Favorite EMU

[37401]

we have fave DMU so I decided to do EMU, whats everyones favorite?

Mine has to be anything 1st gen, 303`s and 310`s I remember getting a (BR)SPT 303 (I beleve) From Glasgow Central to Ayr, classic stuff. shame most of the 1st gen EUM`s didnt survive preservation, dont like the 2nd gen stuff and dislike the modern gen units even more!

 

[krus_aragon]

Er, I can't really contribute here. I've only ever been on two, and how do you compare a 507 with a 390?

 

[EM2]

4-VEP and 4-CIG

 

[43021HST]

Hampshire unit if that counts

 

[westcoaster]

im biased may just well be a 319 but seeing as a 319/320/321/322 as basically the same i will go for this family of trains, nowt like a 321 or 319 screaming on full power

 

[GospelOak117]

1st Gen: Class 305/1
2nd Gen: Class 321

 

[yorksrob]

Hampshire unit if that counts

I'm sure it does, afterall It's an EMU with a diesel generator.

For me, any EPB.

 

[JustinStacey.x]

Well of course it has to be the Glasgow 314. No other train is quite like it. I like the loud AC hum that eminates from under your feet whenever the driver hoofs it, and also that clank sound when the throttle is applied, caused by electricity being fed into the motor I believe. On the downside they have juddery brakes, the suspension is all but totally knackered (especially the unit I was on today, it was terrible) and because the doors can't be opened individually, you do not want to be riding on one of these on a typical Scottish winter day where the temperature struggles above 0.

I've not been on any other Scottish trains that have such character as a 314, and I imagine you southerners who have DC electrics miss out on certain characteristics such as the hum. 314s are also surprisingly quick, I'd wager a bet that they would beat a 334 and a 318 to 30.

 

[Pumbaa]

I've not been on any other Scottish trains that have such character as a 314, and I imagine you southerners who have DC electrics miss out on certain characteristics such as the hum. 314s are also surprisingly quick, I'd wager a bet that they would beat a 334 and a 318 to 30.

They certainly do not I'm afraid. Any electric Alstom will rip the bollocks off anything near by with the Onix package (apart from 458...)

 

[156499]

Class 303 and 421s are good but the 334s are the best in my opinion, they are comfortable, make a good noise and have amazing brakes!:P

 

[rww100]

Well, I've grown up alongside 507s/508s so they will always have a sentimental value to me.

I like watching 390s go flying past, but inside they're a bit cramped and I've had a bad experience on a long journey on one before in which the train was absolutely packed and not only that, but most of the people were part of a drunk rugby crowd!

373s are awesome just for speed - they're the fastest train I've ever been on.

My favourite EMU atm would probably be a 350/1, and I'd probably say the same for any other Desiro which has 2+2 seating, although 350s are the only electric Desiros I've been on so far.

 

[JustinStacey.x]

Class 303 and 421s are good but the 334s are the best in my opinion, they are comfortable, make a good noise and have amazing brakes!:P

That they do. I was on one no too long ago sort of paisley gil area and all of a sudden the driver slammed on the emergencies and we went from about 50 to 0 in 10 seconds, i honestly never knew trains could brake so hard without slipping!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

They certainly do not I'm afraid. Any electric Alstom will rip the bollocks off anything near by with the Onix package (apart from 458...)

Not being funny but can you back that up? I have no doubt that most classes these days have greater top speed but ive been on some 314s who accelerate as if theyre on tarmac.

And what are you talking about ONIX package? 314s have GEC or brush components...

Seriously, ride on one first (and i mean one where its driven properly, not like a sissy) and you might change your mind...

 

[350401]

Class 323 for a local EMU - quick, good internal layout and little wasted space, mix of airline and bay style seats. Only improvements would be little tables in the seating bays (Class 165 style mini tables?) and a decent maintenance regime so the trains are cleaned more than once a day, and the loos are repainted whenever some prat graffities them.

Class 350/1 for long distance EMU. Bright and airy and a pleasure to travel in. Prefer it to the class 390s.

