Why do GWR 80x have such dirty windows?

[jazzy]

Can anyone explain why GWR 80x consistantly have such filthy windows? I assume it's an issue with the carriage washers but it seems to be have been the case for as long as I've been using them. Can it not be resolved?

 

[Wokingham]

Agreed I've not been on the LNER ones enough to know if it's everywhere it's black specs mostly, turbos are pretty bad aswell

 

[JonathanH]

Can anyone explain why GWR 80x consistantly have such filthy windows? I assume it's an issue with the carriage washers but it seems to be have been the case for as long as I've been using them. Can it not be resolved?

It looks to me like the issue is likely to be that the windows are slightly set back from the body sides rather than being flush or protruding slightly. That makes them more difficult to keep clean.

 

[Fidelis]

I haven't experienced this problem when using these to Paddington and back twice this week. Indeed compared with other operators' trains that run to Worcester GWR 800s are immaculate.

 

[fgwrich]

It looks to me like the issue is likely to be that the windows are slightly set back from the body sides rather than being flush or protruding slightly. That makes them more difficult to keep clean.

Sadly they are. From my point of view, along with the recessed door pockets, they are another design flaw in Hitachi’s High Speed design - both door pockets and window recessed have since become dirt traps.

Another drawback with that design is that, to replace a window, they have to be replaced from the inside as well. While the Mk3s weren’t immune from getting dirty edges and corners, they aren’t as bad as the IETs.

 

[Snow1964]

It looks to me like the issue is likely to be that the windows are slightly set back from the body sides rather than being flush or protruding slightly. That makes them more difficult to keep clean.

That tends to affect the edges, just within recessed areas, not the whole window.

If whole window is staying dirty then it is a more general washing problem (and it could be exacerbated by other factors eg not changing engine filters frequently enough resulting in exhaust deposits)

 

[DelW]

If part of the problem is soot or oil from the engines (which other dirt would stick to as well), then the 80x are likely to be worse than HSTs because they have multiple exhaust stacks which are closer to the coach windows. If so, the West Country sets are likely to be worse than South Wales ones, since they spend more time running on diesel.

 

[Goldfish62]

Sadly they are. From my point of view, along with the recessed door pockets, they are another design flaw in Hitachi’s High Speed design - both door pockets and window recessed have since become dirt traps.

Another drawback with that design is that, to replace a window, they have to be replaced from the inside as well. While the Mk3s weren’t immune from getting dirty edges and corners, they aren’t as bad as the IETs.

I wouldn't say it's a design flaw. It's just the design that Hitachi uses. Look at the various incarnations of bullet train - slightly recessed windows and door pockets.

 

[Mag_seven]

If part of the problem is soot or oil from the engines (which other dirt would stick to as well), then the 80x are likely to be worse than HSTs because they have multiple exhaust stacks which are closer to the coach windows. If so, the West Country sets are likely to be worse than South Wales ones, since they spend more time running on diesel.

There might be something in that as the GWR 802s are in a far worse condition window cleanliness wise than the 800s. That said the ECML examples (LNER, Hull Trains and TPE) appear to be in a much better state.

 

[northernbelle]

I haven't experienced this problem when using these to Paddington and back twice this week. Indeed compared with other operators' trains that run to Worcester GWR 800s are immaculate.

Agreed - I don't think it's a particular issue (noting the odd exception as you do with any fleet). More often that note it's noticeable just how clean the train is - especially when you consider some sets are coming up to the 5 year mark.

I do agree that the 800s seem to have the edge on the 802s - perhaps there is some benefit to that rather prescriptive IEP contract!