Transport for Wales Class 231 / 756 Stadler FLIRTs

[03_179]

231007 is out today and the diagram in full on the blog https://partimespotter.wordpress.com/ (unless it's swapped out )

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

231007 is out today and the diagram in full on the blog https://partimespotter.wordpress.com/ (unless it's swapped out )

Pleased to say it isn’t swapped out; I’m currently sat on it

Edit: As we approach Cardiff Central on Penarth - Rhymney, I must say that the four carriages is much needed. It's very busy. Although two or three seats are free, many are standing in the vestibule areas.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jan 2023 ==

Absolutely mortified, as at Lisvane & Thornhill I noticed the toilet had been engaged since Cardiff Central and wondered if it was out of order - when I pushed the button an alarm screamed at me - so I asked the guard if it was the only toilet on the train as I wanted to swipe some tissues (kept sneezing as forgot my allergy pill!) and when finding out the toilet was out of order he unlocked it with a key to expose a poor gentleman sat there. On the bright side, it means the toilet apparently IS working! Would have been awful if it had been broken and me alerting staff inadvertently caused it to be cancelled!

That aside, what with the FLIRT and the rather pretty new dusting of snow, it feels somewhat Swiss-esque on the Rhymney line today!


Image description: A snow covered view of the Valleys at Aber, from the window of 231007.

 

[SuperLuke2334]

Pleased to say it isn’t swapped out; I’m currently sat on it

Edit: As we approach Cardiff Central on Penarth - Rhymney, I must say that the four carriages is much needed. It's very busy. Although two or three seats are free, many are standing in the vestibule areas.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jan 2023 ==

Absolutely mortified, as at Lisvane & Thornhill I noticed the toilet had been engaged since Cardiff Central and wondered if it was out of order - when I pushed the button an alarm screamed at me - so I asked the guard if it was the only toilet on the train as I wanted to swipe some tissues (kept sneezing as forgot my allergy pill!) and when finding out the toilet was out of order he unlocked it with a key to expose a poor gentleman sat there. On the bright side, it means the toilet apparently IS working! Would have been awful if it had been broken and me alerting staff inadvertently caused it to be cancelled!

Is there only one toilet on these then? Hadn't realised that!

 

[56xx]

Snow is preventing me getting over to Rhymney for the 0927. Hoping it's cleared up a bit for me to get over for the 1427.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Is there only one toilet on these then? Hadn't realised that!

Yes, it appears so. And these are four car units too, vice two, so by rights Monsieur @Rhydgaled should take greater issue with these than the 197s Still, more than the 398s will get.

Ride is exceptionally quiet and smooth, announcements nowhere near as intrusive as on the MK4s, seats with armrests and tables a major step up from the Sprinters/FLEX, and the PIS is fabulous - far better than Greater Anglia's.

I must say that these feel more like a 745 than a 755, and yes there is a difference. I think it's the layout and all the white panels - there's quite a lot of fake wood on 755s.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jan 2023 ==

Snow is preventing me getting over to Rhymney for the 0927. Hoping it's cleared up a bit for me to get over for the 1427.

The snow is really very pretty, let's just hope it doesn't make for slippery rails or hinderance to the FLIRT. Would feel terrible for everyone making the journey to come and ride it if snow disruption caused it to be cancelled. It's not really in Cardiff but is getting heavier the further north we go.

Image description: The snow at Ystrad Mynach, where we currently are:

 

[Bob Price]

Remember these are ultimately for the longer rides to Cheltenham, Maesteg and Ebbw Vale, they will include a few luxuries such as tables. Not sure the 768's have the same. We will see.

 

[Kyle2]

Remember these are ultimately for the longer rides to Cheltenham, Maesteg and Ebbw Vale, they will include a few luxuries such as tables. Not sure the 768's have the same. We will see.

I thought the 756's were basically just tri-mode versions of the 231's? Would TFW spec them differently?

 

[AdamWW]

Remember these are ultimately for the longer rides to Cheltenham, Maesteg and Ebbw Vale, they will include a few luxuries such as tables. Not sure the 768's have the same. We will see.

Central to Rhymney is about the same time as to Ebbw Vale town.

 

[Bob Price]

I thought the 756's were basically just tri-mode versions of the 231's? Would TFW spec them differently?

I was under the impression they had more seats and fewer tables. Hopefully we can get to see one soon. The idea is they will have a higher frequency so not the same spec. I may be wrong.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Central to Rhymney is about the same time as to Ebbw Vale town.

And many Lydney & Cheltenham passengers will use CrossCountry.

 

[AdamWW]

I was under the impression they had more seats and fewer tables. Hopefully we can get to see one soon. The idea is they will have a higher frequency so not the same spec. I may be wrong.

