43096
On Moderation
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- 23 Nov 2015
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They do not go “technically off-lease”, they remain leased to XC.
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XC Voyager Refurbishment
- Thread starter Energy
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RailUK Forums
Has anyone travelled on the refurbished set(s) and can comment on whether the mobile phone / GPS reception is any better? I think there was suggestion that it might improve because of the removal of the metallic solar glazing film but it would be good to see whether this has actually happened. I notice the publicity doesn’t mention mobile phone signal improvements so I’m not too optimistic!
I’ve not travelled on XC since reading that the emergency exit windows aren’t treated with the film so offer better reception…
I’ve not travelled on XC since reading that the emergency exit windows aren’t treated with the film so offer better reception…
duffield
Established Member
Yes, I've travelled on them extensively for years and the only "failure" I've ever experienced was one where the electrics cut out intermittently (A/C, displays etc.) for a short time, which was fixed by a 10-minute "reboot" at platform at Wolverhampton.
So I had a chance to travel a short hop on 220033 tonight and I have to say, it’s not bad.
Firstly the positives: The interior, despite the copious amount of Grey and the time of evening, felt rather bright and rather smart. The vestibules are a whole level of brightness compared to the original VXC. The seats felt fine for the distance and I would be comfortable travelling further on them. The tables initially felt a little high but actually I quite liked that if I’m honest. I did like the nod to Birmingham and the library inspired end wall pattern. I’m also not bothered by the colour change on the exterior either.
Secondly the less positives: I found the interior finish to be a mixed affair. A few of the sticky bits (vinyls), walls and ceilings were showing either scratches from daily use or poor prep with sticky tape still on the lights, a ceiling panel which had been rubbed down but perhaps missed painting, an advert which had been perhaps accidentally pushed in, the lighting tubes I note still seem to be a mix of old and new, and the PA system still hasn’t been replaced - I’m surprised that even new TrainFX LED screens or TV style LCD screens haven’t been added.
I did notice passenger counting has been added above the doors too.
All in all, not bad at all and a welcome refurbishment for the fleet, but I feel there are areas where both XC and Alstom could do better with.
On a side note, 033 rather felt like it had emerged from Litchurch Lane and entered service pretty quickly, I wonder what the hold up has been for 027?
Firstly the positives: The interior, despite the copious amount of Grey and the time of evening, felt rather bright and rather smart. The vestibules are a whole level of brightness compared to the original VXC. The seats felt fine for the distance and I would be comfortable travelling further on them. The tables initially felt a little high but actually I quite liked that if I’m honest. I did like the nod to Birmingham and the library inspired end wall pattern. I’m also not bothered by the colour change on the exterior either.
Secondly the less positives: I found the interior finish to be a mixed affair. A few of the sticky bits (vinyls), walls and ceilings were showing either scratches from daily use or poor prep with sticky tape still on the lights, a ceiling panel which had been rubbed down but perhaps missed painting, an advert which had been perhaps accidentally pushed in, the lighting tubes I note still seem to be a mix of old and new, and the PA system still hasn’t been replaced - I’m surprised that even new TrainFX LED screens or TV style LCD screens haven’t been added.
I did notice passenger counting has been added above the doors too.
All in all, not bad at all and a welcome refurbishment for the fleet, but I feel there are areas where both XC and Alstom could do better with.
On a side note, 033 rather felt like it had emerged from Litchurch Lane and entered service pretty quickly, I wonder what the hold up has been for 027?
TT-ONR-NRN
Veteran Member
I'm surprised you'd want TrainFX over the current PIS screens, which I think are very good for their time, certainly better than what Desiros have, and I'd say years ahead of anything TrainFX. I must say I think the LCD screens on Avanti Everos are horrendous, and I'm personally glad XC didn't change the PIS on the Voyagers. Because, of course, they did on the 170s.
I was only using TrainFx as a base - something would be better than the current system which scrolls though occasionally then remains telling me which coach I’m in. The Desiro set up is at least brighter in colour.
TT-ONR-NRN
Veteran Member
It's an ugly green, the XC one is orange, there's not much in it.
