Which you think is the loudest multiple unit in the UK?

[mightyena]

That might be the sound of the flex-eco bogies fitted to some of Bombardier’s DMUs (172, 220 & 222).

Could well be. I've never noticed it on a 172 though, only on Voyagers and especially Meridians.
This video captures it pretty well:

 

[gg1]

How loud was the APT in comparison to classes 81-87?

 

[Y Ddraig Coch]

150 I vote.

 

[trebor79]

They have the comfort in keeping with when they were designed - they have no less comfort than a Mk1 (other than the noise) and they replaced the likes of Mk1s and non-aircon Mk2s on medium to long distance services. They do feel a bit basic now, but the big windows and fresh air are nice on a scenic route.

They always seem to have a musty dusty smell when I use them (last time as when a 156 subbed for a 158 on a Norwich - Liverpool, it was absolutley grimy inside and out). TBH I find the noise levels on all the 15x units unacceptable, a 158 in good condition is just about bareable.

 

[Tracked]

In fairness, my options to travel on them have been limited in the last 6 months, but on the odd occasions I got on a 195 before Lockdown 1 I found them really noisy when they were slowing down - a sort of a whiny noise, seemed to be as they were coasting before the brakes went on for a station (unless it was the brakes, it was before braking for a stop became noticable) - compared to when they accelerate, probably up there with 153's for unpleasantly loud noise.

 

[D6975]

Classes 123and 124 both made a very nice throaty roar when pulling away from a station stop. As for locos, when I lived in St George (Bristol) the only locos I could clearly hear from home as they accelerated through St Annes towards Pad were class 50s.

 

[DustyBin]

Nothing beats a Thumper departing a station, not only does the noise and vibration cause the platform to move beneath your feet,with their negligable rate of acceleration the spectacle lasts for an eternity

When new they weren’t fitted with silencers believe it or not.... Apparently the noise was deemed unacceptable even then. I only know that from reading a book, I’m nowhere near old enough to remember them when new (only in their Connex days). Great sounding units though I agree, not many MU’s sound like a real locomotive!

I’m new incidentally so hello everybody!