 

[jonnorail]

Class 314s are in the middle of being overhauled at Glasgow Works, Springburn. THe overhauls involve each of the 16 3 - car sets going through a C4 overhaul (renewing bogies, couplers and other components underneath the train). The overhaul (not part of the C4) also involves the sets being fitted with a new Alstom power supply in order to improve both performance and reliability to that which is poor at the present day.When I was doing some work at Shields T.M.D. earlier this year I was briefed with some information regarding all of the overhauls that are tkaing place on all the sets at present. I was told 201 was the first set to go in for the overhaul and it has been hassle free ever since which is quite rare. The Class 314 fleet will be well looked after until their expiry date which is now expected to be 2014 / 2015. C4 Overhauls are being done on every E.M.U. and D.M.U. set that operate on behalf of ScotRail and all sets are taking approximately a week to two weeks to complete the overhaul. Heres a few pics below:

Class 318 inside the shed at Shields T.M.D. - Notice the refurbished bogies and coupler:
http://jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net/p59461182.html
http://jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net/p59461181.html

Class 334 031 sitting outside in the yard fully complete from having a C4 overhaul and waiting to enter passenger service the next day:
http://jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net/p59462094.html

Class 334 015 out in service after having a C4 overhaul
http://jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net/p60263517.html


The C4 overhauls are scheduled to take place on every British passenger train every six years they have been in traffic in order to improve / stable the sets' performance / steady reliability.

Best Regards

Jonathan McGurk

Railway and Freelance Photographer

www.jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net

 

[NSEFAN]

My favourite EMUs have always been the 4VEP and 4CIG units because we used to live in Woking, and they were always around! My favourite modern EMU, it'll have to be the Desiro units (350, 450 and 444): I've always found them comfortable and pleasant to ride, even in the standard class!

 

[37401]

Class 323 for a local EMU

Alot of people like quite them, I cant see whats so good about them but that may be because they replaced my faves and they run my local line. dont like the "gear" noise they make, it just seems to be that and no acceleration.
The only thing I liked about them went when LM took over, The RR Green livery

 

[Oswyntail]

If we are talking modern, then I must really go for the 333s. Smooth, reliable, and entirely fit for purpose - and good looking.
But my heart goes back to the sets used on the Lancaster - Morecambe line. looked and felt as homely as grandma's wardrobe, and very, very comfoortable.

 

[Matt Taylor]

Not a single vote for the Wessex Electrics? You people are all infidels

http://matthew-taylor.fotopic.net/p58783756.html


The Class 442s were, and still are, the best......game over.

 

[JustinStacey.x]

Alot of people like quite them, I cant see whats so good about them but that may be because they replaced my faves and they run my local line. dont like the "gear" noise they make, it just seems to be that and no acceleration.
The only thing I liked about them went when LM took over, The RR Green livery

Um, no acceleration? Im sorry bud but you need to open your eyes! I suggest you take a look at some of Hyperen's videos on youtube of a 323 pulling away.

 

[yorksrob]

If we are talking modern, then I must really go for the 333s. Smooth, reliable, and entirely fit for purpose - and good looking.
But my heart goes back to the sets used on the Lancaster - Morecambe line. looked and felt as homely as grandma's wardrobe, and very, very comfoortable.

With you there on the 333's. They manage to pack in a lot without seeming cramped as well as having a nice ambience.

 

[JustinStacey.x]

Class 314s are in the middle of being overhauled at Glasgow Works, Springburn. THe overhauls involve each of the 16 3 - car sets going through a C4 overhaul (renewing bogies, couplers and other components underneath the train). The overhaul (not part of the C4) also involves the sets being fitted with a new Alstom power supply in order to improve both performance and reliability to that which is poor at the present day.When I was doing some work at Shields T.M.D. earlier this year I was briefed with some information regarding all of the overhauls that are tkaing place on all the sets at present. I was told 201 was the first set to go in for the overhaul and it has been hassle free ever since which is quite rare. The Class 314 fleet will be well looked after until their expiry date which is now expected to be 2014 / 2015. C4 Overhauls are being done on every E.M.U. and D.M.U. set that operate on behalf of ScotRail and all sets are taking approximately a week to two weeks to complete the overhaul. Heres a few pics below:

Class 318 inside the shed at Shields T.M.D. - Notice the refurbished bogies and coupler:
http://jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net/p59461182.html
http://jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net/p59461181.html

Class 334 031 sitting outside in the yard fully complete from having a C4 overhaul and waiting to enter passenger service the next day:
http://jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net/p59462094.html

Class 334 015 out in service after having a C4 overhaul
http://jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net/p60263517.html


The C4 overhauls are scheduled to take place on every British passenger train every six years they have been in traffic in order to improve / stable the sets' performance / steady reliability.

Best Regards

Jonathan McGurk

Railway and Freelance Photographer

www.jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net

Interesting information, thanks. Im actually quite surprised to hear you say the 314s have had issues with reliability, to me they seem like the only train not breaking down every 5 minutes and considering now they are going to be kept in service for even longer surely that must stand for something.

Anyway, i hope this new equipment they're getting wont take away the clank and hum as they accelerate away.

