Fantasy: what trains would you make last forever?

[TheWalrus]

Personally I would make the 158/159s and 150s last forever as they’re great trains for the routes they do. I’d also want the HSTs to last forever too, and maybe the 444s. Purely because I like the units to travel on, the 180s too.

obviously this thread is purely fantasy and not realistic but will be interesting to see people’s answers!

 

[yorksrob]

EPB's , HAP,s CIG,s , CEP,s, VEP,s,Thumpers,
I

Ah yes. Take me there.

 

[lxfe_mxtterz]

Personally I would make the 158/159s and 150s last forever as they’re great trains for the routes they do.

Agree about the 158s and 159s, and I've always found them good, solid, comfortable trains to travel on.

The 150s however... I have a burning hatred for them, and in an ideal world, I would like to see them all withdrawn tomorrow.

Would also keep the 390s - also always found them excellent and comfortable, particularly in regards to the ambience when travelling at night.

 

[Iskra]

HST’s with the blue comfy armchair seating in 1st class on the Midland Mainline.

 

[507021]

DMU: Class 156, 158, 159.
EMU: Class 323, 455, 507, 508.

 

[Purple Orange]

E320s, Javelins and 80X. St. Pancras gets to see some great trains.

 

[bramling]

365.

 

[Bevan Price]

Steam power. Updated with automated / computer - controlled fuelling of the fire.

 

[HST274]

HSTs because I like them and I feel obligated to vote for 170 too as my local train (though looking forward to 196s )

 

[NoMorePacers]

142, 153, 156, 321. Don't ask.

 

[christopher]

442s

 

[61653 HTAFC]

303s*, 321s, 323s, 442s*.
(*= in original configuration only)

If we're allowed to revive extinct classes, then also 124s.

 

[D365]

365.

Was waiting to see this

 

[Purple Orange]

I’ve never understood the fascination with the 442s.

 

[mmh]

101/108, lots of Mk2 coaching stock, but mainly compartment carriages, and CIGs and VEPs. Not because any of them are particularly my favourite (compartment stock aside, perhaps), but because they're the ones related to my most vivid personal memories. Familiarity breeds contempt, but even though I used them all the time, now I know I'll never travel on a Mk3 again, and never slam a door shut again, I don't miss them even though I liked them. I suspect in ten or twenty years time I will.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Jun 2021 ==

I’ve never understood the fascination with the 442s.

Me neither. I've always assumed it was just because they were by far the nicest/flashiest units in the South East. Although to be fair, I only used the "snug" once, and was very impressed, but rather drunk. Other than that they always seemed rather Heath-Robinson to me.

 

[Journeyman]

I’ve never understood the fascination with the 442s.

Me neither. I've always assumed it was just because they were by far the nicest/flashiest units in the South East. Although to be fair, I only used the "snug" once, and was very impressed, but rather drunk. Other than that they always seemed rather Heath-Robinson to me.

They looked very impressive, but were built down to a price, and the decision to re-use the REP's already somewhat knackered traction equipment caught up with them eventually. I loved the original configuration, but they ended up dating badly, and in terms of accessibility, reliability and general suitability for the job, they've long been poor.

I'll miss them, but I can tell why they're going.

 

[Paul Jones 88]

317s because they have a good degree of character and make a bloody good noise at high speed.

 

[AM9]

Probably Desiros like the 350/1s. They are fine compromises for outer suburban and regional trains where capacity and comfort can both be adequate. So far they have been reasonably reliable and comfortable on long (90min +) journeys.
I am concerned that there are poster here wishing that their favourite DMU or diesel hauled trains are here in perpetuity. Clearly some have no consideration for the local or global environment whilst indulging in their fantasies.

 

[HST274]

Probably Desiros like the 350/1s. They are fine compromises for outer suburban and regional trains where capacity and comfort can both be adequate. So far they have been reasonably reliable and comfortable on long (90min +) journeys.
I am concerned that there are poster here wishing that their favourite DMU or diesel hauled trains are here in perpetuity. Clearly some have no consideration for the local or global environment whilst indulging in their fantasies.

That is why it is called a fantasy I think- imaginative and fictional and hypothetical. Of course trains like pacers are not good to keep forever but doesn't stop people wanting it if they enjoy riding the screechy things. For example in food paradise I might love to eat lots of burgers etc. but it doesn't stop it being bad for the environment in the real world.

