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EX HST TRAIN SEATS (Updates and Pictures)

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ChilternTurbo

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Started my cleaning up today with the headrest which was quite grubby. The nice thing about leather compared to moquette is you bring it back to looking like new quite easily. I can see why a lot of bus companies now use leather or faux leather on their seats.
I use a cleaner and leather conditioner (which I use on my car) called Liquid Leather. The leather conditioner has softened the leather and has got rid of a deep scuff on the lower part of the head rest. I'll tackle the seat base cushion and backrest next...
IMG_3800.jpg
 

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FirstclassHST

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Started my cleaning up today with the headrest which was quite grubby. The nice thing about leather compared to moquette is you bring it back to looking like new quite easily. I can see why a lot of bus companies now use leather or faux leather on their seats.
I use a cleaner and leather conditioner (which I use on my car) called Liquid Leather. The leather conditioner has softened the leather and has got rid of a deep scuff on the lower part of the head rest. I'll tackle the seat base cushion and backrest next...
View attachment 95456
Wow it’s looking like brand new! Thanks for sharing the brand I’ll order some off Amazon for my seats too!
 

ChilternTurbo

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Finished deep cleaning the seat back and seat cushion this afternoon. I'm pleased how the leather cleaner and conditioner has really rejuvenated the cushions and headrest. My previous car had light grey, almost white leather trim in it and I became accustomed to trying to keep the seats clean! I'm going to put these away now and tackle the seat frame next and I need to find someone who can fabricate some legs for it.
@FirstclassHST if you're having trouble removing the seat cushions, I would just leave them in place for cleaning. I only removed the seat cushions because they came apart quite easily.
IMG_3801.jpg
 

FirstclassHST

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Finished deep cleaning the seat back and seat cushion this afternoon. I'm pleased how the leather cleaner and conditioner has really rejuvenated the cushions and headrest. My previous car had light grey, almost white leather trim in it and I became accustomed to trying to keep the seats clean! I'm going to put these away now and tackle the seat frame next and I need to find someone who can fabricate some legs for it.
@FirstclassHST if you're having trouble removing the seat cushions, I would just leave them in place for cleaning. I only removed the seat cushions because they came apart quite easily.
View attachment 95469
Yeah your right, do let me know when you find someone as I will need to also fabricate a frame for the double seats and a potential single seat. Also, The cushions look so clean!! Great job you should take a well deserved nap :)
 

ChilternTurbo

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I've cleaned up the bare seat frame and have polished out a few of the scuffs on the side. I also got rid of a load of disgusting crumbs :oops: I'll probably get a local carpenter/joiner to make and attach some feet/legs to the base in like an H frame. It's not a big job but beyond my capabilities! Some dark/chocolate brown paint on the wood will blend it in quite nicely and look like it's part of the original seat.
 

FirstclassHST

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I've cleaned up the bare seat frame and have polished out a few of the scuffs on the side. I also got rid of a load of disgusting crumbs :oops: I'll probably get a local carpenter/joiner to make and attach some feet/legs to the base in like an H frame. It's not a big job but beyond my capabilities! Some dark/chocolate brown paint on the wood will blend it in quite nicely and look like it's part of the original seat.
Yeah your right I have to find someone local too or if your near London we could use the same guy? lol

That is true do keep me updated though as I’ll probably follow in your footsteps

Were there enough crumbs to make a cheesecake from though? :)

Hey guys!
Hope everyone’s well

just wanted to ask if I wanted to contact CFBOOTH in the future to try and get some train parts etc for my little collectors corner what would be the best way to do so? Whenever I contacted them regarding train seats they seemed quite unwilling and rigid. Would there be any specific techniques people use to get them to agree etc which I may be missing out?

many thanks
FirstclassHST
 
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ChilternTurbo

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just wanted to ask if I wanted to contact CFBOOTH in the future to try and get some train parts etc for my little collectors corner what would be the best way to do so? Whenever I contacted them regarding train seats they seemed quite unwilling and rigid. Would there be any specific techniques people use to get them to agree etc which I may be missing out?
To be honest I think the Booth's will only be willing to deal with people they know. Although they process stock a lot slower than Simms, they probably still don't have the time to deal with the general public. I think the responses you've previously got are your answer. Sorry to be negative!
I would suggest contacting sellers like the person we acquired our seats from and getting them to salvage any parts you want. Out of interest, what are you after? You could also set up an alert on the railwayana section of eBay.

