TfW potential future rolling stock procurements

[Rail Quest]

Part of the new / future Class 777 trials recently awarded relate to Wrexham-Bidston-(Liverpool Loop). I believe part of one of the workstreams is understanding how the crewing of these works. Could well see Merseyrail stock operating TfW services - but in any event, it is hoped that this solution will allow the older rolling stock to be removed and comparatively soon. Extension to Liverpool is a bonus.

One 777 will be fitted with toilets during the trial too.

The other significant element here for TfW is Chester - if the DC electrification can be removed south of Hooton, this gives greater platform flexibility at Chester (not just limited to Platform 7). Will be interesting to see whether the Merseyrail services (on battery) can go beyond Chester (Warrington/Crewe?)

Reason I mention here is that it obviously could impact on the future TfW fleet - and free up/release existing units if successful.

Brilliant. We can use the released Class 230s on Manchester to Cardiff as the new intercity replacement then

 

[Bletchleyite]

The other significant element here for TfW is Chester - if the DC electrification can be removed south of Hooton, this gives greater platform flexibility at Chester (not just limited to Platform 7). Will be interesting to see whether the Merseyrail services (on battery) can go beyond Chester (Warrington/Crewe?)

Merseyrail need to be very careful not to end up importing delays, though, particularly from Castlefield. Wrexham should be fine though, as should Helsby bay (I assume in conjunction with major housing development at Ince/Elton?)

 

[tutacre]

Brilliant. We can use the released Class 230s on Manchester to Cardiff as the new intercity replacement then

I do wonder whether those 230s could end up on something like the Heart of Wales line - potentially solves the 150/153 issue (for a little while longer, at least).
They'd need a further refurbishment regardless so the spec could be enhanced.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: Yesterday at 11:30 ==

Merseyrail need to be very careful not to end up importing delays, though, particularly from Castlefield. Wrexham should be fine though, as should Helsby bay (I assume in conjunction with major housing development at Ince/Elton?)

Helsby isn't a bay as such, there are 2 x platforms on the Ellesmere Port branch which are lightly used, one of which is bi-directional, but you would probably spin the unit there, if not sending it further to somewhere like Liverpool South Parkway via Frodsham.

 

[Class 323 Fan]

I reckon a batch of 10-15 5 car 80X bi/Tri mode units, with the same amenities as the MK4 offers, either the same or extra comfort than the 197 standard class, than an upgraded version of the “Standard Plus” found on the 197s for First Class. To be maintained by Arriva in Crewe, and then these could work the Manchester to Cardiff/Swansea and Holyhead services and the Holyhead to Cardiff services, in turn allowing more 197s to be released resulting in a capacity uplift.