First liveried 180 on GC service

[anti-pacer]

I have just seen a First liveried 180 pass the back of my flat working the 1023 Bradford Interchange-London King's Cross service, operated by Grand Central.

Is this unit on loan or have the acquired it permanently?

 

[greaterwest]

I believe this is 180 108, which was recently transferred from Great Western Railway to Grand Central.

 

[D365]

I believe this is 180 108, which was recently transferred from Great Western Railway to Grand Central.

Correct, I believe it was freed up by the Class 387 operation being extended to Maidenhead, which in turn released a few Turbos.

 

[Tim R-T-C]

Interesting.

Is this likely to replace an HST set in the foreseeable future or just used to keep a 180 in reserve?

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Interesting.

Is this likely to replace an HST set in the foreseeable future or just used to keep a 180 in reserve?

Long term, the GWR 180s will displace the GC HSTs (sadly, as they're clearly both far superior and also good luck as I used one last Monday!). However i believe this first one is to cover refurbishment of the existing 180s, something which is well overdue.

 

[robbeech]

Hull Trains were using 180102 last week too. Are they having more or is that just a short term thing?

 

[Beatbox00]

GC 180114 is away at Eastleigh for first in class ERTMS fitment. 180108 is to cover during the 8 week process.

 

[D365]

Hull Trains were using 180102 last week too. Are they having more or is that just a short term thing?

The Hull Trains loans are short term, Grand Central will be receiving the GWR units in the end. Don't forget that HT have five Class 802 units on order.

 

[43096]

Long term, the GWR 180s will displace the GC HSTs (sadly, as they're clearly both far superior and also good luck as I used one last Monday!). However i believe this first one is to cover refurbishment of the existing 180s, something which is well overdue.

Should be an end of this year finish for the GC HSTs.

 

[bradford758]

I have just seen a First liveried 180 pass the back of my flat working the 1023 Bradford Interchange-London King's Cross service, operated by Grand Central.

Is this unit on loan or have the acquired it permanently?

30/05/17 The 06:55 ex Bradford was external first livery and I think internal GC livery, so it could have been in refurbishment.
Rather confusingly there were some northern staff on board traveling, much to the bemusement of some passengers boarding at Halifax, "is this the Grand Central?"