Class 156 experiences?

[Mainliner]

I'm doing the Glasgow-Mallaig trip later this month (none of it on the Jacobite).

My usual mode of rail transport is 225s/HSDTs on the ECML - can anyone advise me what it's like to spend over 5 hours on a 156? (And another 5 hours the following day )

 

[WillPS]

On a ScotRail one? Pretty poor.

 

[SouthEastern-465]

I'm doing the Glasgow-Mallaig trip later this month (none of it on the Jacobite).

My usual mode of rail transport is 225s/HSDTs on the ECML - can anyone advise me what it's like to spend over 5 hours on a 156? (And another 5 hours the following day )

Never heard anyone refer to a HST as a HSDT for quite a time!

 

[Yew]

They have a pretty good ride. (mk4's where based on them, they are a bit harder than a mk3. However the engines are usually very noisy (more so than a 150, and the interiors are gnerally pretty worn (on most toc's) as I don't think any have had a massive overhaul (think mallard for ec, and emt's 158's.)

Personally I wouldn't want to spend 5 hours on one, but that's because I mainly travel on them (for example I really like 150's as they are a bit different and I think they have lots of character ).

 

[Mainliner]

They have a pretty good ride.

Well, that's something

Personally I wouldn't want to spend 5 hours on one

I'm hoping that the scenery, and copious amounts of alcohol, will alleviate any discomfort

 

[WillPS]

They have a pretty good ride. (mk4's where based on them, they are a bit harder than a mk3. However the engines are usually very noisy (more so than a 150, and the interiors are gnerally pretty worn (on most toc's) as I don't think any have had a massive overhaul (think mallard for ec, and emt's 158's.)

Personally I wouldn't want to spend 5 hours on one, but that's because I mainly travel on them (for example I really like 150's as they are a bit different and I think they have lots of character ).

Unfortunately, the ScotRail ones still have the originally half-back Ashbourne seating, with reportedly very thin cushioning.

 

[Schnellzug]

Is the WHL not suitable for 58s, could they operate on it theoretically, even if there might not be enough available to do so? (Or 170s, even)


** 158s, not 58s.

 

[Crossover]

Unfortunately, the ScotRail ones still have the originally half-back Ashbourne seating, with reportedly very thin cushioning.

I did one a few months back from Haymarket to Glasgow via Shotts and the seats do leave something to be desired and would be inclined to agree that they have little padding.

That said, I didn't find the journey particularly torturous, but there again, the journey didn't last 5 hours :P

 

[ainsworth74]

Is the WHL not suitable for 58s, could they operate on it theoretically, even if there might not be enough available to do so? (Or 170s, even)

There are gauge clearance issues relating to the way that the doors swing out that could foul platform edges. Certainly it's rectifiable but it would cost a fair bit of money. I'm not sure about 170s, but they have a similar style of door to 158s (swing out then open) so could well have the same issue.

 

[oattam09]

Bring back the tractors and nice comfy mk2s!

 

[T163R]

5 hours in a 156 ? That's a bit long for the noise, comfort (5 hours will become uncomfortable in a 156...).
Is ScotRail daft enough to book 156s for 5 hours journeys ??

 

[callum112233]

Iv'e only ever been on a Northern Rail 156. I have no grumbles except that on some of them, the leg room seems smaller than on others, it seems to differ from train to train. I also agree, I wouldn't want to spend 5 hours on one unless you enjoy a numb arse

 

[driver9000]

Is ScotRail daft enough to book 156s for 5 hours journeys ??

All West Highland line services worked by DMU are class 156. Glasgow Queen St-Mallaig comes in at 5hr13.

Personally I have no problem with the 156 and find them comfortable for longish distances and can't say I've ever noticed the engine noise being intrusive.

 

[WillPS]

I've had a Central Trains 156 from Thetford to Nottingham which wasnt so bad.

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

I did that trip four years ago and found them to be quite comfy, with deep seat bolsters and highish backs. Mind, I did spend all my time looking out of the windows so didn't pay too much attention to the interior, but I don't have any bad recollections!! I do remember the PIS got confused once we were past Glenfinnan lol.

 

[Drimnagh Road]

Is there no way you can do a 156 avoidance move and take 04:50 Edinburgh-Fort William?

 

[route:oxford]

I've always quite liked the 156s. They just seem reliable, although I appreciate that they are a touch underpowered.

If the 156 is considered to be "unsuitable" for a 5hr+ journey. Of the current multiple units in service in the UK, which would be the more appropriate unit.

 

[callum112233]

If the 156 is considered to be "unsuitable" for a 5hr+ journey. Of the current multiple units in service in the UK, which would be the more appropriate unit.

How about a class 185? They are designed for steep gradients, for example the transpennine route.

 

[HSTEd]

I've always quite liked the 156s. They just seem reliable, although I appreciate that they are a touch underpowered.

If the 156 is considered to be "unsuitable" for a 5hr+ journey. Of the current multiple units in service in the UK, which would be the more appropriate unit.

222? or as the previous poster said, the 185s.

 

[ainsworth74]

222? or as the previous poster said, the 185s.

Surely a 125mph intercity units is a tad too much for the WHL? 185s are probably closer to the mark (though of course their top speed would also be wasted) but I wonder if they wouldn't be too much for the track as they are rather heavy.

 

[callum112233]

I wonder if they wouldn't be too much for the track as they are rather heavy.

I think that was the reason transpennine express use class 170's instead of 185's on the Manchester to Hull route, so your probably right, too heavy

 

[142094]

Did that journey in 2008, getting the first early morning train back from Mallaig the next day. Quite a decent journey, excellent scenery and the seats are comfortable enough - although I did stretch my legs at Crianlarich (may also have time to grab a quick cup of tea where the train divides on the way up). If there isn't time at Crianlarich, take some supplies with you!

 

[Schnellzug]

Surely a 125mph intercity units is a tad too much for the WHL? .

Some might say the same about 125mph locos ...

 

[ainsworth74]

Some might say the same about 125mph locos ...

True but outside of testing when was the last time a 67 actually did it's designed top speed?

 

[Mainliner]

Thanks for all the replies - not as bad as I'd feared!

No, I can't make the 04:50 Edinburgh-Fort William!

 

[150222]

I think that was the reason transpennine express use class 170's instead of 185's on the Manchester to Hull route, so your probably right, too heavy

Actually 185's are booked on several hull services they just have a speed restriction while 170's don't.

 

[ainsworth74]

Actually 185's are booked on several hull services they just have a speed restriction while 170's don't.

They can, however, keep time with a 170 service.

 

[deltic1989]

I use an EMT 156 virtually every other week, I haveto say I rather like the ride. When the the windows are open the engine noise can grate on you a bit, but other than that I find them a rather good ride. After saying that I've never sat on one for 5 hours (most I've done was about 1 1/2 hours).

 

[Drimnagh Road]

For such a tourist oriented route, the 156 just isn't good enough. The longest trip I done on a 156 was from Holyhead-Blackpool North back in the 90s and even then I though three hours was too long.

When you look at the quality of the some of the other units on shorter routes in Scotland, five hours on a 156 really is pathetic.

These days 156s are more at home on 30 minute runs out of Norwich, but certainly not on a route of such community and tourist importance as Glasgow-Fort William / Mallaig

We know there is issues with clearance of 158s / 170s etc, but where's the initiative in dealing with them?

 

[Blindtraveler]

sRs 156s need some high backed seats! Hate them!