All Class 350 Refurb Updates and any Refurb questions

[rjames87]

What’s the issue with the grey? I haven’t seen any which look bad so far.

 

[221101 Voyager]

I wondered that but it dosent explain why the /1s had their hand rails and grips re painted? Those colours do also fit with the disability regs too as the grey contrasts well against the blue panels by the door.

just seems a little lazy really?

When I've been on /3s the grab rails look fine, I've never seen one that needed a repaint, which I suppose is why they've not bothered with it yet.

 

[Bletchleyite]

When I've been on /3s the grab rails look fine, I've never seen one that needed a repaint, which I suppose is why they've not bothered with it yet.

TBH those blue panels look a bit rubbish with a green-themed seat fabric, surprised they didn't swap them for grey. Are they still FirstGroup light pink on the /4s, or were they grey to start with and only the 185s pink?

 

[221101 Voyager]

TBH those blue panels look a bit rubbish with a green-themed seat fabric, surprised they didn't swap them for grey. Are they still FirstGroup light pink on the /4s, or were they grey to start with and only the 185s pink?

True, they do clash with the new /1 colour scheme.
As seen below

350/1 - 350102 refurbished standard class interior | 18th October 2020

2Y52 1434 London Euston to Northampton

flic.kr

The /4s have grey panels at the doors on unrefurbed and the refurbed variants.
As seen below.

350/4 - 350403 standard class interior | 24th October 2020

The original interior of 350403 at Milton Keynes Central

flic.kr

 

[Energy]

True, they do clash with the new /1 colour scheme.
As seen below

350/1 - 350102 refurbished standard class interior | 18th October 2020

2Y52 1434 London Euston to Northampton

flic.kr

The /4s have grey panels at the doors on unrefurbed and the refurbed variants.
As seen below.

350/4 - 350403 standard class interior | 24th October 2020

The original interior of 350403 at Milton Keynes Central

flic.kr

The /1s aren't a great refurb, the door panels clash badly on the /1s. The TPE 185 refurb shows how much better it could have been.

 

[221101 Voyager]

The /1s aren't a great refurb, the door panels clash badly on the /1s. The TPE 185 refurb shows how much better it could have been.

Definitely, I've seen quite a few worn seats already.

Also the blue panelling and blue door panels do clash badly with the green and grey poles and handrails with the grey seats. What some would call a meh kind of refurbishment, I think they could've done a better job certainly.

The 185 has set the bar for Desiro unit refurbishments most definitely.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Also the blue panelling and blue door panels do clash badly with the green and grey poles and handrails with the grey seats. What some would call a meh kind of refurbishment, I think they could've done a better job certainly.

Fitting for what is reather a "meh" TOC

The 185 has set the bar for Desiro unit refurbishments most definitely.

Yes, true, they make what is basically a DMU version of an outersuburban EMU look and feel very posh indeed. And not at great cost, either; just from some thought into colour choice and the use of some sticky backed wood effect plastic.

 

[Energy]

Also the blue panelling and blue door panels do clash badly with the green and grey poles and handrails with the grey seats. What some would call a meh kind of refurbishment, I think they could've done a better job certainly.

It looks like they just haven't been bothered with the colour selection, just an "It'll do". The SWR Desiro refurb is not my favourite but its better than the 350s refurb...

 

[Bletchleyite]

It looks like they just haven't been bothered with the colour selection, just an "It'll do"

As mentioned, that seems to me very much the attitude of the TOC as a whole (though of couse they did something that "wouldn't do" in terms of awful timetables/diagramming too). Very much not "creating desire" as a certain famous shorts-wearing marketing bod would have it.

I do like the colour scheme of the seat covers (though e-leather headrests would have been nicer) but they were clearly done on the cheap.

 

[Energy]

As mentioned, that seems to me very much the attitude of the TOC as a whole (though of couse they did something that "wouldn't do" in terms of awful timetables/diagramming too). Very much not "creating desire" as a certain famous shorts-wearing marketing bod would have it.

Indeed, LM were given some hate but they were a good TOC, they were modern, clean when I used them only they were too busy, which wouldn't be too much of a problem if they added the 10 350/4s and 21 360s (possibly the ex Heathrow 360s as well if someone was willing to buy them of Heathrow, like Angel) then it wouldn't be too much of a problem. LNWR just seem to be good proposals (new stock, refurbishments, cheap fairs) but lazy execution.

I do like the colour scheme of the seat covers (though e-leather headrests would have been nicer) but they were clearly done on the cheap.

