Class 769 preservation?

[m79900]

Since there are plenty spare, could it be possible for a class 769 to be preserved? It could represent a whole generation of BR EMUs, and could run, rather that just sat on display.

 

[JonathanH]

Since there are plenty spare, could it be possible for a class 769 to be preserved? It could represent a whole generation of BR EMUs, and could run, rather that just sat on display.

Yes, it would be great, but unfortunately they don't really work well, so would be a difficult challenge for amateurs, and I think it would be difficult to find a heritage railway willing to take and operate one.

 

[Iskra]

4 carriages could also be tough for many railways to store.

I agree in principle it is a good way of preserving an EMU in useable form however.

 

[Class15]

Do we know what the unit number was?

Since there are plenty spare, could it be possible for a class 769 to be preserved? It could represent a whole generation of BR EMUs, and could run, rather that just sat on display.

Definitely a great idea. I’d recommend it to preserved railways. A 315 has been saved and so has a 321, which can’t run, so I wouldn’t be surprised if a 769 gets saved.

 

[JonathanH]

I agree in principle it is a good way of preserving an EMU in useable form however.

Yes, absolutely in principle. A 'Mk3 EMU' with a built in generator is the best way of preserving one.

 

[D365]

The biggest factor (beyond just cost) will be if Wabtec is willing to support/maintain the electronic control systems?!

 

[m79900]

Yes, it would be great, but unfortunately they don't really work well, so would be a difficult challenge for amateurs, and I think it would be difficult to find a heritage railway willing to take and operate one.

Bit of a wildcard, but could you replace the intermediates with a class 150/2?

 

[D365]

Bit of a wildcard, but could you replace the intermediates with a class 150/2?

Absolutely not. The diesel systems are nothing alike.