Polaris

[pt_mad]

Why are the DFT continuing with the Intercity Express Project when they could buy Polaris trains which it is said can be used in push pull electric loco mode, diesel mode or EMU? And they are compatable with MK3 coaches.

Also they can be modified to tilt.

Sounds like the perfect HST/225 replacement :roll:

 

[ainsworth74]

Because it's from a supplier that is completely unproven and more importantly failed to win the contract when it was put out to competitive tender (if CSRE actually bid for it)! Government's can't just pick and choose suppliers on a whim any order for new rolling stock has to be put out for competitive tender.

 

[pt_mad]

Because it's from a supplier that is completely unproven and more importantly failed to win the contract when it was put out to competitive tender (if CSRE actually bid for it)! Government's can't just pick and choose suppliers on a whim any order for new rolling stock has to be put out for competitive tender.

Fair point but sometimes we end up with something unsuitable. Look at the Voyagers and the interiors we ended up with. Not enough space and cramped.

Did they put the Transpennine Manchester - Glasgow on tender or have they just chosen Desiros because they think they will do the job?

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Fair point but sometimes we end up with something unsuitable. Look at the Voyagers and the interiors we ended up with. Not enough space and cramped.
Did they put the Transpennine Manchester - Glasgow on tender or have they just chosen Desiros because they think they will do the job?

This order is piggybacked onto an LM order, and they would not want anything other than more Desiros.

Despite the scorn on here about Voyagers, if Bombardier come up with a viable price to convert them to bi-mode for XC, the design will become attractive to other operators looking for new bi-mode/tilting trains - eg Alliance (also owned by Arriva/DB).

 

[ainsworth74]

Fair point but sometimes we end up with something unsuitable. Look at the Voyagers and the interiors we ended up with. Not enough space and cramped.

Well then you need to ensure you specify exactly what you want in the contract. I don't see how because Bombardier or Siemens or anyone else produced one bad interior means that everything they then produce will be bad if the contract is constructed in the right way.

Did they put the Transpennine Manchester - Glasgow on tender or have they just chosen Desiros because they think they will do the job?

No LM were able to a procure extra 350s without going out to tender as it was seen as a follow on order to the original 350s so they also got enough extra to enable them to temporary sub-lease some units to TPE until TPE can get some purpose built EMUs at which point those 350s will return to LM.

 

[DXMachina]

also..

Desiros work

IEP may or may not work, but is at least based on known working designs from a manufacturer thats made similar products before

Polaris doesn't exist. Its just a photoshopped image from a company of which little is known.

 

[route:oxford]

also..

Desiros work

As do Voyagers.

I've yet to be on a failed one.

 

[pt_mad]

This order is piggybacked onto an LM order, and they would not want anything other than more Desiros.

Despite the scorn on here about Voyagers, if Bombardier come up with a viable price to convert them to bi-mode for XC, the design will become attractive to other operators looking for new bi-mode/tilting trains - eg Alliance (also owned by Arriva/DB).

Does anyone agree that the 222 Meridien Interiors are actually quite nice. Shame they couldn't refit the Voyagers in this way.