The brochure here suggests some tables.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jan 2023 ==

Looks as if 007 is going to follow 004 which is running ECS as far as Heath Junction then turning back North.

 

[ivzem]

I was under the impression they had more seats and fewer tables. Hopefully we can get to see one soon. The idea is they will have a higher frequency so not the same spec. I may be wrong.

four-car 756s (are supposed to) have 158 seats, 231s have 170 (see here). the difference is because the 756s have an extra door which takes up the same amount of space as three rows of seats, not because there's any difference in table provision (both have 21).

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

four-car 756s (are supposed to) have 158 seats, 231s have 170 (see here). the difference is because the 756s have an extra door which takes up the same amount of space as three rows of seats, not because there's any difference in table provision (both have 21).

Yes, I read that the 756s will have an extra door, but they don't seem to from the videos and photos I've seen of them?

 

[ivzem]

Yes, I read that the 756s will have an extra door, but they don't seem to from the videos and photos I've seen of them?

on the few that i can find which clearly show both middle carriages (e.g. https://www.vagonweb.cz/fotogalerie/foto/202203/20220922_180509.jpg) they do have the extra door.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

on the few that i can find which clearly show both middle carriages (e.g. https://www.vagonweb.cz/fotogalerie/foto/202203/20220922_180509.jpg) they do have the extra door.

Ah yes, right you are. I thought I read somewhere that it'd be eight doors (not seven) vs six on 231, so when I saw an intermediate carriage without a second door I assumed that plan had been scrapped.

 

[Techniquest]

With those weather warnings in place last night, I decided it was best not to go today after all. Given I was going to combine a journey on a 231 with some outdoor activities, that being the only way to justify the trip, then the decision was made to leave it be for now.

Instead, once I finally wake up after a poor sleep (another reason not to go!) I am going to take to the roads and get some cycling done. Only on local roads that are known to be OK of course, given the weather warnings have now extended to cover my patch and run into tomorrow.

As for the 231s, I am happy to see they've made it out in service as expected, and I look forward to the opportunity to revisit Rhymney in the near future on one. Is the cycle space about the same as on the 755s?

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

As with Greater Anglia’s FLIRTS, I really must denounce the hugely obstructive bar by window airline seats, which get in the way of one’s legs ridiculously - and I’m only 5’11/6’0 (halfway in between )

Image description: said bar

 

[matt2002]

Sounds like the 231s are a big step up. I'm going to brave the bus replacements and try it out later today

 

[AdamWW]

Sounds like the 231s are a big step up. I'm going to brave the bus replacements and try it out later today

They are indeed a big step up from the existing stock.

Though - unlike the older trains - there isn't a step up when you get on...

 

[56xx]

They are indeed a big step up from the existing stock.

Though - unlike the older trains - there isn't a step up when you get on...

Can't work out the platform heights. eg Energlyn & Churchill Park has new platform fitted ramps but Aber dosen't. One of those at Tirphil has been stolen!!

 

[RailWonderer]

I must say that these feel more like a 745 than a 755, and yes there is a difference. I think it's the layout and all the white panels - there's quite a lot of fake wood on 755s.

Yes, it appears so. And these are four car units too, vice two, so by rights Monsieur @Rhydgaled should take greater issue with these than the 197s Still, more than the 398s will get.

Ride is exceptionally quiet and smooth, announcements nowhere near as intrusive as on the MK4s, seats with armrests and tables a major step up from the Sprinters/FLEX, and the PIS is fabulous - far better than Greater Anglia's.

I must say that these feel more like a 745 than a 755, and yes there is a difference. I think it's the layout and all the white panels - there's quite a lot of fake wood on 755s.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jan 2023 ==


The snow is really very pretty, let's just hope it doesn't make for slippery rails or hinderance to the FLIRT. Would feel terrible for everyone making the journey to come and ride it if snow disruption caused it to be cancelled. It's not really in Cardiff but is getting heavier the further north we go.

Image description: The snow at Ystrad Mynach, where we currently are:

View attachment 127301 View attachment 127302

Glad to see they're going down well in Wales. 745s and 755s have identical interiors besides first and a buffet in the 745/0s and no tables, first or buffet in the 745/1s. They look amazing in the snow, see this pic (although this was at 100mph so the Welsh Flirts won't be doing those speeds).
These will transform the passenger experience in Wales, expect many ooh and aahs for a long time to come, especially from Sprinters.

 

[matt2002]

Just rode from Queen Street to Penarth. Very impressed. Smooth, quiet, I love the jingle before manual PA announcements and it was gloriously warm after waiting on the platform for 30 min. A lot of TfW staff got on at Central as well and got me to take some photos for them in front of the train.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Just rode from Queen Street to Penarth. Very impressed. Smooth, quiet, I love the jingle before manual PA announcements and it was gloriously warm after waiting on the platform for 30 min. A lot of TfW staff got on at Central as well and got me to take some photos for them in front of the train.

