EMR Regional and Connect refurbishments

[DanielTheEMid]

I took a ride this morning from Newark to Nottingham, and I must say, it is a big improvement from the old ones. The legroom is more generous, and charging points are now present finally!! Very satisfied with 501.

 

[Archie810]

I took a ride this morning from Newark to Nottingham, and I must say, it is a big improvement from the old ones. The legroom is more generous, and charging points are now present finally!! Very satisfied with 501.

genuinely looks very nice, although the roof panels could still do with a bit of a clean

 

[Bletchleyite]

genuinely looks very nice, although the roof panels could still do with a bit of a clean

I certainly find it odd that they went as far as repainting the insides of the doors but didn't even brush the ceiling a bit. I wonder if this was an erroneous omission from the tender which would have to be done separately? It just needs going over with a cloth and detergent to get it to an acceptable state.

 

[Russel]

I certainly find it odd that they went as far as repainting the insides of the doors but didn't even brush the ceiling a bit. I wonder if this was an erroneous omission from the tender which would have to be done separately? It just needs going over with a cloth and detergent to get it to an acceptable state.

I think it says a lot about how many deep cleans the units have seen.

 

[Trainfan2019]

I was on 170501 yesterday at Crewe. Very impressed by the interior refurb. As other people have commented, the ceiling and wall panels around the doors could have done with a deep clean. The nice clean tables, carpets, seat backs make the unclean areas more noticeable.

 

[LowLevel]

I was on 170501 yesterday at Crewe. Very impressed by the interior refurb. As other people have commented, the ceiling and wall panels around the doors could have done with a deep clean. The nice clean tables, carpets, seat backs make the unclean areas more noticeable.

I think that's the number 1 feedback item from everybody that has seen it so hopefully something can be done about it going forward.

 

[Helvellyn]

Surely the easiest time to do such a deep clean is when the original interior has been gutted. Feels like an ommission in the contract.

 

[T74]

Anyone any ideas when the first 158 is to be released yet .

 

[Mariner16]

The areas that need a good clean/scrub should be taking place next week such as the roof panels, racks and vestibule areas as there is a media day at Derby on the 15th.

 

[Russel]

The areas that need a good clean/scrub should be taking place next week such as the roof panels, racks and vestibule areas as there is a media day at Derby on the 15th.

Seems a very backwards way of doing things to me.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Update on 170503: as of today the unit is split in half with one half in the paint shop. Other half is in the maintenance shed.

 

[DanielTheEMid]

I wonder how 158847 is doing.

 

[LowLevel]

I wonder how 158847 is doing.

A problem with the new tables not meeting crash worthiness standards or something along those lines, so not brilliant at the minute! No idea what the plan/solution is.

 

[RealTrains07]

A problem with the new tables not meeting crash worthiness standards or something along those lines, so not brilliant at the minute! No idea what the plan/solution is.

I thought the 158s were getting more of a refresh rather than a refurb like the 170s due to them having a more uncertain future than the 170s?

 

[dk1]

I thought the 158s were getting more of a refresh rather than a refurb like the 170s due to them having a more uncertain future than the 170s?

Me too!!

 

[LowLevel]

They are but they're still having work done on the tables which have been reported as failing to meet crash worthiness standards, a National Incident Report was sent out about it a few weeks back.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Updated regarding 170503 as of 16th April 2025:

One half is still in the paint shop. The other half has the new floor and purple panels have been put it. However, no seats at the moment and alot of electrical work is going on. I was cleaning it tonight.

 

[WillA12]

158847 is in Refurbishment at Bristol Barton Hill Depot

 

[liamf656]

158847 is in Refurbishment at Bristol Barton Hill Depot

It's been there for months, as discussed!

 

[yorksrob]

Hopefully once the refurbishment programme is complete, they'll be able to get inadequate two carriage services off of the Matlock line.

 

[Trainman40083]

Hopefully once the refurbishment programme is complete, they'll be able to get inadequate two carriage services off of the Matlock line.

I am not sure it will make much difference.. There are only so many 3 car Class 170s.

 

[yorksrob]

I am not sure it will make much difference.. There are only so many 3 car Class 170s.

Must be annoying for regular Matlock (Midland Mainline to Manchester) users.

 

[RealTrains07]

Must be annoying for regular Matlock (Midland Mainline to Manchester) users.

I would say the same for regular uses on crewe to newark. 2 cars is just no adequate. Not sure the regional refurbishment will be quite enough to make journey on that line better

 

[yorksrob]

I would say the same for regular uses on crewe to newark. 2 cars is just no adequate. Not sure the regional refurbishment will be quite enough to make journey on that line better

Not used that line, but heard it can get quite cosy.

 

[Russel]

Hopefully once the refurbishment programme is complete, they'll be able to get inadequate two carriage services off of the Matlock line.

Goes to show how passenger numbers have grown on the Matlock line, given single 153s were common in early EMT days, I seem to recall.

 

[yorksrob]

Goes to show how passenger numbers have grown on the Matlock line, given single 153s were common in early EMT days, I seem to recall.

Indeed - very busy whenever I've used it.

It ought to be a main line really, but that's another thread !

 

[MCR247]

To be fair to EMR, I’m not sure there’s many parts of the network that are suited to 2 car operation. Maybe Newark - Lincoln shuttles and the Barton Branch

 

[Trainman40083]

To be fair to EMR, I’m not sure there’s many parts of the network that are suited to 2 car operation. Maybe Newark - Lincoln shuttles and the Barton Branch

I remember the days of privatisation when the DfT told East Midlands they would have to manage with lots of single car Class 153s. A few cosy loads between Derby and Crewe; even more so when one train was cancelled.

 

[dk1]

I remember the days of privatisation when the DfT told East Midlands they would have to manage with lots of single car Class 153s. A few cosy loads between Derby and Crewe; even more so when one train was cancelled.

I was just thinking the same. Positively spoiled these days

 

[Adrian1980uk]

To be fair to EMR, I’m not sure there’s many parts of the network that are suited to 2 car operation. Maybe Newark - Lincoln shuttles and the Barton Branch

I think the fundamental issue with EMR is that they don't have 'glamorous' routes so tend to only get hand me downs stock that's not designed for the routes they run on.