The Class 175 Coradia DMU

[@Rail_Focus]

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[@davestransportvideos]

Nice video. I like the 175s as well. Being local to Barrow, I have fond memories of them on the Furness Line. When they were being reliable, they were certainly quiet and comfortable units to travel on.

[@Rail_Focus]

I hope they find a home, it really would be a shame if they went for scrap so early.

[@8nedgehilldieselservicingd212]

Loved working 175’s nice roomy cab although they all had a distinctive smell

[@simongurden9848]

They are my favourite DMUs too. I see them at pontypool regularly. They also use them on valley lines to ebbw vale. Will be sad to see them go. It's a great looking train

[@CarlSmith-bs4qx]

From a passenger standpoint the best DMU comfort wise since privitisation. Let down by poor build quality issues over the years including some serious cracking. When introduced the casualty rate was as low as 2k miles!

[@Rail_Focus]

Thankfully reliability did improve, but it took a while and a lot of modification. I always wonder what could've been if Alstom weren't focused on delivering the 390. 175s and 180s could've been a lot more prevalent.

[@Snaily]

I moved from North England to West Wales as a child just over a decade ago, so going from the rattly Pacers I experienced as a child to the spacious, comfy 175s I used when I moved here felt like I was living the high life, despite what this area is _actually_ like. Still, I consider these to be the fancier trains I regularly use (or at this point, used), and will even specifically choose a time for my train just avoid the awful bike storage on the sprinters, if I can, so I'm definitely sad to see the 175s go as the 197 just doesn't have it as good as the 175. Either way, though, I'm glad to see some level of investment in Welsh rail after 15 years of Arriva ruining our rails.

[@SamWest-t6c]

Can't wait to see them in the gwr livery.

[@Rail_Focus]

Could look smart in GWR colours.

[@fredphipps9452]

Thanks for this interesting talk and sorry the 197's replaced them. Because 175's replaced loco hauled stock when introduced I didn't give them enough credit

[@BritishRail60062]

Well I could say that these units will likely go to GWR or Northern if they haven't already done so to replace aging sprinters that will likely be the 150's. Not sure about the 158's although the closest I have been to these units is the Class 180 I did a video of in 2016. Nice ride and better than a Voyager. Shame they cannot use the QSK19 in these as well as they would be as reliable as the 185's, 222's and Voyagers. Same with the Class 769 BEMU's.

[@Rail_Focus]

It appears that the units are going to GWR, which if true is good news.

[@TheSouthWalesRailGuy]

These units are amazing, sad to see them replaced by something that doesn't reach the standards of what i would expect! Sad to see these slowly disappear from my routes on the SWML and see more of the 197s and DVTs. Sucks to watch these iconic units go.

[@Rail_Focus]

I hope they find a new home, even if it's just for a few years more. Shame to see these go for scrap whilst there's 150s and 153s still around

[@TheSouthWalesRailGuy]

As a person who has to travel on these regional 150s a lot, seeing the 150s and 153s be put in the place of the 175 is sad, seeing how they are so much worse than the 175 and so hated by many. RIP Wales 175s, as I see them appear less, and see the 197s finish tests to Swansea. Great to atleast see them before they finally go.

[@michelsaarloos4392]

I am more a 153 and 158 fan..... tnx for the video

[@matthewsmatters]

Taken me awhile to admit I really like 175s when travelling in that part of the world. One of my first proper rail enthusiast friends hates on them a lot. But they are just superb to travel on! Definitely a fan. Sadly a loss to the TfW customers. Do feel they’d be a great fit for the GWR Wales/SW routes. Plus, I’d love to see them in that gorgeous livery.

[@Rail_Focus]

Would look rather nice in GWR colours, but apparently GWR have rejected them 😥

[@matthewsmatters]

@@Rail_Focus your Northern theory is likely their best hope then, I’d presume. Do wonder what realistically GWR are going to do. That and ScotRail with the HSTs too - no plans afoot yet, but it’s being pondered I know from a friend who works in Transport Scotland.

