Why couldn't Grand Central take on Class 180s from EMR?

[m79900]

Moderator note: Split from https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/10x-class-221-for-grand-central.249024

If its just a matter of supplementing, why can't they take on the EMR 180s? They're about finished over there.

 

[Iskra]

If its just a matter of supplementing, why can't they take on the EMR 180s? They're about finished over there.

It looks like this a start of a fleet switch, to a more reliable one- 221’s.

 

[JonathanH]

If its just a matter of supplementing, why can't they take on the EMR 180s? They're about finished over there.

The 221s are likely to be more reliable, and are just as available as the 180s.

 

[Wolfie]

If its just a matter of supplementing, why can't they take on the EMR 180s? They're about finished over there.

Because supplementing unreliable junk with more of the same isn't a wise way to proceed. The 180s are fit only for scrapping.

 

[D365]

The Class 221s were there for the taking - CrossCountry wasn’t staking a claim.

 

[CAF397]

Cross Country would have happily taken the Avanti 221s, but seemingly their DfT controlled franchise didn't allow for this.

 

[trainswitheddy]

Realtime Trains | 5E18 1051 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Crofton Depot | 03/08/2023

Real-time train running information for 5E18 1051 departure from Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Crofton Depot on 03/08/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Seems this is what's happening, I think this was a 180 unit movement from Ely Papyworth to Crofton (Where GC are based)

 

[RailWonderer]

The 180s were lucky to last this long, it’s only the bulk order of IETs that has made them surplus to requirements recently. Before then there were not any IC orders after the Voyagers and Meridians so GWR needed them for capacity and GC took them on count of being cheaper than ordering new, and modern.

They are very nice trains to travel on but mechanically they are a disaster with their engine breaking down or catching fire, but so are the Voyagers, and without the unreliability.

 

[Skymonster]

One of the ex-EMR sets (180110 according to a post on Facebook) ran Ely to Crofton yesterday as 5E18

 

[trainswitheddy]

180110 is with Grand Central atm, ran a train down the ECML today

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

110 spent most of its EMR career at Doncaster, so good thing it’s the one of the former Hull four to stretch its legs a bit now

 

[trainswitheddy]

110 spent most of its EMR career at Doncaster, so good thing it’s the one of the former Hull four to stretch its legs a bit now

Very true! Used to spot it most of the time when I went to college in Doncaster, was always good to see something a bit different (Albeit only a different colour scheme)

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Aug 2023 ==

Realtime Trains | 5E18 1529 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Crofton Depot | 11/08/2023

Real-time train running information for 5E18 1529 departure from Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Crofton Depot on 11/08/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Looks like another is being transferred over. Are we sure this isn't what's happening? I've heard very mixed sources say both things are going to happen

 

[43055]

110 spent most of its EMR career at Doncaster, so good thing it’s the one of the former Hull four to stretch its legs a bit now

Only 1 of the coaches. Most days when 180's ran for EMR 180110 (as 4 car) would be one of the sets out.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Only 1 of the coaches. Most days when 180's ran for EMR 180110 (as 4 car) would be one of the sets out.

The full set was out of whack for a good while.