Could Northern get additional stock?

[brad465]

What's the situation like in Scotland? Could ScotRail spare a few 156s, 158s or 170s for GWR and Northern?

Probably not right now, although if 222s can displace a few 170s this might work, then some more after the BEMUs arrive.

 

[Trainbike46]

Probably not right now, although if 222s can displace a few 170s this might work, then some more after the BEMUs arrive.

My understanding is that the plan is to retain the 158s and 170s for the non-BEMU lines, and dump the 156s, and in any case, this will be years away, by which time northern's own new stock order should be coming in as well.

 

[LittleGidder]

The stored 153s that Northern got rid of in the Covid period would be a huge help today, late now obviously due to corrosion from cold storage.

 

[yorksrob]

The stored 153s that Northern got rid of in the Covid period would be a huge help today, late now obviously due to corrosion from cold storage.

Indeed. Covid was a good excuse to get rid of costs, in order to fit some "new normal" that turned out to be baloney.

 

[D365]

The stored 153s that Northern got rid of in the Covid period would be a huge help today, late now obviously due to corrosion from cold storage.

I was under the impression that Class 156s from EMR were the replacement for the remaining Class 153s at Northern. Irrespective of COVID.

 

[LittleGidder]

The 156s definitely helped, just wish the 153s were kept as backups. Would have maybe also stopped the making of more 150/0 sets (150/1 ends and a 150/2 carriage fitted in the middle if you didn’t know)

 

[3RDGEN]

I was under the impression that Class 156s from EMR were the replacement for the remaining Class 153s at Northern. Irrespective of COVID.

That's my understanding too, I don't believe the last Northern franchise ever had plans to retain any 153 units, shame they didn't go into the 155's to form three car sets. Northern has recieved all the extra stock planned and further units for the Ashington line reopening, alongside that they haven't introduced all the services proposed in the last franchise.

150/155/156's having extended repairs and lack of 195/769 availability is the real problem, the first issue should be resolved once the fleets are all done but the second issue isn't going anywhere.