First impressions of rolling stock?

[HotAirBalloon]

Was doing some reminiscing last night.

I vivdily remember travelling for the first time on a 158 back in the early 90s and thinking how quiet and sleek and modern they were. Still travel regularly on 158s and think they are an excellent train.

On the opposite side taking a trip with Greater Anglia from London to Norwich in 2014 thinking that I had travelled back In time with faded blue seats, mock wood paneling and the strange low back fixed arm rest seats!

What have been your memorable first impressions? Have they changed since? For better or for worse!​

 

[bramling]

Was doing some reminiscing last night.

I vivdily remember travelling for the first time on a 158 back in the early 90s and thinking how quiet and sleek and modern they were. Still travel regularly on 158s and think they are an excellent train.

On the opposite side taking a trip with Greater Anglia from London to Norwich in 2014 thinking that I had travelled back In time with faded blue seats, mock wood paneling and the strange low back fixed arm rest seats!

What have been your memorable first impressions? Have they changed since? For better or for worse!​

Class 365 is lovely, and still is - although has been "dumned down" slightly with the recent refurbishment.

 

[Strathclyder]

My first impressions of a 380 from Glasgow Central - Gourock & return (back in 2014) were that they had rather harsh interior lighting and had a overall sterile feel to them, but had excellent ride quality, comfortable high-backed seats & good acceleration.

 

[Clansman]

The first trip I can remember on a GNER HST was around 2004. Used to catch the Chieftain to Edinburgh with my father and I vividly recall how luxurious the interior seemed. My first impressions of the HSTs themselves was one of great character. Standing at a frostbitten Perth railways station and looking out for the massive rounded headlights dominating the facade. I recall how the Valenta engines blew a waft of warm air towards your face and blowing your hair into all sorts, with the coaches banging away against the track as the train grind to a halt.

The brown interior gave a very warm and spectacular feeling of grandeur. The massive saloon lights caught my eye the most as it complemented to the interior theme perfectly. To a then 4 year old's eyes it was quite glistening and relaxing, and the old fashion look to them reminded me of many a day spent at my Grandparents, serenading me with a homely and welcoming feel to the environment...which perfectly set the tone of the journey ahead.

Ever since GNER went down the plughole I don't think I've ever experienced such a luxurious feel to a journey. Every time I sit in an IC70 seat on VTEC or EMT, I tend to sit there nostalgically reminiscing on where it all went wrong for the railways in terms of comfort; although that may be a growing up thing.

Very rarely does a first impression become a lasting one; and in this instance, it most certainly is...

Long may GNER rest in peace, until awoken again by the rarity of someone wiling to bring back a proper passenger service into our ever comfort deteriorating railway.

 

[superkev]

My first impression of a virgin 390 with its slit windows an large areas of plastic was of a padded cell and I have referred to them as paddedcellinos ever since.
K

 

[387star]

Class 365 is lovely, and still is - although has been "dumned down" slightly with the recent refurbishment.

why is a 365 so much better than the much maligned 465? thought they near identical

 

[Kite159]

why is a 365 so much better than the much maligned 465? thought they near identical

365s are 2+2 seating, 465s are 3+2

 

[NickBucks]

2-HAL /2-BIL & the Tadpole ( I think)DMUs from Winnersh Halt to Wokingham when I was about 9 years old. I remember big chunky but well worn seats, the drop down windows to open the door by the outside handle ( The internal sliders were too strong for a little lad like me ). Stock had compartments from what I remember.This was late 1960's- probably 1967-9. In those days I was allowed together with my two younger sisters to make this journey in the school holidays to meet my mum from work and we went for fish and chips from the chippy in Wokingham High Street ( which is still there). In those days Winnersh was a manned station . The man in charge reminded me of Will Hay but he was a great chap- knew all of his regulars by name and kept a small but immaculate station. Now it is an unmanned halt with the usual shelters only. Ah memories!

 

[Wivenswold]

As a GEML regular, I found the 365s felt more solid than anything I'd used before the 360s turned up. I was hoping they'd come over here for the new franchise to release 321s to WA and replace the 317s. But I can't complain how things turned out.

I took my first trip on a 360 during the heatwave in mid-August 2003 from Colchester to Col Town. After sweltering on a 321 from London it was like heaven. Still like them even though they replaced the glorious 312s.

 

[bramling]

why is a 365 so much better than the much maligned 465? thought they near identical

The bodyshell is identical, but the interior is nicer.

# 2+2 seating
# Carpet (until recently)
# A good interior layout with a good mix of facing and airline seats (until recently, although still not too bad), plus half tables/seat-back tables which are good enough to be useful but not too big as to get in the way.
# Smooth and quiet with good performance
# Very nice first class, which is actually worth paying extra for
# Virtually every single seat is aligned with the windows
# Good PIS.
# Good seating capacity with good standing room too.
# Good luggage space with racks at the end of the vehicles.

