TFW Class 175

[Bevan Price]

I'm interested how the 175s will compare with the 170s when they enter service.

I would expect the 175s to be better performers than 170s - although the latter could be very variable when Central Trains used them between Liverpool & Birmingham. With all engines running, some 170s were very noisy but had relatively poor acceleration; "quieter" 170s always seemed to perform better than the noisy ones.

 

[anamyd]

Indeed, it's an expensive seat (and I believe sadly not certified for 125mph in new stock, though I wish someone would sort that out so we could have it instead of the Fainsa rubbish). I was surprised ATW installed it, to be honest - most of what they did was on the cheap with the exception of the Class 158 and Mk3 refurbs which are really very good, only in my mind beaten by the Inverness 158s which are basically the same but with a nicer colour scheme.

Arriva TrainCare did the ATW 158 and Mark 3 refurbs, and they were also specified and funded by the Welsh Government, though apparently Arriva (on advice from SARPA) changed the layout from the WG spec without telling them, to include more tables (still less if you get me) and better window alignment.

 

[Anonymous10]

Arriva TrainCare did the ATW 158 and Mark 3 refurbs, and they were also specified and funded by the Welsh Government, though apparently Arriva (on advice from SARPA) changed the layout from the WG spec without telling them, to include more tables (still less if you get me) and better window alignment.

They did a good job

 

[eisenach]

Travelled from Ludlow to Holyhead and on to Dublin on Thursday. Overall, a very pleasant journey. The 175 to Shrewsbury was comfortable, airy and you get good views across the train out of other windows than just your own; well, if the train's not crowded, which it wasn't. The ride was decent as well.
From Shrewsbury it was a 158, coming from International. It's a while since I've been on a 158, not really since they mostly disappeared off the Marches line. It was comfortable but a bit claustrophobic-feeling. The view around the train is not so good as the 175. What did impress me was the smooth, rock-solid ride. I thought the 175 was good, but the 158 was in a different league.

 

[Bletchleyite]

From Shrewsbury it was a 158, coming from International. It's a while since I've been on a 158, not really since they mostly disappeared off the Marches line. It was comfortable but a bit claustrophobic-feeling. The view around the train is not so good as the 175. What did impress me was the smooth, rock-solid ride. I thought the 175 was good, but the 158 was in a different league.

I find 175s ride poorly, though not as poorly as CAF units/coaches or Mk4s. The 158 has long been the benchmark for excellent ride in medium-speed DMUs (the very heavy Class 221 matches it at 125) and shrugs off even the worst track. I was on one on the S&C yesterday and noted that it was excellent.

 

[sw1ller]

I find 175’s feel smoother the closer to the middle of the coach you sit. There seems to be much more lateral movement at the front than other trains. For example, there’s a little kick on an under bridge between Crewe and Chester. In the cab of a 150, 153, 158 and 221 it’s there but barely noticeable, however, on a 175 I tend to hold my brew steady for it. As a passenger sat in the saloon, I never notice it.

 

[anamyd]

What did impress me was the smooth, rock-solid ride. I thought the 175 was good, but the 158 was in a different league.

Yes, for all that talk of 175s being "so nice to ride on", they're a bit... jittery...? at higher speeds and they have a sway at lower speeds.

All the unsat-on seats also jiggle because the legs are positioned too inward which also causes legroom issues; the bay tables are also awkward if you're sitting on the gangway side due to the leg positioning and curved-off surface and they don't seem completely flat. Oh and those loose armrests that go down whenever the gangways are walked through. Also the fold-down tables stick up slightly rather than be flat.

And most of the toilet hand dryers don't seem to work. I do still like 175s in a way though, especially when they're not on fire or raining inside

 

[craigybagel]

I find 175’s feel smoother the closer to the middle of the coach you sit. There seems to be much more lateral movement at the front than other trains. For example, there’s a little kick on an under bridge between Crewe and Chester. In the cab of a 150, 153, 158 and 221 it’s there but barely noticeable, however, on a 175 I tend to hold my brew steady for it. As a passenger sat in the saloon, I never notice it.

Little kick? Understatement of the year surely but yes, as great as 175s are, they can be a bit unforgiving at times with their firm ride. 158s do cope better with the rough stuff.

Try get yourself a ride in the 67 next time you're on RR, now that's an eye opening experience....

 

[Bletchleyite]

Re the Class 175 seats, these are not bolted to the sidewall and the floor support structure is not strong enough, this is what causes the jiggling. The reason for this is that there is a "floating floor" for sound insulation from the engines.

 

[anamyd]

Re the Class 175 seats, these are not bolted to the sidewall and the floor support structure is not strong enough, this is what causes the jiggling. The reason for this is that there is a "floating floor" for sound insulation from the engines.

Interesting! To be fair, the sound proofing is very good.

 

[sw1ller]

Little kick? Understatement of the year surely but yes, as great as 175s are, they can be a bit unforgiving at times with their firm ride. 158s do cope better with the rough stuff.


Try get yourself a ride in the 67 next time you're on RR, now that's an eye opening experience....

I’ve only had a couple of rides in the 67 when I was still in training, although it was the very bouncy chat moss, I can’t recall how smooth/bumpy it was. I’ve been in the DVT a lot more and that seems fine to me. I think you do feel more from the drivers seat though which I never have (officially) in the stock.

edit - oh, yes. The “bit of a kick” was very much an understatement. I didn’t want to worry anyone. Haha.

 

[craigybagel]

I’ve only had a couple of rides in the 67 when I was still in training, although it was the very bouncy chat moss, I can’t recall how smooth/bumpy it was. I’ve been in the DVT a lot more and that seems fine to me. I think you do feel more from the drivers seat though which I never have (officially) in the stock.

edit - oh, yes. The “bit of a kick” was very much an understatement. I didn’t want to worry anyone. Haha.

That was one of the biggest surprises for me actually, how much more you feel in the drivers seat. I've known about that bump on the Crewe - Chester line for years as a guard, but it still scared me the first time I drove over it! The same with that kick you get just before Whitchurch on the down - I never even knew about it until I went driving but in a 175 at 70mph it's quite a knock.

 

[Efini92]

I prefer the 175 driving wise. It's brakes are superb, the driving position and views and cab layout are all very good. The points above about lights and TMS are correct.

The cab heater is worthless, it either boils you or freezes you. I've never been in a colder cab and I signed all the best trains such as 142/143' and 155's.......

The 158's cab heaters are brilliant. The brakes aren't. It's the only thing that lets it down aside from the standard sprinter seat and view.

Also the 158 with the weird clunkly first gear is a bit awkward to get used to. I don't know the number but it doesn't half give a good jolt.

When did you sign 143’s? Vic have never had them and I’m fairly certain 143’s are South Wales only.

 

[Eccles1983]

When did you sign 143’s? Vic have never had them and I’m fairly certain 143’s are South Wales only.

Apologies. I see my error - 144's was what I meant to say.

And to be correct I never signed them as a qualified driver - but trained on them in school and for a bit of manual handling.

My point still stands, 175's are spine tinglingly cold. I'm bringing a blanket in my bag next winter.

 

[PHILIPE]

When did you sign 143’s? Vic have never had them and I’m fairly certain 143’s are South Wales only.

GWR 143s in Exeter area also