[@anthonypowell5665]

5fw planning to keep all the remaining 175s to the south side of the upcoming Hereford to Shrewsbury blockade. Last 175s leaving tfw by the end of October

[@grassytramtracks]

I had one chance to ride them twice, when I went to Edinburgh in 2021 (I live in Bath, so taking the Welsh Marches line from Newport is a cheaper alternative to taking cross country to get to Manchester or Crewe and then get a train from there to Scotland) and they are nice from a passenger comfort perspective, except that on the way back where the heating was jammed all the way on, meaning it was swelteringly hot on a train in the UK in December for probably the first time. This only affected one carriage so the others were super busy, which was obviously not ideal. The guard I believe tried to change the circuit breakers to diagnose the problem and open the doors to spread the heat throughout the train, but it happened that this happened when I was in the toilet, and when i pressed the open button to leave, it didn't open, so I had to slide it open manually to get out. The 197s are not exactly progress, they should have chosen a more intercity style interior, like that on the 158 and 175 and with a toilet in each coach. They at first put in the Thameslink style ironing board seats, and then when that was criticized, they then splurged on fainsa sophia seats (the also not comfortable ones on LNER and GWR). Whoever specified those trains is criminally stupid. Or rather, isn't there that quote about how insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result? That fits it perfectly. I wonder where they will go next and if 158s get freed up, they ought to be put on the Cardiff to Portsmouth Harbour run (and if possible on the Weymouth to Gloucester line too) - running 166s is a joke on that line. It would have been alright if GWR got permission to refurbish with 2+2 seating, but the DafT had to put a stop to that. A problem with these is they're usually too short, only 2 or 3 coaches when they should really be longer to accommodate the people going a long way and the people who will come and go to take shorter journeys along the way

[@anthonypowell5665]

These units will be missed. I do think despite everything they will find a new home. Uk railway getting crowded so scrapping them will backfire on the DFT. I Suspect they'll go to Northern or even GWR. GO-OP could grab a few

[@CarlSmith-bs4qx]

Would like to think they would find more work. This is from a country though that scrapped the perfectly fine Class 365 EMUs.

[@anthonypowell5665]

@@CarlSmith-bs4qx theyve supposed to have found a new home but its not been announced but chiltern is the name to replace the mk3s rakes because of noise at Marylebone and allow chiltern to move around their dmu fleet

[@Rail_Focus]

As much as I love 175 I do think they'd be a step down from the Mk3 sets, by all accounts they're great sets.

[@1RichieRich]

I think would be good for SWR on the Exeter to Waterloo route

[@riochcogan8913]

The 175s are similar to the class 22,000 here in Ireland. They were built in South Korea from 2007 by Rotem.

[@thomasburke2683]

The 175 class were built by a UK subsidiary of Alstom. The have nothing to do with the Rotem built class 22 ICR trains on Irish Rail.

[@GarethJonesPilipala]

They do have a non-standard Scharfenberg coupling system which might put off some future users. I have read that in passenger surveys on TfW these units have come out as the most liked by the public.

[@Transpennine]

Have they been removed from TFW? I’m not sure they have just yet

[@Rail_Focus]

Not yet, but it won't be long now, they will be the first units to go once more 197s are in service

[@Transpennine]

@@Rail_Focus I think I’m going to flint on the weekend, hopefully I’ll see some there alongside the 221 super voyagers also getting removed soon

[@WALLSHUFF]

I am sad to see them go on the North Wales line. I am a wheelchair user, and the new 197s are far inferior. No table in the wheelchair area and only one toilet - progress?

[@stepheng7586]

I'm not a wheelchair user Ian but I find your comment very interesting. Have you given any feedback to TfW? I haven't been on a 197 yet but I've had a lot of journeys on the very similar 195s.