Ah, I might have seen you. I’ve travelled a bit on it today but bailed at Grangetown just now as I’m not feeling very well. Hope everyone enjoys their time on it. It’s a lovely train

 

[Jamesrob637]

I’m waiting for it at Queen Street, unfortunately six minutes late meaning I forfeited my pistachio latte for no reason!

Due to the delay, the regular commuters have somewhat ironically moved to catch this fella instead

Image shows Northern’s 150269 at Queen Street.

View attachment 127293

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jan 2023 ==

Edit:
Really very nice. Elin is unfortunately working albeit thankfully nowhere near as long announcements as 197s, which in turn are shorter than MK4.
The old Arriva 175 chime is used for staff announcements!!!

Images show 231007’s interior

Love pistachio and that new train is nuts! Look forward to going on one when I do the Wetherspoons around Cardiff possibly later this year depending on wedding finances etc.

 

[matt2002]

Ah, I might have seen you. I’ve travelled a bit on it today but bailed at Grangetown just now as I’m not feeling very well. Hope everyone enjoys their time on it. It’s a lovely train

You probably did then. Had my orange and grey scarf on.

Hope you feel better soon!

I do hope the 398s we're getting up the Rhondda can live up to these despite there inherent differences.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

You probably did then. Had my orange and grey scarf on.

Hope you feel better soon!

I do hope the 398s we're getting up the Rhondda can live up to these despite there inherent differences.

Thanks. I had the same coat and beanie on as in my avatar haha. The 398s look very nice compared to the 150s, but my uni house is in Cathays and I only really use the route for ten minutes into Cardiff, so anything will do really

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jan 2023 ==

Love pistachio and that new train is nuts! Look forward to going on one when I do the Wetherspoons around Cardiff possibly later this year depending on wedding finances etc.

It’s a very nice train for the route, yes.

 

[hexagon789]

Is there only one toilet on these then? Hadn't realised that!

Yes, unlike the 755s, the 231s and 756s have just the accessible toilet. There are six extra seats in place of the space-saver toilet which the 755s also have.

 

[Bob Price]

Here's my trip report at lunchtime

 

[markymark2000]

I've just ridden the class 231 and I'm impressed. Seats are decent for such a journey. I certainly enjoying the raised seats, you can see more out of the window and the window ledge is a good arm rest.
Smooth ride and rather quiet (though I think the lack of engine noise meant you could instead hear it more when trains were going over points).

Down sides for me are the door alarms. Rather than it being the normal doors unlocked alarm like on the 175, anyone who when opens doors, there is no alarm, on these, if you press door open day 30 seconds after doors open, you get the 'do-do, do-do, do-do' bings and that's rather annoying. I think this happens on other units as well and it's annoying.
The pauses in the announcements are a bit too long (the next stop is.................. Caerphilly) and I feel like the PIS screens could show more information on one page rather than having endless pages. They really need to make use of top and bottom lines. Endless pages mean delays in people seeing the right info.
I think the guard was trying to prove a point because the managers were onboard so decided to make endless manual announcements through Cardiff.
One bug I noticed on the PIS was just coming out of the tunnel just after Thornhilll heading into Caerphilly, the PIS decided to start saying the next stop is Aber. Suggesting we had been past Caerphilly. Hopefully this has been picked up by management to get sorted.



One question I have though is I note that the seats all have numbers on and have space for the paper reservations. Given the routes these trains will run on, why are seat numbers and paper reservation spaces available? That's a bit of a backwards step in my opinion. Seat numbers are useless without reservations and the metro area doesn't need people booking seat reservations. The seat numbers also look like very cheap paper stickers. No expense spent on them. I think remove them and it would all look a lot nicer.


I like them, I'd travel on them again. I do just think there is more they could have done to make the units go from really good to excellent.

 

[AdamWW]

One question I have though is I note that the seats all have numbers on and have space for the paper reservations. Given the routes these trains will run on, why are seat numbers and paper reservation spaces available? That's a bit of a backwards step in my opinion. Seat numbers are useless without reservations and the metro area doesn't need people booking seat reservations.

If they do implement reservations, they might want to get the coach letters displayed on the screens inside the train to agree with the stickers on the outside.

(I think the ones on the screens reversed when the train turned at Penarth so A was always leading).

One bug I noticed on the PIS was just coming out of the tunnel just after Thornhilll heading into Caerphilly, the PIS decided to start saying the next stop is Aber. Suggesting we had been past Caerphilly.

Yes - heading from Queen Street to Central, the next stop was apparently Grangetown.

We also only had announcements once we were almost at a stop at stations rather than the usual "The next stop is" and "Now approaching"