I suggest you look at the many other threads that discuss the 442s. Please lets not turn this into a thread that regurgitates all the nonsensical fantasy options for the current GatEx units.On the other hand though: New 387s? What's wrong with the 442s, and what will become of them? (Back to SWT, I'd hope!)
I agree, that does seem to be the topic of many fiery discussions, we don't want a flamewar if we can avoid itI suggest you look at the many other threads that discuss the 442s. Please lets not turn this into a thread that regurgitates all the nonsensical fantasy options for the current GatEx units.
Part of the requirement for the franchise, as set out in the Invitiation to Tender, is to "maintain and, where practicable, enhance the Gatwick Express brand".Why have a special livery? Its not like its a different TOC
On the other hand though: New 387s? What's wrong with the 442s, and what will become of them?
Upon seeing it the first that crossed my mind was "how did the Strathclyde PTE get their hands on it"?I wondered where all those orange trains in Glasgow had disappeared to.
Have you been away?
Replacement of the 442s with a new fleet of airport spec trains was announced with the GTR franchise.
I suggest you look at the many other threads that discuss the 442s. Please lets not turn this into a thread that regurgitates all the nonsensical fantasy options for the current GatEx units.
Back on topic, disappointed that the logo isn't being changed. More importantly, I'd like to see an image of the 'designed for airport customers' interior, especially after travelling on a rare 377 GatEx working the other week which was, erm, an experience.
At least on a 377 passengers can get off the train about 3 times faster than a 442.
I'm not at all bothered by the new livery, myself. It'd be nice to see at least one railway in the London area go red again after LUL stopped doing it.
On the other hand though: New 387s? What's wrong with the 442s, and what will become of them? (Back to SWT, I'd hope!)
Its not like its a different TOC
One wonders when the order for these trains is actually going to be announced, would seem to be getting a bit tight for Bombardier to build them in the originally envisaged timescales, or is there going to be a change of plan by Dft?
Part of the requirement for the franchise, as set out in the Invitiation to Tender, is to "maintain and, where practicable, enhance the Gatwick Express brand".
Well I thought about having a little tinker with the Red Devil livery..
http://oi58.tinypic.com/fwsl8o.jpg
In the meantime, I have quickly thrown together what the livery could have looked like on an early 377.
Surely it can take less than 3-4 years between order being placed and trains in service? Don't see any real reason why the lead time has to be so long? Or is the capacity of the manufacturing plant so low?