I do think a metro spec train for those lines is needed, but I have a feeling they'll go with a one size fits all option.
They will probably do some Cascades to help put the right train on the right route.
That’s an X’Trapolis, though, whereas ALSTOM’s replacement platform is the Adessia.
Scotrail don't really have any dedicated Metro trains at the moment though. The closest they have at the moment are the 320s and 318s which already run much of the Glasgow Metro services and are due to be replaced by this train order anyway.
Hence you would cascades to the existing fleets to put them on routes which are best suited to them. Also some 156s are getting replaced by this order I am pretty sure.
What was the class 385 scandal?
The original cab windows distorted the view of the signals; much delay while a design solution was found and the windows swapped.
Your idea of a scandal is hugely overstated.
That's the only major row I can remember about the 385s... so if it wasn't that then I have no idea what it was!
As with @Peter Mugridge , the only significant issue I can remember was the issue with the original curbed river's side windscreen glass causing a "ghosting" effect with signals.
Still, I'm sure that they can build a similar level boarding Adessia BEMU in Derby, and it would fit quite well on the ScotRail network, especially as they already have some Alstom stock (the 334s). AFAIK CAF/CRRC/Stadler have no products that have operated in Scotland (barring the Glasgow Subway units, but they're not mainline).
The 334s though of course being a steel-bodied product of Alstom Washwood Heath (former Metro-Cammell, Birmingham), and not having much to do with the aluminium-bodied products of Alstom Derby (former ADtranz / Bombardier Transportation).
Only ones which don't have any software.
Looks like Scotrail is losing EMUs under this tender, with there currently being 55 class 318s and 321s with Scotrail and I only see 41 replacement units being ordered.
I vaguely remember reading it might be 5x24m or 6x20m fixed length units yes, but don't remember where, or how reliable the source was.
That is a good question, if they are going for 6 or 8 car sets then it isn't a bad move however if it is 3 or 4 car sets then it is a downgrade.
True - but surely there must be some common parts (and of course Alstom already having a successful product operating in Scotland is a bonus).
The 777s with Merseyrail have had numerous issues even though it is a tried and tested platform.
and the 745s & 755s work very well, and are closer to anything Scotrail would order than the 777s are.
Personally, I suspect what Scotrail already has won't be a consideration at all.
Don't forget Stadler's trains on the Glasgow Subway!
Maintenance staff familiarity.
And were made by a different subsidiary to the FLIRTs.
That depends on if Scotrail wants Metro style units or mainline style units.
All the routes in question are mainline and not metro, so I think the answer to that is rather obvious
The 318s and 321s do Metro style routes, plus there was no proper metro replacement for the 314s, hence the question of Metro or Mainline.
Scotrail have shown no interest in that with previous purchases – since privatisation, they have bought trains from Adtranz, Alstom, Siemens and Hitachi, one batch/model from each.
Although we are moving back towards fleet simplification as an ordering strategy in general
