LM 350/3 discussion (was Construction Progress)

[southern442]

I wish they hadn't gone for that horrid green moquette. Power sockets are good, though. I wonder if they are only at tables? If not they would have another advantage over Virgin.

Will first class be the same or will it be 2+1?

 

[swt_passenger]

Will first class be the same or will it be 2+1?

350/1 and 350/2 are both 2+2 in first, do you think there's a realistic probability for them wanting 10 trains out of 77 that are different to the rest?

 

[southern442]

350/1 and 350/2 are both 2+2 in first, do you think there's a realistic probability for them wanting 10 trains out of 77 that are different to the rest?

Well its just that there have been complaints that the 350/1 first class isnt much different to standard class, and with the 350/4's being 2+1 in first (then again they probably did that to keep them in line with the 180's) I thought that the 350/3's FC might have been done to a higher standard.

 

[All Line Rover]

Well its just that there have been complaints that the 350/1 first class isnt much different to standard class, and with the 350/4's being 2+1 in first (then again they probably did that to keep them in line with the 180's) I thought that the 350/3's FC might have been done to a higher standard.

Especially given that LM seem committed to the Trent Valley route and a high proportion of First Class passengers on this route board at Lichfield (and to a lesser extent Stoke), the journey times from both of these stations to London being considerable. Considering many of these passengers are used to travelling with Virgin I often hear comments such as "is this it?" or "isn't it rather cramped?" or "why are there so few tables?". Sometimes people walk straight through First Class only to 'discover' it later!

I think it would be short-sighted for LM not to have gone with 2+1 seating (and raised ticket prices proportionally) but (a) maybe they just don't care; (b) maybe the micro-managing DfT doesn't want 2+1 seating.
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A snapshot of the interior: Not much to see here, but they do have plug sockets. (LMs photo)

Three further things I've noticed about this picture are: (a) the Standard Class tables are those that currently exist in First Class (notice the grey ring around the edge of the table and its relatively uniform width - the existing Standard Class tables have no grey ring and are narrower, particularly towards the edge - see here and here); (b) the seatback table looks like those currently in First Class (deep enough to accommodate a small laptop - though it's so obscure I can't be certain); (c) the power sockets are underneath the table whereas those currently in First Class are on the wall, so part of the design has changed.

Considering the only remaining difference between First and Standard Class will be the provision of a blind, I will be genuinely surprised if First Class doesn't change (then again, if it doesn't, I just won't use it any longer!).

 

[Nym]

Would it take them long to fit the DC looms if they're not already installed or would that be a really complicated/long job?

[ot](Well semi off-topic), if SWT were to have a new build of Desiros, because of the new crash structure regs, would they have to have them like the ones used in Scotland?[/ot]

I wouldn't expect it to be too difficult as the rest of the unit will be built to fit the loom / conduits.

 

[Silverlinky]

For anyone interested in seeing these 350/3 units, LM currently have 2 x 4 car units in kings Heath depot (Northampton). I have been reliably informed that on Monday they will run as an 8 car from Northampton - Crewe and back and then running again, but only as 4 cars, on Thursday and Friday. Although no routing for the Thursday / Friday run has been mentioned to me.

However, as always, these things are set to change at short notice!

350/3 (x2)

Out tomorrow as 5K10, 0957 ex NKHD, 1005/1011 Northampton, 1032/1032 Rugby, 1107 arr Stafford.
Back as 5N50 1117 ex Stafford, 1207/1207 Rugby, 1233/1245 NN, 1313 NKHD

Same on Thursday.....

 

[Techniquest]

I wish they hadn't gone for that horrid green moquette. Power sockets are good, though. I wonder if they are only at tables? If not they would have another advantage over Virgin.

What's wrong with the green moquette? It took me a few hours to get used to it when it was first applied to the 170s but I think it looks nice and smart. Certainly more so than the Central Trains colours did...

Power sockets in Standard will be a HUGE bonus for me, I'll be able to keep my phone topped up with charge. With the amount I use my phone for Twitter, Facebook, noting observations, Real Time Trains, texts/phone calls and noting moves, not to mention the occasional video/photo, when I'm on a bash that'll be very handy. Fights for tables coming up then...

Shame I'm not on a WMDR tomorrow, I'd go and see those 350s. No matter, can't be much longer before I can start red penning them on BHM-BHI/BHI-COV leaps...

 

[MK Tom]

350/3 (x2)

Out tomorrow as 5K10, 0957 ex NKHD, 1005/1011 Northampton, 1032/1032 Rugby, 1107 arr Stafford.
Back as 5N50 1117 ex Stafford, 1207/1207 Rugby, 1233/1245 NN, 1313 NKHD

Same on Thursday.....

Would it be possible for you or someone to confirm if this is still what's planned Thursday morning? Or even better confirm that it actually runs at these times as I'll try to go to Northampton for the 12:33/12:45 part on Thursday.

 

[Silverlinky]

Would it be possible for you or someone to confirm if this is still what's planned Thursday morning? Or even better confirm that it actually runs at these times as I'll try to go to Northampton for the 12:33/12:45 part on Thursday.