The only negative, perhaps, is lack of air conditioning -- although personally I don't find this to be a problem. The heating is superb in winter, and the hopper windows are generally effective. There are adjustable ball vents too.

Actually I don't mind the 465s either, their only issue is their interiors have been neglected over the years, and is a little too cramped for the dense traffic on their routes.

 

[Hadders]

The bodyshell is identical, but the interior is nicer.

# 2+2 seating
# Carpet (until recently)
# A good interior layout with a good mix of facing and airline seats (until recently, although still not too bad), plus half tables/seat-back tables which are good enough to be useful but not too big as to get in the way.
# Smooth and quiet with good performance
# Very nice first class, which is actually worth paying extra for
# Virtually every single seat is aligned with the windows
# Good PIS.
# Good seating capacity with good standing room too.
# Good luggage space with racks at the end of the vehicles.

The only negative, perhaps, is lack of air conditioning -- although personally I don't find this to be a problem. The heating is superb in winter, and the hopper windows are generally effective. There are adjustable ball vents too.

Actually I don't mind the 465s either, their only issue is their interiors have been neglected over the years, and is a little too cramped for the dense traffic on their routes.

I absolutely agree with all of this - a basic design from 20+ years ago that has stood the test of time. I don't find the lack of air conditioning a problem either - there's nothing quite like a 365 in summer with all the windows open at 100mph

You forgot to mention the smiley face on the front of the trains

 

[bramling]

I absolutely agree with all of this - a basic design from 20+ years ago that has stood the test of time. I don't find the lack of air conditioning a problem either - there's nothing quite like a 365 in summer with all the windows open at 100mph

You forgot to mention the smiley face on the front of the trains

Yep, and this is why many GN users are pretty unhappy about getting lesser trains as replacements.

Whichever way one looks at it, the 387 isn't as good for the route (plug sockets excepted?), and the 700 is just horrible in every respect.

I know for a fact my local MP has received a large number of complaints about the current situation.

 

[jon0844]

there's nothing quite like a 365 in summer with all the windows open at 100mph

You forgot to mention the smiley face on the front of the trains

Depends where you board. If a train has come out of Hornsey with the windows closed and you board at King's Cross, it takes to around New Barnet before the train will have cooled.

And if you are ever on a busy train and have to stand in the vestibules, you'll have no air movement and roast.

But, that's the only issue with these trains and they're a personal favourite.

 

[AlterEgo]

I remember my first trip on a Pendolino and thinking it was incredible.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

When the 333s first arrived, I was impressed with how futuristic they looked but felt that the aisle was too narrow for 3+2 seating. The seats themselves weren't as comfortable as the 308s they were replacing, but the lack of an icy wind from dozens of windows left open was a big advantage!

 

[Bletchleyite]

Was doing some reminiscing last night.

I vivdily remember travelling for the first time on a 158 back in the early 90s and thinking how quiet and sleek and modern they were. Still travel regularly on 158s and think they are an excellent train.

That they are. My first impression the first time I used one on a hot summer's day was like stepping into a fridge - it was lovely. Shame the aircon didn't survive the move to non-CFC refrigerants.
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My first impressions of a 380 from Glasgow Central - Gourock & return (back in 2014) were that they had rather harsh interior lighting and had a overall sterile feel to them, but had excellent ride quality, comfortable high-backed seats & good acceleration.

I actually thought they had a surprisingly InterCity feel to them with the long centre section, big windows, deep colours and large amount of facing seating. I like 350s, but this was that little bit better.

I'd be happy if that turned up instead of a Pendolino.
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I remember my first trip on a Pendolino and thinking it was incredible.

First go on a Voyager - and it took off like an aircraft, pushing me back in the seat, even turning some lights off to put more power down to the wheels.

Sadly, they fixed the software so it now no longer does that...

 

[northwichcat]

First impression of a 175 -

I was waiting on the Manchester bound platform at Knutsford and had watched a Merseytravel 142 depart for Chester just before a 175 on a Manchester bound service arrived. Given how much better it was compared to the other type of rolling stock I thought it was like being given a free upgrade to First Class.

 

[Bletchleyite]

First impression of a 175

2016 impression of a 175: rattletrap with loose panels, loose seats and ground-in filth. ATW really haven't looked after them.

Mind you, 2016 impression of the Conwy Valley 150 yesterday - absolutely disgusting. Filthy inside with non-matching seat covers and dirt ground into them all. In serious need of a refurb.

The Swiss would have panoramic stock of very high quality on there, and charge the tourists a premium too!

 

[Strathclyder]

I actually thought they had a surprisingly InterCity feel to them with the long centre section, big windows, deep colours and large amount of facing seating. I like 350s, but this was that little bit better.

I'd be happy if that turned up instead of a Pendolino.

Yeah, they have that kinda feel to them. They were quite the step-change from the 318s/334s they replaced on the Ayrshire Coast/Inverclyde Lines and the 322s on the North Berwick services.

