Idea: Class 360s to Cross Country: Could it work?

[Bletchleyite]

I'm not sure what you mean. If there really are only 2 trains per hour between Brum and Manchester, that's pretty bobbins.

Why? If they were of a proper length (say 240m) they would probably be a good match to demand. 10-car Voyagers on that route (when you get one, rare though it is) don't seem overcrowded.

 

[Ianno87]

I'm not sure what you mean. If there really are only 2 trains per hour between Brum and Manchester, that's pretty bobbins. I'm merely alluding to a Governmental propensity to create problems to prove that less-than-popular schemes are necessary. See Yes Prime Minister, The Thick Of It and House Of Cards for details.

So if we didn't do HS2, what else could feasibly be done to give more or faster trains between Manchester and Birmingham that befits their status (which, I agree, the current service does not).

 

[Ianno87]

Why? If they were of a proper length (say 240m) they would probably be a good match to demand. 10-car Voyagers on that route (when you get one, rare though it is) don't seem overcrowded.

Length yes, "easily" solvable.

Journey time, however...

 

[Bletchleyite]

Length yes, "easily" solvable.

Journey time, however...

Yes, they are a bit slow. I tried a "Top Gear race" against people driving once, it was an abject failure, they won by about half an hour.

 

[Wivenswold]

Tough crowd tonight. I'm not saying "don't do HS2" just suggesting that a poor service could be used as a device to justify HS2 to the doubters. Think NHS being run down to make the point that whatever bonkers plan Hunt has will seem better than the status quo.

If I throw an abstract theory into discussion, it doesn't mean I subscribe to it.

Anyway, back to the topic I guess.

 

[D365]

Don't see why HS2 needs to be justified any more than it has been. Its case has been made, the voting that has taken place in parliament reflect this.

 

[Wivenswold]

Playing devils advocate, parliament voted on a scheme that cost significantly less than current estimates. MPs may say that it no longer offers value for money.

Personally I say build it, but ringfence a similar sum for regional upgrades.

 

[Prestige15]

XC HSTs being made PRM compliant with the sliding doors. The first set is currently in Wabtec for the work. Only the five existing HST sets are being done for XC - they are not getting any more sets.

There are talks about getting stored GWR sets

 

[LOL The Irony]

There are talks about getting stored GWR sets

They're also supposed to get LNER's IIRC.