Introducing 2g-Rail...

[30mog]

2g-Rail is group I am trying to form from scratch.

The aims are:

An online exchange for the particular subject of classes 165-222.

Developing a long term strategy for preservation of classes 165-222 when they are retired from network rail operations.

Promoting rail preservation for the next generation.

Other groups exist or are already in the development stage for Pacers, Sprinters & HST's. We would like to work with, not against, these groups.

At present. Only a collection of photo's of our chosen stock are in a group: www.flickr.com/groups/2grail/ A Facebook page has been created: https://www.facebook.com/pages/2g-Rail-Group/17978494473?ref=ts&fref=ts And the website address www.2g-rail.org.uk is reserved for two years.

Please comment here or PM if you are interested in being involved.

 

[YorkshireBear]

I cant see any of these units being retired before 2050... very premature.

 

[30mog]

Don't entirely agree. 2040 I can believe. By which time today's passengers and fan's who are say 25 will be 52. Which goes along with the ethos of identifying tomorrows preservationists today.

Secondly, how much will a litre of diesel cost in 20 years. I have it on good authority the investment banks who own the trains via leasing companies are very nervous about future business with diesel trains, but not electric. And it might just be why the government have, not before time, committed to electrification of Great Western & Midland main lines. And of course, some of the investment banks clients might well be MP's of all parties.

On a final note. I was born in 1966. And can see Pendolino's still going strong if I live to a 100.

 

[Greenback]

I must agree with YorkshireBear that it is far too premature to be concerned about the retirement of these types of units.

 

[IanXC]

I cant see any of these units being retired before 2050... very premature.

Indeed - probably the only meaningful thing which can be done in the next few decades is acquiring the original interiors when major refurbs begin.

 

[MCW]

30mog, how old are you? I'm 20 and tbh I wouldn't even think about preserving such a unit just yet... a 142 is probably more feasible.. but still

 

[30mog]

Indeed. I am a member of The Pacer Preservation Society - member no.142066 - a clue to my age. At the moment they need phasing out by 2020.

 

[tiptoptaff]

Why does anyone want to preserve a pacer?! I was under the distinct impression we couldn't wait to get rid of the bloody things!!

 

[30mog]

Why does anyone want to preserve a pacer?! I was under the distinct impression we couldn't wait to get rid of the bloody things!!

There was much disdain towards many a type of rolling stock when in service. Lots of which are now in preservation. Forty years ago no one would have thought there would be interest in preserving a class 37 or 47 locomotive.

Pacers represent the era when railways really became a political football. The railways had a lot of clapped out rolling stock they had to replace fairly quickly with resources strictly limited by government. Classes 142-144 and to some extent Sprinters are what came of this episode. Thus, a story that could be told in a museum when we are all 'six foot under'. A story people interested in it enough have to start. And not least, Pacers have to be replaced by 2020 to conform to disability and inclusion laws. It needs interest now to make sure some 142-144's are saved from the scrap man. Prototypes are already in preservation. But come on, what if we had only preserved the prototype Deltic?

As for replacement of the Pacer's. My educated guess, the electrification projects now underway or promised are going to cascade a lot of rolling stock. I think someone knows the cost of replacing Pacers and sees something like: The current TPE franchise should release quite a few 185's for use elsewhere. Likewise 165's with Great West Mainline. And 221 & 222's on Midland Mainline. By this time, Sprinters will be long in the tooth. But come on, they are OK for a short journey. I was on a Pacer the other day - a bit noisy but can stand a 30 minute journey on one anytime - especially as they have at least got rid of the bus seats. We should hopefully see the last of things like a 2 car sprinter running all the way from Liverpool-Norwich. That isn't fair if you are going all the way.

 

[JohnB57]

Indeed. I am a member of The Pacer Preservation Society - member no.142066 - a clue to my age. At the moment they need phasing out by 2020.

One for your wall. 142066 leaving Thurstonland Tunnel on 17/2/13 with the 12.35 ex Sheffield.

 

[30mog]

Thanks!!!