 

[hibtastic]

I remember my first ride on a VXC Voyager when they were just being introduced and it showed up on a Liverpool Lime Street to Edinburgh service (remember them?) in place of the usual 158. I thought it was fantastic with its modern looks and at seat entertainment.

 

[Rick1984]

I really don't get the 365 love in. Don't think the interior is anything great. Cramped. The seatback tables are too small. They feel very tired and dated. Luggage racks in wrong place and battering through tunnels at 100mph on ECML with hopper windows that open of there own accord is just awful. Can't be nice for Queennie
Sound and look great from outside but was disappointed when I got on one.

 

[glbotu]

I distinctly remember my first ride on a Class 357 (having been used to the slam doors and then the 317s) back on what was then a very quiet LT&S. It was just such a smooth ride, which I just wasn't used to.

I also remember my first Class 458 (functioning, back in 1998, didn't realise how rare that was), again replacing old slam door stock. I also remember how smooth and quiet the train was.

 

[DarloRich]

First trip on a Pendolino C.2004 - I thought it was ultra modern, sleek, fast, uncomfortable and dark.

My first trip on a Voyager was in 2002 on the NYMR of all places. At slow speed i thought they were quite nice, quiet and very modern. On the mainline that view was quickly disabused.

 

[bramling]

I really don't get the 365 love in. Don't think the interior is anything great. Cramped. The seatback tables are too small. They feel very tired and dated. Luggage racks in wrong place and battering through tunnels at 100mph on ECML with hopper windows that open of there own accord is just awful. Can't be nice for Queennie
Sound and look great from outside but was disappointed when I got on one.

Don't agree with this.

The interior certainly isn't cramped compared with similar commuter trains - 317s/321s, 357s and 700s all spring to mind as being more cramped.

The luggage racks at the end of the carriages are well used - on the 387s this space doesn't exist.

Windows opening of their own accord only normally happens if the window hasn't been closed properly.

Yes the seatback tables are a little on the small side, but I find them large enough to be useful - and in any case are better than nothing, which is what most commuter trains have.

The 365 is a compromise between a long-distance train and a commuter train. The GN route needs just such a compromise, and the 365 achieves this compromise exceptionally well IMO. No other compromise design comes close IMO. The 387 is a disaster in this respect. I wouldn't even describe the 700 as a compromise because it is clearly a metro design that shouldn't be being deployed on the duties planned for it.

 

[northwichcat]

First trip on a Pendolino C.2004 - I thought it was ultra modern, sleek, fast, uncomfortable and dark.

My first trip on a Voyager was in 2002 on the NYMR of all places. At slow speed i thought they were quite nice, quiet and very modern. On the mainline that view was quickly disabused.

I wasn't that impressed with my first journey on a Pendolino (Stockport to Euston) - mainly because my reserved seat had no window and the luggage space was full when I boarded.

I was more impressed with my first journey on a Voyager (Sheffield to Newcastle) possibly partly because I'd arrived in Sheffield in a tired 158 and was departing in an almost new train.

 

[sprinterguy]

As an infrequent traveller south from North East England when growing up, I thought the appearance of a class 150 quite peculiar the first time I saw a brace of them at York, shortly after Northern Spirit had done a swap for some with Valley Lines, not realising that trains with mid-carriage doors were pretty typical on suburban services in other areas of the country: In North East England, we didn't have things like that (except for the Tyne and Wear Metro, which was a very different beast).

I recall that RAIL Magazine published a fairly positive review of the Voyagers when they first entered service; this being when they were used on Bournemouth services in pairs and hence the subsequent chronic overcrowding issues had not yet come to light.

I remember being similarly impressed as Clansman with the impression of luxury presented by GNER's refurbishment of their HSTs in the early days of privatisation, through the use of muted lighting and rich brown hues. In stark contrast was the woebegone condition I regularly found their mark 4 rakes in during the same period, where the predominantly grey interior favoured by BR around the start of the nineties had clearly not aged well during the intervening decade, with worn or loose fitting seat fabric and carpets, and flooded toilets.

I found myself astonished at the quality of Wrexham and Shropshire the first time I used their services, and they never disappointed on any of the subsequent trips that I made with them. Not just the quality of the refurbishment that had been undertaken, but also the quality of the service provided: On that first trip a friend and I got up early especially to sample the service between Leamington Spa and Shrewsbury, and the full Welsh breakfast that was served en route was an absolute delight.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

2016 impression of a 175: rattletrap with loose panels, loose seats and ground-in filth. ATW really haven't looked after them.

Mind you, 2016 impression of the Conwy Valley 150 yesterday - absolutely disgusting. Filthy inside with non-matching seat covers and dirt ground into them all. In serious need of a refurb.

Their standard of upkeep must have degraded massively if they are really that bad perhaps 12 - 18 months since I last had direct experience of travelling on them (I more often travel on ATW's 158s). I've previously considered the 175s to be clean, comfortable and smooth running, and the ATW 150s light and airy.

 

[Bletchleyite]

The 158s are in excellent condition - other than the other recent refurbs, all the rest of ATW's stock is in a right state.