If extra sets are required, then order extra "231s" with the 25kV option enabled from new, which then enables the existing 231s to go through retro-fit. Single order with one supplier, which is easier to manage.
They could even be called Class 756s!
Except they are not tri-mode. 755/5 would probably be more appropriate.
+
Converting 231s says to me that TfW intend to order more 197s ,or something else other than Flirts, unfortunately.
Isn't this all just speculation?
Yes, I think we are in danger of drifting off into speculation.
Going back to the Modern Railways article: the decision is precipitated by the fact that TfW have an option to do this work as part of the contract to buy the 231s. An "option" most likely includes some kind of pre-agreed pricing deal - whilst Stadler will almost certainly be happy to do the work without the option, it'll probably be more expensive in the future, and may also be on a longer lead time. So the TfW board are being advised whether to "exercise the option" and do the work at the preferential price, or to let the option expire.
Greater Anglia's spares will be needed in the future
What a blessing to be free from that horrendous Joanna Page style voice!
5 diagrams now, one finishing at Barry and another stars there in the mornings as well as 3 off Canton and 1 starting in Treherbert.
It wasn't meant to have gone out.....must have been getting bored of sitting at Barry!
The big hurdle to Stadlers on the VOG will be training - as it's Cardiff Mainline (and Carmarthen) crews rather than Valleys, and until now they haven't had any work on them yet.
Id have thought Carmarthen crews as what Is a small depot (i think?) Would need to travel a non insignificant distance to do the training. Sure hope doesn't lead to cancellation "due to resource availability" in West Wales.
That now means that as many 756s have been in service as 231s exist!
Well I hope as more 756s are introduced that freed up 150s/153s can be used to strengthen VoG services in the meantime. Even a 150+153 is better than just a 2 car 150, especially as any plans to increase frequency on the VoG beyond 1tph have been deferred indefinitely.
You'd be surprised, at 70 drivers it's fairly large by TfW standards. That said, they only have a small amount of work over the VOG and I suspect the issue will be fixed by taking that work away in a future timetable change (in favour of route refresh days if necessary) rather than going to the expense of training them all on Stadlers. Time will tell though.
Hopefully, as long as the 756s can come in to service quicker than the 150s run out of miles.
Sorry. But there isn’t remotely any comparison.
How many journeys does it take you to know the location of all the speed limits changes, traffic lights, braking points etc?