Ideas for interior refresh / refurbishment of Pendolinos

[_toommm_]

Interestingly I keep getting electric shocks from the 390s on my right arm whenever I put my arm on the 'window sill'. I don't know if it's because I've got a mole there, but it's a constant electric shock...

 

[Bletchleyite]

Interestingly I keep getting electric shocks from the 390s on my right arm whenever I put my arm on the 'window sill'. I don't know if it's because I've got a mole there, but it's a constant electric shock...

Clothing related, probably. I guess it must be earthed. That or a trapped nerve.

 

[First1]

There's nothing wrong with the interiors that a refurbishment would fix. They've dated remarkably well. There's zero chance of window aligned seating, just as there wasn't in mk3s, other than the Grand Central coaches with original second class seats mounted at first class position.

A different seat type would still have to be missing a window armrest and window seats would still be annoying if you didn't grab one with enough of a window ledge to use as an armrest.

Personally I don't care about WiFi - I imagine most people don't. The fewer people TAP-TAP-tapping away the better.

Tired and old fashioned interiors. At the very least they need plug sockets, free WIFI would certainly be something to consider. Lots of the younger generation do care about WIFI, and tapping away is all they care about!

 

[Agent_Squash]

Sometimes I wonder if I'm going back to the 1990s with some of these archaic views about technology...

 

[Journeyman]

I really like a lot of aspects of the Pendolino interior. The lighting is warm and pleasant, the finishes use nice colours which are easy on the eye and have a quality look and feel, and the seats are comfortable (good in Standard, excellent in First). I can live with the tilt profile, and as long as you get a seat that has a window next to it (admittedly a bit hit and miss) they're very nice to travel in. Agree we could do with more plug sockets and a bit of modernisation here and there, but generally I think they've aged very well indeed.

 

[_toommm_]

The only thing for me is the narrow profile making it feel cramped, especially if I'm at a window with someone next to me. Of course this can't really be fixed, but regardless, they're decent trains

 

[Bletchleyite]

Sometimes I wonder if I'm going back to the 1990s with some of these archaic views about technology...

I do find it quite odd that there are so many people here with quite Luddite views despite them expressing them on something quite modern (a Web forum).

 

[Bletchleyite]

The only thing for me is the narrow profile making it feel cramped, especially if I'm at a window with someone next to me. Of course this can't really be fixed, but regardless, they're decent trains

Much as I'm, er, heavy gauge, I think it would make sense to take about 1" off the width of each seat in order to provide an armrest on the window side, as that would provide overall better comfort. That stupid conduit thing is meant to act as an armrest but it really doesn't.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I really like a lot of aspects of the Pendolino interior. The lighting is warm and pleasant, the finishes use nice colours which are easy on the eye and have a quality look and feel, and the seats are comfortable (good in Standard, excellent in First). I can live with the tilt profile, and as long as you get a seat that has a window next to it (admittedly a bit hit and miss) they're very nice to travel in. Agree we could do with more plug sockets and a bit of modernisation here and there, but generally I think they've aged very well indeed.

Pendolino 1st is easily my favourite in the UK, the only thing I'd change is to have more unidirectional single seats, perhaps half the single seats in each coach would be good.

I agree about the lighting and general ambiance - it is of high quality and has aged very well - they certainly don't look roughly 15 years old whereas some other similarly aged stock, particularly Class 180, is falling to bits.

 

[Journeyman]

Much as I'm, er, heavy gauge, I think it would make sense to take about 1" off the width of each seat in order to provide an armrest on the window side, as that would provide overall better comfort. That stupid conduit thing is meant to act as an armrest but it really doesn't.

That's the only thing about the design I don't like. The conduit is a funny shape and my arm keeps sliding off it.

 

[Bletchleyite]

That's the only thing about the design I don't like. The conduit is a funny shape and my arm keeps sliding off it.

It (and the larger windows) are why I prefer a Voyager on the WCML, though it's marginal as otherwise the interiors are near identical.

 

[Journeyman]

Pendolino 1st is easily my favourite in the UK, the only thing I'd change is to have more unidirectional single seats, perhaps half the single seats in each coach would be good.

I agree about the lighting and general ambiance - it is of high quality and has aged very well - they certainly don't look roughly 15 years old whereas some other similarly aged stock, particularly Class 180, is falling to bits.

Yes, when travelling alone I really like sitting in an individual airline first class seat. There's plenty in the driving vehicle, but it tends to be noisy in there because of the galley and staff hanging around next to it.

 

[Journeyman]

It (and the larger windows) are why I prefer a Voyager on the WCML, though it's marginal as otherwise the interiors are near identical.

The window size does make a difference to the Voyagers - they feel more spacious, even though they're not.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Yes, when travelling alone I really like sitting in an individual airline first class seat. There's plenty in the driving vehicle, but it tends to be noisy in there because of the galley and staff hanging around next to it.

And the staff like to hog them (and now they are reserved for "Traveller" members so you may get booted out). Other than that there's only one per full size coach.

 

[cjmillsnun]

I'd rather they were replaced with Class 87's and Mark 3's.

I’d accept class 90s

 

[cjmillsnun]

Personally I don't care about WiFi - I imagine most people don't. The fewer people TAP-TAP-tapping away the better.

Most people would want WiFi.

 

[cjmillsnun]

Can we outsource this refurbishment to Booths of Rotherham?

Along with a full voyager refurb?

