Hi there.
I will be sad to see the HSTs mostly go from the GW mainline but on the other hand am quite excited to be seeing Class 800/801 trains replacing them. Loads on discussions about the pros/cons for many months, but what has not been clear till fairly recently is what will be replacing the bulk of the Class 165/166 trains...
I think it's a great decision to get the Class 387s in even if they are second-hand - modern comfortable 110mph stock which should provide a big step change in terms of performance and timings. What I'm not so sure about is the plan to bring in 20yr old Class 365s - non ac stock that needs to be refurbished. Yes they too will provide a step change in performance, but why not just have one stock type?
I guess it all boils down to cost - but to maintain 2 types vs one will increase costs, and with the 365s having a lower top speed surely this would impact stock-route interchangeability?
I will be sad to see the HSTs mostly go from the GW mainline but on the other hand am quite excited to be seeing Class 800/801 trains replacing them. Loads on discussions about the pros/cons for many months, but what has not been clear till fairly recently is what will be replacing the bulk of the Class 165/166 trains...
I think it's a great decision to get the Class 387s in even if they are second-hand - modern comfortable 110mph stock which should provide a big step change in terms of performance and timings. What I'm not so sure about is the plan to bring in 20yr old Class 365s - non ac stock that needs to be refurbished. Yes they too will provide a step change in performance, but why not just have one stock type?
I guess it all boils down to cost - but to maintain 2 types vs one will increase costs, and with the 365s having a lower top speed surely this would impact stock-route interchangeability?