It is often noted in these forums that class XXX is not suitable for cascade to route YYYY to ZZZZ because class XXX would not be permitted to run at the full permissable speed to the route due to the full speed being an SP (Sprinter, although Turbostars are permitted to use them) differential. Given that they are expected to replace Sprinters and/or Turbostars, I had expected the new CAF Civity (class 195/196/197) and Stadler FLIRT (class 755) units to be designed to be compliant with 'Sprinter' specifications and permitted to run at SP linespeeds. However, the latest PDF downloads of the Sectional Appendix from network Rail do not list the class 755 or 195, so presumably they are limited to loco-haul and MU limits.
Are we likely to see any new stock that is able to run at SP speeds or is the regional network likely to see a slowdown as first Sprinters and then Turbostars are withdrawn?
Are we likely to see any new stock that is able to run at SP speeds or is the regional network likely to see a slowdown as first Sprinters and then Turbostars are withdrawn?