It's rumoured that TPE Mk5a sets to be scrapped due to cracks

[61653 HTAFC]

They're very little use for European operations, as they're too small. A narrow gauge country like Thailand might be interested though, they'd have to swap the bogies and add some sort of steps but the bodies are about the same size - after all they have some Class 158s!

The high floor is probably a bigger problem for many places than the overall lack of width. If they were to be sent overseas, is Ireland still seeking additional rolling stock? Like Thailand they'd need to replace the bogies and/or wheelsets, but the platform-train interface would be suitable.

 

[Spartacus]

If they were going 'abroad' I'd be more inclined to think they'd go to TfW for their long distance services. Certainly seem more sensible than Mk4s!

 

[D6130]

If they were going 'abroad' I'd be more inclined to think they'd go to TfW for their long distance services. Certainly seem more sensible than Mk4s!

But much rougher riding....and how would they manage the dining service?

 

[RobShipway]

Admittedly strange suggestion, but if the XC HST sets are going could the MK5A's be used by XC working with class 93 & 68 loco's instead, if TPE are to be getting rid of the MK5A's?

 

[gordonthemoron]

Perhaps NSW would be interested? They’ve got a load of new CAF units that they still haven’t started using

 

[Snow1964]

My hunch is the periodic scrapping rumours came from someone who heard will no longer be working a specific route.

I tend to look at this in context. TPE probably have too much stock, although with some 3car trains that really need to be longer and regular cancellations they might actually have correct amount, but just not utilising it.

So I tend to wonder if something is moving to another operator.
LNER were looking in 2019 for about 10-15 trains (that went on hold during pandemic, so would they take 802s ?). GWR are desperately short in South West, but they could probably use the mk5s to replace the old castle HST workings, so their IET fleet is not overstretched.

Lets be honest if a piece of metal is deemed weak and prone to cracking, normal solution is to bolt a strengthening plate to it, (or weld one on, although that isn't always easy if delicate electronic equipment needs to be removed), not to scrap the whole vehicle.

 

[LittleAH]

Someone has got the wrong end of the stick in terms of scrapping them. What I’ve heard is that they will be leaving TPE come December.

 

[Speed43125]

My hunch is the periodic scrapping rumours came from someone who heard will no longer be working a specific route.

I tend to look at this in context. TPE probably have too much stock, although with some 3car trains that really need to be longer and regular cancellations they might actually have correct amount, but just not utilising it.

So I tend to wonder if something is moving to another operator.
LNER were looking in 2019 for about 10-15 trains (that went on hold during pandemic, so would they take 802s ?). GWR are desperately short in South West, but they could probably use the mk5s to replace the old castle HST workings, so their IET fleet is not overstretched.

Lets be honest if a piece of metal is deemed weak and prone to cracking, normal solution is to bolt a strengthening plate to it, (or weld one on, although that isn't always easy if delicate electronic equipment needs to be removed), not to scrap the whole vehicle.

The LNER tender was allegedly won by CAF for new trains (presumable 397 esque), but thats gone all quiet and I presume funding has become an issue.
I'm with you though that scrapping is presumably a misunderstanding of 'withdrawn' either from the TOC entirely, or as you say, from a particular route.