 

[johnb]

377/2. Exactly right for a long-distance commuter train.

 

[delt1c]

For 1st gen EMU's it haas to be the 303 in unrefurbished condition. no better journey than taking a 303 from helensburgh on the North Clyde service to Airdrie, big comfy and bouncy seats, clear view ahead and a relatively (by the then standards) smooth ride.
2nd gen units (or 3rd gen) has to be the 317 it was the 1st DDO design, it was also (309's excepted) the only 100mph emu and regularly ran at that speed. They perform everything from local all station services through to Liverpool St Kings Lynn, have deputised for loco hauled services on the Norwich and harwich services and set the standard for future designs.

 

[me123]

I'd love to have another ride on a 303. Sadly, they were retired before I was into trains but they're so distinctive that I can remember travelling on them in the past.

I also like 318s: I had one yesterday and it was a nice surprise when you're expecting a 320! The 318s have really comfortable seats, nice refreshed interiors and (IMO) the 3+2 seating actually works, which is a novelty.

I'm going to be a bit naughty in my last choice and go for 334. Bite me, I like them. They're a comfortable and successful example of a modern EMU and have brought unprecedented levels of comfort to the routes they operate. I know I'm looking forward to them taking over my local route in just over a year's time.

I know I've gone for 3 Scottish examples, mostly because I live there and haven't had experience of anything else. That's not to say that there aren't better trains out there, and I'm sure 317s (for example) will be as good as 318s.

 

[Daimler]

Not a single vote for the Wessex Electrics? You people are all infidels

http://matthew-taylor.fotopic.net/p58783756.html


The Class 442s were, and still are, the best......game over.

Couldn't agree more. Real trains.

 

[jonnorail]

Interesting information, thanks. Im actually quite surprised to hear you say the 314s have had issues with reliability, to me they seem like the only train not breaking down every 5 minutes and considering now they are going to be kept in service for even longer surely that must stand for something.

Anyway, i hope this new equipment they're getting wont take away the clank and hum as they accelerate away.

The reason why the 314s are going for the modifications and C4 overhaul at Glasgow Works, Springburn is in order to improve the reliability so they can be kept on the rails until the extended years - 2014/2015. One major problem on the 16 3 - car fleet is / was (hopefully) the traction motors. Class 334s was in the top 10 worst E.M.U. in terms of performance and reliability. Going a bit off topic ut for 'flats' the worst ScotRail D.M.U. / E.M.U. being treated for T.P.M. (Tyre Profilie Machine) - wheel lathe duties the most at Shields T.M.D. and Haymarket T.M.D. is the Class 156 D.M.U. fleet. I was told this at Shields T.M.D. in November last year and the reason for this is because the fleet (particularly the First ScotRail livery sets) are on continuously jointed track from Craigendroan Junction to all the way up all destinations on the Scottish West Highland Line. I hope this information helps some of you.

Best Regards

Jonathan McGurk

Railway and Freelance Photographer

www.jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net

 

[ADRboy]

303/318/334

Can always remember the journeys to school on the 303's from Scotstounhill to Jordanhill every day.

I'm biased, so what?!

 

[JustinStacey.x]

The reason why the 314s are going for the modifications and C4 overhaul at Glasgow Works, Springburn is in order to improve the reliability so they can be kept on the rails until the extended years - 2014/2015. One major problem on the 16 3 - car fleet is / was (hopefully) the traction motors. Class 334s was in the top 10 worst E.M.U. in terms of performance and reliability. Going a bit off topic ut for 'flats' the worst ScotRail D.M.U. / E.M.U. being treated for T.P.M. (Tyre Profilie Machine) - wheel lathe duties the most at Shields T.M.D. and Haymarket T.M.D. is the Class 156 D.M.U. fleet. I was told this at Shields T.M.D. in November last year and the reason for this is because the fleet (particularly the First ScotRail livery sets) are on continuously jointed track from Craigendroan Junction to all the way up all destinations on the Scottish West Highland Line. I hope this information helps some of you.

Best Regards

Jonathan McGurk

Railway and Freelance Photographer

www.jonathanmcgurk.fotopic.net

Do you know which ones have been done (apart from that one you mentioned) and which ones haven't? Is there any noticeable difference to passengers? I'm really hoping they haven't lost the fantastic sounds...

 

[90019]

I'd love to have another ride on a 303. Sadly, they were retired before I was into trains but they're so distinctive that I can remember travelling on them in the past.

And thankfully, one has survived into preservation (as a mixed set).

 

[JustinStacey.x]

Yeah about that, where is it? Transport museum?