They are rolling them out at a rate of one every two weeks throughout 2010, at the end of which the 1967 stock will be retired. There's been one running the last southbound every day since July last year.
Arky
I was delayed on the Victoria line the other week because there were "too many trains on the line" which were apparently causing the power to cut out. I really enjoyed sitting in pitch darkness in a stifling Harold Wilson-era tin can when I should have been at work. I'll miss the old trains.
> CommentAuthorADGS CommentTime1 day ago
Last train seems an odd place to deploy shiny new stock, what with it being surely the most likely time to get drunks vomming &c.
Nah - they're worried that new rolling stock will break down / have problems. So they run it last so any breakdown doesn't cause delays for trains following on. (well, unless its a *really bad* breakdown).
I asked the lovely old fellah who works on the southbound Vic platform at FP most mornings. Apparently it also runs for a few hours in the daytime too - he was uite specific actually, the first one is at 10:17 (at FP I huess). He said they are still ironing out some issues so the roll-out is delayed.
More standing, less seats, fold-out seats like on the Central, slightly wider carriages, digital displays, etc.
Arky
@Misscara
Isn't he just. Always has a smile and a nod for you, and some of the most charming and thoughtful announcements. His cheer cuts through even the grimmest hangover.
Arky
Got on at Pimlico and - low and behold - it was a new train. I wasn't paying attention, so only noticed because the doors made an unfamiliar beep. I got on right at the front, and there were a couple of 'spare' drivers in the carriage being trained.
Pros:
1) Much better lighting
2) More leg space in the aisle
3) More space in the standing area (due to slightly fewer seats and a thinner shell)
4) Digital displays
5) Enormous double-doors throughout - no single doors.
6) Much faster acceleration and breaking
7) Much, much quieter. Sounds more like the DLR.
Cons:
1) I reckon the seats are harder. I would have thought that in the last forty years we would have cracked a balanced combination of comfort and durability, but apparently not.
2) I should mention fewer seats, though I'd happily suffer a slightly reduced chance of a seat for more space in rush hour.
Arky
Possibly. I'd say there are less 'pinch points' though, and the aisles are wider without being able to cram in two people where there was once one, so it should be a touch easier.
Arky
I haven't been on one yet. Do they still have the rubbish suspension in the seats which creates the bouncing effect when someone sits down too heavily in the next seat?
I was on a late train at the weekend and a little mouse was having a wild old time diving down the back of the seats looking for treasure.
i've genuinely thought about writing to TFL to say how brilliant mr southbound is. he's always got a smile, is ready for a chat, can whistle a good tune and makes arriving at the tube almost bearable.
obviously i haven't actually got round to doing it, but thought v seriously about it...
Perhaps we should put together a collective letter on behalf of Stroudgreen.org? That might have more impact than an individual note(s). Unless there are any objections I will draft something for wider approval.
Arky
Despite being on the Southbound Victoria pretty much every day for nearly three years, I have no idea who you all mean. I hear pretty much no outside noise whatsoever 30seconds after closing the front door and 30seconds before I beep into my office. I love my shure headphones.
Looking forward to the new trains as the only real noise I sometimes do hear is the current train at full pelt.
Unless you change from the overland it would be hard to miss the old fellah with the peaked cap who 'looks after' the southbound platform most mornings. He stands between the rail and the track and greets everyone who arrives, gives excellent advice and amusing announcements, and as noted is also a mean whistler.
Arky
Comments
Arky
She says the new trains have 'the voice' but now it tells you which side the doors will open.
Oh and she says they have a different patterned fabric. Don't know if she means different good, or just 'different'.
Last train seems an odd place to deploy shiny new stock, what with it being surely the most likely time to get drunks vomming &c.
Nah - they're worried that new rolling stock will break down / have problems. So they run it last so any breakdown doesn't cause delays for trains following on. (well, unless its a *really bad* breakdown).
More standing, less seats, fold-out seats like on the Central, slightly wider carriages, digital displays, etc.
Arky
A
Isn't he just. Always has a smile and a nod for you, and some of the most charming and thoughtful announcements. His cheer cuts through even the grimmest hangover.
Arky
I was on a late train at the weekend and a little mouse was having a wild old time diving down the back of the seats looking for treasure.
i've genuinely thought about writing to TFL to say how brilliant mr southbound is. he's always got a smile, is ready for a chat, can whistle a good tune and makes arriving at the tube almost bearable.
obviously i haven't actually got round to doing it, but thought v seriously about it...
Looking forward to the new trains as the only real noise I sometimes do hear is the current train at full pelt.
I think that collective letter is a splendid idea.