FGW refurbished coach different lighting

[Woody]

I noticed on Sunday that on a FGW HST refurbished set that one of the coaches TS 43094 has been fitted with different lighting throughout the coach instead of those ghastly "operating theatre" white lights.It is a much softer warmer light compared to those currently fitted to its refurbed coaches and stood out quite noticeably from the rest of the train.Is this some sort of trial.

 

[thomasgholmes]

Got any pictures?
I`d like to see.

 

[W14Fishbourne]

It could be a trial. There have been complaints about the brightness of the lights, the same as there have been about the lighting on the refurbed 159s.

On the other hand it could simply be that the spare lights in stock in the depot are of a different type!

 

[thomasgholmes]

Well we`ll see.
If more carriages get them fitted then it`s obviously a refurbishment.

 

[devon_metro]

It could be a trial. There have been complaints about the brightness of the lights, the same as there have been about the lighting on the refurbed 159s.

On the other hand it could simply be that the spare lights in stock in the depot are of a different type!

Doubt its a modifiction, that could explain it.

I think lights are required to be at a ridiculous level of brightness these days. Bear in mind if you go to the end of the carriage you can turn the lights to dim and make them far more bearable.

 

[Daniel]

Indeed. Had done it many a time when I've had the carriage to myself. Once when I shared the carriage with two other pax, I asked them if they minded if I turned the lights down, they just started at me and said "You can do that?!"

 

[devon_metro]

First Class isn't quite as bright IMO

 

[Woody]

Got any pictures?
I`d like to see.

Sorry no pictures,the set involved was operating the 1344 Plymouth/Paddington on Sunday.The light diffuser arrangement was identical to all those currently fitted to all refurb coaches but must be using different tubes which gave a warm pinky look to everything,a complete contast to those currently fitted.

 

[kestrel]

Sorry no pictures,the set involved was operating the 1344 Plymouth/Paddington on Sunday.The light diffuser arrangement was identical to all those currently fitted to all refurb coaches but must be using different tubes which gave a warm pinky look to everything,a complete contast to those currently fitted.

The refurbed seating coaches on the 'night riviera' have the 'dim' lighting fitted, from the outside it looks as if the car is locked out of use but is in use with the dim lighting, much etter for some doss!

incidently the 1st refurbed sleeper car was in use the other night should be on the UP beds tonight

 

[ChrisCooper]

Bright lighting is one of the worst things about train travel at night, it makes it so hard to relax, or just to look out of the window (since all you can see is the reflection of inside the carriage). Add to this hard seats and coldness (due to the HVAC being set to low), loud announcements (epecially automatic ones), and constant beeps etc, and it really spoils night travelling on trains. Actually, it's one thing where coaches really win, I find they have a much nicer ambience for night travelling, with dimmed lights, warmth, and modern coaches are often quieter and smoother than trains. Seats often arn't much better though, if not worse, but then get the atmosphere right and relaxing is easy anywhere. At least on HSTs, there is the option of the droplights in the vestibules for viewing outside (the world at night can be very pleasent when viewed from a train, especially around christmas when places are lit up). Of cource, HSTs arn't quite up to electrics, with the regular blue flashes from the overhead/third rail.

 

[Max]

It's similar to Un-refurbed GNER HSTs. Some of the coaches have really pleasant, warm, yellow lights. Meanwhile, others have hard white lights which produce a far inferior atmosphere. Presumably they must simply be differerent types of bulbs?

 

[metrocammel]

Indeed. Had done it many a time when I've had the carriage to myself. Once when I shared the carriage with two other pax, I asked them if they minded if I turned the lights down, they just started at me and said "You can do that?!"

Yes, but you shouldn't unless you get the Train Manager's permission, or are an employee. Messing with things we shouldn't be touching can give "rail enthusiasts" a bad name. Plus, with a certain horizontally challenged member of the our eclectic "clan" being arrested for messing with HST trailer cars- I seriously wouldn't do anything.

And back on topic, the bright lights are ghastly. Hurrrah if they have seen sense and are toning them down, now we need refurbed sets being outshopped with re-upholstered IC70 seats .