What will replace the Class 456's on Southern?

[Class377/5]

The reasoning given for removal of SN from Charing Cross predates the London Bridge work by quite a few years, it was allegedly done to make room for revised SE services according to the SN 2008 franchise spec.

Besides, the layout changes going on now don't actually allow for SN to serve the through platforms without massive crossing conflicts - the whole point of the new layout is to avoid flat crossings. So I can't see it ever changing back again.

I expect you've heard rumours generated by those who disagree with the earlier decision. I can't find anything in the relevant RUSs or franchise specs that points to it being a temporary change. Indeed Charing Cross isn't even mentioned in the TSGN consultation...

Very true. The future track layout means the 'Southern' services can't reach Charing Cross as only Thameslink will have the ability to reach there but it will require abandoning the Thameslink timetable to do so. So unless there an emergency they won't ever do that.

 

[bicbasher]

Considering those stations which were served by Charing Cross Southern metro stoppers during evenings and Sundays have at least 12tph (6tph at Penge West and Anerley) of which eight are on the ELL, it negates the necessity for a service to Charing Cross as passengers by now have changed their travelling patterns either changing at London Bridge or the more likely Canada Water for the Jubilee line.

Daytime off-peak services I remember over the years when Connex/Southern operated out of Charing Cross included Reigate, Tonbridge via Redhill, Horsham and finally Tattenham Corner. I think Metro lost it's daytime service to Charing Cross when 6tph was introduced on the Sydenham slow to improve reliability?

 

[456]

we know the 458's are taking over the Hounslow loop line and Windsor line and 450's running the reading line. will the 450's still run the Weybridge service?

 

[swt_passenger]

We also know that the Weybridge line is included in the Windsor side 10 car project, as always stated by SWT:

Services from Windsor, Weybridge (via Staines,) and Hounslow (via both Richmond and Brentford) will be lengthened...

{and lower down the article in the editors notes section}

• The additional carriages will enable trains on the following routes to be lengthened from 8 to 10 cars:
o Waterloo-Windsor & Eton (Riverside),
o Waterloo-Weybridge via Brentford and Staines,
o Waterloo-Hounslow via both Richmond and Brentford.

http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/extracapacity.aspx

 

[456]

We also know that the Weybridge line is included in the Windsor side 10 car project, as always stated by SWT:

if that's the case do they plan to extend the platforms at Isleworth, sunnymeads and datchet

 

[jopsuk]

Quieter stations won't be extended; the trains are being fitted with Automatic Selective Door Operation so that only the doors at the platforms will open.
Most of your questions will be answered here

 

[swt_passenger]

if that's the case do they plan to extend the platforms at Isleworth, sunnymeads and datchet

As jopsuk has pointed out, no they don't. As well as the overview on the SWT website, if you want a more detailed explanation of what is happening I'd recommend reading the latest update to the NR CP4 enhancements delivery plan. Starting on page 112 it describes the entire SWT situation, where ASDO will be used, and which particular platforms will be extended, station by station:

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/publications/deliveryplan/Control-Period-4/Delivery-Plan-update-2012/

Last link there is the June 2013 situation...