They would keep the firefighters of the west country in a job though!
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Future for Class 180 Adelante fleets
- Thread starter James Kevill
- Start date
They would keep the firefighters of the west country in a job though!
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Kite159
Veteran Member
Although they are already in a job with the arrival of the 175s
Although they are already in a job with the arrival of the 175s
True, if they end up dealing with both fleets you'd have to also factor in the pay rise the firefighters would demand!
With GWR taking the 175's it does raise the remote possibility of GWR taking the 180's to work the Bristol - Plymouth - Penzance services, this would allow the 80x's to be cascaded internally and free up a few175's to work some of the local services replacing 150/16x units.
stevieinselby
Established Member
Third time's the charm? (F)GWR have already got rid of the 180s twice!
Third time lucky maybe, but unlikely. Once the 175's are in place and sorted the four off lease 180's could be recommissioned and refurbished and sent to GWR. Once that's done GC could be releasing the remaining 10 units so refurb them and the full fleet can be reunited at GWR for a final 8-10 years, we are promised a rolling stock strategy so there's a start.
That's one way to shaft GWR, the 180s have always been a liability and dumping them on GWR when they are nearing end of life is only going to have one outcome.
brad465
Veteran Member
180112 appears to be being dragged from Ely to Derby Litchurch Lane right now (93002 and 93010 the locos involved):
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
Realtime Trains | 7Q57 0828 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Derby Litchurch Lane | 12/02/2026
Real-time train running information for 7Q57 0828 departure from Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Derby Litchurch Lane on 12/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
frankiestrains
New Member
Curious as to why 180113 moved to Litchurch Lane yesterday after 2 years of storage at ely?
The lease at Ely has expired, so unit(s) moved to Derby is what I have been told.
brad465
Veteran Member
There was a thread about a rumour Ely Papworth Sidings are closing soon, but was closed considering lacking evidence. If the lease is expiring on stock still there with no obvious future, that might explain where the belief came from.
43096
On Moderation
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If that’s the case, why have Angel moved HST vehicles into Ely in the last few weeks?
Both 180109 and 180113 have been loco hauled to Eastleigh now having spent some time at Derby Litchurch Lane. Does anyone know what's happened/happening with these units? They weren't in the best shape when EMR ran them so I'd be surprised if there are plans for further service for them
ENC Rail
Member
Could they go to Grand Central to replace their two 221s to go to Cross Country? However as you say, the condition of these units could be an issue.
Southern Dvr
Member
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They’re knackered, surely it’s just a move to Eastleigh for component recovery and scrap?
I`ve never traveled on or been a part of 180 maintenance, what are the overriding factors as to why they are knackered ? for people like myself that has never been involved with them.
The thing I do know is that reliability has been an issue over the years at times.
I think that there maybe a 180 slagfest incoming
Southern Dvr
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See GWR Class 175 debacle!!I`ve never traveled on or been a part of 180 maintenance, what are the overriding factors as to why they are knackered ? for people like myself that has never been involved with them.
The thing I do know is that reliability has been an issue over the years at times.
I think that there maybe a 180 slagfest incoming
See GN Class 379 debacle!
Similar traction to the 175, stored outside, not started, not maintained, not given any running time.
XCTurbostar
Established Member
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I don't this is correct. Grand Central stated when the lease begun that 142 and 143 were leased to add 'resilience to the fleet, facilitated a heavy maintenance programme on the Class 180s'.
GC have 10 180s which should be more than enough for the two routes.
I am very aware of the 175 issues as I was involved with them for over 20 years, I was hoping to get a better understanding and insight of the problems and issues that have rendered 180s knackered.
Train 6Q86 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Eastleigh Trsmd Mon 28/09/2026 | Rail Record
Live Train Times for Train 6Q86 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Eastleigh Trsmd departing on Mon 28/09/2026 | Rail Record
live.rail-record.co.uk
A path has been put in from Ely - Eastleigh , presumably either 180110 or 111 being transferred.
Train 6Q86 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Eastleigh Trsmd Mon 28/09/2026 | Rail Record
Live Train Times for Train 6Q86 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Eastleigh Trsmd departing on Mon 28/09/2026 | Rail Record
A path has been put in from Ely - Eastleigh , presumably either 180110 or 111 being transferred.
I don`t know what work Eastleigh carries out so on that basis what is the probable reason for the transfer ?
Amos390
Member
It says on this that it's timed for only 50mph, is that followed and if so what's the reason, is it simply just they have just come out of long-term storage so will not be in the greatest condition?Train 6Q86 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Eastleigh Trsmd Mon 28/09/2026 | Rail Record
Live Train Times for Train 6Q86 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Eastleigh Trsmd departing on Mon 28/09/2026 | Rail Record
A path has been put in from Ely - Eastleigh , presumably either 180110 or 111 being transferred.
It's probably due to the fact that the 180 in the drags is not through braked and needs to be Run T&T with barrier wagons.
Amos390
Member
Oh that’s a drag, didn’t realise, thanks. I had presumed the 180 would go under its own power but I suppose a drag makes much more sense.
Does anyone actually know why these units are being moved to Eastleigh Depot (not works accoring to the schedules), there is a lot of speculation above but no facts !
Might they simply be going there for continued store, the Airport Sidings are now pretty empty now that they are not needed for SWR 701s.
Might they simply be going there for continued store, the Airport Sidings are now pretty empty now that they are not needed for SWR 701s.
It's a possibility , but I would find it strange for them to take units out of store from Ely on Monday just to put them back in store at Eastleigh. Wouldn't it be easier just to leave them be at Ely.
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There are facilities at Eastleigh if the units are to be recommissioned whereas Ely is in effect just a yard, GC 180's did get work done at Eastleigh previously so maybe they are there for return to service works. GC maybe taking them on in the short term to release the 221's, perhaps GC have been told releasing the 221's would help their track access application to Cleethorpes?
The four 180's not in service have been stood down for an extended period so you would expect similar issues as those on the 175's requiring a full package of work if they are to be return to service. The 180's have past from numerous operators/maintainers over the years with no longer term future ever planned so they have suffered from that. Alstom only took on maintenance of the ten GC units when they bought Bombardier prior to that it was technical support and parts supply but no full maintenance contract like the 175's.
Thanks for the reply, although I worked on the sister fleet I never followed the fortunes of the 180s apart from hearing the reports of worse reliability than ours.