I do wonder if, on the pre-pandemic thinking, the idea was that the LTS would not be their forever-home? That the 357s were first introduced 22 years ago, and thoughts may turn to replacing them say 2030 onwards, at which point it may have been though that GA could do with a fleet expansion using some identical units if a single (larger) LTS fleet were ordered to replace both classes?
Unfortunately it wasn't so - c2c got them cheap as they are the same production run (and hence identical) to the GA batch.
If commuting doesn't return they will be surplus to requirements along with a fair few of their GA sisters.
c2c already has a shortage of units with commuting as it is now, and the question has already been asked if enough 720s were ordered.
No - the main difference is running 8 cars during the day instead of 4.
If that was the case, GA would have scaled back the 720/1 order when they amended it last year surely…
Why are we obsessed with dumping 357s? There are still older EMUs out there that should be replaced first.
Why does this same line get trotted out every single time.
They have relatively new seat covers already (which clash a bit with the rest of the decor).
Having used 357s reasonably regularly they aren't in bad shape interior-wise (except for regularly locked out toilets). The exteriors look a bit tired with some hints of corrosion. My big concern, given the apparent prevalence of failed trains based on my own, very possibly non-representative, sample would be the mechanical side of things.
Except contractually I doubt GA could cancel part of the order. If c2c needed more units and GA less units in the interim it would be more likely that GA might loan c2c a few of their Class 720s.
There would likely be a clause somewhere, as there was to amend the order. Regardless, passenger numbers are increasing enough that GA needs more 10 car units than 5 at the moment, and will likely need so for the foreseeable future.
Went past me when l was waiting for a train at Grays. TY.
More likely that it is envisaged that they won't stay longer term but will go to GA (the hand of DfT perhaps?) and C2C will have a completely new homogeneous fleet.
Might have been DfTs long term plan at time of ordering, but much has changed regarding commuting and leisure traffic levels since.
You may be right. It's interesting that the 720s have been tested through Grays (l saw one a couple of weekends ago). The 387s never ran that way.
I think the 387s did actually do test runs on the loop line so that they can be sent round there in the event the mainline becomes blocked somewhere between Upminster and Pitsea. That way they’re not blocking the line and can get people home.