[@Rail_Focus]

197s definitely seem a big step down from 175s in many respects 😔

[@matthewsmatters]

The 197s do sound like they’ve been designed by (management) committee, without any passenger consultation. Sad state of affairs with Liverpool City Region so close by doing the exact (and proper) opposite. Just as a bit of disability allyship here - visually impaired myself, so guess I can hope to try and sit at one of few tables - want to say how angry and disappointed I feel for your situation too. The toilets I knew about, but never have I thought about tables at wheelchair spaces; just as if they expect passengers with disabilities to be inanimate, have no need or want to work, read, watch something while we travel. But of course, a wheelchair space SHOULD offer all the same amenities as any other seat! Thank you for making me more aware. I know a visually impaired guy who works in TfW comms, please make sure they hear about your justified dissatisfaction.

[@WALLSHUFF]

@@matthewsmatters Thanks for your comments. I raised my concerns to TFW in early December after a trip along the Conway Valley aboard the new 197s. They replied in early January to say my concerns would be sent to various departments and they would get back to me. Still waiting after over two months (three since the original complaint)so I contacted the Ombudsman. They can only investigate the delay in responding, which they are doing. The table issue has been forwarded to Transport Focus, Appalling service from TFW. I will keep everyone informed.

[@WALLSHUFF]

@@stepheng7586 Please see my reply to Matthew below.

[@ManicXD]

If both Chiltern and GWR are potentially interested in the 175 units, I wonder if that would be to replace the 165s (since both TOCs operate those) or to merely supplement them?

[@Rail_Focus]

There's been talk of Chiltern wanting to remove Class 68 hauled stock, as they've come under fire recently for being noisy and inefficient. But even as good as the 175 are it'd still be a downgrade. If GWR are interested it could be to replace Castle sets and you'd hope supplement stock, rather than replace.

[@Rail_Focus]

Just Northern then. Can't see them going to Chiltern

[@partyentertains4092]

@@Rail_Focus Northern won't take them because they want fleet standardisation.

[@partyentertains4092]

@@Rail_Focus Chiltern's loco hauled stock is on lease until May 2024. GWR may keep a few Castle sets until Summer 2024, as back-up.

[@paulmasterson386]

Can’t see GWR wanting them. 180s were replaced by HST due to unreliability,they tried again a few years later with the same results.

[@edwardjcrane1986]

It’s a sad sight seeing them parked up at Gresty Road and Holyhead. They were brilliant to work on.

[@Rail_Focus]

Even more sad that it looks like they'll be going for scrap ☹️

[@MidlandRailEnthusiast]

Yet another fantastic video Rail Focus Il 5:21 agree with you I certainly will miss the TFW 175s they are very nice units indeed however we have to sadly move with the times and introduce another new train in the shape of the 197s I continue to enjoy watching your videos and I look forward to watching many more of your future videos until then carry on being awesome keep up the good work take care and stay safe

[@Rail_Focus]

Thank you so much, glad you're enjoying my videos. I'll keep on plugging away 😁

[@MidlandRailEnthusiast]

@@Rail_Focus your welcome

[@joj.]

I look forward to inevitably seeing these suddenly running service on Northern Rail in about a year.

[@Rail_Focus]

I imagine that's the most likely place they'll end up.

[@darylyatestransportblogs]

Im very saddened to see the 175s go being one of my favourite DMUs had lots of good memories riding on them and always loved how spacious they are dont think the 197s are as nice to ride on, I also love the wining sound (think its the A/C fan or cooler group) and exhaust rumble when the engines idling that makes them sound very powerful when they are not. If it wasnt for the corrosion I think TfW would have kept them .

[@ZDtue]

ScotRail might want to bring these to Scotland to replace the Class 156's on the Carlisle - Glasgow route

[@leonblittle226]

Where ever they go it will require drivers to be passed out on them taking months of traction training before introduction. They may even choose to do a full refit on them. Being reformed into a number of full 4 car units with the remainder running as 2+2 formation would be a capable fleet size

[@TTG1st]

GWR is getting some to replace the HST

[@Rail_Focus]

There's a rumour GWR is getting them, but not to replace the Castle sets.

[@leeroberts1192]

How much difference is there in engine power between the 175s and the 180s? If the engine powers are close enough, could they be re-geared for 125mph working for working with 180s?

