MTU to supply diesel powerpacks for Intercity Express Programme

[HSTEd]

No, its because Virgin et al believe bi-mode is a terrible idea.

Do we have any actual evidence of this?

What bi-mode units would it use?

Before anyone starts going on about "Project Thor".... it is dead

It will never happen, information about DfT considering it was just released at the time of the Derby furore to make it look like Litchurch Lane had a future.

 

[The Ham]

... it envisages the installation of ‘at least’ one powerpack in every trainset. For the electric trainsets, the diesel powerpack is intended to provide ‘emergency hotel and self-rescue power’ in the event of a failure of overhead electric supply.

If there is one engine on EVERY trainset then it reduces much of the need for thunderbird trains as (I'm sure I've read elsewhere that) it would allow the train to limp on at 40mph (onto the next station). If this is the case then it (although will mean lugging around an engine all the time) would result in less disruption if the power goes out.

With regards to the option of loco halling the trains beyond the wires is that it is likely to be OK at large cities where there are lots of services beyond the wires. As it wouldn't be too wasteful to have a spare loco when you require say 4 or 5 locos for services. However, if you only require one loco and some distance from another end of route having two locos would be wasteful or having to wait an hour for a reserve loco isn't going to go down well with passengers.