That is true do keep me updated though as I’ll probably follow in your footsteps
I haven't yet found someone to install legs on my seat but I was thinking that these could potentially work if attached to the seat via a small wooden frame:
 

FirstclassHST

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To be honest I think the Booth's will only be willing to deal with people they know. Although they process stock a lot slower than Simms, they probably still don't have the time to deal with the general public. I think the responses you've previously got are your answer. Sorry to be negative!
I would suggest contacting sellers like the person we acquired our seats from and getting them to salvage any parts you want. Out of interest, what are you after? You could also set up an alert on the railwayana section of eBay.


I haven't yet found someone to install legs on my seat but I was thinking that these could potentially work if attached to the seat via a small wooden frame:
I agree with you I have dropped him a msg to ask , just after any HST first class stuff :)

They could work although it would be kind of hard to keep them stable on the ground since when you recline the seat they could potentially slide on hard floors?
 

JonathanH

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How about these as chair legs? I appreciate they aren't authentic but you may be able to attach them to the frame. I think a chair leg is needed rather than a table leg to ensure it can take the weight.

The other option might be a pre-assembled step, like this.
 
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FirstclassHST

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How about these as chair legs? I appreciate they aren't authentic but you may be able to attach them to the frame. I think a chair leg is needed rather than a table leg to ensure it can take the weight.

The other option might be a pre-assembled step, like this.
Yeah that could be a good idea but what would the maximum weight capacity be? Would they be able to take a double train seat?

I have another question how much approximately would you say your single train seat weighs? (So that I could double that weight for my train seats) as I have no idea how much they weigh and the legs can only take up to 150 KG
To be honest I think the Booth's will only be willing to deal with people they know. Although they process stock a lot slower than Simms, they probably still don't have the time to deal with the general public. I think the responses you've previously got are your answer. Sorry to be negative!
I would suggest contacting sellers like the person we acquired our seats from and getting them to salvage any parts you want. Out of interest, what are you after? You could also set up an alert on the railwayana section of eBay.


I haven't yet found someone to install legs on my seat but I was thinking that these could potentially work if attached to the seat via a small wooden frame:
 

JonathanH

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True would you think my double train seats would weigh upto 150 kg or more? I have no idea since they are *super heavy*
It is the weight of the person (13 stone is 82.5kg) sitting on the seats that is likely to be the issue, then the frame, not the seats as such. Two supports each suitable for carrying 150kg should be more than sufficient - just check the dimensions of the frame relative to the platform on any step you consider.
 

FirstclassHST

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It is the weight of the person (13 stone is 82.5kg) sitting on the seats that is likely to be the issue, then the frame, not the seats as such. Two supports each suitable for carrying 150kg should be more than sufficient - just check the dimensions of the frame relative to the platform on any step you consider.
Yeah your right because 2 supports could distribute the weight evenly to give up to 300 kg support which may be sufficient enough for people to sit on the seats
 

ChilternTurbo

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The other option might be a pre-assembled step, like this.
Thanks for the suggestion. I've just ordered that from Tool Station. For less than £20 it's worth a try, even as a temporary solution. I've got the rather less heavy single and a base like this could work. I'll update the thread when it's delivered.

They could work although it would be kind of hard to keep them stable on the ground since when you recline the seat they could potentially slide on hard floors?
The recline on my seat actually doesn't lock in place - a common fault when these were in service! The default position is reclined which I'm happy with.
I've now got the seat frame cleaned up and managed to polish out some of the scuffs from the plastic side trim (probably where it had been bashed with a catering trolley!)
 
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FirstclassHST

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Thanks for the suggestion. I've just ordered that from Tool Station. For less than £20 it's worth a try, even as a temporary solution. I've got the rather less heavy single and a base like this could work. I'll update the thread when it's delivered.


