|
|
Post by driver6540 on Jan 7, 2017 22:59:36 GMT 1
Hello Tim, What's your opinion (and take) on the news that some 319 EMU's are to be converted to bi-mode in a bid to possibly rival the D-train concept?. good/bad idea? or possibly worthwhile?. Look forward to your comment's, as this one's got me a little bemused!
|
|
|
|
Post by Burnside on Jan 8, 2017 1:24:03 GMT 1
I can see the logic in that it would allow services that run under the wires for some of the journey to be electrically powered for that section eliminating the need to either run a diesel train for the full length, electrify a section of network that may not be able to justify that expense and could allow for services that are separate to be combined.
Of course, the main reason for it will be that it will be cheaper than buying brand new bimode trains but I think it has promise and will certainly be a better looking train than the vivarail class 230.
|
|
|
|
Post by biroguy on Jan 8, 2017 15:00:30 GMT 1
In view of the fact that the VivaRail 230 prototype went up in flames last week near Coventry then I would prefer a 319 Bi Mode anyday! I think D Train is seriously flawed, the body shell design does make for a miserable travel experience. A Pacer would be preferable in terms of a view out of the window. So pleased no 230`s are coming to Northern, hopefully the fire has killed that concept off. `
|
|
|
|
Post by davopazza on Jan 8, 2017 17:17:05 GMT 1
In view of the fact that the VivaRail 230 prototype went up in flames last week near Coventry then I would prefer a 319 Bi Mode anyday! I think D Train is seriously flawed, the body shell design does make for a miserable travel experience. A Pacer would be preferable in terms of a view out of the window. So pleased no 230`s are coming to Northern, hopefully the fire has killed that concept off. ` It was a prototype though and better it happen to a prototype train than a train in passenger service. This is the opportunity to iron out any flaws in the design. I think they would be good for branch line work in the future. |
|
|
|
Post by driver6540 on Jan 8, 2017 23:13:28 GMT 1
Thanks for the above responses. Cant say i was ever enthused by the D-train idea, although to be fair economics dictated ideas like this had to be trialed. The more i think about the 319, the more it makes sense. If succesfull perhaps a whole new generation of EMU's could be adapted in later years to bi-mode. Getting ahead of myself here, but maybe in a few years time the idea of travelling in our region on an ex-Scotrail 334 Juniper converted to bi-mode would certainly enthuse me.
|
|
|
|
Post by biroguy on Jan 9, 2017 0:56:48 GMT 1
Thanks for the above responses. Cant say i was ever enthused by the D-train idea, although to be fair economics dictated ideas like this had to be trialed. The more i think about the 319, the more it makes sense. If succesfull perhaps a whole new generation of EMU's could be adapted in later years to bi-mode. Getting ahead of myself here, but maybe in a few years time the idea of travelling in our region on an ex-Scotrail 334 Juniper converted to bi-mode would certainly enthuse me. I couldn`t agree more on all counts! i think the fire whilst unfortunate on the prototype will seriously undermine confidence in the concept. I used D78`s a lot in London and just cannot see the attraction of travelling in one to Harrogate or wherever! The window and door layouts in whatever seating configuration will be a hindrance to passengers quality of journey. Converting redundant 319`s and such like to hybrid makes a lot more sense. |
|
|
|
Post by davopazza on Jan 9, 2017 7:08:39 GMT 1
Thanks for the above responses. Cant say i was ever enthused by the D-train idea, although to be fair economics dictated ideas like this had to be trialed. The more i think about the 319, the more it makes sense. If succesfull perhaps a whole new generation of EMU's could be adapted in later years to bi-mode. Getting ahead of myself here, but maybe in a few years time the idea of travelling in our region on an ex-Scotrail 334 Juniper converted to bi-mode would certainly enthuse me. I couldn`t agree more on all counts! i think the fire whilst unfortunate on the prototype will seriously undermine confidence in the concept. I used D78`s a lot in London and just cannot see the attraction of travelling in one to Harrogate or wherever! The window and door layouts in whatever seating configuration will be a hindrance to passengers quality of journey. Converting redundant 319`s and such like to hybrid makes a lot more sense. I do agree around the 319's, I wonder if the trial with having the Diesel engine is successful whether the current units in northern s possession will have the diesel added too or whether it will be only newer units ordered. I suppose it will come out in in the wash in the future. |
|
|
|
Post by gooderson1 on Jan 19, 2017 13:33:19 GMT 1
The current edition of Rail Magazine is reporting that Porterbrook is to rebuild Thameslink class 319's to a hybrid conversion which means that the unit will be able to operate in deisel mode away from electric lines. This is being done by Wabtec at Brush Traction in Loughborough. After conversion the sets will be designated 319/4 with the catchy name 319 Flex. It would appear from the article that the units will end up somewhere on the TPE/Northern franchise areas. Given that the unit were built in 1988 this is not an upgrade to newer rolling stock.