It does like to randomly scroll though doesn't' it. I've travelled so much on XC in the past two months (over 3000 miles haha) that I seem to know the entire script now.
Estimated arrival time at destination station is XX:XX
LUGGAGE: There is space under your seats for small soft bags.
LUGGAGE: Please use the racks for large and hard bags only.
Please take care of your luggage and personal belongings.
Buy train tickets for any train journey in Britain at crosscountrytrains.co.uk
sabanda
Member
Don't forget the one about texting for your FREE CrossCountry app!
NorthEastern
Member
I’m new on this thread so apologies if this has been asked / answered before, but is there any way of finding out in advance which trains the refurb units are on?
Bornin1980s
Member
- Joined
- 4 Apr 2017
- Messages
- 720
Realtime Trains | 1305 Edinburgh to Plymouth | 12/03/2026
Real-time train running information for 1305 departure from Edinburgh to Plymouth on 12/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
I did a Quick Search for 220033 on realtime trains.
NorthEastern
Member
Perfect, I didn’t know that could be done. Thanks!Realtime Trains | 1305 Edinburgh to Plymouth | 12/03/2026
Real-time train running information for 1305 departure from Edinburgh to Plymouth on 12/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.
I did a Quick Search for 220033 on realtime trains.
Amos390
Member
Another thing I use is RailRecords allocations page, just type the unit number or train class into the search box, and it’ll show all the units that are out today, or you can search for individual units by typing the full number: https://live.rail-record.co.uk/allox/
NorthEastern
Member
Amazing, thanks!
Oh dear, that’s passing Cheltenham with just enough time for the over stimulated race goers to get to the station after the last race. Hope they behave themselves, but having been on a train through Cheltenham at race start time it’s messy so goodness knows what it will be like at the end of the day!Realtime Trains | 1305 Edinburgh to Plymouth | 12/03/2026
Real-time train running information for 1305 departure from Edinburgh to Plymouth on 12/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.
I did a Quick Search for 220033 on realtime trains.
BillStampy
Established Member
220027 allocated into service today.
Thunderer
Member
220027+220024 07:26 Birmingham-Manchester, 09:25 Manchester-Bournemouth, 14:45 Bournemouth-Manchester and the final working of the day is 20:03 Manchester-Birmingham then ECS to Voyagerland.
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
220033 is working the 08:27 Plymouth-Edinburgh as far as Bristol TM. Its then booked to work the 11:00 Bristol TM-Manchester, 14:25 Manchester-Bournemouth, 19:45 Bournemouth-Birmingham then ECS to Voyagerland.
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
220033 is working the 08:27 Plymouth-Edinburgh as far as Bristol TM. Its then booked to work the 11:00 Bristol TM-Manchester, 14:25 Manchester-Bournemouth, 19:45 Bournemouth-Birmingham then ECS to Voyagerland.
Last edited:
Peeled Apples
Member
I'm having my first trip on one now 220033 on the 07.31 New Street to Manchester it's not too bad at all.
Amos390
Member
Not really up to date with the refurbishments at the moment, I know that 220027 + 033 are done, but what unit(s) are currently in Litchurch being refurbed and which one is meant to leave today?
occone
Member
Steddenm
Established Member
Is that blue round the cab and window?
I suspect it’s black but there’s an unusual phenomenon of blue sky in Manchester this morning!
It’s certainly gloss black, but the reflection of this unusual blue shade in the sky has given it a blue tinge!
Also, both 027 and 033 working Manc - Bournemouth today again.
Steddenm
Established Member
I think the blue looks better
It certainly looks better than flying lipstick, paint the whole thing sky reflection blue and get rid of the garish front and rear nonsense.
occone
Member
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Don't like the beige X. It just looks like white but covered in brake dust. Or maybe it is! 
NorthEastern
Member
Great pic, it’s the one I want to take!
ExRes
Established Member
No movement from Litchurch Lane for 7Z26 today
Is the next one ready already?
ExRes
Established Member
You would assume so as a pair of RailAdventure 20s were sent to Derby on Friday, obviously the set wasn't fully ready though as yesterdays run was cancelled, as of now there is no replacement schedule showing on RTT