Hi I have always wondered why VT had both class 90s and 86/87s and both mk2 and mk3 inherited from BR for its west coast operations instead of 90s and mk3s which were the newer design. Were only some train services replaced by 90s and mk3s? I think 90s and mk3s were built in the '80s?
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junglejames
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The WCML never received enough 90s to replace 86s and 87s. Remember a lot went to the freight sector.
Also, there couldnt have been enough loco hauled Mk3s built to fully replace Mk2s.
Not sure when the loco hauled Mk3s were built, but Mk3 construction started in the 70s.
Also, there couldnt have been enough loco hauled Mk3s built to fully replace Mk2s.
Not sure when the loco hauled Mk3s were built, but Mk3 construction started in the 70s.
The 90s (and Mk III DVTs) were built to replace all the class 81-85s that were still in service in the late 80s. When ordered, the 90s were classified 87/2, although they were 90s by the time they entered service.
Mk III coaching stock was first introduced in 1974 on the WCML; there was another build (Mk IIIb) in the mid-80s to replace the remaining non-air conditioned stock on the WCML. Most of this is still in use on the London-Norwich route today.
To be honest, as far as the passenger was concerned, the only difference between the air conditioned MkII stock and the MkIIIs was that the MkIIs were 3m shorter and had tread brakes which made quite a noise when used. This was of course helpful as it woke you up when approaching your stop, particularly on a Friday after a few shandies.
Mk III coaching stock was first introduced in 1974 on the WCML; there was another build (Mk IIIb) in the mid-80s to replace the remaining non-air conditioned stock on the WCML. Most of this is still in use on the London-Norwich route today.
To be honest, as far as the passenger was concerned, the only difference between the air conditioned MkII stock and the MkIIIs was that the MkIIs were 3m shorter and had tread brakes which made quite a noise when used. This was of course helpful as it woke you up when approaching your stop, particularly on a Friday after a few shandies.
Dreadnought
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My understanding was that the 90s were all originally destined for InterCity but due to (I think) financial issues they only ended up with 15 and the remainder went to Parcels and Railfreight instead. This was why at least 16, 17 & 18 were in IC livery for a while.
I seem to recall as well that at one point a deal was proposed to swap 2 86s per 90 but was rejected was FL.
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