Monday 30 June 2008

New Look Express Trains

It is probably about time I gave an update on the refurbishment of the class 158 Express trains which keep us happy here in the north of Scotland. Built between 1989 and 1992 and for anyone who can remember the old trains with opening windows (rather than air conditioning which doesn't work), space for luggage and comfortable seats they have been nearly twenty years of disappointment. So when I heard that a refurbishment program was underway I couldn't wait to try out the new product! The work is now nearly done and the units are back in service. So how do they rate.

Here are the pics:

This is the interior of standard class. The seats have are new and they have a different angle so that you can actually sit comfortably. The former versions seemed to have you falling off forwards! Another benefit is that there really is enough space for you to stretch out your legs (especially on the airline style seats).

Another nice new feature is the added luggage racks. There are some news ones in the centre of the coaches as shown here together with more at the ends of the coaches - perfect for these lines with lots of people going on holiday.

Nice view out the window too don't you think?!

Now for first class:

This is first class with some very classy seat material and decor. It's also got laptop plugs and table lights. My only disappointments though are that the seating is in 2-2 formation rather than 2-1 so you don't get all that much extra space, there is no door to keep the noise out of standard and really it is not up the first class or a long distance train. Disappointing compared with the Scotrail Turbostars. However first class now has it's own luggage rack which is a plus.

Throughout the train the toilets are much nicer (and easier to clean!) and the whole train has a fresh, bright and airy feel. It is a shame that laptop plugs were not included throughout the train but overall a good job has been completed. I think I'll be enjoying my Express train journeys now rather than trying to avoid them!

So if you're traveling to Aberdeen, Inverness or the far north have a look out for these trains and enjoy the trip!

Happy Birthday Dora!

Dora Briggs will be celebrating her 90th birthday on the 4th of July and she'll be celebrating by heading to work as usual at Amtrak's Emeryville station near San Francisco. Dora is famous for coming up with the idea of the 'station host'. It is a volunteer program to help passengers on their journeys. There is a nice piece about her in the San Francisco Chronical http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/27/CMQ410C2LK.DTL

Happy Birthday Dora!