As many of you will know, the SRA ordered too many trains for SWT and now has decided to put them to use on the WCML.
For the most part, it makes sense. Except - in my opinion - for the Northampton fast services.
Every weekday there are 2 fast services in each direction which must use the fast lines south of Ledburn Junction.
There is a need for them to get between Ledburn Jn and Euston as quickly as possible to avoid delaying 125mph Pendolinos.
Class 321s are banned from the fast lines (except contra-peak) as they use up too much capacity.
I say that the Class 90s + Mk3s that currently operate are more suited to this service than the 12-car desiros that are proposed by the SRA.
Here's some stats:-
90 + 10x Mk3s + DVT
Standard class seats (2+2): 648
First class seats (2+1): 48
Weight: Approx 450 tonnes
Max speed: 110mph
3x4Desiro
Standard class seats (2+2): 606
First class seats (2+2): 72
Weight: approx 510 tonnes
Max speed: 100mph
The new trains are notably heavier, and with fewer seats.
The loss of 2+1 first class seating, and the loss of First Class at the barriers at Euston, is a blow to first class passengers so could cause a decrease in FC passengers, despite the increase in FC seats.
I am not sure about track access charges but modern EMUs/DMUs are nit just heavy but cause more track damage than was previously thought and charges have increased recently to reflect this.
It is much more expensive to lease brand new trains (that must be paid for) than stock that is older and has already been paid for, just needs to be maintained, stored etc.
So, is this change really needed? I believe not. I belive the SRA simply has to find a use for these new trains to avoid an embarrasing repeat of the MML Meridian fiasco.
Comments?
Who will - and who should - foot the bill?
For the most part, it makes sense. Except - in my opinion - for the Northampton fast services.
Every weekday there are 2 fast services in each direction which must use the fast lines south of Ledburn Junction.
There is a need for them to get between Ledburn Jn and Euston as quickly as possible to avoid delaying 125mph Pendolinos.
Class 321s are banned from the fast lines (except contra-peak) as they use up too much capacity.
I say that the Class 90s + Mk3s that currently operate are more suited to this service than the 12-car desiros that are proposed by the SRA.
Here's some stats:-
90 + 10x Mk3s + DVT
Standard class seats (2+2): 648
First class seats (2+1): 48
Weight: Approx 450 tonnes
Max speed: 110mph
3x4Desiro
Standard class seats (2+2): 606
First class seats (2+2): 72
Weight: approx 510 tonnes
Max speed: 100mph
The new trains are notably heavier, and with fewer seats.
The loss of 2+1 first class seating, and the loss of First Class at the barriers at Euston, is a blow to first class passengers so could cause a decrease in FC passengers, despite the increase in FC seats.
I am not sure about track access charges but modern EMUs/DMUs are nit just heavy but cause more track damage than was previously thought and charges have increased recently to reflect this.
It is much more expensive to lease brand new trains (that must be paid for) than stock that is older and has already been paid for, just needs to be maintained, stored etc.
So, is this change really needed? I believe not. I belive the SRA simply has to find a use for these new trains to avoid an embarrasing repeat of the MML Meridian fiasco.
Comments?
Who will - and who should - foot the bill?