Should TPE Mk5 sets be extended to 6 cars?

[superkev]

Moderator note: Split from https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...g-stock-progress.143579/page-184#post-4240732

I don't know where the changeover point is between having all those engines hung under the coach floors against an 80tonne class 68 but I wonder if 6 rather than 5 cars would have been a better match.

More passenger capacity too.

I'm sure a 3800hp 68 at around 10hp/ton for 5 cars could manage another.

Not sure about the platforms though.

K

 

[gimmea50anyday]

Some platform lengths cannot handle 6 car 185s (yarm, seamer, lea green, Chester le street) so increasing to 6+1 would increase the short platforms as you have to consider a 6+1 as a 7 car to allow for reverse formations. That then adds Thirsk, Garforth, birchwood and potentially Manchester airport to the stations. Ok so ASDO should mitigate this however this doesn't take in to account starting signals and signalling overlaps, PRM access etc which can also contribute to the inability to increase train lengths further

 

[Spartacus]

I think Dewsbury would be added to that list too, in particular the down platform with it’s loop.