The shape and the fact that they feel hewn out of solid granite.
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WMR Class 196 Build and Implementation
- Thread starter Old Hill Bank
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anamyd
On Moderation
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- 17 Aug 2018
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I thought they were meant to be the most comfortable seats of all the Civity DMUs, apparently being FISA Leans or a variant of them (even if they don't have arm rests and the window seats are too close to the wall).
warwickshire
On Moderation
Thank you for the update.
12LDA28C
Established Member
I've heard recently that they certainly are
willsmith3
New Member
That was my experience too. My first journey on one today (196101) The hardness of the seat was very noticeable. No comfort whatsoever!
The unit came out of service at New Street as there were no functioning bogs on board.
The mind goggles what the others are like....
TT-ONR-NRN
Established Member
`And, as I've said before, the trains they replace have armrests, and these don't. Armrests make a big, big difference to the comfort for me personally.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
To be honest I would be surprised if these were more comfortable than WMT's 170s with the heavyweight metal framed, thickly padded seats. I'll be more comparing them with 172s and 195s.
(168/170s were fitted with two types of seats - a heavyweight painted metal frame and a lighter, powder coated Chapman design - the WMT units have the better of the two (the former), Chiltern have the presumably cheaper one, I can't recall about others).
TT-ONR-NRN
Established Member
Yes it just seems like a shame, because even though a 172 and 195 is more comparable, the 170s are what the Shrewsbury and Hereford lines have had solidly for the past fifteen years or so. We'll disregard the recent takeover of 172s on the Hereford service because that has just been a stopgap while 170s disappear off to EMR.
Same seats as the GA 745s? So, yeah hard... and no lumber support either. Horrendous that STILL there is no proper review of passenger comfort
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Lumbar support is bad on train seats because different people need it at different heights.
That's fair comment.
I've regularly used Chiltern, both 168s and previously 172s, and the 196 seats are far far worse. They compare unfavourably to your average bus seat.
william.martin
On Moderation
Agreed, Chiltern 168 seats are comfy in my opinion.
Are they an improvement to ironing board seats in electrostars ?
More like 20 years. Since LM came about the two services have been almost universally provided by 170s, with exceptions including the 172s as you have already listed, but also 150s and 153s for a limited number of services in the past. During the days of Central Trains (at least the latter half which I have memories of) 170s were still probably the dominant stock, but other classes such as 156s and 158s could also be found.
The seats fitted to the former WMR 170s are I believe manufactured by Lazzerini, and are also fitted to the XC fleet. I’ve only travelled on a couple of Scotrail 170s but they had chapman seating if I recall.
mangyiscute
Established Member
Just seen a 196 at Wolverhampton on the 07:39 from Shrewsbury - didn't catch the number tho so if anyone could let me know what it is that would be great
william.martin
On Moderation
I have searched for a little while now and I have had no luck, quite often you will find that the website (the one with the link below) will upload relevant information this evening.
SuperLuke2334
Established Member
196102
He usually does it in the mornings, and I don't think he's doing as much right now so it's best to request in TOPS threads if you need to know.I have searched for a little while now and I have had no luck, quite often you will find that the website (the one with the link below) will upload relevant information this evening.
Allocations are only posted on weekdays I believeI have searched for a little while now and I have had no luck, quite often you will find that the website (the one with the link below) will upload relevant information this evening.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Looks like it picked up a lot of delay earlier but is now back on time. Does anyone know if the unit was swapped or it is still out on that diagram (e.g. 1400 off New St)? Anyone seen the other diagram?
196 102 ran the 12:00 out of new street, and is diagrammed to form the 15:00 BHM-SHR
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Ta. Looks like I have a reasonable chance of finding one today then! It looked like it would be the 1400 when I checked the timetable, has there been a swaparound?
I guess so, although I’m just going off of the unit I’ve just been on (12:00 from new st). 196 110 is also running and will form the 13:00 from BHM if all goes to plan. I don’t know if the 14:00 will still be a 196 or not.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Ah, I am being thick. With a running time of just over an hour, three diagrams are needed for hourly, not two. I'd not be there for 1300, if the gates are open I might have a look to see about the 1400 and if not go for the 1500. Going up on Chiltern so won't already be inside.
Hope that the WMT allocation team are on your side.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Agree.. but these seem to have none at all
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Exactly. Better none than to have it and thus make the seat great for some but awful for others. OK for everyone is the best plan.
Last edited:
william.martin
On Moderation
Does anybody know the 196 that was working 2G15 today, I saw it at Telford central.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
170s on the 1400, going to take it anyway as Brum is horrendous, rather hang round somewhere quieter!
Hopefully will return on the one on the diagram an hour later.
Hopefully will return on the one on the diagram an hour later.