It’s funny that you two both mention the state of the Turbo’s. I’ve had two contrasting units this week but both had similar opinions from the guards - the first, a refurbished 2 car on the Basing’s. Plug sockets not working, various noticeable signs of poor workmanship from Wolverton (hardly a surprise) but in an Ok condition. Guards opinion, fine for the branches, not so for mainline use, needs replacing with longer units - 769s = Rubbish. Poor reliability shown so far, still not in service and less features than a Turbo. Unusually for a Thames Valley service, it was nice to see the guard using the panels by the doors, though as they pointed out you can’t easily use a few due to the position / t-key location / handrails.
Travelling back from Bristol earlier this week via Salisbury. Scruffy, very tired, rather noisy 166. For a change, plug sockets working. Usual features of the broken Bristol 166s, internal doors taped open, toilet locked OOU awaiting parts. Guards opinion - these are an utter embarrassment for the company and for the line. I’m not surprised and do feel for them, particularly going from refurbished 158s to Turbos with their cabs held together with hazard tape!