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September 07, 2008, 05:33:51 AM *
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First Great Western Coffee Shop > Journey by Journey > Portsmouth to Cardiff > Theoretical Design For A New DMU For Portsmouth-Cardiff Services
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Author Topic: Theoretical Design For A New DMU For Portsmouth-Cardiff Services  (Read 2108 times)
Lee Fletcher
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« on: May 28, 2008, 06:10:09 PM »
About to do a spot of research.....

If you were to design a new-build unit for Portsmouth-Cardiff services, what features would it have, how many carriages, would it be based on a unit already in existence etc.
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Timmer
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« Reply #1 on: May 28, 2008, 06:21:45 PM »
Similar to a 158 but four carriages and with a return of First Class to the Cardiff-Portsmouth line.

I think if you look at SWT's 159s they have got it just about right. Very nice trains.
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Btline
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« Reply #2 on: May 28, 2008, 06:51:41 PM »
More like 170s. Less dwell time in stations.

Doors which are not as painfully slow at opening and closing as the 158s. With Turbostars, the guard is in their cab and can just "slam" their cab door shut after the main doors have been locked/ just lead out of the window if on a platform that allows it/ station staff are helping.

A mix of table, and airline seats.

Comfortable seats that are aligned to the windows.

First Class (if any) at one end of train, not in middle like on XC 170s.

No cafe, a trolley (if any catering is needed).

No more than 1 disabled toilet.

A guards van area OR if these are no longer the norm, PLENTY of space for at least two bikes IN ADDITION to wheelchair spaces.

But this MUST NOT compromise on seats. If the health and safety/equal opportunities people are going to add more and more "required" features (which arguably is good), then the trains have to be longer.

Longer trains - SDO if necessary (never thought I would say that - but this is not an HST or a HSS).

Luggage overhead racks which are not as pathetic as the ones on the 158s!

Air conditioning, no openable windows (apart from cabs), tinted glass.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2008, 06:57:17 PM by Btline » Logged
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Graz
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« Reply #3 on: May 28, 2008, 07:15:06 PM »
I agree with the 159s comment Timmer, 4 or even 5 carriage trains in a similar style to those would be good.

Some requirements of mine would be in addition to Btline's good ideas. They would able to couple onto 143/150/153/158 units should that be required. SDO is a must- if we are dealing with 4/5 cars I believe stations like Bradford-on-Avon and Warminster would have problems without it.

I would also like to add LED display boards in carriages would definitely be a good idea showing calling points and 'now arriving at' messages similar to Turbostars (and perhaps external displays next to doors too). No automated announcements or long jingles though, please!  Grin

I agree with the trolley idea, but there needs to be enough space for one to 'stay'. The problem with 158s sometimes is the trolleys often stay in the extreme front/rear door areas and get in the way.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2008, 07:17:00 PM by Graz » Logged
swlines
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« Reply #4 on: May 28, 2008, 07:29:31 PM »
A diesel 444.
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devon_metro
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« Reply #5 on: May 28, 2008, 07:30:02 PM »
Quote from: swlines on May 28, 2008, 07:29:31 PM
A diesel 444.

Yer - with 4 carriages.
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swlines
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« Reply #6 on: May 28, 2008, 07:32:39 PM »
Let me add, for the basher qualities:

English Electric engine nicked from class 37s... a decent buffet... guards van.

A train I can work with ease... nah, not really. I have no interest in Desiro trains...
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devon_metro
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« Reply #7 on: May 28, 2008, 07:33:47 PM »
Slam door cab aswell.

Hang on! Why not a DEMU 442!!
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swlines
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« Reply #8 on: May 28, 2008, 07:34:46 PM »
Sounds good to me!

That way we get REP motors (Grin Grin Grin) as well as English Electric engines!  Cool
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devon_metro
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« Reply #9 on: May 28, 2008, 07:36:44 PM »
Throw in a 38ts compressor for the hell of it?
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eightf48544
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« Reply #10 on: May 29, 2008, 06:01:17 PM »
Quote from: swlines on May 28, 2008, 07:34:46 PM
Sounds good to me!

That way we get REP motors (Grin Grin Grin) as well as English Electric engines!  Cool

You're beginning to sound like Captain Deltic (Roger Ford).

Just to throw a pebble in the pond. What about a proper continental Desiro DMU i.e articualted. Throw in tilt as well just for fun.

Or a Stadler with central power pod. Three section articulated.

Corridor connections between units al la 442s so a mixture of 2 3 and 4 car units. But that would mean splitting which along with loco changes seems to be frowned upon.
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Btline
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« Reply #11 on: May 29, 2008, 07:07:10 PM »
What about 180s? Grin
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swlines
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« Reply #12 on: May 29, 2008, 07:35:19 PM »
all the 180s are now accounted for.

Suggest a already well known build would be the best idea to go for rather than a new design as that would require far more paperwork with network rail in clearing bodywork ...

TC sitting at Ground Zero... VPNd into home! Smiley
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Graz
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« Reply #13 on: May 29, 2008, 08:21:15 PM »
I've never been a huge fan of tilt- whenever I was on a SuperVoyager I tended to feel a bit dodgy after a while!
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Btline
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« Reply #14 on: May 29, 2008, 08:42:42 PM »
Quote from: swlines on May 29, 2008, 07:35:19 PM
all the 180s are now accounted for.

Suggest a already well known build would be the best idea to go for rather than a new design as that would require far more paperwork with network rail in clearing bodywork ...

TC sitting at Ground Zero... VPNd into home! Smiley

Just order a bulk of 185s then! They are perfect.
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