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It seems CAF now have a non-articulated bi-mode DEMU in their portfolio. Could we see this as a follow on when the Sprinters are replaced?
Blackpool - Buxton, and Manchester - Barrow/Windermere would be two routes something like this would be perfect for...
It seems CAF is now offering a bi-mode option based on their bogied DMUs (previously offered on their continental articulated EMUs).
Could we be seeing them providing 397s and a bi-mode based on a 397 for First/Trenitalia...
Latest issue of Modern Railways states that it will be 13 five-car Bi modes and 10 five-car EMUs. My money would be on Hitachi for both giving you the option of mixing the two fleets to split at Crewe/Preston but only using one path. However, Roger Ford says the new EMUs are assumed to be CAF...
That's really interesting and great to get a report first hand of the experience. I also wanted a photograph of them in service as there is something attractive in how ugly they are. I guess it's a trip to Italy at some point once they prove more reliable than when they worked Fyra!
Livery and plans changed again as the ETR700 are now destined for Silver Arrow services in Italy instead of Red Arrow high speed...
(that means these trains have had 4 livery variations and as yet haven't gone into squadron service!)
The Eurostar 373 power cars were updated from the external design of the Class 93 (The insides were TGV tech). It's covered in the InterCity book.
I've always wondered how good a representation you could get in model form with a Hornby 373 and a MkIV rake (plus filler!)
There was a comment in Today's Railways last month (page 7) which said Porterbrook are looking into the potential of a Flex 377 for Marshlink and Uckfield freeing up more 170s.
There was a comment in Today's Railways last month (page 7) that said Porterbrook are looking at making Flex units from 377s. This would be an interesting option for Uckfield and Marshlink freeing up yet more 170s.
I guess they'll be able to work in pairs so capacity gains come from having over 100 potential 321 conversions as opposed to the shortage of DMUs at the moment. It's an interesting idea at least and something to utilise the Renatus 321s.
Looks like Alstom is progressing ahead with the conversion. Let's hope it's a smoother process than the 319 Flex. It does seem a little counterproductive that they've removed a trailer car (I assume for performance) and the front 1/3 on the driving trailers is taken up by the hydrogen tanks. So...