If we're doing "past fantasy", I'd like to have see NSE do the Networker program slightly differently and much fast. I'd like to have seen the diesel and electric versions share an identical 20m bodyshell, with corridor connector.
I'd have standardised on a 4 car unit throughout. I know this would have meant overprovision of capacity on some lines that still use 2 car units.
I'd like to have seen the diesel versions be DEMUs with a view to potential electric conversion- and with control compatability with the electric versions, such that mixed formations would have worked.
I'd have had three versions- long distance with end doors, outer suburban with plug 1/4 & 3/4 doors (ie what was actually built!) and metro, potentially with three sets of sliding doors.
The Mark 3 and "PEP" type stock the NSE area had already accumulated I'd have had redistributed northwards and potnentially to a much earlier Welsh electrification scheme- rebuilding the 455s as AC units would surely not have been impossible.
I'd have standardised on a 4 car unit throughout. I know this would have meant overprovision of capacity on some lines that still use 2 car units.
I'd like to have seen the diesel versions be DEMUs with a view to potential electric conversion- and with control compatability with the electric versions, such that mixed formations would have worked.
I'd have had three versions- long distance with end doors, outer suburban with plug 1/4 & 3/4 doors (ie what was actually built!) and metro, potentially with three sets of sliding doors.
The Mark 3 and "PEP" type stock the NSE area had already accumulated I'd have had redistributed northwards and potnentially to a much earlier Welsh electrification scheme- rebuilding the 455s as AC units would surely not have been impossible.
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