[@Rail_Focus]

According to Wikipedia 180s engines produce 750hp each. And there are 5 of them. Quite surprised at the difference.

[@cedriclynch]

​@@Rail_FocusAlso the 180 has a 3-speed transmission. You can hear it change from second to third at about 100mph.

[@JC-il6ps]

Although only having travelled on these twice, both times being very unenjoyable due to severe overcrowding and once as well due to hitting a cow near Hereford, I do think it is a mistake to be binning them off. Although they're not suitable (only 2 or 3 car lengths) for the crowded journeys between Wales/Cheshire/Manchester, they are most definitely appropriate for cascading for use elsewhere. They are a little over 20 years old and are mostly still in good condition overall I believe. Not really sure why I think this, but ScotRail seems like a good new home for these units.

[@andrewreynolds4949]

Scotrail has some sort of aversion to DMUs currently, and is planning to replace them with BMUs and electrification. I can’t see them going back on their word that they aren’t getting any new DMUs going forward, it would be a pretty big political blow.

[@ffrancrogowski6263]

A far far superior unit for comfort than those 197 crap things. The bogies on the 197s are weak and you can feel all the joints on unwelded track. The 175s are one of the best units I've travelled on, as regards diesels. The 197s are an extremely ugly design cabwise, too.

[@chrisbailiss7309]

Also the 197 have the doors in the middle rather than at the ends, which personally not a fan of on long distance routes.

[@train4905]

Exellent

[@LemoncloudGT]

northern should take the 175s and run them on the bridlington-york route itll be a upgrade to the 155s

[@nicks4934]

A great train cf 158 Alphas

[@sprinterofficial8457]

Personally I think EMR should use these on the Liverpool to Norwich service

[@supersprinter1564]

175s are horrendous trains I definitely wouldn't like them on emr routes we got 180s that I avoid them when travelling to London from Nottingham

[@sprinterofficial8457]

@@supersprinter1564 horrendous? what are you smoking? the 175s are one of the nicest DMUs on the network, Comfortable quiet and have incredibly good AC also 175s reliability issues have been fixed over the years where as the 180s havent

[@supersprinter1564]

@Sprinter Official they are absolutely rubbish I guess it's you smoking some kind of crap .a 20 year old train nobody wants should show you just how rubbish they are one of the best trains on the network that's must be why they spent most of the 20 years service life on poor lines around Wales

[@danielsellers8707]

I think the 175s should go to East Midlands Railway for Norwich - Liverpool. I saw one in Crewe on the way to the Battle of Nantwich re-enactment; I'd have got on it if it stopped at Nantwich...

[@Rail_Focus]

Norwhich - Liverpool may not be around for much longer. Still talking about breaking it up. But 175s could be a good use for them before that happens.

[@andrewreynolds4949]

158s are probably better for EMR since they’re compatible with the 170s

[@ChineseJohnCena]

I am so annoyed that they are being replaced, the arriva trains class 175 were my childhood

[@SouthWalesTrainSpotter]

At the tim3 of watching this video and having talked to a tfw manager, I regret to inform you that all of them have been withdrawn but to hear that GWR are interested (as a rumour) it could not be the end for the beautiful workhorses

[@Rail_Focus]

I think GWR was just a rumour in the end. No takers for them so far 🙁

[@Aureljosh]

Nice

[@AnthonyFurnival]

Southern could be a good fit, which would allow the long anticipated move of their 171s up to the midlands.

[@Rail_Focus]

Only problem would be the door arrangement which isn't really suitable for busy commuter services

[@AnthonyFurnival]

@@Rail_Focus true, however given that the only London commuter service with 171s currently is to Uckfield which in honesty isn’t the busiest of routes it could be a compromise as the other 171s are used in the Ashford area and don’t serve London. All of the metro routes from London are EMUs so it could possibly work. The rumour is their 170s are wanted in the midlands which renders the question of what they take in their place. I guess the second hand options are pretty much only the TfW DMUs - so the 150s, 153s, 158s and 175s. Alternatively I guess if GWRs 769s aren’t going to be brought into service, they too could serve that line well - electrified to Oxted then switch to diesel. I’d imagine the 158s would go to GWR given that this would be better for fleer commonality… with age in mind I doubt there will be takers on the 150/153 but that said GWR might… all speculation on my part. Will be interesting to see what happens.

