Taking it bit by bit from tender spec
The Chiltern Railway Company Limited ("Chiltern"), is seeking proposals from established rolling stock owners for the leasing and associated maintenance services of between 25 and 70 of their existing vehicles to operate intercity and regional services on the Chiltern Main line.
So only the longer distance services
The vehicles are expected to have the following characteristics: • Comprised of either self-powered multiple units or coaching vehicles that can be hauled by locomotive; • Be able to be utilised in fixed formations of between 5 and 6 passenger vehicles or sub-multiples of;
Fixed formations, so pairs of 3car units are unlikely, and suggests to me would expect it to be gangwayed throughout, otherwise would give option of two short formations capable of being coupled. Although something like a surplus 5car voyager would meet this
• Capable of operating at 100mph; • (in relation to driving vehicles) fitted with the TPWS Mark 4 protection system (this is a requirement of the Chiltern Main Line); • Have power operated centrally-locked doors;
100mph rules out sprinters, but will have to bow to others which version of TPWS various stock is fitted with
• Compliant with accessibility legislation; • Compatible with the existing infrastructure on the Chiltern Main Line;
So no modifications to platforms or ramp positions
• Offer passengers a high-level of on-board comfort including full HVAC systems, on-board CCTV and real-time passenger information;
Most stock built in last 25 years has this anyway
• Deliver a reduction in ambient noise compared to the rolling stock that operates Chiltern's existing London to Birmingham services (Class 68 locomotive and MKIII coaches).
So 68s need new exhaust silencers (which are probably desirable anyway)
• Any diesel-powered solutions shall be compatible with alternative fuels, such as HVO, from the service introduction date. The above is not an exhaustive list of Chiltern's requirements and further information will be provided in the procurement documentation.
Shouldn't be a problem
The rolling stock proposed shall be available to support a driver training programme within 2024 and available to enter passenger service by early 2025.
So something that isn't available in 2024 for training, or for full service in 2025 because might still be needed elsewhere isn't an option
The vehicles (including provision of a locomotive where a locomotive and coaches option is proposed) will be leased by Chiltern will an expected lease duration of between 3 and 12 years.
12 years from 2025 is 2037, assuming a nominal 35 year life effectively rules out anything built before 2002. Although maybe could stretch that a bit
The Chiltern Railway Company Limited ("Chiltern"), is seeking proposals from established rolling sto... A Utilities Contract Notice by Chiltern Railway. Value 300M.
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