IEP - Express Rail Alliance Design unveiled:

[Guinness]

Is it me or will we just end up with a limited Pendolino/TGV Hybrid operating around 15 sets on the ECML?

 

[Mojo]

According to Modern Railways, January 2009 - the GWML is now an unfunded option for the IEP. Instead the focus is on the ECML, Kings Lynn and Euston - Northampton services.

So trains built in the late 80s and early 90s (and some more since 2005) are set to be replaced by the IEP, but trains from the 70s, which will be even worse than they are now are deemed satifactory to continue?

 

[158fan]

Now that does look nice, puts me in mind of the Class 373. The interior looks bright and the windows wide, does anyone know what the design speed of this unit would be; 140mph perhaps or more to allow for any further increases on the ECML/WCML?


158fan

 

[Chafford1]

January 2009's Modern Railways says 140mph (electric)

 

[alpha_9]

Did anybody here read the recent cover article in last months Rail Express (RE151), over a possible alternate to this whole IEP fiasco?:

http://railexpress.wordpress.com/2008/11/19/re151/

Pretty interesting reading anyway.

 

[Chafford1]

Did anybody here read the recent cover article in last months Rail Express (RE151), over a possible alternate to this whole IEP fiasco?:

http://railexpress.wordpress.com/2008/11/19/re151/

Pretty interesting reading anyway.

What was suggested as an alternative?

 

[alpha_9]

What was suggested as an alternative?

It was written by Ian Walmsley, Porterbrook's Engineering Development Manager. About the possible use of locomotives (something based on either Bombardier TRAXX or Siemens Eurosprinter) and coaching stock. In other words something like the OBB 'Railjet'. Apprantly even Roger Ford (Modern Railways) quoted it as being a well written idea.

Quote from article:

"Traxx on the Great Western

Imagine that. An electrified Great Western with 125mph standard Traxx locomotives, replaced with diesels where the wires end but where line speeds are lower. IEP is widely thought to be about £3 million per car, so that's £30million for a 10-car set. A loco would be £4million, with 10 coaches at £1million top whack so that's £14 million per train. Let's call it half price and for a better product. The DFT says we need 1,400 vehicles, so even allowing for a few diesel locos that saves the taxpayer around £2billion, and don't tell me it will damage the track as I simply don't believe it. If a railway track can't withstand a railway locomotive it is not track worthy of the name.

IEP is now an obsolete concept as it was originally based on 140mph ideas with electrification staying as it is. Now that the correct numbers are being used the investment case is obvious and electrification must progress to the remaining main lines at least, making diesel IEP sets redundant. The DFT needs to get some facts on board:-

125mph is 'inter-city', not high speed;
A standard loco can deliver the required power;
Where you need a diesel (Exeter-Penzance?) it doesn't have to go fast, so it doesn't have to be unrealistically light;
Locomotives can couple and uncouple (it has been done before).

These modern Bo-Bo locomotives are hauling huge loads on steep gradients, yet we seem to think we need 50% powered axles to keep going in the autumn. They manage regeneration figures of 15-20% by using the locomotive for most of the braking. Where's the downside, chaps? Not invented here perhaps? Is pride worth £2.2billion?"

.

Although in spite I will admit that this IEP is quite a looker although again it would be more attractive if it was seperate diesel and electric power cars (as well as D.V.T.'s for the latter).