Brighton Express 319s

[Bletchleyite]

I always looked askance at how those could have replaced CIG-DIG stock on the premier express service.

While they looked like 150s from the outside they were very nice inside, with generously spaced Chapman seating and a buffet/snug area (and proper 2+1 first class rather than the 2+2 sham found in most commuter units). In the south WCML 319 days I was always happy to see one in the formation.

The interior was very similar to the GWR/TfW 2+2 150s if that helps - they might be a bit 1980s but they're certainly comfortable.

Definitely better than the GatEx Electrostars!

 

[yorksrob]

While they looked like 150s from the outside they were very nice inside, with generously spaced Chapman seating and a buffet/snug area (and proper 2+1 first class rather than the 2+2 sham found in most commuter units). In the south WCML 319 days I was always happy to see one in the formation.

The interior was very similar to the GWR/TfW 2+2 150s if that helps - they might be a bit 1980s but they're certainly comfortable.

Definitely better than the GatEx Electrostars!

Still far worse than a CIG-DIG though. Proper comfortable seats, compartments, proper buffet.

 

[75A]

Do you mean Big?

 

[D6130]

Still far worse than a CIG-DIG though. Proper comfortable seats, compartments, proper buffet.

Or even better....CIG-BIG-CIG. You didn't need a bucket and spade then!

 

[ExRes]

Incredibly unpopular units with rush hour passengers on Thameslink services, the useless buffet area was a complete waste of space and convinced some idiots that is was a bar and smoking area, horrid pointless things

 

[Bletchleyite]

Incredibly unpopular units with rush hour passengers on Thameslink services, the useless buffet area was a complete waste of space and convinced some idiots that is was a bar and smoking area, horrid pointless things

They weren't a good fit for Thameslink (arguably the 319 wasn't in any form) but they were in my view for Brighton (and the WCML).

 

[yorksrob]

Or even better....CIG-BIG-CIG. You didn't need a bucket and spade then!

Yes, that would do me as well

 

[Bikeman78]

While they looked like 150s from the outside they were very nice inside, with generously spaced Chapman seating and a buffet/snug area (and proper 2+1 first class rather than the 2+2 sham found in most commuter units). In the south WCML 319 days I was always happy to see one in the formation.

The interior was very similar to the GWR/TfW 2+2 150s if that helps - they might be a bit 1980s but they're certainly comfortable.

Definitely better than the GatEx Electrostars!

There were just enough to run the half hourly off peak fast service which required five units. There were one or two runs booked for a 319/0 which also strengthened some peak trains.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Do you mean Big?

I'm sure I remember "DIGs" for a short time before the 319s but can't remember specific numbers. I think there were either 4, or 8 sets comprised of semi-permanent coupled 4-CIG/4-BIGs.

I certainly remember the Brighton Express 319's hammering down the BML. I used to photograph them near Coulsdon. Far quicker journey compared to now

 

[yorksrob]

Do you mean Big?

Well, the DIG was a CIG and BIG permanently coupled.

 

[Bikeman78]

I'm sure I remember "DIGs" for a short time before the 319s but can't remember specific numbers. I think there were either 4, or 8 sets comprised of semi-permanent coupled 4-CIG/4-BIGs.

I certainly remember the Brighton Express 319's hammering down the BML. I used to photograph them near Coulsdon. Far quicker journey compared to now

Yes there were four units numbered 2001 to 2004. Branded Capital Coast Express they covered the three off peak fast diagrams. The fourth set usually covered one of the semi fast diagrams via Redhill.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

Branded Capital Coast Express they covered the three off peak fast diagrams. The fourth set usually covered one of the semi fast diagrams via Redhill.

Launched with the May 1993 timetable/CWN. Three diagrams based on Lovers Walk/Brighton and the fourth started/finished at Bognor, working up to Vic in a.m. peak with the balancing diagram working a late evening train Vic to Bognor. There was a cover piece on the internal news paper later in the year about the launch of the 'Capital Coast Express'.