Favorite EMU

[Fincra5]

I actually want southern to recieve a number of them to replace some 377s down here on the southcoast lines. It will bring another variety of stock to the line. And they are better suited to the short hops along the lines than 377s

 

[A60K]

Can't beat a 442, especially in the - now sadly removed - First Class compartment.

 

[yorksrob]

I agree, compartment travel is one of the things I miss the most about the slammers. There was definately an art to securing the standard class one at the end of the carriage often involving some careful positioning on the platform.

 

[class313]

Has to be the 313s for me for 5 reasons:
1) They've stood the test of time and still run today.
2) They're the first ever dual voltage EMUs.
3) They can deal with passenger numbers adequately and are well suited to their routes.
4) Built well - good acceleration, small body, spacious interior.
5) Even though they're treated badly, it's unlikely to see an unusual circumstance.

Same here, have to say I do like the wessex's alot. Thank god the 313's are going to a good home, southern. What is best is that they are being replace by the LO electrostars, but they are replacing the southern electrostars on the west coastway route.

 

[Aictos]

I don't have any particular EMU that I like but I'm starting to really like 321405 as it's the EMU that's always booked to form my journey home from work when I catch it as a connection at Stevenage.

Still, I would like to sample more of the Southern region stock like 455s, 442s, 458s and the slam door stuff down by Brockenhurst, there are other forms of traction or routes I would like to do but they wouldn't be covered by the topic!

 

[Daimler]

I don't have any particular EMU that I like but I'm starting to really like 321405 as it's the EMU that's always booked to form my journey home from work when I catch it as a connection at Stevenage.

Still, I would like to sample more of the Southern region stock like 455s, 442s, 458s and the slam door stuff down by Brockenhurst, there are other forms of traction or routes I would like to do but they wouldn't be covered by the topic!

I'd have thought that with ex-Silverlink 321s, 'familiarity breeds contempt' as the saying goes...

Or has it been refreshed inside?

 

[Pumbaa]

Not AFAIK - Ajax, you're probably sitting on the original seats you filthbag! We were damn happy to see the back of them!

 

[hairyhandedfool]

I guess my favourite EMU is Class 319, well most of the class anyway, perhaps its because its what I am most used to. Asthetically speaking though, the 357s are quite nice.

 

[Aictos]

I like the 321s, proper BR engineering that's why! They might be in a state but that's probably because of the kind of passengers down there!!!

Only joking,

 

[87015]

Not AFAIK - Ajax, you're probably sitting on the original seats you filthbag! We were damn happy to see the back of them!

Yes, they have been refreshed. Even the unpainted ones, had a spin on them yesterday pm. Really shows up just how much LM can't be bothered. 321s might be pretty basic and functional but they were built to a Thatcherite budget and do a good job of what they were built to do. Shame Silverlink never did a proper refurb though, the trial air-con fitment was very nice whilst it lasted and all you'd have needed was a proper internal refit - they could and should have been so much better...

I don't like the 350/2s, much rather a 321.

 

[poshbakerloo]

I never thinks the 321s have been given a proper chance, the always looks to dated as they never appear to have been refurbished...

 

[JustinStacey.x]

If theyre anything like Glasgow 320s and 318s I am not surprised why. I bloody hate them and I get a feeling a lot of enthusiasts do too. Cheap looking uncomfortable plastic crap!! Then again, our 322s, which look exactly like 320s on the outside but have an extra car, are a total different world inside. They're capable of 100MPH too!

 

[317666]

317s and 465s.

 

[Lampshade]

323s or 458s.

 

[CCF23]

442's, have never understood why SWT replaced them with Desiro's, 357's (c2c), 321's, 390's, 421's and 483's on the Island Line.

 

[Fincra5]

When the 442s went to gatwick express (southern), Southern should have refurbished a handfull of 377s to do the gatwick express and the 442s to do the Brighton-Victoria express as it is an express service and would be far better if it were operated by 442s. Much nicer to travel on, and would inkeep with their express routes on SWT.

 

[yorksrob]

I agree, If you were going to send a load of different stock for refurbishment and transfer to the Brighton main line, I'd have thought using it to upgrade Brighton express services would have been far the better option. To be honest, even when the traditional Gatwick express service started I'd be at a loss to say why it required "better quality" loco hauled Mk2 stock over the previous VEG units running fast. Travellers to the airport need a quick reliable run with lots of luggage space, whereas the express Brighton users are more likely to be regular travellers requiring quality transport.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Never got the chance to experience a lone REP on full-charge - shame.

