Plenty of other threads on this stuff
- Class 455s can go into storage etc and be replaced on metro routes by Class 707s from SWR (which in turn will be replaced by new class 701s), and Class 377s
The 455s operate on 8-car routes - 707s aren't going to act as direct replacements even if they become available.
- Class 377s should stay as they remain the bulk of the franchise
- Class 379s from GA can be used on East / West Coastway services (Seaford - Brighton - Barnham - Chichester) releasing the 313s for scrap
Why would you put 379s on the Coastway? 313s are likely to be replaced by backfilling the services by 377s if something else is done elsewhere. Putting expensive rolling stock on the Coastway isn't going to pay its way.
- The Gatwick Express should be abolished - the paths go to extra Southern services (VIC - ECR - Gatwick??) and the 387/2s can be used on other Southern services - see below
- The Uckfield line should be electrified (reducing the amount of diesel trains in London, as well as the overall use of third rail) and 387/2s can run to Uckfield.
It is unlikely that Gatwick Express will be abolished. While it might be desirable to electrify the Uckfield line, there is no reason to dedicate 387s to the line. Issues with electrifying the line have been the subject of threads elsewhere.
- The Eastbourne to Ashford line should be electrified and platforms should be lengthened to allow Class 458s to run along the line (SDO can be used for limited stop stations such as Doleham and Pevensey Bay)
Trying to populate the Southern franchise with three new fleets of trains from other operators would stretch the ability of the operation to train all of the traincrew. There is no sensible reason to bring in 458s for this route. In the unlikely event that 30 379s were brought in to work on the coast, there would be enough to cover the operation all the way to Ashford.
Anyone else have any thoughts (particularly on GN or Thameslink) ?
Yes. Wait until the end of the management contract and see what happens then, taking into account changes to other fleets first. I know that this is the speculative ideas thread but it helps if the speculation has some grounding in terms of the number of units now, the number needed and realism about practical issues such as depot and training requirements.
