Wait, how many engines are out on a typical run? And how do handle the notorious Devon banks without all engines?
End doors are hardly likely to go well on the likes of the Castlefield corridor or elsewhere on the intensely operated UK rialway system.
Assuming this is accurate, it makes sense - TPE already has CAF trains (the 397s), reports have been around that Hitachi has massively upped their charges, and with the LNER order recently CAF already has a design that would be very close to what TPE would need/want
is the 395 not superceded by the 80x?
Well the switch to end doors and, on longer units, the dilution of the Shinkansen practice of virtually all axles being motored is a bit of an issue in that regard!
No its just a guess based on the fact how CAF pays the Tory party millions.
Corruption just corruption. Its well known that CAF is paying the Tory government millions.
Have you got some sort of axe to grind against CAF as a company?
Party / Government. Two very different things - one of which (especially if “well known”) would almost certainly result in any award being null and void.
Other manufacturers give to other parties. What makes this so different I wonder.
See this thread. Other manufacturers have made donations but nowhere near the monetary value as CAF have donated.
If the issue is about the interior, that can change. If I had the choice of picking the type of carriage I would travel on, it would always be a 185 from today’s interiors, but that is to be refurbished and it might mean my opinion changes.
The ride quality isn't too bad either, in my opinion, certainly better than other CAF models I've been on.
The seating could be better (as could a lot of train seating in general) but my sole experience with 397s was a pleasant one, and my friend who frequently travels on them is quite fond of them as well. They're certainly better than the 802 fleet, and TPE already have a relationship with CAF and can just as easily procure some bi-mode/tri-mode Civity stock. That's why I believe that CAF are the likely bidders if selecting a tri-mode unit since the only other option is the more expensive (albeit higher quality) Stadler fleet.
While I am a big fan of the Stadler fleets I've been on in the UK, and mostly in other countries as well, there are at least 3 companies that could offer a trimode, and probably more that could design one:
I didn't realise Hitachi offered tri-mode units beyond concepts, but a quick Google points me to a fleet for Trenitalia being able to run on batteries, albeit only under 100km/h (equivalent to 60mph). I still think CAF are the likeliest option though seeing as LNER chose them for their future fleet. It'd be a natural follow-on order seeing as both LNER and TPE are under OLR operations.
I fully agree CAF is a likely contender for various reasons.
There is a forum page on it: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/caf-donations-to-the-conservative-party.257471/page-2
For a bi-mode criteria it could be, but if opting for tri-mode a 756-based design would be the preferred option if Stadler was the selected bidder.
Hitachi don't seem Interested. LUMO and Grand Union have both tried ordering new or additional units/ carriages and Hitach quoting stupid high prices. I heard Grabd Union wanted to order additional 805s on the back of Avanti's order
