Several Class 166's noted operating in the Bristol and Newport area last week, all sporting the "Ride Height Modification" (RHM). This is a key item to allow these trains to operate on the Portsmouth - Cardiff services, replacing the 158/9's. The trains seen here are working Taunton - Cardiff services, the Weymouth duties may be added this week.
As of 16th January, 166202/3/4/5/6/8/10/12/14/16 & 19 have the RHM and are working from Bristol.
I did not look inside, but it seems that seating is still 3 + 2 meantime, with interior refurbishment yet to start.
Class 166 were new from ABB York as "Networker Turbo" units in 1992-93, similar to the preceding Class 165 but with air conditioning and additional toilets.
166202 seen arriving at Newport, 26th January.
RHM triangle for "Ride Height Modification"
The modification is a spacer which sits on top of the air bags in the suspension. This has some similarity in look and colour to an over-sized "Polo Mint", and thus raises the body by about "an inch".
GWR colours on 166216, at Newport on 25th.
166219 departing Newport on 25th.