Edit in all seriousness aside from the stupidly small windows and the (largely dealt with) toilet smell the Pendos aren’t too bad.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Most people would want WiFi.

For about the next 5-10 years after which I'd expect it, as with Rabbit phones and the likes, to be superceded with blanket mobile coverage across the whole country at a much cheaper price than at present.

 

[cjmillsnun]

For about the next 5-10 years after which I'd expect it, as with Rabbit phones and the likes, to be superceded with blanket mobile coverage across the whole country at a much cheaper price than at present.

Which would see the Pendos to near end of life.

 

[gordonthemoron]

The seats are fine, at least you can see down the carriage unlike the claustrophobic Mallard seats on the ECML. Power sockes like on the IEP would be good and an improved shop or better still a craft bar

 

[Mikey C]

The tiny windows can't be changed, but the layout can be improved to make the most of what's there!

I don't mind the seats themselves, legroom isn't brilliant though, I was surprised how roomy the 222s are in comparison.

Having blinds is a plus point, and a sign to me of a "proper" long distance train. Often you don't need to lower them much, a couple of inches can be enough to remove the sun from shining directly into your eyes

 

[Bletchleyite]

I find 222s really claustrophobic due to the single piece high back seats, to be honest. Not a great fan, I'd rather a VT Voyager. (Not an XC one, as those are in worse condition and invariably overcrowded).

I'd rather curtains than blinds as they prevent any disputes as to their state.

 

[Hadders]

The 390s have been good trains on the WCML, especially when you consider how hard they are worked.

The worst thing about them is the small windows which will always mean some seats don't have a window view, whatever seat layout is adopted. There is the odd luggage rach with a window view next to a seat with no view. This could be dealt with pretty easily.

 

[ChilternTurbo]

I have to say, be careful what you wish for... I've clocked up about 100,000 miles travelling on Pendolinos and whilst some aspects of the interiors look a little dated, I do appreciate the soft lighting and find the seats in both standard and first class very comfortable. I've even got used to the rather dubious looking wood effect on the tables and ceiling panels. I'd hate to see a refurbishment involving the fitment of 'ironing board' style seats and harsh LEDs...
I always like to pick a seat which lines up with a window but I do know colleagues who actively seek out the windowless seats when they want to work on their iPads.

 

[pt_mad]

I suppose if the shortest seats possible were wanted, to avoid any potential claustrophobic feel, then it's probably going to be the existing seats. New seats (may?) need to be taller due to modern standards such as the grammar 3000 seats. So perhaps keeping current seats but fully face-lifting them is the answer?

Remove the 1990s style faded yellow computer plastic from the interiors wherever it appears. Probably replace with a neutral type grey? Paint it if its viable. Fit new, modern looking tables, and remove any luggage racks which currently have a window view and put them next to a blanked panel instead, (where currently, some tables are situated).

Remove the yellow mottled plastic ceiling pannels and replace with neutral grey.

Existing lighting could be upgraded to LED and could still be warm in colour, even with low enegrey LED. 2700k (Kelvin's) colour rating? I.e. domestic warm white lighting.

Free WiFi throughout. And probably usb chargers for all.

And here's an idea. Fit a bicycle space within the main passenger accomodation like on 221s and 222s. So that staff don't need to dedicate themselves to letting a bicycle on or off which is a bit labour intensive given we are in the 21st century imo. And then perhaps do something with the old bicycle space, like maybe move the guards office there? Just a thought.

 

[corsaVXR]

Some thoughts:

• rework the luggage holders and the panels above the windows so that it doesn't make the ceiling look so low
• Replace all the interior panels with a tone seen more on velaro units
• re-engineer the windows to make them bigger (I'm sure the units are over stiff already - they're full of bulkheads, there's no need for them to be that small)
• get rid of the blue/silver panels in the vestibules.
• Replace the seats with something that looks a little bit less 90s.

Exterior wise, the pendolinos are some of the most modern looking units. Interior wise, they're crap compared to the 30 year old stock run by LNER.

 

[jw]

The fleet's owner, Angel Trains, commissioned some mockups to show to the bidders for the next West Coast franchise.

 

[corsaVXR]

The fleet's owner, Angel Trains, commissioned some mockups to show to the bidders for the next West Coast franchise.

The pendolino user study linked on that contains some choice quotes... such as this charming gem from User K:

Sometimes if you’re in cattle, council class people try to just engage with you.

 

[Andy25]

There is no way

Some thoughts:

• rework the luggage holders and the panels above the windows so that it doesn't make the ceiling look so low
• Replace all the interior panels with a tone seen more on velaro units
• re-engineer the windows to make them bigger (I'm sure the units are over stiff already - they're full of bulkheads, there's no need for them to be that small)
• get rid of the blue/silver panels in the vestibules.
• Replace the seats with something that looks a little bit less 90s.

Exterior wise, the pendolinos are some of the most modern looking units. Interior wise, they're crap compared to the 30 year old stock run by LNER.

There is no way the windows could be made bigger. The reason they had to be that size was meet crashworthness requirements.

Standards are even more restrictive now so couldn't be done sensibly They weren't even allowed to produce more of the same as they were no longer complaint.

 

[6Gman]

Acually dont mind the new scheme on the 390s , looks more modern . Though i do wish they would do a full interior refresh . With plug sockets throughout , free wifi and decent catering in the shop .

Isn't the wifi issue a matter of capacity?