Coat of paint (Was:CrossCountry HST and Rebranding)

[andel]

I've been FC in a FGW Hst refurbed rake - seemed ok enough... the un-furbed rakes have nicer seats in my humblest of pinions.

Not done NXEC in yonks... I miss Virgin though - for all your gripes you may have, they are comfortable and nice to ride in.

[JamieLei]

I travelled in a standard class FGW HST this week, and I have to say the seats aren't the comfiest. Virgin Pendolinos probably have the comfiest seats like Andel said, although XC Voyagers aren't that bad.

[andel]

I travel in my chair normally anyway... must go on my Eurostar thing soon, too

[Kevo00]

You must have got one of the old ones. The HSTs have been refurbished to Mallard standard (ie Mk4 standard) from the dreary 1970s Intercity corporate beige.

Actually the 'dreary 1970s Intercity corporate beige' was introduced by GNER in the late 90s!

They were nice at the time, but not surprisingly the redo started to wear and tear. BR had also refurbed at least once since the original, although they were always fairly bland and utilitarian inside if memory serves.

[Dreamcatcher]

I travelled in a standard class FGW HST this week, and I have to say the seats aren't the comfiest. Virgin Pendolinos probably have the comfiest seats like Andel said, although XC Voyagers aren't that bad.

Have you lost your mind.. XC voyagers are only mildly more comfortable than bone shakers imho and I would rather travel on a refurbed FGW HSt rake anyday of the week!

[beeb375]

Well the NXEC unrefurbed seats were actually quite comfortable, if rather dusty!

But seriously... BROWN!? Also, I was rather disappointed with the Eurostar interior when I used it in July, they're definately due a refresh.

[JamieLei]

Have you lost your mind.. XC voyagers are only mildly more comfortable than bone shakers imho and I would rather travel on a refurbed FGW HSt rake anyday of the week!

I suppose it's all up to your height and body shape. From what I hear, the FGW refurbs are much more comfortable for tall people due to the extra neck and head support. I did once travel on an unrefurbished set, and it was one of the comfiest.

As for comfiest commuter train, my vote goes with the SWT 458s - the extra padding in the seats makes up for the 3+2 layout IMO.

[LaSeandre]

Eurostar are getting refurbed or at least refreshed soon anyway, aren't they?

[andel]

Eurostar are getting refurbed or at least refreshed soon anyway, aren't they?

Some time... they've just not got round to it yet.

[Ameecher]

I'm a fan of the mallard refurbs. Nice tall seats that are firm but comfortable. I don't like the original mk3 seats, too low (although they are a damn sight better than some of the mk2s they replaced round here where the head rests stuck out forcing you to keep your shoulders under them and therefore slouch for your whole journey.
I've only been on a Voyager once from Lancaster to Birmingham New Street and I had no problems with it apart from Lancaster - Preston where I looked at a bit of plastic all the time (after that I bagged myself a window seat).
185s are pretty comfy although the lights on them are somewhat blinding!

[orudge]

That'd be the unrefurbished one

Edit:
[image]
that's what they should look like!

To be honest, I think I prefer the original. I travelled in the unrefurbished ones to get down to the meet and back, and it was a very pleasant experience. The new ones look a bit bright and plasticky to me.

[WWW]

Wait, where do these run again.

I've seen all of the EMT ones through leicester now anyway.

[welshdragon]

those new interiored hst sets look nice
i like the Transpennine Exoress 185's, they seem to be quite roomy, but sadly lack enough seating for their busy routes, Hull Trains are also really nice, having travelled on the 'Pioneers' and Adelante set they have i was quite impressed, Personally i will miss the Hull trains 222's (off to EMT i think), but the 180's have more seating, and once refurbished will look really nice.

Also I may be doing a work placcement with Hull Trains, but they haven't replied to me in 3 weeks so i guess not.

[Kevo00]

On the subject of on-train conditions, when I was going up to York this week the conductor announced that any passenger who can't get their bags in the (insufficient) racks can put them in the guard's van. About time too.

[Ameecher]

And everyone called the 'one' livery the refresher stripes...

You ain't seen nothing yet.

http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/p55347698.html

[Dave]

On the subject of on-train conditions, when I was going up to York this week the conductor announced that any passenger who can't get their bags in the (insufficient) racks can put them in the guard's van. About time too.

Yes, about time NXEC started advertising the 91 has space for luggage.

[andel]

And everyone called the 'one' livery the refresher stripes...

You ain't seen nothing yet.

http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/p55347698.html

Sponsored by dulux.

[Kevo00]

Is that train safe for people with epilepsy to catch/see going past? Cripes.

[Badger]

And everyone called the 'one' livery the refresher stripes...

Holy s***, that's messed up! Why would someone go and do that?
S'pose you'll remember it if you're unfortunate enough to see it!

[JamieLei]

Oh dear.

I feel sorry for the poor sod driving it!