The recline on my seat actually doesn't lock in place - a common fault when these were in service! The default position is reclined which I'm happy with.
I've now got the seat frame cleaned up and managed to polish out some of the scuffs from the plastic side trim (probably where it had been bashed with a catering trolley!)
Oh right I need to know the weight of my seats but I have no idea lol

the recline on my seats seems jammed so I would need to get that fixed too in the future I can’t really say for sure until there’s a stable base underneath the seats
 

ChilternTurbo

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the recline on my seats seems jammed so I would need to get that fixed too in the future I can’t really say for sure until there’s a stable base underneath the seats
Unfortunately I would often have to play musical chairs to find a seat with a functioning recline during the latter days of HSTs on GWR.
Here's what my set looks like underneath IMG_3805.jpg(post cleaning)
 

FirstclassHST

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Unfortunately I would often have to play musical chairs to find a seat with a functioning recline during the latter days of HSTs on GWR.
Here's what my set looks like underneath View attachment 95919(post cleaning)
First of all, LOVE THE CLEAN SEAT, second of all, your missing the hydrologic pump which does the seat recline I’ve attached a photo to show what’s not there ( I’m still no expert lol) I ordered some FGW standard class fabric 2 meters and i will make a cushion and mini throw to go with my seats!

First of all, LOVE THE CLEAN SEAT, second of all, your missing the hydrologic pump which does the seat recline I’ve attached a photo to show what’s not there ( I’m still no expert lol) I ordered some FGW standard class fabric 2 meters and i will make a cushion and mini throw to go with my seats!
You might be able to get one made form a furniture maker although I think we could live without it too :)
 

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ChilternTurbo

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Thanks for that picture - useful to know what's missing! The footstool arrived today and was worth a try (I actually needed to buy one anyway) but isn't really a workable solution. Something actually attached to the seat to act as a stabiliser is the way forward.
I like your idea of the First Great Western moquette - that's a nice touch. I have some moquette cushions (London Transport) which accessorise the seat nicely.
 

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FirstclassHST

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Thanks for that picture - useful to know what's missing! The footstool arrived today and was worth a try (I actually needed to buy one anyway) but isn't really a workable solution. Something actually attached to the seat to act as a stabiliser is the way forward.
I like your idea of the First Great Western moquette - that's a nice touch. I have some moquette cushions (London Transport) which accessorise the seat nicely.
Wow that looks quite nice , no problem :) more than happy to help. Yeah no for my double seats I might need to fabricate something instead due to the sheer weight of them! Especially when you factor in people sitting on them in the future too!

Thanks! I’ll upload a picture when it’s on the seat and has arrived! :)
 

JonathanH

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My entry in the challenge to incorporate a set of HST seats in a household setting is shown below. I was able to use the Toolstation step to provide a support and haven't bolted the seats to the wall. I wonder whether a similar step on the gangway side might be useful.
1620858161388.png
[Picture shows a set of former LNER Primarius standard class seats and a desk on a landing area at the top of stairs.]
1620858172504.png
[Picture shows the steel stool which is supporting the frame of the seats as they are supported from the wall on a HST.]
 
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ChilternTurbo

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That looks great! Thanks for posting.
I have the original leg for my seat which would've been the support on the gangway side. It isn't currently attached (removed for delivery to me) but I'll bolt it back in place and see what it's like with the stool support on one side. Unfortunately, the seat I have has a bit protruding underneath which is to do with the recline mechanism so it wouldn't sit on the stall alone.
 

FirstclassHST

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That looks great! Thanks for posting.
I have the original leg for my seat which would've been the support on the gangway side. It isn't currently attached (removed for delivery to me) but I'll bolt it back in place and see what it's like with the stool support on one side. Unfortunately, the seat I have has a bit protruding underneath which is to do with the recline mechanism so it wouldn't sit on the stall alone.
Yeah I kind of have the same problem too and custom fabrication can be expensive :)

My entry in the challenge to incorporate a set of HST seats in a household setting is shown below. I was able to use the Toolstation step to provide a support and haven't bolted the seats to the wall. I wonder whether a similar step on the gangway side might be useful.
View attachment 96116
[Picture shows a set of former LNER Primarius standard class seats and a desk on a landing area at the top of stairs.]
View attachment 96117
[Picture shows the steel stool which is supporting the frame of the seats as they are supported from the wall on a HST.]
Oh wow I love the seats they look incredible!! And love your arrangement with the stools too! :)
 

JonathanH

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I'll bolt it back in place and see what it's like with the stool support on one side. Unfortunately, the seat I have has a bit protruding underneath which is to do with the recline mechanism so it wouldn't sit on the stall alone.
Yes, I noticed that when you posted the picture of the underframe - it looked to me that a piece of board with a notch cut out for that protusion might work.

