Another converted HST for Scotrail to replace the damaged one?

[Mitchell Hurd]

Hello everyone. I understand any ideas, suggestions / speculation regarding replacing the damaged Scotrail HST is to be done via a new thread.

Just a thought, would it not be quicker and probably cheaper for GWR to transfer one of their Castle HST's to Scotrail? If it was up to me, I'd rather keep a 4-car 158 diagram and let Scotrail have an already power door-fitted HST to replace the damaged one.

Any thoughts?

All that's needed is a refurbishment and the Inter7City livery.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I would expect they will convert another one. The base stock is relatively cheap.

 

[Peter Kelford]

Well why convert a whole train? From what I can see it's the Mk3s that are a write-off not the power cars.

 

[JonathanH]

Just a thought, would it not be quicker and probably cheaper for GWR to transfer one of their Castle HST's to Scotrail? If it was up to me, I'd rather keep a 4-car 158 diagram and let Scotrail have an already power door-fitted HST to replace the damaged one.

This might well be easier. I guess it just comes down to which of the two operators see the most cut backs in the light of the downturn in travel. However, it would require a standard class coach to be converted to first class and it would create an 'oddball' in the Scotrail fleet due to GWR retaining the TGS vehicle in its sets.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Well why convert a whole train? From what I can see it's the Mk3s that are a write-off not the power cars.

One of them is burnt out. One may be reusable but could have structural damage.

 

[Mitchell Hurd]

This might well be easier. I guess it just comes down to which of the two operators see the most cut backs in the light of the downturn in travel. However, it would require a standard class coach to be converted to first class and it would create an 'oddball' in the Scotrail fleet due to GWR retaining the TGS vehicle in its sets.

I forgot about the TGS, strangely. I doubt it should be a problem - that would be good reason for Scotrail to do a counted place reservation system once we're out of the COVID-19 situation. Stops complaints about reservations not matching in one of the carriages. I'll leave it there before we go into reservations.

 

[tpfx89]

Well why convert a whole train? From what I can see it's the Mk3s that are a write-off not the power cars.

One is very written off I'm afraid...

 

[Peter Mugridge]

GWR are having another couple of Castle sets created aren't they? Which means they probably couldn't spare one, so any replacement set for ScotRail would be a fresh conversion.

As others have pointed out, there's quite a few spare power cars and carriages sitting around at the moment.

 

[37424]

GWR are having another couple of Castle sets created aren't they? Which means they probably couldn't spare one, so any replacement set for ScotRail would be a fresh conversion.

As others have pointed out, there's quite a few spare power cars and carriages sitting around at the moment.

Indeed and Castle set don't meets Scotrail spec in terms of not having a TGS but having a Converted First Class Vehicle with Buffet.

I wonder if there is any focus on the age of the train at the investigation and survivability of the MK3's verses newer rolling stock as to whether it might hasten a replacement to the HST's.

 

[DB]

Hello everyone. I understand any ideas, suggestions / speculation regarding replacing the damaged Scotrail HST is to be done via a new thread.

Just a thought, would it not be quicker and probably cheaper for GWR to transfer one of their Castle HST's to Scotrail? If it was up to me, I'd rather keep a 4-car 158 diagram and let Scotrail have an already power door-fitted HST to replace the damaged one.

Any thoughts?

All that's needed is a refurbishment and the Inter7City livery.

You've evidently not paid much attention to the specs of the different power-door HST fleets!

Scotrail sets are three TSs and a first class with buffet and guard's office. GWR are three TSs and a TGS. Interiors have all been refurbished in the livery of the relevant operator And GWR are actually having more converted, so they certainly don't have any to spare.

There are still stored ex-GWR Mk3s so the most likely outcome is another set being added to the Scotrail conversion order (which is still ongoing anyway, so the production line is open). At least one replacement power car will also be needed - the rear power car looks undamaged superficially, but may or may not have less visible damage. There are stored ex-GWR power cars, so findng replacement(s) shouldn't be difficult.

(and it needs to be ex-GWR stock, as the ex-LNER stock has different specifications in various ways, and the trailers are not in good condition).

 

[73128]

GWR are having another couple of Castle sets created aren't they? Which means they probably couldn't spare one, so any replacement set for ScotRail would be a fresh conversion.

As others have pointed out, there's quite a few spare power cars and carriages sitting around at the moment.

Actually three sets.

 

[43096]

As others have pointed out, there's quite a few spare power cars and carriages sitting around at the moment.

There’s plenty of power cars, but very few trailers of the right spec (ex-GWR) are left - a lot have gone for scrap.

 

[DB]

There’s plenty of power cars, but very few trailers of the right spec (ex-GWR) are left - a lot have gone for scrap.

Are there enough though? One of the 'temporary' sets currently stored in Scotland, perhaps?