A 150 question ive been meaning to ask for a long time.

[FrontSideBus]

Before the Liverpool to Manchester line was electrified I used to commute on them daily and I must admit that I despised them at the time. I was a lot happier when a 156 (or even a 142!!!) turned up but now I've learned to like them for what they are.

Too bad they can't be stripped down to the bodyshell, have HVAC added and then rebuilt to as-new condition with new engines ect.
Or at least a Renatus 321 style refurb.

 

[The exile]

There's historically been restrictions around Boldon on 150s operating via the Durham Coast route, but it doesn't preclude them entirely as the 950 test unit has gone that way regularly over the years, and a Northern 150/1 was routed back south that way empty in March this year after having some work done at Heaton.

So what is it that precludes them running (with passengers) but permits 156s and 158s? Gauging if an air suspension bag goes “bang” perhaps? Is that something that happens? (Ever? / frequently?) I’ve often wondered.

 

[DarloRich]

Indeed, I understand it had to go via worcester because it was banned from the MML south of Bedford

The 950 works south of Bedford irc

I don't recall them south of Bletchley or on the WLL, although they did work the Goblin for many years.

Before my time in the area they worked ECS from Euston to bletchley and I have heard telly off the 150's working passenger services at various times on that route.