378/1s

[90sWereBetter]

I understand that these units are 750v DC only, in contrast to the remainder of the fleet. Now, this made sense when the East London Line was a contained line of sorts before the extension to Highbury and the takeover of the South London Line. Now that all of the lines are linked and it is theoretically possible to run a orbital service around London, surely it would make sense to make these dual-voltage as per the 378/2s? That way, LO has a flexible fleet of 57 EMUs for all services.

Thoughts?

 

[Bald Rick]

But it doesn't need it. The fleet is flexible enough. Aside from the extra cost, and the lower reliability (generally) of dual voltage stock.

 

[Skoodle]

As Bald Rick said, it's just not required. If it was, it would have been done already. It would be an expense for the sake of it, with no benefit. We've managed 5 years without any issues with 'flexibility' of the fleet, so to do so would just be a waste of money. When we had 3 new units join the ELL, they were bought as 378/2.

 

[MCR247]

I understand that these units are 750v DC only, in contrast to the remainder of the fleet. Now, this made sense when the East London Line was a contained line of sorts before the extension to Highbury and the takeover of the South London Line. Now that all of the lines are linked and it is theoretically possible to run a orbital service around London, surely it would make sense to make these dual-voltage as per the 378/2s? That way, LO has a flexible fleet of 57 EMUs for all services.

Thoughts?

The lines may be linked physically (i.e the track is there) but they aren't linked in practicality. Why would a 378/1 ever need a panto? An orbital service won't happen if thats what you're hoping for