Nym
Established Member
Wasn't just AC. Many, many other problems
Would it? Someone needs to be willing to take it on, and it doesn't look hugely hopeful.It'd be a real shame if a vehicle from a unit holding the world record for 3rd rail traction was just cut-up.
There's probably more of a case for the NRM taking it than for having two production HST power cars, one of which is of minimal historical significance in the overall scheme of things.Would it? Someone needs to be willing to take it on, and it doesn't look hugely hopeful.
alternating current or air conditioning?I hope the AC problem that caused their ultimate demise comes to light. I'm sure it will be good eye rolling material.
Just look at the thumpers (and no doubt the pacers), loads saved, but next to none actually preserved. The bulk of them rotting in sidings and looking thoroughly unloved,
Yeah. EMUs of the EPB generation can be loco hauled quite easily by any air braked loco, and they don't need an electrical supply, but more recent ones are just no good at all. Sad to say, a lot more classes will become extinct in future because they're far beyond the ability of heritage railways to maintain them in working order, and they can't easily be hauled/powered.Spot on.
Then go from those DEMU to contemporary EMU, be it Hap/EPB of very similar cars, or gangwayed Cig/Cep, or the EMU of other regions, they see very very little use, because they are not practical for general preserved railway operations. Sure everyone can cite one set used here and another one there, but none are regular routine use. Then when you go to a 442, you go one step further - power doors and air-con are a whole new ball game to use regularly.
More the pigs have gone to the abattoir.The Axeman cometh...
There's probably more of a case for the NRM taking it than for having two production HST power cars, one of which is of minimal historical significance in the overall scheme of things.
That depends on how one looks at it. As things have turned out, the 442 hasn’t really proved the most successful of rolling stock, unlike the HST which it’s fair to say exceeded all expectations.
I see Alan Williams has mentioned the Portsmouth Line in this month’s MR, I suspect we haven’t heard the end of the express versus suburban saga that’s played out since the 444s were redeployed 15 years ago. What the focus on 442s misses is they weren’t wonderfully popular with users either - what they actually want is the 444s back.
There is a good level of door position prejudice going on. I just don't see what's not to like about something similar to a 350/1 for this sort of service. There is really not a lot wrong with them in Standard.
One complete set (2421), 4 of 5 from one set (2401) and the motor cars of four others scrapped so far.Is it two complete sets or two individual carriages, that have been scrapped so far?
Is there any further use planned for the remaining carriages? (and before anyone says anything I don't mean harebrained ideas for loco haulage, I mean things like target practice for the army, or fire service training etc)One complete set (2421), 4 of 5 from one set (2401) and the motor cars of four others scrapped so far.
The NRM aren't known for their logical decision making - just look at flying moneypit... I'd totally agree that this is worth of a place in the NRM but suspect they filed it under the 'too difficult' category as it's not a kettle.I don't understand why the NRM deacessioned the single driving car from the record-breaking set; it tells a number of stories - the apogee of 'Southern Electric' that the early EMUs in the collection began; in NSE colours, the sectorisation and pre-privatisation era; the importance of improving crashworthiness over the Mark 1-based stock, and the importance of passenger comfort and safety (air-con; power locking doors).
Given the hodge-podge nature of the National Collection, this strikes me as a very odd decision.
Baked bean tins?Is there any further use planned for the remaining carriages? (and before anyone says anything I don't mean harebrained ideas for loco haulage, I mean things like target practice for the army, or fire service training etc)