Grand Centrals Class 222 ever to be??

[VTDan]

Grand Central used to advertise they would operate a class 222.

Was this ever to happen or just there for fun?? Anybody have any ideas on why they decided against it, or whether they ever intended to use a class 222.

 

[djw1981]

Is it a true 222, or their Polaris DEMu from China which is apparently going to be vbuilt to a 222 spec.

 

[VTDan]

Well it was on their website well before that, so... canny little picture though

 

[djw1981]

If they're interested, there's 14 class 180's around....

In fact if the 222's went to GC and the HST's to the rest, could MML be run by Adelante's?

 

[Mintona]

I don't know why MML would do that though. The 22s are far more comfortable and have a much better reliability record than the 180s.

In answer to the original question, that is definitely a class 222 on the photo. However, I don't believe they ever really had plans to use 222s, was more just to show off the livery.

 

[rail-britain]

First plan was for Class 158s, but that proposal was rejected
Next plan was for HSTs
Next plan was for Class 67s with Mark 3s
Next plan was for Class 222s
Latest plan is for overhauled HSTs, owned by Grand Union

If Grand Central are successful with two new route proposals then they will cascade their HSTs on to these routes while they wait for new rolling stock to operate
An order for new "Polaris" units is due to be made early in 2008 for delivery in 2011/2012
At the same time there will be more access permitted to the WCML, by then GCT should have its second route between Euston and Bradford

 

[djw1981]

I thought their second route was Euston - Huddersfield via Guide bridge? And did they not also have an idea for trains from Grimsby(??) via Lincolnshire.

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

GC wanted to use 222s, but as GNER took us to the courts, they shut the production line, and werent about to open it for just three units. Hence the refubed HSTs. We got some piccys today, taken at DML, of one being fired up, also the interior of a coach. Looking Good!

 

[VTDan]

So they're well on their way then! With or without 222s
Took their time about it, i have to say!

 

[Spaceflower]

G.C.'s second proposed route was Bradford- Wakefield kirkgate - KX

Call me old fashioned, but I would prefer GC to operate HST's

 

[rail-britain]

G.C.'s second proposed route was Bradford- Wakefield kirkgate - KX

The ORR website still has all their route applications...

Their first one was Newcastle - Preston
During 2004 there were so many complaints raised, the plan was scrapped

The next proposal was for two routes to London and York - Chester
The York - Chester proposal also attracted lots of similar complaints and so was dropped
The Bradford - Wakefield - KX has now been amended to serve Euston

http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s22-Grnd_Cntrl_2sa_contract.pdf
This latest update allows GCT to operate yet another Class 37 for training purposes between 03 and 30 September, presumably for the ECS HST movements between York and Leeds

 

[Spaceflower]

Newcastle - Preston!hock:

which route?, via Leeds?

Which route into Euston?

Cheers

Whats next? Bishop Auckland - Scarborough?:-P

 

[me123]

Call me old fashioned, but I would prefer GC to operate HST's

Me too.The livery looks, IMO, better on the HST than it appears to have would have on the 222, if you know what I'm on about. I'm looking forward to seeing these Polaris trains, though. From what I've seen, they look good. Can't find the images again, though. Have they been taken off the internet or something?

 

[rail-britain]

Newcastle - Preston!
which route?, via Leeds?

This proposal was dumped in 2004
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s17-GC_apfrm.pdf
Quote :
"Grand Central is seeking to operate services between Newcastle and Preston. The calling points and routing will be as follows:
Darlington
York
Leeds
Wakefield Kirkgate
Brighouse (proposed – see narrative) Via Hebden Bridge
Rochdale
Manchester Victoria
Bolton"

Which route into Euston?

The s17 has not been submitted for this yet
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I'm looking forward to seeing these Polaris trains, though. From what I've seen, they look good. Can't find the images again, though. Have they been taken off the internet or something?

http://www.grandcentralrail.co.uk/newstock.html

 

[me123]

Thanks, M8.

 

[VTDan]

I wouldn't care what Grand Central operated, as long as, they were not small trains and each of the services were not heaving.

Do that they'll keep me a happy person!

 

[Guinness]

I wouldn't care what Grand Central operated, as long as, they were not small trains and each of the services were not heaving.

That sounds like XC. :x

 

[schmoo_smith]

i personaly reckon that gc did the right thing by using hst's, they're the best trains ever built!

 

[mbonwick]

I notice that all the powercars are ones with buffers.

 

[rail-britain]

Yes having most, if not all, of the HST power cars with buffers means that in the event of failure getting them to their final destination shouldn't be a problem as almost any loco can hook up much quicker than with the long-arm-hook method
The second advantage is using two of them in a pair as a traditional loco setup, which can then haul a set in distress AND remain at that end throughout

 

[mbonwick]

Yes, that seems very logical, I was just passing comment