Ex-VTEC 91's for Blackpool - London Euston

[CosherB]

I've no idea how to run a railway (you all knew that of course) but it does seem to be curious economics that leaves the ECML electric rolling stock with no more than scrap value. Or is it really at scrapping age, it is 30?

I can’t see any future for the 91s post-VTEC, but I’d like to think that the Mk4 s will find further work. With the current procurement policies for new stock, however, I do wonder if that is even feasible now.

 

[Roast Veg]

I've no idea how to run a railway (you all knew that of course) but it does seem to be curious economics that leaves the ECML electric rolling stock with no more than scrap value. Or is it really at scrapping age, it is 30?

The 91s are a victim of recent technological advances leaving them internally outdated, and having had a hard and fast run on the ECML since their introduction. The slightly younger but significantly faster class 373s are already being withdrawn for the same reasons.

 

[Jonny]

The 91s are a victim of recent technological advances leaving them internally outdated, and having had a hard and fast run on the ECML since their introduction. The slightly younger but significantly faster class 373s are already being withdrawn for the same reasons.

The same factors might cause problems for re-using the MK3-derived EMUs, particularly the 3rd rail ones (but some of the AC ones as well). However, the Mk4s could be readily redeployed with new locomotives.

 

[DenmarkRail]

Can see the 91s having a future in freight, perhaps maybe not in the UK specifically though.

MK4s could be distributed into some weird roles... Perhaps as a new Network Rail train.

How hard / feasible would it be to use MK4s to replace the MK3 seating coaches on the Cornwall night train?

G

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Can see the 91s having a future in freight, perhaps maybe not in the UK specifically though.

MK4s could be distributed into some weird roles... Perhaps as a new Network Rail train.

How hard / feasible would it be to use MK4s to replace the MK3 seating coaches on the Cornwall night train?

G

I would like that so much!

 

[43096]

Can see the 91s having a future in freight, perhaps maybe not in the UK specifically though.

MK4s could be distributed into some weird roles... Perhaps as a new Network Rail train.

How hard / feasible would it be to use MK4s to replace the MK3 seating coaches on the Cornwall night train?

G

Yeah, there is a big demand for 30 year old 140mph passenger locos for freight trains.

 

[DenmarkRail]

Yeah, there is a big demand for 30 year old 140mph passenger locos for freight trains.

Well, in some instances, yes, there is...

Also, since they've never properly reached 140mph in regular service before, therefore, I doubt the fact it operates to 140mph is a limitation

 

[AnonymousUser1]

Well, in some instances, yes, there is...

Also, since they've never properly reached 140mph in regular service before, therefore, I doubt the fact it operates to 140mph is a limitation

despite the fact they have not been re-geared ... their proposed other uses under BR would have been sleepers and parcels /TPO working not freight per se

 

[Far north 37]

Well, in some instances, yes, there is...

Also, since they've never properly reached 140mph in regular service before, therefore, I doubt the fact it operates to 140mph is a limitation

What freight would they be used for though? theres already a surplus of freight locos and with the similar aged greater anglia class 90s coming available very soon which are far more suited and are tried and tested freight locos cant see a future for the class 91s at all at the moment.

 

[Harbornite]

Well, in some instances, yes, there is...

Not in the UK right now. I'm pretty sure there's enough surplus Class 66s and 60s available that would take preference over class 91s if there was a sudden upturn in freight, most of which would be limited to 75mph or less anyway. As other posters have said, there's also class 90s that could be used once they're finished with AGA and they are rather more suitable for freight.

 

[43096]

Well, in some instances, yes, there is...

Also, since they've never properly reached 140mph in regular service before, therefore, I doubt the fact it operates to 140mph is a limitation

Clearly you do not understand the issues around gearing, tractive effort etc.

 

[CosherB]

Can see the 91s having a future in freight, perhaps maybe not in the UK specifically though.

MK4s could be distributed into some weird roles... Perhaps as a new Network Rail train.

How hard / feasible would it be to use MK4s to replace the MK3 seating coaches on the Cornwall night train?

G

Like I said earlier, it's now the silly season for the 91s and the Mk4s.

 

[Master29]

Alliance Rail. The Stuart Baggs and Michael Knighton combination of the railway world.

 

[InTheEastMids]

Like I said earlier, it's now the silly season for the 91s and the Mk4s.

Is there space in a 91 or under a Mark 4 for the engine from a Transit?

Advance warning: My Kickstarter page goes live on April 1st

 

[ash39]

91's for freight use

Don't know why we have to have 'silly season' , for me the future of them is pretty obvious. The locos have had it. They'll go the same way as the 87's did, a few may get exported (unlikely as they aren't as versatile/robust) a few may be kept on short term in various forms, but in less than a decade I'd expect to see the whole lot scrapped except a couple of preseved ones.

Most of the mk4s will find use, either to fill capacity shortfalls using shorter rakes and modern locos, or charter/departmental use.

Quote me on this in 10 years, I bet it won't be far off reality...