321448 Returns!

Today, the Eversholt demo unit 321448 returned to service, leased to Abellio GA, since it went to Old Dalby for tests a few months ago. Now we will see it more often..... 

I captured it at Ipswich, travelling via here fron Clacton, to Colchester, onto Norwich via Diss, on Traction Tests to test the new AC package - a more energy efficient and reliable system to the current one. Jonathan Maxim 18/05/2016.

Inside, the coloured seating, efficient lighting and new interior remains. This just proves how upgrades to stock can really bring it to date.

Eversholt add:

In addition to new and refurbished seating, the entire unit has new air conditioning and heating systems; energy efficient LED lighting; modern double glazed fixed windows; better wheelchair areas and a wheelchair accessible toilet. Most of the products and systems being demonstrated are from UK based suppliers. The First Class area has new power operated doors, power sockets and leather seats. Franchisees will determine the final scope of the fleet upgrade which could include WiFi and power sockets throughout.

Mary Kenny, Chief Executive, Eversholt Rail, said: "We are delighted that the Demonstrator unit is being launched into service on the Abellio Greater Anglia route. It is a fantastic demonstration of the possibilities offered by quality refurbishment at an attractive cost. We hope as many people as possible travel on the Demonstrator and give us feedback on the new features and the overall experience, to help us to improve the trains for passengers in the future.”

This project is in addition to a partnership between Greater Anglia and Eversholt to overhaul a further 10 of this fleet - slightly connected to 321448, as the Renatus programme based on feedback gained from this demo unit. This includes new seating, air-con, heating, larger vestibules to board/alight, WiFi, plugs, energy efficient lights, designated luggage/buggy/bike areas and new flooring/ceiling panels - as stated by Lewis previously.

The addition of a new AC traction package to 321448 will be trialed. If successful, will be used as part of a project for these 10 units of upgraded monitoring systems to improve train reliability - carried out at Wabtec Doncaster.

AGA add:

The full refurbishment for ten trains fulfils a commitment made at the start of the current short franchise to try and agree a full refurbishment deal for a small number of Class 321s. It follows on from the recent announcement of a more minor refresh for 40 Class 321s (with new seat covers and better lighting) and, with the 17 Class 321s which benefitted from a refresh after they arrived in East Anglia from London Midland four years ago, it means 67 of the 94 Class 321s will have received recent customer-focused improvements.

Abellio Greater Anglia’s Managing Director Jamie Burles said: “We are pleased to have worked in partnership with Eversholt Rail and Wabtec Rail to agree this significant train upgrade programme, which along with the major refresh already underway for the intercity trains, plus other refresh projects for the Class 360 trains and some of the other Class 321s, means that passengers on the Great Eastern Main Line are seeing some substantial improvements to trains on this key route connecting London and East Anglia."

Plus there's the AGA overhaul programme for a further 40 of the 321s! Jonathan Maxim 18/05/2016.