Siemens pull out of Crossrail trains bid

[northwichcat]

And fantastic trains they are too. Shame that there's so little CAF rolling stock in the UK as it's actually very well built stock with a very nice and spacious interior.

Having been on the MD R599s soon after they were introduced by Renfe I got the impression they were like a more modern version of our class 175s, which certainly isn't a bad thing.
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The aire & wharfe valley units are lovely, pity about the 3+2 seating though

I've suggested post North TPE electrification that the 333s could be refurbished with 2+2 seating and used for semi-fasts but other people didn't like that suggestion.

 

[YorkshireBear]

I've suggested post North TPE electrification that the 333s could be refurbished with 2+2 seating and used for semi-fasts but other people didn't like that suggestion.

I do


As to Bob Crow, that is just a stupid comment.... doesn't deserve a response.

 

[Class377/5]

and could Derby cope with the order? Might Bombardier build some of the units elsewhere? Such as in Germany

There won't be much on the order book as the 378 order ends 2015, the 377 end 2014 and the S stock will be ending as this ramps up but no other major order forthcoming expect the possible Southern order that's gone very quite.

 

[YorkshireBear]

There won't be much on the order book as the 378 order ends 2015, the 377 end 2014 and the S stock will be ending as this ramps up but no other major order forthcoming expect the possible Southern order that's gone very quite.

Southern order may have gone quiet but i think it is still happening just not much progress at the moment.

 

[Muzer]

You mean those trains that operate from London to Buckinghamshire, via Derby?

Well, yes, they still aren't brilliant

But they seem (to the untrained eye) to be ones that are likely to do better in the longer term - although having teething problems is still a poor show, they do seem more solid than some of Bombardier's other recent offerings.

 

[fgwrich]

You mean those trains that operate from London to Buckinghamshire, via Derby?

Siemens does appear to be stretched at the moment, so it makes sense. I wonder, however, if there was a little 'nudge' from Government to ask them to do this - to make it easier to pick Bombardier without controversy.

Not that I'm saying Bombardier will definitely get the contract, but it must be pretty likely.

Without sounding too cynical I do agree with you. On one hand we know Siemens is working almost at full capacity at the moment - wasn't it said that the 350s were doo-able on Siemens part by spare production slots? - On the other, the Thameslink 'battle' between the media & MPs vs. the Government & DfT probably have grinded certain people down a fair bit (even though we know that the Siemens bid was always going to be the better bid!), especially from the 'Buy British / British Jobs' campaign, and... as we know how keen certain ministers are to get Hitachi into the country and keep it here. What I also wonder too though, surely the 'very informed' Mr Crow should and would realise that if Hitachi wins, it too could put the final steak into the beloved 'Litchurch Lane'?

As for the S Stock, while they do seem to be holding up slightly better than an electrostar, I still wasn't impressed with the unit I had last weekend - complete with true Derby workmanship, bits of interior panel joining trim hanging off already and trademark dirty panels.

 

[Muzer]

Hmm. Perhaps it's just the breath of fresh air getting on one with the air-con after having been on hot and smelly other stock all day clouding my judgement.

 

[bronzeonion]

Would like to see Hitachi get this as long they offer something sensible, I'd also like to see Bombardier get it obviously to keep Derby going but I dont like the look of the Aventra

 

[jon0844]

I still wasn't impressed with the unit I had last weekend - complete with true Derby workmanship, bits of interior panel joining trim hanging off already and trademark dirty panels.

Surely this is a sign of extremely bad design, given panels are designed to be taken off and put back on.. yet from the Victoria Line stock, it's clear that doing so causes the rubber edging/trim to fall loose.. as well as picking up dirt so it looks filthy in a matter of weeks.

It's such a shame if the S Stock are going to be the same, but hardly surprising.

 

[Class377/5]

Southern order may have gone quiet but i think it is still happening just not much progress at the moment.

Its gone dead. Now with the deal signed with Siemens there isn't actually the need as much for the units.

 

[Monty]

Responding to the announcement, Bob Crow, general secretary of rail union RMT said: "This is basically Siemens running up the white flag and admitting that if the dice aren't well and truly loaded in their favour, then they aren't interested."

"There is now no excuse for the Crossrail fleet not to be built in Britain, guaranteeing the future of train building in the nation that gave the railways to the world."

Christ he comes out with some truly cringeworthy statements sometimes, does he ever bother to engage brain before speaking? I'm often feel embarrassed when I remember he is the general secretary of the Union I am a member of.