[@mustapha_transport]

class 175s will now go to GWR

[@Rail_Focus]

Good news that they've found a home at last

[@Leo_125.]

I was watching a KZbin video a few months ago and they said GWR should have the Class 175s to replace the Class 166s on their Portsmouth-Cardiff route and the Class 166s can replace the 150s

[@Rail_Focus]

Still no takers for the 175s yet 🙁

[@Leo_125.]

⁠@@Rail_FocusAccording to Rail Magazine, GWR are getting 11 2-car Class 175s and 16 3-car Class 175s to replace the castle sets. There are rumours that they may go to Bristol as well.

[@SirKenchalot]

If they are as good as you say, why were more not ordered? Because of the technical probs with these and their Adlante cousins? I prefer Voyagers or Meridians personally.

[@Rail_Focus]

The order was badly timed, with Alstom committed to the delivery of the more prestigious Class 390 Pendolino at the same time, so they didn't lavish as much attention on the cl175, which lead to reliability issues. The reliability did improve, but by then it was too late and 17X DMUs took over as the dominant modern regional DMU

[@SirKenchalot]

@@Rail_Focus 390s are my fav in the UK; I mean, they tilt and stuff! As I recall they were the first streamlined trains since pre WWII (apart from Eurostar) and I'll be sad to see them taken out of service.

[@andrewreynolds4949]

HSTs are streamlined, aren’t they?

[@SirKenchalot]

@@andrewreynolds4949 No, they're a bit pointy I'll give you that but streamlining involves curves and HST just hasn't got the goods.

[@CS-1988]

Voyagers? They are Horrendous trains, are you for real,

[@ThatVoxelBlock]

I like how there’s replacing the class 175 with 197 but not the 158 yet so go old trains

[@sprinterofficial8457]

Mainly cause of the signalling

[@ThatVoxelBlock]

@@sprinterofficial8457 strange because if I wanted to I can block a railway line with just a jumper cable

[@Andrewjg_89]

I think that Great Western Railway inherit the Class 175 Coradia. And to operate them in Southwest England including Somerset, Bristol, Cornwall and Devon. Or maybe South Western Railway could be interested in inheriting the Class 175 to work on the London Waterloo-Salisbury, Westbury, Exeter Central, Yeovil Central, Yeovil Pen Mill and Andover services. And to replace the Class 158 and Class 159.

[@Rail_Focus]

I think they would be a good fit for GWR.

[@leonblittle226]

I don't think there are enough vehicles to replace the 159 fleet.

[@partyentertains4092]

@@Rail_Focus GWR have rejected them.

[@Andrewjg_89]

@@Rail_Focus Be good for GWR to inherit the Class 175. They should also of kept the Class 769 that would of been ideal for the North Downs Line but they had so many problems with them and just given up on them which is a real shame.

[@maimadha]

​@@Andrewjg_89the class 175 will be scrapped

[@anthonylewin6935]

i have been on a 153

[@Rail_Focus]

👍

[@DanielM19931]

I do not know why they are getting rid of them. They are comfortable, spacious (well!) and lovingly air conditioned/heated

[@Rail_Focus]

TfW wanted a uniform fleet of DMUs I suspect and I think they cl175 are showing their age after working on the North Wales coast in the salty sea air for 20 years.

[@DanielM19931]

@Rail_Focus I suspected that, like with 373 they were in need of regular maintenance and repair because of the sea salt raging at the frame and electrics. Pity to both really, I regularly check Realtimetrains when I'm out and about and being from Stockport they come by here and East Didsbury so I'll be keeping an eye out to enjoy a final journey

[@InverhavonRailways]

If the DFT had their way, I'm sure we'd all be sitting on ironing boards for 4 hours to punish us for using the trains!!!!

