444's and 450's to be replaced? (answer: no)

[TheGrew]

I think the reality would be that all 444s and 450s will be made dual voltage at the same time for the sake of economies of scale. I have full expectation that this is just the beginning of 3rd rail to ohle conversion and more will follow.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

 

[AndyLandy]

I think the reality would be that all 444s and 450s will be made dual voltage at the same time for the sake of economies of scale. I have full expectation that this is just the beginning of 3rd rail to ohle conversion and more will follow.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

Indeed. After all, it's not even a 'conversion', so to speak. They were designed for it right from the off. As far as I'm aware, it's little more than just bolting on a pan and a transformer.

 

[D365]

Indeed. After all, it's not even a 'conversion', so to speak. They were designed for it right from the off. As far as I'm aware, it's little more than just bolting on a pan and a transformer.

Though at this point, any further electrification conversion is mere speculation. Would the ROSCO(s) really go to that expense, without a proper CP6-7 Southern region electrification plan. Should be easy enough to pick up the AC pickup (groan) equipment when actually needed.

 

[Eagle]

Even if the plan to convert most of the rest of the Southern region falls through, converting Basingstoke to Southampton has still pushed up the likelihood of electrifying to Salisbury, and Salisbury to Eastleigh/Redbridge (because it's neatly solved what was the main sticking point, namely whether to use OHLE or third rail on those bits), so more AC-capable units for SWT is definitely a worthwhile investment.