They do look nice but it doesn't matter if they fall apart. I wonder where the money went? The 450s would have been given a similar amount for a refurb but are nicer, wonder how much the KeTech system costs (The 185s also got fitted with it and got a nice refurb but are younger so wouldn't need as much overhaul work doing).

 

[OTRail]

It looks like they just haven't been bothered with the colour selection, just an "It'll do". The SWR Desiro refurb is not my favourite but its better than the 350s refurb...

Wireless charging points in first class - definitely a step change...

 

[Energy]

Wireless charging points in first class

Clearly the best use of money is on wireless chargers which will take much longer than just using a cable which people are probably bringing with them anyway.

 

[221101 Voyager]

Fitting for what is reather a "meh" TOC



Yes, true, they make what is basically a DMU version of an outersuburban EMU look and feel very posh indeed. And not at great cost, either; just from some thought into colour choice and the use of some sticky backed wood effect plastic.

Indeed, LNWR are meh!

It looks like they just haven't been bothered with the colour selection, just an "It'll do". The SWR Desiro refurb is not my favourite but its better than the 350s refurb...

I feel the same on those points too.

I do like the colour scheme of the seat covers (though e-leather headrests would have been nicer) but they were clearly done on the cheap.

You like the LNWR seat scheme!? I think it is also meh just like the TOC. The LM seat material was nicer and more vibrant, the LNWR one is boring and dull.

Indeed, LM were given some hate but they were a good TOC, they were modern, clean when I used them only they were too busy, which wouldn't be too much of a problem if they added the 10 350/4s and 21 360s (possibly the ex Heathrow 360s as well if someone was willing to buy them of Heathrow, like Angel) then it wouldn't be too much of a problem. LNWR just seem to have good proposals (new stock, refurbishments, cheap fairs) but lazy execution.


They do look nice but it doesn't matter if they fall apart. I wonder where the money went? The 450s would have been given a similar amount for a refurb but are nicer, wonder how much the KeTech system costs (The 185s also got fitted with it and got a nice refurb but are younger so wouldn't need as much overhaul work doing).

LM were good I liked them a lot.

LNWR aren't fundamentally bad but they are indeed a bit lazy.

The money went on hmm... trying to do some Cost cutting. Which will come back to bite them as they have to replace seat covers sooner than they expected...

185s are only a couple of years younger, 2004-05 for the 350/1 and 2005-06 for 185s, so not much in it.

Wireless charging points in first class - definitely a step change...

That's the best train joke I've heard this year!

Here is the marketing for it...

LNWR First Class, a less comfortable seat for more money... But have you seen our new wireless charging pads?

Clearly the best use of money is on wireless chargers which will take much longer than just using a cable which people are probably bringing with them anyway.

Very true. I would rather money was spent on better quality moquette instead of silly charging pads.

 

[Spirit555]

350116 gone to Long Marston today. 37601 providing traction.

Mark

 

[Spirit555]

350110 on way to Long Marston today. Should lose it's unique livery. 350116 due to return to Northampton. 37608 providing the traction.

Mark

 

[RealTrains07]

350110 on way to Long Marston today. Should lose it's unique livery. 350116 due to return to Northampton. 37608 providing the traction.

Mark

Very sad. No more project 110, was hoping LNR would keep the unique part of that livery

 

[OTRail]

Very sad. No more project 110, was hoping LNR would keep the unique part of that livery

You never know, LNR might add it’s own version. Although that’s looking very unlikely

 

[221101 Voyager]

350116 gone to Long Marston today. 37601 providing traction.

Mark

350110 on way to Long Marston today. Should lose it's unique livery. 350116 due to return to Northampton. 37608 providing the traction.

Mark

Thanks for those updates. The list now has all the latest info on it.

 

[Spirit555]

350120 gone to Long Marston today, hauled by 37601. 350110 should return later.

Mark

 

[221101 Voyager]

350120 gone to Long Marston today, hauled by 37601. 350110 should return later.

Mark

Thanks very much Mark.

List now updated on page 1.

 

[59CosG95]

350126 has gone off its usual patch by quite a margin... https://flic.kr/p/2kLhqmv

It seems to have done a run from Crewe Carriage Sidings as 5Q70 (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09208/2021-03-15/detailed) to Lancaster, thence as 5Q71 to Beattock (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09218/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q72 to Carlisle (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09217/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q73 back to Lancaster (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09213/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q74 to Oxenholme (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/08976/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q75 to Winwick Jn (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09211/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q76 back up to Wigan North Jn (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09216/2021-03-15/detailed), and finally 5Q77 back home to Crewe (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09214/2021-03-15/detailed).

Any idea why it's done such a crazy move? Route learning? Power draw testing?

