Cross Country Extra Trains

[LocalInspector]

Hello all

Apologies if this has already been discussed but I have come across a press release from Dame Harriet CC for Worcestershire.

In the below screenshot it says that Cross Country have advised there are extra trains in the pipeline? Does anyone have any idea what these trains could be?

Thank you in advance

 

[D365]

Hello all

Apologies if this has already been discussed but I have come across a press release from Dame Harriet CC for Worcestershire.

In the below screenshot it says that Cross Country have advised there are extra trains in the pipeline? Does anyone have any idea what these trains could be?

Thank you in advance

Discussion of the CrossCountry Class 22x refurbishment (including the additional 12 ex-Avanti 221s) is taking place here.

At the time of writing there has not been any commitment to additional carriages beyond the aforementioned 12 x 5 car units. Speculation regarding options for a future CrossCountry fleet is taking place here.

 

[Snow1964]

XC are also in process of a relivery and partial refurb of their 170 fleet. There are thus one or two units not on active duties. It could easily be twisted to state they provide extra seats when they all return after completion of upgrade.

It is also technically correct to say extra seats when a 5car unit replaces a 4car. And some of the services at Worcestershire Parkway were just 4cars. (Although XC seem to be moving to a number of 4cars being used as 2x4car, even if on other routes), with single 5car trains.

I cannot work out from the letter, if it is just distortion of small number of trains being bit longer so strictly more seats, or if looking at remaining ex Avanti 221s (even if just an idea, rather than agreed), or if it is rehash of XC sustainability report that will have decided by end 2025 if going to move to getting some new efficient trains by 2035

 

[Russel]

XC are also in process of a relivery and partial refurb of their 170 fleet. There are thus one or two units not on active duties. It could easily be twisted to state they provide extra seats when they all return after completion of upgrade.

It is also technically correct to say extra seats when a 5car unit replaces a 4car. And some of the services at Worcestershire Parkway were just 4cars. (Although XC seem to be moving to a number of 4cars being used as 2x4car, even if on other routes), with single 5car trains.

I cannot work out from the letter, if it is just distortion of small number of trains being bit longer so strictly more seats, or if looking at remaining ex Avanti 221s (even if just an idea, rather than agreed), or if it is rehash of XC sustainability report that will have decided by end 2025 if going to move to getting some new efficient trains by 2035

To pick up on your first point, what makes the 170 refurb "partial"?

They are having a full interior refit, I wouldn't call it a partial refurb.

 

[Pokelet]

Hello all

Apologies if this has already been discussed but I have come across a press release from Dame Harriet CC for Worcestershire.

In the below screenshot it says that Cross Country have advised there are extra trains in the pipeline? Does anyone have any idea what these trains could be?

Thank you in advance

Harriet Baldwin is the MP for West Worcestershire, while she does champion some good causes she does love a photo in the local paper, I wouldn't personally take the words on her website as solid evidence. Worcestershire Parkway isn't technically in her constituency but will be used by her constituents.

 

[grecian ern]

The easiest (and cheapest)way to gain extra coaches would be to swap a 221 5 car unit ecAvanti ( 6 sitting idle) for a 220 4 car, or am i being naive. If 6 220 unit now idle had its centre coaches added to existing 220 units, i'm not versed in the technicalities involved but problems solved LOL L travel regularly to Birmingham and back on XC, not a pleasant experience at times.
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[TT-ONR-NRN]

The easiest (and cheapest)way to gain extra coaches would be to swap a 221 5 car unit ecAvanti ( 6 sitting idle) for a 220 4 car, or am i being naive.

Partially yes, because there’s the fact that if the DfT were willing to allow XC those six Voyagers they would have them by now.

 

[Snow1964]

Partially yes, because there’s the fact that if the DfT were willing to allow XC those six Voyagers they would have them by now.

DfT tends to see it in short term leasing costs, what they don't do is consider if they bought the spare units, could use the intermediate vehicles to lengthen existing sets, and got vast number of spare bogies, engines, interior fittings, cab parts etc. Which probably means can save money over next 1-15 years providing spare parts.

Only the end bodyshells would be scrapped, not whole vehicle. Basically would take them all to main depot and park end vehicles for disassembly for parts as spares needed to keep others going. It should also improve availability of others (so effectively get more trains, or at least more In service) because not going to waiting for parts.

 

[Bletchleyite]

4s are useful because a 9 car set is a useful length, 10 is too long for some cases and results in a vehicle being locked out, and because XC don't control closely which way round they are you don't know what will be locked out. The thing we want to avoid most is lone 4s, though.

 

[ThatBloke]

Partially yes, because there’s the fact that if the DfT were willing to allow XC those six Voyagers they would have them by now.

Those six Voyagers which Beacon rail own, are likely still earmarked for WSMR. Until it is sure that the appeal/revised proposal bid for WSMR is finally refused, or approved(??) the six Voyager's won't be committed elsewhere.