 

[AM9]

That is why it is called a fantasy I think- imaginative and fictional and hypothetical. Of course trains like pacers are not good to keep forever but doesn't stop people wanting it if they enjoy riding the screechy things. For example in food paradise I might love to eat lots of burgers etc. but it doesn't stop it being bad for the environment in the real world.

Which is what I responded to, - a fantasy that includes comfortable and pleasant modes of travel that allow me to travel without condemning others to unnecessary pollution, or in the greater picture, don't aggravate the climate change threat that may already be past the point of no return. It seems that my 'fantasy' is doomed by the actions of others who don't even think that climate change and pollution will affect them. There's nothing 'hypothetical' about that.

 

[Mikey C]

Pacers, so that I can p*** off the part of the country that gets lumbered with them forever

 

[XAM2175]

I'd very much like to see many more years from InterCity 225 sets, with the caveat that they have to be in IC Swallow livery unless I approve something else. Additionally it will be a criminal offence to possess or distribute photographs of them in VTEC livery

 

[Journeyman]

I'd very much like to see many more years from InterCity 225 sets, with the caveat that they have to be in IC Swallow livery unless I approve something else. Additionally it will be a criminal offence to possess or distribute photographs of them in VTEC livery

The Standard Class vehicles aren't anything to write home about - how about some First Class only sets? I'd pay good money to travel on those.

 

[XAM2175]

The Standard Class vehicles aren't anything to write home about - how about some First Class only sets? I'd pay good money to travel on those.

As long as the plebs don't find their way in that'd suit me fine, hah. Also I forgot to mention that in this fantasy future with ETCS and appropriate route upgrades they're finally fitted with the tilting equipment and cleared right up to 140 mph 225 km/h

 

[61653 HTAFC]

It seems that my 'fantasy' is doomed by the actions of others who don't even think that climate change and pollution will affect them. There's nothing 'hypothetical' about that.

Eh? You can have whatever fantasy you want and so can others, and nobody is dooming anyone else to anything precisely because it's a fantasy thread. If I posted that I wanted a train built entirely out of asbestos and dead puppies, that was fuelled by burning mature trees from the Amazon, it would have zero impact on the environment other than the energy used by my smartphone. This entire thread is hypothetical.

 

[Egg Centric]

Eh? You can have whatever fantasy you want and so can others, and nobody is dooming anyone else to anything precisely because it's a fantasy thread. If I posted that I wanted a train built entirely out of asbestos and dead puppies, that was fuelled by burning mature trees from the Amazon, it would have zero impact on the environment other than the energy used by my smartphone. This entire thread is hypothetical.

When you get around to manufacturing it, please do consider Egg Centric Dead Puppies + Asbestos Supplies LTD for your specialist sourcing needs

 

[richa2002]

Which is what I responded to, - a fantasy that includes comfortable and pleasant modes of travel that allow me to travel without condemning others to unnecessary pollution, or in the greater picture, don't aggravate the climate change threat that may already be past the point of no return. It seems that my 'fantasy' is doomed by the actions of others who don't even think that climate change and pollution will affect them. There's nothing 'hypothetical' about that.

You've been spending far too much time in climate emergency St. Albans my friend. This thread is a bit of fun...

And for the record, I'm with 'yorksrob' on this. Bring back the slammers.

 

[AM9]

You've been spending far too much time in climate emergency St. Albans my friend. This thread is a bit of fun...

And for the record, I'm with 'yorksrob' on this. Bring back the slammers.

Probably one of the better places to live, that's why it's so expensive to get in. Actually At Albans has its fair of selfish polluters but I don't descend to their level. Neither do I dream of travelling in trains hauled by thrashing diesel engines with a blue cloud following. Electric is what I prefer anytime.

 

[Journeyman]

When you get around to manufacturing it, please do consider Egg Centric Dead Puppies + Asbestos Supplies LTD for your specialist sourcing needs

...but I'm sure you'll find Journeyman Inanimate Canines and Fibrous Mineral Corporation a better bet. We'll beat any quote!

 

[Energy]

I’ve never understood the fascination with the 442s.

Me neither, the 444s are effectively 442s but better in every way.