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Noisy 442s

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radamfi

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On some 442s, there is a constant whirring noise coming from the bottom of the train and it can even noticeably shake the train uncomfortably. However, on others the whirring is only intermittent and much less noticeable. Is there a fault with some 442s or are they meant to be different?
 
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fgwrich

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By the sounds of it, it's quite possibly the Mk3's Air Conditioning Unit. Some tend to make all sorts of noises - I've noticed that the air con on FGW's newer TSOs seems to be more aggressive and makes more of an electrical noise.
 
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tsr

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The noise does vary, but I haven't found it to be the biggest problem on 442s.

It might be made rather worse by the fact that they are generally only used for short journeys, which may mean that the system could (depending on how much it gets shut down between uses) be stopping and starting more regularly than it should!
 

yummy125

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I wish SWT did not sell 442's as they were so good on the Waterloo - Weymouth service, if you want noise check out 350, 450 & 444 units when they arrive & depart.
 

Train wasp

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I remember hearing 442s at night in the Winchester area. You could always hear the traction motors sing away on a still night.
 

D365

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Awh, I get the joy of InterCity 125s/225s and various other trains soothing me to sleep - in school!
 

MCR247

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I find them quieter than Electrostars?

On the inside, then yes definitely. You cannot (unfortunately?) he the traction motors from inside a desiro that easily. You can on an electrostar
 

D365

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On the inside, then yes definitely. You cannot (unfortunately?) he the traction motors from inside a desiro that easily. You can on an electrostar

Good, so it's not me going mad :D Isn't that what
general passengers want, quieter trains?
 

MCR247

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I'd have thought so, but if you paid attention to this forum apparently general passengers want slam doors (because every commuter just loves flailing/doing heads out on their way to work) and they all love hearing the sounds of locos
 

radamfi

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If the sound comes from the air conditioning, how come I can't hear it in the middle coach? (The half First Class coach). It seems to particularly occur just after slowing down.
 

Fincra5

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Middle coach has the motors, and our lovely guards bit :D Not sure which coach the compressors are in, but could be that noise?
 
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