|
|
|
|
Post by SCH117X on Jan 19, 2017 17:48:47 GMT 1
On the other hand if they were going to use HSTs then no one would complain despite them being older. Given modern stock is built of materials that suffer less corrosion then reusing what already exists makes sense particularly if their is a comprehensive refurbishment which makes the seem like new vehicles.
|
|
|
|
Post by gooderson1 on Jan 19, 2017 23:16:07 GMT 1
By no stretch of the imagination can a unit built in 1988 look like a new vehicle after refurbishment
|
|
|
|
Post by deerfold on Jan 19, 2017 23:21:17 GMT 1
By no stretch of the imagination can a unit built in 1988 look like a new vehicle after refurbishment The refurbished HSTs look pretty good. Certainly better than some trains I've been on that are less than 10 years old. |
|
|
|
Post by Burnside on Jan 20, 2017 21:06:35 GMT 1
And the refurbished Class 321's at Greater Anglia look spectacular internally.
|
|
|
|
Post by driver6540 on Jan 20, 2017 22:48:20 GMT 1
By no stretch of the imagination can a unit built in 1988 look like a new vehicle after refurbishment Why not?, there's plenty of TOC's who've refurbed their near 30yr old units into "as new" condition at some point. From a passengers perspective i fully welcome and endorse this idea with open arms. The bi-mode "flex" concept is a brilliant idea and the sooner we have these smooth comfortable trains on our routes the better. What's the alternative, continue with the outmoded Pacer relics, or worse still have the class 230 with their specialist "heating" systems?. Once out-shopped, i bet the majority of the travelling public think they are on brand new trains anyway. It's only nit-picking enthusiasts like us who'll know otherwise. |
|
|
|
Post by gooderson1 on Jan 20, 2017 23:40:00 GMT 1
Can't agree with your comment. I bet that the majority of travelling public paying a fortune in the way of season tickets etc would be able to recognise the difference between a new unit and one that is nearly 30 years old despite an internal refurbishment and an external coat of paint
|
|
|
|
Post by adam on Jan 21, 2017 12:09:54 GMT 1
Can't agree with your comment. I bet that the majority of travelling public paying a fortune in the way of season tickets etc would be able to recognise the difference between a new unit and one that is nearly 30 years old despite an internal refurbishment and an external coat of paint I disagree. With a top notch full refurb passengers will be happy with a 30 year old train. When Northern Rail hired south west trains 158888 the quality of that refurb meant passengers thought it was a new train. With the right level of refurb (including reliability improvements) passengers will be happy, something that Northern haven't delivered with the 1st 3 examples out. With the 319 flex it will require a lot of testing before been trusted to run on its own away from the wires as when it fails it will be a big rescue mission |
|
|
|
Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Jan 21, 2017 21:17:15 GMT 1
Compared to former London Underground D stock, at least 319s did start out as main line trains not Underground sub-surface trains.
|
|
|
|
Post by stevieinselby on Feb 12, 2017 14:48:08 GMT 1
Can't agree with your comment. I bet that the majority of travelling public paying a fortune in the way of season tickets etc would be able to recognise the difference between a new unit and one that is nearly 30 years old despite an internal refurbishment and an external coat of paint You would be surprised. When LU refurbished trains on the Metropolitan and Victoria lines that were 30+ years old, most regular passengers thought they had got new trains. Admittedly that was a very high standard of refurbishment, including full external cladding, but it shows what can be done. |
|
