Class 43 (HST) trains post 2020.

[cjmillsnun]

Do the engines in both power cars have to be running? If a shorter HST is used to replace a DMU, could they have just the engine in the lead power car running and not be excessively slow when accelerating?

If you do that, then fit TDM to a PC and run it with a DVT or DBSO. Then you don't have the dead weight of a PC.

 

[The Ham]

If you had 4+1 with the end coach being DBSO it could even be possible (if it were required) to run two sets paired up, which could provide the HST's some of the flexibility of MU's. It could mean that they could be possible used on routes which otherwise they wouldn't be as suitable for.

They may even have some advantages over MU's in that (when running in the correct full formation) they may still be able to run at 125mph (although limited to 100mph when running as a single unit) whilst each half still being accessable (depending on cabs) from the other half.

However I would have thought such works would make them fairly pricey unless there was likely to be a semi long term use for them (say 12 years from 2017).

 

[al.currie93]

If you had 4+1 with the end coach being DBSO it could even be possible (if it were required) to run two sets paired up, which could provide the HST's some of the flexibility of MU's. It could mean that they could be possible used on routes which otherwise they wouldn't be as suitable for.

They may even have some advantages over MU's in that (when running in the correct full formation) they may still be able to run at 125mph (although limited to 100mph when running as a single unit) whilst each half still being accessable (depending on cabs) from the other half.

However I would have thought such works would make them fairly pricey unless there was likely to be a semi long term use for them (say 12 years from 2017).

That's actually a really good suggestion... why didn't I think of that :P

 

[Yew]

That's actually a really good suggestion... why didn't I think of that :P

I imagine it would be a pain to keep the sets the right way round though!

 

[Rapidash]

I'm getting the sinking feeling that down yonder beyond Exeter, we're going to be the last bastion of diesel locomotion.Wouldn't blind, but they flog the good stuff to Iran

 

[al.currie93]

I imagine it would be a pain to keep the sets the right way round though!

It would have to be thought through a bit, but the locomotives would be detachable and the whole formation would be more flexible than multiple units. A similar thing was also done with the old Class 126:

End 1 = http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...ns_split_code_end_Class_126_and_Class_107.jpg

End 2 = http://www.srpsmuseum.org.uk/images/10085-88/10085/10085_0.jpg

Not my photographs.

 

[The Planner]

HSTs with a single powered car dont perform well, we were timing some FGW ECS moves as one engine only and the running times were noticeably slower.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Possibly the cab of the DVT or DBSO could be based upon the design of the class 442 cab

 

[sprinterguy]

Possibly the cab of the DVT or DBSO could be based upon the design of the class 442 cab

According to Porterbrook's brochure, it is more likely that any mark 3 driving car conversion would be fitted with a Turbostar front end. The 442 is an outdated design.

 

[cjmillsnun]

HSTs with a single powered car dont perform well, we were timing some FGW ECS moves as one engine only and the running times were noticeably slower.

They wouldn't perform well with a full rake of coaches. A short rake of 1+4+seated DVT, might perform better though as it is much lighter than a 2+8

 

[zn1]

I think the point is this...the older the vehicle the more expensive it is to maintain..they are worked as hard today as they were when they entered squadron service.

regardless of their usefullness...it will be cheaper to hire or purchase a class 170 type unit to cover the jobs a twin car HST could be used for..why use two large power cars four or five coaches at XXX per mile when a DMU will do it for XX per mile...

Once the maintenance costs reach a certain point no TOC will touch them. The overhaul spec defines everything the customer wants in the vehicle...this comes at a COST that the TOC will have to bear in leasing and Short term maintenance costs...

I have no idea of Full life overhaul of a MK3 these days...but i would guess £750k is a minimum...

at that price it may be cheaper just to bear the extra cost and purchase New...

the people who benefit will be the preservation movement...who will then rip the coaches, locos apart to put them back to "original" condition at great expense...then flog em out for excursions....and we can then all remember the good old days of corporate blue, the orange formica, etc..them bloody doors that opened and shut of their own accord so u ended up flickingthe override switch to stop em..

My point is this - the deltics everyones favourite loco - superb kit...maintenance hungry to keep them running to spec..lasting 20 years on mainline..

The HST may be FGW, ECML preferred choice at the moment...but as soon as the right product comes...as and it will appear the HST will be very quickly handed back to the Rosco

just thoughts

 

[RichmondCommu]

Post number 22. As I said, it's only something I heard before, I'm not claiming it to be the most reliable evidence. Would be interesting to see if anyone else has any information on this, and I will stand corrected if evidence comes up for the contrary.

I may have to get researching figures and get my calculator out as I'm actually fascinated now :P

In fairness there is nothing to suggest that what was posted is a statement of fact. Not only that but other posters who happen to be rail professionals also suggested in that thread that distributed traction would always out perform a loco over any distance.

As I put in one of my previous posts, I stand corrected about MML line speed. I was not aware of the change.

As for the second point, that is a fair point and one to consider. But the point still stands that regearing to 125mph will undoubtedly increase acceleration and reliability by a certain amount.

However you also need to take into account the costs and practicalities of any suggestions that you make. Completely off topic here I know but I think Birmingham New Street should be expanded with low level platforms to accommodate HS2. However I accept that it’s a non starter to due the cost and disruption.