Uses for ex-Grand Central Mk4s?

[ABB125]

I know for a fact that XC’s supposed interest is not real

So why would interest have been reported?

 

[4-SUB 4732]

So why would interest have been reported?

Some folk just like to stir the pot...

 

[Anonymous10]

What would they use them for?

That wasn't stated, but I'd imagine they would be used on more Cardiff-North Wales services.

always also the possibility depending on clearance of taking on some of the tfw services from Swansea/Carmarthen to Manchester Piccadilly i doubt they would do Milford haven to Manchester Piccadilly but always a chance

 

[The Planner]

I know for a fact that XC’s supposed interest is not real

Indeed, platform end wibble.

 

[CW2]

Given unlimited resources, I'm sure there is a TfW Express inter-regional timetable waiting to be written involving:

• Manchester - Crewe - Cardiff
• Liverpool - Crewe - Cardiff
• Manchester - Chester - Wrexham - Cardiff
• Liverpool- Chester - Wrexham - Cardiff
• Manchester - Chester - Bangor - Holyhead
• Liverpool - Chester - Bangor - Holyhead
• Crewe - Chester - Holyhead

Suitable extensions from Cardiff to Swansea / West Wales as resources permit.

That would be an excellent use for the GC Mk4s - and a few more sets besides.

 

[JonathanH]

Transport for Wales has also shown an interest if XC doesn't want them. I think this was reported in this month's Modern Railways though I've now recycled it so can't check.

That really would be folly and just getting unnecessarily deeper into the vanity project that is the use of locomotive hauled stock on the Welsh network. Wouldn't this just be more of an unnecessary drain on the Welsh taxpayer?

Given unlimited resources, I'm sure there is a TfW Express inter-regional timetable waiting to be written involving:

• Manchester - Chester - Wrexham - Cardiff
• Manchester - Chester - Bangor - Holyhead

That would be an excellent use for the GC Mk4s - and a few more sets besides.

The "unlimited resources" would need to include more platform capacity in Manchester as discussed in numerous other threads.

 

[tetudo boy]

Some folk just like to stir the pot...

But how do you know that this is fake?

 

[Energy]

But how do you know that this is fake?

Why would they be interested? All their routes have diesel sections and loco hauled won't be able to match the voyager timings, HST replacement would be possible but XC (well the ROSCO) just spent a load fitting them with tanks and power doors.

 

[popeter45]

What would they use them for?

dont they still plan on launching a first class option on the Swansea-Manchester route?
could do a bit of rebranding and use Mk4's for a few diffrent "TfW Intercity" services and keep the multible units as "TfW Regional" and "TfW Metro"

 

[DB]

Why would they be interested? All their routes have diesel sections and loco hauled won't be able to match the voyager timings, HST replacement would be possible but XC (well the ROSCO) just spent a load fitting them with tanks and power doors.

No diesels available which could come close to HST timing, and Mk4s not cleared for a lot of the usual HST route.

 

[Energy]

dont they still plan on launching a first class option on the Swansea-Manchester route?
could do a bit of rebranding and use Mk4's for a few diffrent "TfW Intercity" services and keep the multible units as "TfW Regional" and "TfW Metro"

I don't think it needs more brands, keep it at TfW and South Wales Metro. I think it would be better to get rid of the mk4s and get more units to replace them, class 197s specially configured to have a mini buffet.

 

[Anonymous10]

Given unlimited resources, I'm sure there is a TfW Express inter-regional timetable waiting to be written involving:

• Manchester - Crewe - Cardiff
• Liverpool - Crewe - Cardiff
• Manchester - Chester - Wrexham - Cardiff
• Liverpool- Chester - Wrexham - Cardiff
• Manchester - Chester - Bangor - Holyhead
• Liverpool - Chester - Bangor - Holyhead
• Crewe - Chester - Holyhead

Suitable extensions from Cardiff to Swansea / West Wales as resources permit.

That would be an excellent use for the GC Mk4s - and a few more sets besides.

i would say the service's would likely go to Swansea but this would be a great use for the mk4s and everyone wins

 

[JonathanH]

This is what network rail want to take pressure off the castle field corridor.

...which will just move the problem to Victoria, that equally has problems with platform occupation, although perhaps not so bad as those on the Castlefield corridor.

Anyway, the point is that the future 197 fleet is much more appropriate for TfW services than the former Grand Central stock, particularly if they are going anywhere where dwell times are important.

 

[typetwos]

57312 taking 82219, 11411, 11403, 11303, 12301, 12478, 12459 & 12201 on 5Q76 07:30 WORKSDREC to NEWPORTDK 15/03/21

 

[JonathanH]

57312 taking 82219, 11411, 11403, 11303, 12301, 12478, 12459 & 12201 on 5Q76 07:30 WORKSDREC to NEWPORTDK 15/03/21

Are any of those actually part of the GC01-GC04 sets?

 

[Mack91]

Are any of those actually part of the GC01-GC04 sets?

No, all the GCxx sets are still at Worksop