DarloRich
Veteran Member
Though it is up to interpretation.
Yes, it is open to interpretation. it could just as easily mean Derby to Leicester which is much more likely in my mind.
Though it is up to interpretation.
I don't know about this, certaintly Stagecoach were running all three mainlines north of London (WCML, MML and ECML) for a while so it's hardly unheard of but would be nice if they had thought to put such a clause in.I would also have thought that there would be some kind of clause in the franchise agreement to ensure that there isn't an abuse of market power resulting from the fact that passengers from as far afield as Hereford and Sheffield will now have the same parent company flogging tickets to London, and in particular for places like Burton-upon-Trent or Derby where the option is, broadly speaking, now going to be Abellio (WMT) or Abellio (EMR)! I wonder if a similar sort of clause was inserted when FirstGroup got SWR?
That would be more sensible than all the way to Sheffield. One can hope.
Yes, it is open to interpretation. it could just as easily mean Derby to Leicester which is much more likely in my mind.
Given that the two trial trains on the market at the moment are a Class 230 derivative (not suitable at all) or a Class 321 derivative (not suitable for the MML proper, but perfectly fine for Corby) that would seem likely to be the case.
Ah alright, worry averted. These last few years has made me automatically think the most unlikely scenarios are most likely.
The route specific details are now on the DfT website.
Confirms Liverpool to Nottingham transferring away from this franchise. Service reworked as Derby to Norwich.
Also mentions for Nottingham:
So a stop-gap measure to replace or supplement HSTs is on the way, or perhaps a reshuffle of the Meridians?
- from May 2020, modern diesel trains will replace some aging HSTs.
- brand-new 125mph trains will be introduced into service from April 2022
Same message for Sheffield - London. Surely there aren't going to be enough 222s released from Corby for that?
Crewe to Derby services are also extended to Nottingham. Looks much more conservative than previous Abellio franchise bids.
And 769001 from Porterbrook as a thirdGiven that the two trial trains on the market at the moment are a Class 230 derivative (not suitable at all) or a Class 321 derivative (not suitable for the MML proper, but perfectly fine for Corby) that would seem likely to be the case.
Is it just me or is the announcement also a bit cagey about the "new intercity fleet"? Previously they've been very big on talking about bi-modes in relation to that so it seems odd that they've suddenly removed that language from their lexicon. Though I see the DfT has taken even further leave of its senses and requires a hydrogen fuel cell trial to be undertaken. Also no word on Liverpool - Norwich as yet! I guess that may have to wait for more detail (which is another departure from the past when we used to get shiny info-graphics and maps with details).
Definitely seems like they'll be keeping some of the current fleet doesn't it? I would assume that the 156s and 158s will be staying (hopefully refurbished!) and I bet these hydrogen fuel cell trains are going to be for 153 replacement.
The recent RSSB and ImechE Hydrogen work rules it out for anything above 75mph and long range hence I'd expect MML stopping service somewhere as other have already said.Hydrogen trial is to do with the Midland Main Line, so one assumes Intercity stuff.
The route specific details are now on the DfT website.
Confirms Liverpool to Nottingham transferring away from this franchise. Service reworked as Derby to Norwich.
CorbySome concerns that spring to mind:
- What sort of fleet will be available for the Corby service, particularly if 12 car and therefore likely to be lashed up from 4 car units (and therefore not a proper Intercity service).
- Why are we seeing so many more services between Derby and Nottingham that have to make a reversal. Is it not the case that the Matlock, new Derby - Norwich and half-hourly Cross Country is enough for this market place and therefore enough before we stuff in more paths and add points for punctuality loss?
- This talk of Nottingham getting an extra service to Kettering (I assume to make the stopping service half-hourly) is probably to connect into the Corby electrics. But what does that do for the existing fast Nottingham?
I suspect that will tie in with the Corby electrification, freeing up 3 x 222s to replace the 3 x Angel HST sets, leaving the full sized HSTs to soldier on for a few more years.I think that is why for Nottingham it says replace 'Some' HSTs. Sounds like they are accepting the HSTs will have to continue.
So does that pretty much confirm the future of the remaining Class 185s then, assuming the Irish don't get there first?
Corby
350/2 or 379s
Indeed but gangway connections would be useful to aid ticket checks. With OHLE upgrades south of Bedford 110mph EMUs are sensibleOr 360s, of course? They only need to be 100mph.
Indeed but gangway connections would be useful to aid ticket checks. With OHLE upgrades south of Bedford 110mph EMUs are sensible
- What sort of fleet will be available for the Corby service, particularly if 12 car and therefore likely to be lashed up from 4 car units (and therefore not a proper Intercity service).