Do you want Class 197s on your route?

[Mainline421]

Moderator note - split from

CAF class 197 Civity for TfW: News and updates on introduction.

Mod Note: Posts #1 - #8 originally in this thread. Especially as the service is usually standing room only as far as Cwmbran in standard class. No, I think the best thing would be too do it the same as it is now with the MKIIIs, with a view to adding a 5th composite car in the future if...

www.railforums.co.uk

Interesting that the Pwllheli line gets the new trains first over Aberystwyth. I’d always thought that branch carried more passengers and its status as a university town creates more demand?

We don't want the 197s...

 

[tfw756rider]

We don't want the 197s...

Who's "we"? I'm very much looking forward to my first few rides on them on the Cambrian Coast Line in the coming days, and, when the time comes, the rest of the Cambrian Line. Finally, new trains are about to start replacing the now-36-year-old trains!

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Who's "we"? I'm very much looking forward to my first few rides on them on the Cambrian Coast Line in the coming days, and, when the time comes, the rest of the Cambrian Line. Finally, new trains are about to start replacing the now-36-year-old trains!

Yes. I am looking forward too.

 

[Bletchleyite]

We don't want the 197s...

I do. Air conditioning that actually works will be a big upgrade in summer.

 

[Iskra]

Who's "we"? I'm very much looking forward to my first few rides on them on the Cambrian Coast Line in the coming days, and, when the time comes, the rest of the Cambrian Line. Finally, new trains are about to start replacing the now-36-year-old trains!

I do. Air conditioning that actually works will be a big upgrade in summer.

Wait while winter and you are being frozen at every station stop, with the ‘heating’ being unable to recover the temperature between stations.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Wait while winter and you are being frozen at every station stop, with the ‘heating’ being unable to recover the temperature between stations.

It’s still a big upgrade though.

 

[Bletchleyite]

It’s still a big upgrade though.

More legroom too. Slightly less good seats but they're not awful. Better when there are standees.

 

[Northerngirl]

I don't think its controversial to say the 158s are by far the best 'legacy' stock left, so I understand not wanting to see them go, but we cant keep them forever. The 197s are designed exactly for routes like this, and the improvements with ac, information screens ect more than make up for a slightly rougher ride.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

I don't think there's anywhere on the Cambrian-Birmingham route that's passed for more than 85mph (OK, the last few miles to Birmingham International are 100/110) and is mostly nearer 70mph.
So rough riding is unlikely to be a problem.
In any case there's no point protesting, TfW have their plans and there is currently no alternative until ETCS bi-modes appear.
158s have their faults too, leg room being one of them (admittedly the seating upgrade in ATW days was a good one, unlike other 158 fleets with their low-slung tombstone seats), and door access is another.