Could Gautrain get Electrostars?

[Domh245]

Moderator note: Split from https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/greater-anglia-rolling-stock-updates.143516/

As for gautrain, that rumour came out of thin air

Not exactly thin air when the company themselves state they're looking at UK electrostars. The 379s are the logical choice as they've not got any future lined up and are of the 'v2' generation of electrostar with updates over the earlier units

https://www.railwaygazette.com/trac...ks-second-hand-emus-from-the-uk/54226.article

Gautrain Management Agency is planning to obtain second-hand rolling stock from the UK. This follows an abortive tender called in February 2016 for a fleet of 12 new four-car trainsets. Despite three bidders being shortlisted, none of the bids was compliant.

After evaluating its options, GMA decided in May this year not to reissue the tender for new rolling stock, choosing instead to acquire fewer second-hand trains at lower cost, reportedly around R2bn compared with R4∙5bn.

Trains from the UK would match Gautrain’s requirements as the existing fleet is built to the UK loading gauge and is derived from Bombardier’s Electrostar design; 24 four-car EMUs were delivered from 2008 onwards, with some being assembled in South Africa. As large numbers of new trains are on order or are currently being delivered for use by UK franchises, suitable rolling stock may shortly come off lease, potentially becoming available for sale or lease to the South African operator.

 

[RailWonderer]

Not exactly thin air when the company themselves state they're looking at UK electrostars. The 379s are the logical choice as they've not got any future lined up and are of the 'v2' generation of electrostar with updates over the earlier units

https://www.railwaygazette.com/trac...ks-second-hand-emus-from-the-uk/54226.article

The CEO mentioned contact with 3 leasing companies, that was it. We've all seen these speculations never get anywhere, now and again you have an international rail rumor/consideration from the company that never amounts to anything, like 185s to Irish rail and Heathrow Connect 360s to Thailand.

 

[Domh245]

The CEO mentioned contact with 3 leasing companies, that was it. We've all seen these speculations never get anywhere, now and again you have an international rail rumor/consideration from the company that never amounts to anything, like 185s to Irish rail and Heathrow Connect 360s to Thailand.

Sure nothing has come of any of those yet, but saying "As for gautrain, that rumour came out of thin air" is clearly false...

 

[gazthomas]

Shame they can't take all our stock in SA, the suburban trains in Cape Town were exceptionally tired. They would changing to "Cape Gauge" (3 foot 6 inch width track) of course