As a lad, a trip up to London meant a look out through the big glass partition at the front of a 310; and an unobstructed view of the line ahead.

As a late-teen, bouncing to and from Bury became synonymous with 504's; it simply wasn't possible to keep one's derriere attached to the seat-cushion...

 

[Pumbaa]

When the 442s went to gatwick express (southern), Southern should have refurbished a handfull of 377s to do the gatwick express and the 442s to do the Brighton-Victoria express as it is an express service and would be far better if it were operated by 442s. Much nicer to travel on, and would inkeep with their express routes on SWT.

Rumour has it that the 442s will be taking over Brighton Express duties, to allow the 20 dedicated /1s cover the /3s on Coastway services, whilst they're refurbished and moved into Metroland in the south of London.

 

[yorksrob]

Never got the chance to experience a lone REP on full-charge - shame.

As a lad, a trip up to London meant a look out through the big glass partition at the front of a 310; and an unobstructed view of the line ahead.

As a late-teen, bouncing to and from Bury became synonymous with 504's; it simply wasn't possible to keep one's derriere attached to the seat-cushion...

LOl, I've only travelled on the Bury line as part of the tramlink end even then it seemed fairly rocky. I think the East Lancs still have a 504 stashed away somewhere so I wouldn't mind getting a closer look at it some day.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Indeed; much traction can claim the ability to bounce a passenger up and down on their seat. But, on my 504 trips, I'd be bounced sideways as well - normally ending up on the seat next to me...

The only time I've seen more savagery than that, was years ago, on the Irish Rail's Athlone-Mullingar line; with a MetVick 001 class bucking furiously up at the front; and our Cravens stock perilously weaving and squealing behind.

Aaaaah, memories!

 

[Fincra5]

Rumour has it that the 442s will be taking over Brighton Express duties, to allow the 20 dedicated /1s cover the /3s on Coastway services, whilst they're refurbished and moved into Metroland in the south of London.

I hope they do I know for sure that one will deffinately be used on another victoria-brighton express, creating another service.

The only downside to southern refurbing the 377/1 and /3s to metroland is that when they eventually come back to the south they will have the uncomfortable High-density seating. Unless they refurb them again. TBH it probably wont effect me as i will be in london or the north

 

[MCR247]

I hope they do I know for sure that one will deffinately be used on another victoria-brighton express, creating another service.

The only downside to southern refurbing the 377/1 and /3s to metroland is that when they eventually come back to the south they will have the uncomfortable High-density seating. Unless they refurb them again. TBH it probably wont effect me as i will be in london or the north

I think Southern want 442s, to replace the 460, which would be stripped of their middle cars to put into 458s, and then make one or two sets out of the remains. This is for 15 car trains for Windsor

 

[Bittern]

It doesn't get sexier than the Pendolino.

 

[Fincra5]

I think Southern want 442s, to replace the 460, which would be stripped of their middle cars to put into 458s, and then make one or two sets out of the remains. This is for 15 car trains for Windsor

What is confusing about this whole thing is that the class 442s arent at all suited to airport trains. Steps up to the carriage, thin doors, etc. it would be stupid to replace the 460's with them, but i think they are going to do so.

 

[SouthEastern-465]

317s and 465s.

Thats the spirit!

 

[Bittern]

In additon to my above choice, the 318s and 314s come at a close second.

 

[starrymarkb]

It doesn't get sexier than the Pendolino.

Possibly if you had a think for inaminate objects, BTW is one still named Virgin Invader? A name to raise a smile from the dirty minded...

Now for good looking EMUs - I give you

It may interest some to know that the guy who designed that then went on to design the 395 Javelins

 

[SWT Driver]

A ugly white worm...

 

[CCF23]

Rumour has it that the 442s will be taking over Brighton Express duties, to allow the 20 dedicated /1s cover the /3s on Coastway services, whilst they're refurbished and moved into Metroland in the south of London.

I hope this happens too the 442's were designed as fast mainline trains they are much better than 444's and 377's and it would be a waste of resources not putting them on the Brighton Expresses.

As for the ICE i quite like them they show how far the the U.K is behind many other Western European and some other countries in the world in terms of high speed rail.

Chris