In my case, the stool isn't quite the same height (about 1cm too low) as the original support and I have some cardboard on top but a small piece of wood might be better. As the original support is sufficient for front and back of the frame, the step is only under the rear of the frame (where more of the weight is).
 

FirstclassHST

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Yes, I noticed that when you posted the picture of the underframe - it looked to me that a piece of board with a notch cut out for that protusion might work.

In my case, the stool isn't quite the same height (about 1cm too low) as the original support and I have some cardboard on top but a small piece of wood might be better. As the original support is sufficient for front and back of the frame, the step is only under the rear of the frame (where more of the weight is).
Oh right if you have any tips or ways on how I could get the base made do let me know I’m not an expert lol!

also yeah that’s a nice idea and it could work out too :)
 

Mali

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Came across this thread a while ago and thought I'd sign up and add my experience from last year with seat legs that may be of help!

We've got a set of the GWR single seats used as an upcycled table set in our dining room (not the GWR 4 seater table though as figured that's a wee bit too small for several adults at dinner time). Also have a couple of the small single tables sat in storage but not yet done anything with those! One has the power functions, the other hasn't. For not much more than the cost of a half decent generic oak dining set off the high street this looks the bee's knees, seems to generate a load of interest and will probably last as long if not longer with a wee bit of care.

We contacted a local fabrication company who came out, took measurements and did a CAD design mock-up before creating a new pair of quality heavyweight steel legs for each seat finished in satin black before fitting (a brown colour match was several times the price and in any case the black suits it equally well). The legs have a bit of a ski effect in that they come out slightly from the base of the seat but do not protrude any further than the furthest point of the rear of the chair. I can get better pictures of the fitting but the attached should give a rough idea of the end product and you can probably spot that the single brown leg that came with the seat was not used so I have several spares of these. The result of this leg design is an extremely secure seat which has absolutely no chance of toppling over, doesn't wobble nor requires securing to the floor.

Unfortunately the company who fabricated them made a very minor error with the measurements as when the seat is reclined fully the top of the legs catch the bottom of the seat shell ever so slightly (which makes a loud metallic rubbing noise when you inevitably move about) and with the only solution to remake them with an adjusted angle which they didn't want to do we've ended up not paying anything for them as is. Shame as I suspect they'd have got several more custom orders from a revised template and a few recommendations! The design though works in principle for both the single seater and twin. In any case the noise issue has been remedied by some generic felt furniture pads for a mere £2 from Amazon applied to the top of the legs which aren't visible and completely removes the noise at the expense of perhaps 2 or 3mm of recline. I may get them redone one day but they're fine for now, look great and are perfectly useable as is.

The only other point to think about is if replicating the height of the chair as it would have been on the HST itself it's a couple of inches too low for either sitting comfortably at a standard desk or dining table unless you're extremely large! Not a problem of course if you're using a matching GWR table and use the height that was setup for. Happy to share the various measurements on mine though - given the weight of the seat though I'd definitely recommend getting a proper heavyweight solution made for them if you can find someone locally as the cost really wasn't prohibitive.

We bought the seats from the same seller linked above last summer and did a day trip up to York to collect and dealt with a really nice chap from the Yorkshire Steam Railway C5 TV show which was pretty cool. They all came with the plain blue headrest covers hiding the GWR branding which we've removed.

There is also a small tool you use that unclips the base seat cushion allowing far better cleaning of the base and surrounding areas (which predictably was FILTHY).

Oh and I'd definitely be pushing my luck with the other half getting cushions etc for them :lol:

I've requested to join the Facebook page linked above where it's no problem to post more pictures of the setup if accepted.

1620934876064.jpg
 
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