SWR refurbishing Class 158 and 159?

[Kite159]

The 159s are used from Waterloo-Exeter iirc, which is approx. 3:20. It warrants provision of catering, imo. Thing is, though, 159s usually come as a 3-coach unit, so on the longer 9 coach formations, you'd have duplication of the buffet counter.

Maybe plonk it in the First Class coach, and rip out the half-coach of standard?

I'm sure if you gave customers the option of having half a coach of standard class seating or a staffed buffet counter they will select the seats.
Especially if boarding at Sherborne when seats can be at a premium at certain times.

 

[RPI]

Just bring the trolley back!

 

[mullinsj08]

Just bring the trolley back!

Finally, someone speaks sense!

 

[cav1975]

Just bring the trolley back!

That was the meaning behind my tongue in cheek comment.

 

[Doomotron]

If a buffer were to be added, perhaps a new subclass of 159s with buffets could be created (maybe ten units or so) and diagrammed so that only one buffet unit would be in any one train.

 

[Towers]

If a buffer were to be added, perhaps a new subclass of 159s with buffets could be created (maybe ten units or so) and diagrammed so that only one buffet unit would be in any one train.

Far too complicated I would think, especially with current fleet shortages.

 

[Meerkat]

At seat service from a trolley than can be ordered over the wi-fi would be better than worrying about leaving your seat and then wobbling down the train with stuff.
If there is spare room then have space/cupboard with a socket for a fridge unit keeping more stock.
Could enable a smaller trolley that is easier to get down the train, topped up at each unit.

 

[fgwrich]

In fairness, it’s a reasonably long journey on which the competing route provides catering, so it isn’t an entirely unreasonable suggestion. No idea where you’d put it, mind!

Well... it tries to but more often than not doesn't!

The return of the trolley would be welcomed!

Amen. If w'ere talking about trolleys / buffet counters etc, then perhaps a dedicated trolley stores area where the trolley could sell from could be located in one of the vehicle ends - the 159/1s have a blanked off toilet so that space would be ideal. IIRC, I'm sure they used to do that!

To be honest, much as I wish they'd taken the opportunity to fit them with Grammar IC3000's as per ScotRail & ATWs fleet years ago, the main thing I just want now are plug sockets across standard.

 

[RPI]

A lot of people getting carried away, just a simple trolley with instant tea and coffee, a couple of beers and soft drinks is all that's needed, people suggesting a fixed buffet on the 159's - which frequently run as 9 car sets, are never going to justify a fixed buffet.

 

[AY1975]

Today I was asked to complete a survey ahead of a refurbishment/replacement of the First class seats (at least). Some sensible questions about my priorities travelling First , e.g. space, power, table, privacy etc.

A couple of seating options were shown for feedback - one of which featured just airline style seating arranged 1-2 across the aisle. This seems like not a good idea and I offered that feedback very strongly!

Looks like this fleet aren't going anywhere for a while...?

Was the airline style option literally all unidirectional, with all seats facing the same way and not even one facing bay at one end of the saloon? If so, were the seats all facing towards or away from the driver's cab? (I presume the former, although the M5000 Manchester Metrolink trams have some backwards facing seats close to the driving cabs at each end.)

If they do opt for all unidirectional seats in First Class, with no seats facing in the other direction at all, then in a 6-, 8- or 9-car Class 158/159 formation all First Class seats will face the same way (either all forwards or all backwards) if both or all three units are marshalled the same way round.

 

[WarrenTManager]

Does that mean all the Class 159/0 engines have recently been replaced by those found on the Class 159/1s? Does Cummins still manufacture the R1 engines?

Rebuilt rather than technically replaced so engine 2911-8404 for example was an R3 at 400hp and was rebuilt as an R1 at 350hp at its 500,000 mile overhaul. And the same would have applied for any R3 in the SWR float or fitted to a 159/0.

 

[Mollman]

If a buffer were to be added, perhaps a new subclass of 159s with buffets could be created (maybe ten units or so) and diagrammed so that only one buffet unit would be in any one train.

That's the proper Southern way of doing it!

 

[sh24]

Was the airline style option literally all unidirectional, with all seats facing the same way and not even one facing bay at one end of the saloon? If so, were the seats all facing towards or away from the driver's cab? (I presume the former, although the M5000 Manchester Metrolink trams have some backwards facing seats close to the driving cabs at each end.)

If they do opt for all unidirectional seats in First Class, with no seats facing in the other direction at all, then in a 6-, 8- or 9-car Class 158/159 formation all First Class seats will face the same way (either all forwards or all backwards) if both or all three units are marshalled the same way round.

One facing at the end, otherwise everything airline style facing one way.

 

[Snow1964]

Seems a tender has been issued for new carpets for SWR 158s and 159s

1 buyer​

• First MTR South Western Trains London

Description​

SWR require a supplier to design and manufacture carpet for their fleet of class 158 and 159 vehicles. Mandatory requirements to be considered for this project: • Previous proven experience on Rail vehicles. • Product Fire rated: EN455-45-HL3 • Ability to provide carpet as a seamless installation across vehicle width. • Cut pile carpet SWR have a preference for: • 80%Woven wool/20% Nylon mix • British wool or similar due to the proven hard wearing/durability properties.

Total Quantity or Scope​

• Fire rated: EN455-45-HL3

CPV Codes​

• 34600000 - Railway and tramway locomotives and rolling stock and associated parts

Other Information​

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. **

Reference​

• ocds-h6vhtk-04d5be
• FTS 002381-2025

Domains​

• southwesternrailway.com
• firstrail.com
• redirect.transaxions.com

Status​

This notice describes a possible future purchase.
The specified closing date is in 14 days.

History​

• 23 Jan 2025 - Prior Information Notice

Carpets for SWRs 158 and 159 Rolling Stock [PIN]

SWR require a supplier to design and manufacture carpet for their fleet of class 158 and 159 vehicle... A Prior Information Notice by First MTR South Western Trains.

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