Virgin Voyager news

[Crossforth]

If this expires next year then presumably this means there would no longer be a (big) difference between the running costs of XC Voyagers and of XC HSTs?

Dunno, but it probably means their standards will slip even lower :?

 

[MCR247]

HSTs have higher tack access charges though don't they?

 

[tbtc]

HSTs have higher tack access charges though don't they?

Yes, and there are other differences, but the "wet lease" / "dry lease" difference won't be relevant any more

 

[Geezertronic]

Has there been any progression on Bombardier's idea of extending the 220/221/222s with a pantograph carriage? Not heard of anything unless I have missed it?

 

[RobShipway]

I thought the Voyager/Meridian trains all ready had a Carriage were a Pantograph could be placed?

 

[jopsuk]

Nope. You're thinking of most of the post-BR DC EMUs- all bar the 460 have a clearly visible well for the Pantograph, and I think also a ballast lump where the transformer would be.

It is the transformer that means the 22x fleet would require an additional coach- no room on a coach with a diesel engine. I do wonder though if the pantograph coach, if it happens, will be a trailer,- or whether it will have traction motors?

 

[MCR247]

http://rail-news.com/2010/12/03/virgin-eliminate-four-car-voyagers/

 

[swt_passenger]

...Oh and no-ones mentioned this yet, but this is simply a proposition. It may not actually happen and requires DfT to sign it off and give it a go ahead. I personally don't see this going through - DfT don't want changes made with only a year and half left to go, and Virgin don't want to stump up the cash themselves.

:roll: :roll: Good prediction there then...

 

[Pumbaa]

:roll: :roll: Good prediction there then...

Yes I ate humble pie accordingly. VRG are still kicking and screaming for an extension though, and DfT are making it clear that they didn't want VT doing this. Oh well!