Wabtec Awarded Contract For £60M Class 321 Refurbishment Project.

[Wivenswold]

Is there any reason why the 321 fleet number are being moved slightly higher? Visibility would seem to be the main reason but some have black numbers on a dark grey background.

 

[AC47461]

To me they seem a bit random rather than a conscientious move to put them somewhere else. Some black, some white, some just below the lights, some on the valance, and quite a few seemingly applied in a rush.

At least you can still see them easily, as opposed the the 345s where they're tucked away voyager style down the side below platform level....(oops the spotter in me has just popped out )....

 

[Wivenswold]

Yes, I wrongly assumed that it denoted a "refreshed" unit, as you say, it's very random.

 

[dmncf]

I saw a Greater Anglia class 321 pass through Primrose Hill this evening, which appears to have been travelling from Doncaster to Wolverton. Is this related to refurbishment?
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K96281/2017/06/26/advanced

 

[F Great Eastern]

I was on a refreshed (non Ren) 321 today for the first time, I know that sounds bloody crazy but my normal train is almost always a 360 and whenever I've got a 321 it's been a Ren set or a traditional 321 with the Green seating.

Does anyone else think that the refreshed ones with the black seats and what seems to be newer seat padding are far more uncomfortable? It sounds silly but the angle of the 321 original seat (which is poor) and a new harder fresh cushion really don't go well together?

I went on 321355 and 321308 (a set) today and the later, despite looking tired, was far more comfortable to sit on.

 

[Wivenswold]

In short, no. I find the older green cushions are too soft. The newer ones support my spine much better. 360's are the best. Good lumber support and the firm base is better for the arthritis in my hips.

 

[samuelmorris]

I think the black cushions are probably a bit firmer than the old green ones simply because they aren't 15-20 years old. That said, the seat still feels much the same to sit on to me, the angle and position of those seats is all wrong, for me they're too reclined and too low to the ground, but that doesn't mean they're especially problematic, I do suffer back problems and 40 mins sitting on one last night didn't seem to be an issue.

 

[F Great Eastern]

The firmness is what gets me, I used to slouch in them a bit because i'm tall, but it's no longer possible to do so without digging into your back.

I agree that the 360s are the best though, far better angle and lacking the crazy recline.

 

[samuelmorris]

'best' is a bit relative, I was never particularly keen on those seats, they're alright but nothing compared to the seats on long-distance units. Nonetheless I much prefer being upright.

 

[Wivenswold]

Horses for courses I guess. Finding a seat that will suit everyone will be impossible.

 

[F Great Eastern]

'best' is a bit relative, I was never particularly keen on those seats, they're alright but nothing compared to the seats on long-distance units. Nonetheless I much prefer being upright.

Of course, you cannot compare the 360 seats to that of a long distance train, but for commuter journeys and the work they do, they are pretty good if you ask me.

The 321 seats are just at a terrible angle/posture,. made worse for me at least by a firmer cushion that makes me feel even more rigid at an awkward angle.

 

[CosherB]

Deleted.

 

[Defiance149]

I saw a Greater Anglia class 321 pass through Primrose Hill this evening, which appears to have been travelling from Doncaster to Wolverton. Is this related to refurbishment?
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K96281/2017/06/26/advanced

321311. Doncaster does the refurb, Wolverton does the new traction package.

 

[AC47461]

One of the Renatus units was on the up electric (plat 2?) at Seven Kings at about 1205 today coupled to a 317. Anyone know which one it was?

It might have been this http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/G04796/2017/07/06/advanced

 

[samuelmorris]

Does anybody know what the story is with 321312? Took me very much by surprise to see an urefurbished unit with all the vossloh gear underneath...

 

[dp21]

Does anybody know what the story is with 321312? Took me very much by surprise to see an urefurbished unit with all the vossloh gear underneath...

The way the project has been planned means that some units get "renatused" before traction upgrade and some get the traction upgrade prior to renatus work.

312 should now be out and about for driver training but not in service. I believe 304 and 321 are off on trials together soon and the hope is to have them in service soon.

 

[samuelmorris]

312 passed me this morning as the rear unit of a 12-car set and looked very much in service, hence asking, I had no idea they were retractioning some of the units prior to the interior refit, very interesting.

 

[Wivenswold]

I suppose the rear unit could be isolated on a 12 car in service in the morning on the UP journey, then return ECS Down back to Ilford thus giving the driver training on it. It would then be in place to do the near-daily training run to Witham.

I would think that AC and DC motored units couldn't both power a multiple consist. The AC units apparently have far greater acceleration. However, happy to be corrected.

 

[dp21]

I suppose the rear unit could be isolated on a 12 car in service in the morning on the UP journey, then return ECS Down back to Ilford thus giving the driver training on it. It would then be in place to do the near-daily training run to Witham.

I would think that AC and DC motored units couldn't both power a multiple consist. The AC units apparently have far greater acceleration. However, happy to be corrected.

The units undergoing in-service driver training. It has a multiple-only restriction just in case there are any issues. They can adjust the acceleration profile similar to when the 455s operated as AC/DC pairs. So it is running as such.

 

[Kite159]

Was that 321448 I saw at Doncaster yesterday evening? Looked like the two driving coaches and the trailer coach

 

[dp21]

Was that 321448 I saw at Doncaster yesterday evening? Looked like the two driving coaches and the trailer coach

Yup it is indeed up there. I believe for attention on air con but also I heard rumours it's having its hopper windows refitted as the air con on it is so troublesome.

 

[D365]

The Porterbrook livery it carries is unique I believe. I saw it at Doncaster as well.

 

[Domh245]

The Porterbrook livery it carries is unique I believe. I saw it at Doncaster as well.

Eversholt you mean?

 

[D365]

Eversholt you mean?

Yes that's the one... I was rather tired...

 

[TEW]

2 Renatus 321s reported to be in service today. Can confirm 321321 is working the 1518 Liverpool Street to Clacton-on-Sea.

 

[D365]

2 Renatus 321s reported to be in service today. Can confirm 321321 is working the 1518 Liverpool Street to Clacton-on-Sea.

A rather appropriate unit number!

 

[Wivenswold]

Typical, first day of a week's rest from commuting and they sneak out. Not a surprise though, they've been running in pairs on the test outing for a couple of weeks.

 

[IanXC]

I suppose the rear unit could be isolated on a 12 car in service in the morning on the UP journey, then return ECS Down back to Ilford thus giving the driver training on it. It would then be in place to do the near-daily training run to Witham.

Huh? I'm pretty sure the driver has to sign all the units in the formation whether they are driving from them or not.

 

[Alfie1014]

2 Renatus 321s reported to be in service today. Can confirm 321321 is working the 1518 Liverpool Street to Clacton-on-Sea.

I saw it pass Wivenhoe on the 18:48 Liv St to Clacton later in the evening, it was the country unit of 12 car set.

 

[Wivenswold]

Huh? I'm pretty sure the driver has to sign all the units in the formation whether they are driving from them or not.

You could well be right, I'm just wondering how an AC unit can attach to 2 DC ones.