WCML new trains: suggestions, ideas and predictions

[greatvoyager]

If Hitachi 80x trains are ordered, I wonder if they'd have the face lifted nose section of 804s, or the original front of current 80x units.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

But surely if they’re going to input reclining seats in Pendolinos (this is what I read on the other chat) they would put the same seats in the new train and don’t Hitachi love their definitely non reclining Fainsa Sophias?

 

[NoMorePacers]

But surely if they’re going to input reclining seats in Pendolinos (this is what I read on the other chat) they would put the same seats in the new train and don’t Hitachi love their definitely non reclining Fainsa Sophias?

They’ll shove a barely-functioning recliner onto the Sophias, don’t worry.

 

[Hazlehead]

But surely if they’re going to input reclining seats in Pendolinos (this is what I read on the other chat) they would put the same seats in the new train and don’t Hitachi love their definitely non reclining Fainsa Sophias?

If you read closely I don't think they are going to have actual 'reclining' seats in Std class but more that the seats are at slight angle rather than straight up

 

[Bletchleyite]

They’ll shove a barely-functioning recliner onto the Sophias, don’t worry.

If that would require a solid metal plate under the seat cushion as I suspect it would (as railway seat reclining tends to be "lift the base and pull it forward" with the back hinged to it), that might solve the main problem with them!

 

[greatvoyager]

I cant think of any other option than the 80x, now if they could install really nice seats, that would be a good start...

 

[MalaiseForever]

If they do install reclining seats, they better not encroach on other passengers leg room

 

[Energy]

Apparently Hitachi charge loads to have non Sophia seats installed, they could always just order the trains without seats and send them of to somebody to install seats.

Wonder who will maintain the new trains as that will dictate what is order by quite a bit, of Alstom or Bombardier maintain them then they could just order 80Xs with no seats and have Alstom or Bombardier install them.

I doubt Avanti will do maintainence in house, new TPE trains are all maintaines by other companies and there are no Virgin depots to be passed on.

 

[greatvoyager]

Apparently Hitachi charge loads to have non Sophia seats installed, they could always just order the trains without seats and send them of to somebody to install seats.

Wonder who will maintain the new trains as that will dictate what is order by quite a bit, of Alstom or Bombardier maintain them then they could just order 80Xs with no seats and have Alstom or Bombardier install them.

I doubt Avanti will do maintainence in house, new TPE trains are all maintaines by other companies and there are no Virgin depots to be passed on.

I'd imagine in that case, as Avanti will still be running Alstom Pendolinos and will have removed the Bombardier Voyagers, that Alstom would be the preferred choice for maintenance.

 

[Energy]

I'd imagine in that case, as Avanti will still be running Alstom Pendolinos and will have removed the Bombardier Voyagers, that Alstom would be the preferred choice for maintenance.

Agreed, maybe they will decide to order 80Xs and have Alstom install the seats for way cheaper

 

[greatvoyager]

Agreed, maybe they will decide to order 80Xs and have Alstom install the seats for way cheaper

If 390s also get new seats, then I would imagine they'll be the same as on the new trains.

 

[Meerkat]

Apparently Hitachi charge loads to have non Sophia seats installed, they could always just order the trains without seats and send them of to somebody to install seats.

is this actually true, or a rumour that has been repeated so often it’s become “true”?
It just seems so unlikely, why would Hitachi really care, and why wouldn’t buyers just order them seatless. Maybe this is true but only relevant to the initial DfT IET contract including maintenance?

 

[Energy]

is this actually true, or a rumour that has been repeated so often it’s become “true”?
It just seems so unlikely, why would Hitachi really care, and why wouldn’t buyers just order them seatless. Maybe this is true but only relevant to the initial DfT IET contract including maintenance?

I heard it of another forum which referenced the TPE forum. Can't confirm if it is true but it seems likely as after the GWR seat backlash I think TPE and Hull Trains wouldn't be too inclined to order those seats

 

[PartyOperator]

I'd take thin seats and an extra inch of legroom over big soft seats and bruised knees any day. If people really want padded seats and a recline function, I guess I'll just stand in the vestibule because these definitely aren't going to be provided at the expense of standard class seat numbers.

 

[Clip]

I'd take thin seats and an extra inch of legroom over big soft seats and bruised knees any day. If people really want padded seats and a recline function, I guess I'll just stand in the vestibule because these definitely aren't going to be provided at the expense of standard class seat numbers.

And this is what people dont realise - the days of big comfy seats as in the 125 are now behind us because you simply cant fit enough in without them being squashed.

 

[Energy]

I'd take thin seats and an extra inch of legroom over big soft seats and bruised knees any day. If people really want padded seats and a recline function, I guess I'll just stand in the vestibule because these definitely aren't going to be provided at the expense of standard class seat numbers.

I think there is a balance, I personally don't care about reclining seats, the mechanisms will just get jammed and you'll get the person who likes to annoy everybody. With padding, there should be a balance, I don't want so much that it takes up lots of space but I don't want so little that it hurts to stand up after a long journey

 

[Bletchleyite]

I heard it of another forum which referenced the TPE forum. Can't confirm if it is true but it seems likely as after the GWR seat backlash I think TPE and Hull Trains wouldn't be too inclined to order those seats

Well, TPE did order those seats for their CAF stock which does not have that constraint even if it does exist.

 

[Energy]

Well, TPE did order those seats for their CAF stock which does not have that constraint even if it does exist.

Could also be that TPE wanted a consistent experience across their trains?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Could also be that TPE wanted a consistent experience across their trains?

It could, though I'm also more inclined to believe the statement I've read here before that they are the only currently certified seat for 125mph in the UK, and so the cost of certifying another one would be too high. I don't know if anyone can officially confirm or deny that?

 

[greatvoyager]

It could, though I'm also more inclined to believe the statement I've read here before that they are the only currently certified seat for 125mph in the UK, and so the cost of certifying another one would be too high. I don't know if anyone can officially confirm or deny that?

Is it also because the seats used on refurbished HSTs, Voyagers, Meridians and Pendolinos are no longer being produced?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Is it also because the seats used on refurbished HSTs, Voyagers, Meridians and Pendolinos are no longer being produced?

So far as I'm aware Grammer still produce the E3000 (Desiro seat) and the IC3000 (refurb HST seat). The ironing board (contoured and non-contoured base) and the FISA LEAN are also both more comfortable seats in my view and remain on the market.

 

[Energy]

Who made the pendolino and voyager seats?

 

[greatvoyager]

So far as I'm aware Grammer still produce the E3000 (Desiro seat) and the IC3000 (refurb HST seat). The ironing board (contoured and non-contoured base) and the FISA LEAN are also both more comfortable seats in my view and remain on the market.

Thank you.
I agree with that, they are more comfortable.