Could Class 88s haul the Daventry to Wentloog Tescos train?

[Thechopperguy]

After watching a YouTube video showing an 88 not far from Cardiff Central - I'm interested to know if they are taking over the 66 hauled Daventry to Wentloog Tescos

 

[D6975]

Crew training/route learning.

 

[Class15]

I would imagine an 88-hauled Daventry to Wentloog would have to run via Acton Canal Wharf. Quite a big diversion and a long, long route.

 

[deltic08]

After watching a YouTube video showing an 88 not far from Cardiff Central - I'm interested to know if they are taking over the 66 hauled Daventry to Wentloog Tesco

The present route is electrified from Daventry to Nuneaton, Kings Norton to Bromsgrove and Severn Tunnel Junction to Wentloog.
A class 88 on diesel could probably cope with the unelectrified bits as the route is fairly flat but probably couldn't cope on the bank from Saltley to Kings Norton with only 940hp on tap. The only way around this would be to divert at Rugby and route via Birmingham to Kings Norton through a very congested New St station. I think this would be unacceptable.
A soon to be introduced class 93 and 99 would have no trouble or more infill electrification. Can you wait till then?

 

[Class15]

A soon to be introduced class 93 and 99 would have no trouble or more infill electrification. Can you wait till then?

You are forgetting that neither the Class 93 or 99 are going to be owned by Direct Rail Services, who operate freight trains between Daventry and Wentloog.

 

[edwin_m]

You are forgetting that neither the Class 93 or 99 are going to be owned by Direct Rail Services, who operate freight trains between Daventry and Wentloog.

Doesn't ROG intend to hire out (some of?) the 93s to whoever wants to use them?

 

[Class15]

Doesn't ROG intend to hire out (some of?) the 93s to whoever wants to use them?

Yes, they do, but it depends on whether DRS actually want tri-modes when they struggle to use the 88s they already have. They seem to be being used on services from Daventry to Coatbridge, Tilbury and Trafford Park, the latter of which is new. There are still quite a few sitting at depots and one is being used as a diesel engine on flask trains.

 

[StripeyNick]

From the driver......they are currently route learning but they won't be using the 88s for the Wentloog train. I'm guessing it's probably a case of the 88 was a spare loco.

 

[deltic08]

You are forgetting that neither the Class 93 or 99 are going to be owned by Direct Rail Services, who operate freight trains between Daventry and Wentloog.

In that case, we will have to wait for approximately 4 miles of new electrification when Camp Hill is opened to New St-Lifford curve (Kings Norton)-Moor St passenger services. In the present climate will be at least 5 years, more likely 20.

 

[Thechopperguy]

From the driver......they are currently route learning but they won't be using the 88s for the Wentloog train. I'm guessing it's probably a case of the 88 was a spare loco.

Cheers drive !!!