Operation Princess

[ainsworth74]

Incorrect, I refer you to Austrian Federal Railways.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railjet

Perhaps, but I wonder what would have happened if ÖBB hadn't have had a fleet of modern high speed electric locomotives that weren't doing all that much at the time...

 

[transmanche]

You compare that to SWT refurbishing their 455s with passengers believing they were new trains.

As a side issue, I think SWT deserve a bit pf praise for their 455 refurbs. They do look good and although they've removed quite a few seats, they're spot-on for what's required on most of the route they're used on. Other TOCs should take note.

 

[WestCoast]

Incorrect, I refer you to Austrian Federal Railways.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railjet

In addition to Railjet, DB Regio also have a preference for loco-hauled when it comes to the many modern double decker Regional-Express services they operate and the DB long-distance division will introduce the push-pull "Dosto" (with the same Bombardier coaches and a more suitable interior) sets on slower, high passenger volume InterCity services in 2013 alongside the new ICx EMUs. This is to replace the existing ageing loco hauled sets.

On a world scale, I wouldn't say loco-haulage is a 'thing of the past' at all.

 

[Martin222002]

As we have gone quite off topic I might as well say with the mentioning of DB's ICx emu's which they have ordered, I was thinking a UK variant would make a good intercity train for an electrified MML, and when the time comes a good 225 replacement on the ECML, and also dire I say an alternative to IEP.

Going back on topic, as many others have said I think all what is really needed is the addition of a pantograph coach (maybe two for the 221s) combined with an internal refurbishment, with a refreshed interior, new seating, with maybe an improved seating layout, as much luggage space as can be fitted without compromising on seating capacity, and a few minor modifications to the interior.

Another thing to be consider is that the XC HSTs will eventually need replacing, which gives a good opportunity to get something which would be more long distance friendly (the best way I can think to put it) for XCs longest intercity routes (ie Aberdeen-Penzance).

 

[pt_mad]

Another thing to be consider is that the XC HSTs will eventually need replacing, which gives a good opportunity to get something which would be more long distance friendly (the best way I can think to put it) for XCs longest intercity routes (ie Aberdeen-Penzance).

Yup! Any ideas on a replacement?

 

[D1009]

Another thing to be consider is that the XC HSTs will eventually need replacing, which gives a good opportunity to get something which would be more long distance friendly (the best way I can think to put it) for XCs longest intercity routes (ie Aberdeen-Penzance).

As others have pointed out although XC has some of the longest through journeys in the country, there are very few people on them throughout. Edinburgh - Birmingham is an hour quicker on Virgin than XC. It's just a way of getting the most mileage out of the units, and this is one reason the service failed initially, because at that time the units weren't up to it.