It was a one off, that service is back to being an Azuma again todayThe service to Glasgow last night was a 91 . It had seat reservations tickets , so were they using Azuma numbers or was it planned? Was 9119 too.
Currently sat on one to York. Probably going over old ground here, so sorry if I am - but I completely fail to understand why stock that, from a passenger perspective, is so far superior to an Azuma is being scrapped so quickly and withdrawn from service. Surely new stock should be focussed on routes that actually need capacity first. Pacers are only just being withdrawn, and look what a state they’re in. That’s not right, but it’s hard to believe the mark 4s are being withdrawn at the same time.
Why is it taking LNER so long to get the Azumas in full operation when TPE seemingly got their new stock up and running overnight?
I think most people would argue the opposite, TPE only have a handful of new trains in traffic and that’s months after they were planned to be in.
The TPE Fleet cascade has been a disaster zone, the LNER cascade is steady.
I really have no idea (I don't work in the rail industry and am not the right sort of engineer to understand these things) but I doubt they are in 'such bad nick' that they need to be withdrawn given that:Are they really in such bad nick structurally, some of them at least?
The IC225s are only around 30 years old, so round about 'life expired' for a diesel but not for an electric
Not sure about the Mk4 rolling stock, but the Class 91s were quoted at manufacture as having a 30-35 year expected lifespan. Since then they haven't been known for outstanding reliability...
Even if the Class 91s were replaced with new electric locomotives, the Mk4s would only be suitable for another 15 years. Your dislike of the Class 801s is known, but were clearly enough advantages identified.
I completely fail to understand why stock that, from a passenger perspective, is so far superior to an Azuma is being scrapped so quickly and withdrawn from service.
Bingo. Got it in one.Standard fleet helps. But I suspect lobbying to keep the factory open also had a lot to do with it.
Er, so is that in comparison to the ECML fleet that IS the IEP project?It also helps that the introduction of the Class 802s draws on the experience of the IEP project.
As other posters said refurbished mk4s with new loco(s) was considered by virgin prior to ordering the 801s
How anyone without blinkers on can say the Azumas are superior to the present Mk4s is laughable. With the current rip-off Britain train prices we have you'd surely expect a step UP in quality instead of an ironing board as the back of a seat?
Er, so is that in comparison to the ECML fleet that IS the IEP project?
Yes that makes more sense, there have been reports about GWR assisting with training etc.Sorry, I was a bit vague in my original wording; I imagine that the introduction of Class 802s under TPE can draw on First's experience with their GWR fleets. Whereas the CAF rolling stock is completely new to First Group.
How anyone without blinkers on can say the Azumas are superior to the present Mk4s is laughable. With the current rip-off Britain train prices we have you'd surely expect a step UP in quality instead of an ironing board as the back of a seat?
Those are the TfW sets which are currently at Crewe. It will be a DVT on the end and when they are running it's a 67 providing power. 3 sets will be with TfW eventually.Passing southbound through Crewe yesterday at about 1300 on a 390, I thought I saw a half set of a class 91 and mk4s in LNER livery opposite Basford Hall parked up with a shunter on front.Couldn't tell if it was a power car 91 or DVT .Any info would be appreciated, thanks x
As one of the crew said to me. These are commuter trains not long distance.Must agree. Operationally the IEPs have benefits, but from a user’s point of view even being charitable they’re nothing special. The interiors in the Mk4s are massively superior IMO.
Must agree. Operationally the IEPs have benefits, but from a user’s point of view even being charitable they’re nothing special. The interiors in the Mk4s are massively superior IMO.
117 was withdrawn back in September and is now owned by Europhoenix - see this thread.Are 91114 and 91117 still expected to be withdrawn at the end of this month?
Set BN20Does anyone know the BN and stock of today's 5Z,91 withdrawal move? Thanks