 

[swt_passenger]

350126 has gone off its usual patch by quite a margin... https://flic.kr/p/2kLhqmv

It seems to have done a run from Crewe Carriage Sidings as 5Q70 (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09208/2021-03-15/detailed) to Lancaster, thence as 5Q71 to Beattock (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09218/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q72 to Carlisle (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09217/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q73 back to Lancaster (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09213/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q74 to Oxenholme (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/08976/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q75 to Winwick Jn (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09211/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q76 back up to Wigan North Jn (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09216/2021-03-15/detailed), and finally 5Q77 back home to Crewe (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09214/2021-03-15/detailed).

Any idea why it's done such a crazy move? Route learning? Power draw testing?

Testing a new pantograph/OHLE monitoring device. It’s been mentioned in the wnxx forum.

 

[Ladder23]

350126 has gone off its usual patch by quite a margin... https://flic.kr/p/2kLhqmv

It seems to have done a run from Crewe Carriage Sidings as 5Q70 (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09208/2021-03-15/detailed) to Lancaster, thence as 5Q71 to Beattock (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09218/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q72 to Carlisle (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09217/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q73 back to Lancaster (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09213/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q74 to Oxenholme (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/08976/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q75 to Winwick Jn (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09211/2021-03-15/detailed), 5Q76 back up to Wigan North Jn (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09216/2021-03-15/detailed), and finally 5Q77 back home to Crewe (https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/09214/2021-03-15/detailed).

Any idea why it's done such a crazy move? Route learning? Power draw testing?

Thanks for providing the links!

 

[crosscity]

Over the last few months there has been a transfer of a 350 unit to and from Long Marston about every third Saturday. How many more are still to be done?

Is it likely that the transfers will still be taking place when it's legal to catch a train without having a valid reason? I'll be completely up-front - I'm more interested in seeing the 37's hauling them than the units themselves, especially now they're routed via New St.

 

[Spirit555]

Only a few left to do now. They go every 2 weeks.

350120 currently at Long Marston leaving 350109,113,117,118,119,121 and 127 to be done.

HTH

Mark

 

[crosscity]

Only a few left to do now. They go every 2 weeks.

350120 currently at Long Marston leaving 350109,113,117,118,119,121 and 127 to be done.

HTH

Mark

Thanks for the info. Fortnightly might have been the case in January, but in February and March I can only find the following workings to Long Marston from Northampton.
Sat 23/1/21 37601 350116
Sat 13/2/21 37608 350110
Sat 6/3/21 37601 350120
That's every three weeks. I expect the next one on 27 Mar.

I'm assuming all the 350's are only despatched to Long Marston from Northampton. Would any go from Bletchley or further south and avoid Birmingham altogether?

My info is from photos on Flickr and the charlwoodhouse open data website, neither of which are infallible.

 

[warwickshire]

Thanks for the info. Fortnightly might have been the case in January, but in February and March I can only find the following workings to Long Marston from Northampton.
Sat 23/1/21 37601 350116
Sat 13/2/21 37608 350110
Sat 6/3/21 37601 350120
That's every three weeks. I expect the next one on 27 Mar.

I'm assuming all the 350's are only despatched to Long Marston from Northampton. Would any go from Bletchley or further south and avoid Birmingham altogether?

My info is from photos on Flickr and the charlwoodhouse open data website, neither of which are infallible.

As far as I know all have been from Northampton to longmarston.
However it does vary though sometimes they have been direct avoiding Birmingham new Street via the lifford line ie direct from kings Norton to washwoood Heath via mossley the freight and passenger diversionary route avoiding university station. Yes it usually is Saturday every 3 weeks so the Saturday 27th march 2021. Should be the next one. All going well.

 

[Spirit555]

A lot depends on amount of work actually required and I would imagine the last lot of units are in a much detoriated state than other. Having seen most of remaining ones to be done recently the bodywork is in a deplorable condition.
This could explain it taking longer to complete.

Mark

 

[crosscity]

As far as I know all have been from Northampton to longmarston.
However it does vary though sometimes they have been direct avoiding Birmingham new Street via the lifford line ie direct from kings Norton to washwoood Heath via mossley the freight and passenger diversionary route avoiding university station. Yes it usually is Saturday every 3 weeks so the Saturday 27th march 2021. Should be the next one. All going well.

My understanding is that the 350's are now not allowed along the Camp Hill or Stourbridge lines, so the Northampton-Long Marston drags can only go via New Street. I don't know why, as until sometime in 2020 they never went via New St. I'd like to see them behind a 37 at Five Ways, University and other places along the Crosscity line before they're all done.

 

[Spirit555]

Today's Long Marston move

37601 + 350121

Mark