[AMcWhirter]

The HEX trains now entering service have lost the distinctive appearance of the original Spanish rolling stock which has operated HEX since its launch.

Today's the day we're rolling out our new Heathrow Express fleet! 🚄

Our new 387 fleet offers a range of enhancements over the previous 332s, and we can't wait to show you when you're next on board. pic.twitter.com/JminShP0Lg

— Heathrow Express (@HeathrowExpress) December 29, 2020

Over the years a good number of readers have complained about the toilets being out of service.

HEX used to promise the toilets issues would be fixed …

One hopes the situation will be improved with these replacement trains which appear to be standard GWR rolling stock.

When HEX was launched it was controlled by BAA (the then Heathrow operator).

(Note: The Spanish-built HEX trains have been towed away for storage. They have had a hard life. Readers may remember they were withdrawn from service temporarily in 2016 after a “structural fault” was found on one of the trains)

Today HEX is managed by Heathrow but it’s operated by GWR.

[DavidSmith2]

I saw the thread title and expected info on a new company to rival Hornby.

3 users thanked author for this post.

TupeloKid, Bullfrog, cwoodward

[AMcWhirter]

Apologies for any confusion David.

The reason why I started this thread is because, although we wrote about the ‘new’ trains some months ago, HEX did not at that time provide us with a photo of their frontal view.

[Bullfrog]

Exactly my thinking too .. a new set of model trains.

[AMcWhirter]

On second thoughts I ought to have written “Heathrow Express.” But as you are regular travellers I believed you would know the abbreviation.

Anyway by comparison here is a photo of the original Heathrow Express trains.

I believe their appearance remains fresh even though they are 25 years old.

They have a further advantage of allowing ‘step free’ access .. something today’s replacement stock does not offer.

Today we're saying farewell to our Class 332 trains.

After serving us very well over the past 25 years, they are making their final journeys before introducing our new fleet tomorrow.

Wave the 332s goodbye and say hello to the 387s. 👋🚄 pic.twitter.com/D3UcC3pk1U

— Heathrow Express (@HeathrowExpress) December 28, 2020

[Swissdiver]

Experiences shows when it comes to trains that newer is not better. Gatwick Express first class seats were great until recently. I fear will see the same disgrace with HEX…

[AMcWhirter]

Those original Heathrow Express sets *may* all be scrapped eventually.

Rail fans have posted photos on social media showing several sets being towed from their deport to Newport for scrapping.

Previous rail rolling stock had a long shelf life. Maybe 40 years, sometimes even longer.

But modern trains and their complexity mean they have a shorter lifespan.

As we reported in 2016 Eurostar intended to scrap most of its original Alstom trainsets. At that time they were little more than 22 years ago.

It is true that Eurostar retained a handful of the Alstoms but, even pre-Covid, these made only an occasional appearance.

Chances are slim they will ever operate again for Eurostar if and when the pandemic is over.

Currently Eurostar is operating just two trains a day from London. Both are day return schedules which mean only two (Siemens) trainsets are required.

[AMcWhirter]

I have written a report on the refurbished trains for Heathrow Express.

Heathrow Express unveils “new” trainsets

[Author]

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