Next in the line of Civities and comparisons

[Philip]

Now that the 196s and 197s have entered service, could we see an order for Class 198 Civities to be built within the next few years and if so, which TOCs seem the most likely at this point to place an order?

Also, between 195s, 196s and 197s, which unit(s) do you think has the upper hand right now and are any two of the units more similar to each other than the third? (ie. 196s and 197s are similar in appearance but not necessarily mechanically)

 

[CptCharlee]

GWR ordering a Civity variant wouldn't be a wild guess. But if they want a uniform regional fleet the Looe and Gunnislake branches would require certain unit specifications which may not work for majority of the regional routes.

 

[D365]

Also, between 195s, 196s and 197s, which unit(s) do you think has the upper hand right now...

At this point in time... the 195s surely!

 

[Chester1]

I can't see anyone ordering a new DMU now. There is not sufficient time left between now and 2050 for it to be worth the cost. It would be better value to order a Civity bi mode and remove the diesel engines in late 2049.

 

[Energy]

I can't see anyone ordering a new DMU now. There is not sufficient time left between now and 2050 for it to be worth the cost. It would be better value to order a Civity bi mode and remove the diesel engines in late 2049.

Civity bimode or battery would be most likely for Northern.

GWRs future tender and the Scotrail tender for battery and hydrogen are better suited to stadler or Hitachi than CAF. Following the Caledonian mk5s I doubt Transport Scotland is in a rush to buy from them again.

 

[RobShipway]

Civity bimode or battery would be most likely for Northern.

GWRs future tender and the Scotrail tender for battery and hydrogen are better suited to stadler or Hitachi than CAF. Following the Caledonian mk5s I doubt Transport Scotland is in a rush to buy from them again.

I would have to agree with Energy's comments. I think that any future fleet if ordered with diesel by GWR or Scotrail, will be on the basis that it can be replaced at a later date by battery or hydrogen power. I suspect that it is more likely going to be battery power that replaces the diesel as will be the case with the class 755/756 and class 800/802 units.