Class 180 reliability

[whole diary]

[northwesterntrains]

I know the 180s are deemed as unreliable, but originally the 175s were but aren't still despite now being used on longer routes.  Could the 180s not be modified?

Also the 180s have been linked with the following TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company):
Arriva Trains Wales
East Midlands Trains
First TransPennine Express
First Scotrail
Grand Central
Hull Trains
National Express East Coast
Northern Rail
Virgin Trains

Why are all these companies interested if they are that unreliable?  Although Arriva have withdrawn their interest due to the costs involved.
 

[willc]

Have been reports (recent issue of Rail?) that First Group is talking to the leasing firm about doing reliability modifications if it takes some or all the fleet for Hull Trains and extra services from Harrogate and perhaps for TransPennine Express. And I'm sure National Express would also want things sorted out if they get the nod to use some on extra Harrogate trains instead of the Hull Trains proposal.

[Lee]

Relevant topic link.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=2454.msg18425#msg18425

[12hoursunday]

I know the 180s are deemed as unreliable, but originally the 175s were but aren't still despite now being used on longer routes.  Could the 180s not be modified?

 

Due to the fact that these were modified when Firstgroup threw them back! The Alstom Class 458 'Juniper' used by SouthWest Trains were also dogged by problems and were to handed back to their leasing company until the problems were sorted! At the time Scotrail were due to trial them. For those who don't know the C458 is a electric version of the Class 175/180 and can be seen at Reading on a daily basis!

[swlines]

until the problems were sorted! At the time Scotrail were due to trial them. For those who don't know the C458 is a electric version of the Class 175/180 and can be seen at Reading on a daily basis!

They're fixed? News to me.

[r james]

Give a number of them to wales, which wll then free up a number of 158s for the EMT^» (East Midlands Trains - about) franchise.

[Btline]

I think ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former Train Operating Company)) need more 158s for Cambrian line (and to strengthen other services).

[12hoursunday]

On recent staff memo Andrew Haines states We are still scouring the land for more rolling stock! Don't bet your life on all those 180's going elsewhere!

[smithy]

On recent staff memo Andrew Haines states We are still scouring the land for more rolling stock! Don't bet your life on all those 180's going elsewhere!

i have also heard a rumour fgw may well end up keeping some of the 180's long term

[Timmer]

i have also heard a rumour fgw may well end up keeping some of the 180's long term

Would make sense if they did.

[Btline]

Yes - how about a 180 for the Melksham service?

[r james]

Whole it would be good for FGW^▸ (First Great Western) to be able to keep some of the 180s, I sort of think this should be at the compromise of having so many HST^▸ (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)) sets, as the HST sets were sourced to fully replace them.

It would be nice however to see a refurbished adalente.

[eightf48544]

Yes - how about a 180 for the Melksham service?

Could run Oxford Bristol  via Melksham reverse Trowbridge!

Whole it would be good for FGW^▸ (First Great Western) to be able to keep some of the 180s, I sort of think this should be at the compromise of having so many HST^▸ (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)) sets, as the HST sets were sourced to fully replace them.

It would be nice however to see a refurbished adalente.

FGW is short of stock it needs all the HSTs plus the Adelantes running to allow other stock to be released to serve overcrowed routes. I am sure the train planners could devise suitable diagrams, to achieve these aims.

[devon_metro]

Yes - how about a 180 for the Melksham service?

Could run Oxford Bristol  via Melksham reverse Trowbridge!

[/quote]

What a ridiculous move that would turn out to be. Besides, it is not possible to reverse at Trowbridge, as the reverse must be performed at Bradford Jn.

[northwesterntrains]

It would be nice however to see a refurbished adalente.

Do mean refurbishing internally?

The 175s, in theory inferior to the 180s, haven't been touched internally (expect for the automated PA^▸ (Public Address (broadcast loudspeaker announcements) or Passenger Assist (railway staff providing physical assistance to passengers with mobility issues), depending on context) system) and are still in excellent condition.  Although the seating could be more comfortable for long distance journeys.  (However, it's much better than the First TransPennine Express 185s, which are used on journeys of up to 4hrs, where the seats are firmer than the tables.)

The 180s can't be in a worse condition than some other trains in operation (some 150s and 156s haven't ever been refurbished and retain the original seats and also carpets in the case of the 156s.)