old, but nothing wrong with that.

WSMR did it, not Chiltern.

 

[mightyena]

350s have way worse seat than the 168s, especially the 350/3s.

Oh give me the 350/444 seats any day. I find the 168 ones start to become uncomfortable on longer journeys. Doing WAT-SOU in a 444 is a vastly more pleasant experience than doing MYB-OXF despite being a much longer journey. It's all down to personal preference but I do find the 2+2 Grammers as found in Desiros one of the more comfortable seats on the network

 

[Vanmanyo]

Oh give me the 350/444 seats any day. I find the 168 ones start to become uncomfortable on longer journeys. Doing WAT-SOU in a 444 is a vastly more pleasant experience than doing MYB-OXF despite being a much longer journey. It's all down to personal preference but I do find the 2+2 Grammers as found in Desiros one of the more comfortable seats on the network

I find the 168s from LMO to BMO fine, are you thinking of the 165s which usually do the Oxford route? The 444s and 350s that re unrefurbished are terrible

 

[gabrielhj07]

Seats on the 350s are not uniform though. The LNWR grey (I’ve seen on /1 & /4) are lovely, while the LM green (/2 & /3) are pretty firm. Granted the difference is small on a short journey but London - Crewe it starts to feel noticeable. As it compares to the 168 I think the attached picture shows the best seats there are, which are much preferable to any desiro offering.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Yes, I prefer those to the winged ones. The wings are a bit low so those seats force me to slouch slightly.

 

[Vanmanyo]

Yes, I prefer those to the winged ones. The wings are a bit low so those seats force me to slouch slightly.

in my opinion I like the 168s but I aint so tall so the wings dont bother me yet..

 

[cactustwirly]

Yes, I certainly think they look depressing inside when compared to a Pendolino or Voyager personally.

The Chiltern interiors feel very modern (neutral colours are the in thing atm), whereas the Voyagers feel extremely dated inside, the walls and ceilings look like they are nicotine stained. Which is more depressing tbh

 

[Snow1964]

168/0/1/2 were ATP fitted 168/3 were never fitted

Both 168 and 165 in Chilterns fleet ATP are being replaced by TPWS version 4

29) Replace ATP
(a) Subject to any contrary direction or advice given by the ORR (or any other relevant authority) in its capacity as safety regulator and subject to obtaining all necessary consents by no later than [REDACT , the Operator shall, by no later than:
(i) [REDACT replace the ATP system installed the Class 168 rolling stock units comprised in the Train Fleet with TPWS version 4; and
(ii) [REDACT replace the ATP system installed the Class 165 rolling stock units comprised in the Train Fleet with TPWS version 4;

Section 34 suggests a trial refurb of one 165 unit and one 168 unit, will be getting low energy LED lighting and improved CCTV

34.1 The Operator shall no later than
(a) [REDACT , in respect of one (1) Class 165 rolling stock unit and one (1) Class 168 rolling stock unit comprised in the Train Fleet:
(i) (ii)
procure an improvement for the on-board security through the replacement of existing saloon lighting with low-energy LED equivalents; and
without prejudice to the requirements of paragraph 7 to Chapter 5.4 (Customer Benefits) of the Contract, procure the replacement of the existing on-board CCTV equipment with a system that enables improved and more efficient retrieval and access to recordings, with such recordings being compliant with such standards as may be required for evidence in criminal proceedings.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1081083/chiltern-railway-company-ltd-business-plan-commitments.pdf

 

[Vanmanyo]

Both 168 and 165 in Chilterns fleet ATP are being replaced by TPWS version 4


Section 34 suggests a trial refurb of one 165 unit and one 168 unit, will be getting low energy LED lighting and improved CCTV

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1081083/chiltern-railway-company-ltd-business-plan-commitments.pdf

I was looking at that this morning actually haha. Although I still believe it will be more than lighting, seat covers and carpet were mentioned when I spoke to several drivers at Chiltern.

 

[RPM]

WSMR did it, not Chiltern.

Not all of them. Chiltern have more mk3s than WSMR ever did. Some were refurbished directly for Chiltern. Also the plug door modifications were done post-WSMR.