Indeed, but it's a debate / furore I don't think anyone here on the South Western wants for a while...
The real reason is the industry’s failure to implement proposed DCO on WMR amongst others, wether that’s good or bad is of course up for debate
It's nothing to do with the current arrangements. It's being done as agreed between Siemens, the DfT and whichever ROSCO owns the units. WMT have not requested this.
Yes this was the case with the 172s. AFAIM the 350 situation is not quite the same as it's Siemens who are doing this under 'future proofing'
They didn't specify, so I would imagine all will be done at some point. Not sure what timeframe we're looking at.
They're not, pretty much every driver at my depot has formally complained about them. No thought has gone into positioning of the monitors. Obtrusive is how I'd describe them. Reduces what can be seen out of the window for sure.
Well possibly, however fleet and unions have sent out comms stating it's been a request from the DfT to Siemens for use by the next operator. I can only go on what information I've been supplied with.
I don't have a photo to hand but can certainly get one
The 350/2s are Porterbrook owned, unlike the rest of the fleet which are Angel's. So it may well be an agreement between DfT, Siemens and Angel.
The newly installed equipment cannot block any part of the windscreen from the drivers viewpoint (and it doesn't).
The Xmas tree is now above the new equipment. From memory it's been condensed somewhat. As for twisting, I really don't know. As having the additional equipment in the cab takes some getting used to by itself.
That's how it looks on camera, and that photo has clearly been distorted by the lense (narrowed). When you're sat in that chair it does impact your sightlines, and I can only imagine it being worse once covers are removed and you see reflections in the screen out of the corner of your eye.
I can only disagree with you on the point regarding sightlines, it does however make the cab a more claustrophobic experience, but one that I am now getting used to. The equipment would not have been fitted if it did effect sightlines (it has to be inspected and agreed). Regarding the reflection from the plated over screen (if it gets uncovered in the future). I believe there is a very small chance of reflection of the sun or LED platform lights from the TMS depending if you are a short driver with the blind raised and the seat in its forward position with the sun/lamp being at a specific angle in relation to the train. Also, please take into account these plated over screens should be coated with an anti reflective coating which should mitigate against reflected light from the PIS screen (please note that since originally installed the PIS can now be dimmed down to 1% from the previous minimum of 10%) The GSMR is possible reflection risk, but, again can most likely be mitigated against by dimming to its minimum setting, also, not being white light should also make some difference).
Well hopefully the covers are never removed. Obviously it's a personal thing, compared to my old traction I don't like the cabs in the 350s so that probably increases my dislike for the can layout, and number of screens/lights etc.
I agree that really isn't a natural position for a driver to be able to observe monitors from... not so much the actual position more the angle the screen would be at!