[@MrGreatplum]

It would be a shame if these were scrapped being only just over 20 years old… maybe they should go on the north downs line between Gatwick and reading (currently with class 165s which are 30+ years old…)

[@partyentertains4092]

End doors and the station dwell times might be an issue for them on the NDL.

[@Rail_Focus]

It would be a shame, they should have a good 10 years left in them.

[@ianhelps3749]

175s would be lovely for the Reading to Gatwick line. But I think that route is going to get Class 319s rebuilt for bi-mode.

[@Rail_Focus]

Plans for re-built 319s (769s) for GWR have been abandoned. And I hear GWR have rejected 175s

[@Rail_Focus]

@Alex The Historian GWR was just a rumour I think.

[@DonaldTrumpIsGreat]

The Class 175 Would Be Good For Northern To Replace Some of The Class 150s 👍

[@vwgolf9826]

Call me old fashioned, but I loved the 37/4's on the North Wales Coast and prefer them to these modern DMU's.

[@generalfilms9947]

NOOOOOO 😢

[@The_Grand_Autismo1]

while i like these units i wouldn't say they're my favourites that honour has to go to the TPE 185 because i cant find a fault with them except for maybe capacity which plagues alot of dmus so that isnt really specific to them and speaking of Adelantes how is it that despite the 180s and 185s sharing engines the 185s seem to be bomb proof in terms of reliability but the 180s are horribly unreliable

[@Rail_Focus]

I think with the 175/80s doors have been an ongoing issue and the air con. Don't think there were ever any serious reliability issues with the engines. The recent spate of fires was down to poor maintenance

[@alexishamer6427]

It is unsure 🫤 when the class 175s are to finish with Transport For Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 at any date. Perhaps 🤔 it could go to Great Western Railway 🚃. If not, find another operator. Good 👍 trains 🚊 and please 🙏 don’t scrap them sooner because they are trustworthy trains 🚂 in the world 🌍. I honestly haven’t been on them. They were new to the northwest of England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 called FNW stands for First North Western. Train 🚆 companies honestly do change. All class 175s convey a toilet 🚽 🚻 . If they go to South Western Railway 🚃 perhaps 🤔 1st class could be added. Transport For Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 runs everyday and public holidays except Christmas 🎄🤶 🧑‍🎄 🎅 Day and Boxing 🥊 Day. Runs all over Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 and limited amount of central England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 and the north west of England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿. The side of the windows 🪟🪟🪟🪟 are rectangle. There are 27 of the class 175s. I can assure that the trains 🚆 inside is nice 😊 and warm inside because it conveys central heating. All the class 175s are refurbished and wearing the Transport For Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 livery. 😀 😃 😍 🤩 👍

[@andrewganley9016]

Funny how its alwas Brit built units that are withdrawn/scrapped !

[@Rail_Focus]

Not entirely true as there are plenty of UK built trains around. BREL built 15Xs will probably be around for another decade.

[@fakelol699]

Bruh

[@Rail_Focus]

Bruh

[@duchygardens]

definitely NOT an upgrade from Mk1/Mk2 hauled services.

[@levelcrossing150]

I find these quite an ugly DMU and the replacements are even worse.

[@Rail_Focus]

Ugly? 😲🙃

[@levelcrossing150]

@@Rail_Focus Yes, not exactly aero-dynamic are they. For me the 175 looks like it has the drag coefficient of a common house brick, such a large contrast when compared with the beautiful lines of a HST InterCity125, but that's my own humble opinion and I respect that you have your own too.

[@Rail_Focus]

@@levelcrossing150 more aero-dynamic than a 15X or 170. If you want an aero-dynamic 175 see 180 😜

[@levelcrossing150]

@@Rail_Focus Thanks. Yes the 150 was just functional looking and nothing more which is so out dated now, but the 180 is better and is more pleasing to the eye. I guess it's the deep skirt at the front of the 170 and 180 that does not appeal to me, while the HST nicely sweeps away. The 180 is kind of ok though and is growing on me.