What's the latest on ECML additional services?

[yorkie]

Anyone know what's happening on the ECML? Originally Class 90s and Mk3s were proposed, but now NXEC is proposing trains of half that length formed of 180s.

The DfT doesn't like 180s and won't tolerate them on the WCML, so surely they are going to object to them on the ECML?

The DfT objected very strongly about the prospect of 180s on the WCML "...a 5-car train is a very inefficient use of very limited capacity on the WCML" and more can be found here.

Obviously the DfT is powerless to prevent open access operator Hull Trains using valuable capacity in an efficient way by running very short trains on the ECML, but surely they can stop NXEC persuing this ludicrous policy?

 

[rail-britain]

The Mark 3 coaches have already been chosen and inspected, conversion work should take place shortly; looks everything is proceeding as planned

 

[yorkie]

The Mark 3 coaches have already been chosen and inspected, conversion work should take place shortly; looks everything is proceeding as planned

So common sense prevailed?

Whose being lumbered with the crappy 180s then?

 

[First ScotRail]

So whats happening with the 180s due to go to NX from northern in 2010?

 

[adc82140]

Well the sensible thing would be to get them back to FGW to sort out the capacity issues in the Thames Valley. But DfT probably have other ideas.

 

[rail-britain]

Whose being lumbered with the crappy 180s then?

Quite a lot can happen in the next 18 months, the units can then go back to RoSCo and some other unfortunate TOC can be offered them
As far as I am aware they will eventually end up at NXEC
The Mark 3a and Mark 3b coaches are only a temporary solution
The Mark 3a coaches in storage now have excessive miles on them, so they are getting nothing more than a repaint and internal refurb to see them through for about 2 years

 

[theblackwatch]

The Mark 3a coaches in storage now have excessive miles on them, so they are getting nothing more than a repaint and internal refurb to see them through for about 2 years

If they have excessive mileage on them, they'll need more than that for 2 years service - most coaches in regular service have a C4 overhaul (as a minimum) every couple of years, never mind ones with 'excessive mileage'.

 

[glynn80]

The 180s still have the possibility of going to Hull Trains to allow the 222s they hold to transfer to EMT for the start of the Corby services (due to start in the December TT change but are being deferred until suitable stock can be found), I hear negotiations are under way with the DfT on acquisition of this stock, another wait and see...

 

[djw1981]

The 180's made more sense IMO.

1. They were proposed for Lincoln and Harrogate (as an extension of York) services - both none electric lines, and both with lower demand than a cl90+8.
2. These services could travel at 125mph max speed (vice a cl90 at 110) and thus aids ease of pathing.
3. with HT their reliability seems better - thus a common maintenance depot at Crofton could lead to higher levels of reliability.

 

[Stonesourscotty]

I Thought HT's 3 where all out of use at the same time the other week?