The path is booked, it should run, might only be 1x4 again though as only 368 came out this morning.

 

[MK Tom]

I wonder why they're only doing it on Monday and Thursday?

 

[sd0733]

368 has been undergoing coupling and uncoupling tests today with 350106 on kings heath depot. I was told its doing the same tomorrow but with a /2 unit then Thursday will be out and about again.

Also with regards to 1st class, its already full on a lot of the trent valley services and most are off peak/anytime returns not advances. Iv lost count of the amount of times iv had complaints where 1st class ticket holders have had to sit in standard, so losing more seats is far from ideal and if the price was adjusted then people aren't going to be happy because on the vast majority (statistically 67/77 chance) a /1 or /2 comes and they're paying x% more for exactly what they had before.

 

[MK Tom]

Still the same planned diagrams for tomorrow's test run? Does it actually run into Northampton station platforms between 1233/1245?

I suppose First Class offers the grand benefits of curtains, slightly comfier seats that only recline if you're prepared to slice your fingers off on the handle under the seat, and that cloth thing that has a name I can never remember. If there wasn't a capacity problem I'd suggest 2+1 seating as a way of making it a bit more exclusive now standard class has the power sockets and better tables.

 

[Silverlinky]

Yes, on Monday it ran off the Siemens depot into Platform Bay 4, and did the same upon arrival from Stafford and sat there for 10 mins before going to the depot.

Antimacassars are them bits of tissue on the first class headrests!

And I did hear today that 368/369 will be departing for Crewe for storage upon completion of commisioning. Due to capacity issues its going to be a case of two in two out, so 8 and 9 will be shipped off pending the arrival of 370/71 in 2 or 3 weeks.

 

[MK Tom]

So that's after tomorrow's test run then??

If anyone can confirm tomorrow that the first leg out of Northampton has definitely run that'd help as I'm aiming to catch it on its return to Northampton.

 

[sprinterguy]

If anyone can confirm tomorrow that the first leg out of Northampton has definitely run that'd help as I'm aiming to catch it on its return to Northampton.

The outbound test run just passed Rugby, running slightly early.
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Will first class be the same or will it be 2+1?

It has previously been reported that the 350/3s will have 24 first class seats in a 2+2 arrangement; same as the 350/1s and /2s.

 

[Silverlinky]

The outbound test run just passed Rugby, running slightly early.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

It has previously been reported that the 350/3s will have 24 first class seats in a 2+2 arrangement; same as the 350/1s and /2s.

I can confirm that this is the arrangement/layout.

 

[MK Tom]

The outbound test ran early. The return was late leaving Stafford but made it up to arrive at Northampton on time.

Here's a photo:

 

[Class377/5]

Is that in service? Says Liverpool on it?

 

[MK Tom]

Noo it's the test run that all the last page or two of this thread was talking about! It only ran to Stafford and back.

I would love to see a direct Northampton-Liverpool service haha

 

[bILLOO]

I would love to see a direct Northampton-Liverpool service haha

Or to any destination that isn't Birmingham New Street! D:

 

[Class377/5]

Noo it's the test run that all the last page or two of this thread was talking about! It only ran to Stafford and back.

I would love to see a direct Northampton-Liverpool service haha

I thought that but don't they normally put test or something on the front?

I'm still hoping they do a regular service to Preston again.

 

[MK Tom]

Or to any destination that isn't Birmingham New Street! D:

Nuneaton would be a start

The lack of any kind of Milton Keynes to Liverpool service is the biggest gap in MKC's services now we have Wolverhampton and Scotland.

As for why the screen was saying Liverpool I have no idea. Maybe testing that system?

 

[brick60000]

Is there any indication of whether it will run today or not?

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[Silverlinky]

Next run is 369 alone on Tuesday, with both 368 and 369 moving to Crewe for storage on Sun 27th.
370 & 371 arrive on Weds 30th

 

[YorkshireBear]

Why are they moving for storage?

 

[user15681]

Why are they moving for storage?

Presumably because of the alleged ASLEF dispute at the moment?

 

[YorkshireBear]

Presumably because of the alleged ASLEF dispute at the moment?

I have been without internet for a week or so, have no idea what is going on anymore

What are they complaining about?

 

[user15681]

I have been without internet for a week or so, have no idea what is going on anymore

What are they complaining about?

My apologies, I should have added to my post. This over on the 350/4 thread.

Anyone else heard that ASLEF have blacked the new LM mark 3's?? Apparently, one of the new systems alerts the driver if he is about to SPAD, but that alarm can be heard in the passenger compartment, so ASLEF have refused to allow their members to operate them as of yet. Who would drive them on the test runs, if that is the case??
I believe that there were some DB Schenker men that trained on them for when Southern borrowed some - anyone confirm or deny all of this??

Although that may have nothing to do with them going to storage.

 

[Manchester77]

Could also be related to the rumours that TPE may hire some during the Glasgow Games to boost capacity?

 

[Silverlinky]

No real timetable changes in May so no need yet for extra capacity. December timetable change is when they'll be pressed into full service. They may fill in before then if the 350/1 overhaul/major exam program gets under way.