Rubbish. The 444 and 450 could easily still be in use in 25 years time. I doubt very much that it will take 6 years for them to be reliveried as well, as they are definitely staying. GWR were in a completely different position, with their future DMU and HST numbers being unconfirmed for a long time...
Whoa, whoa, steady there...
As the older 442s are being brought back then obviously there wouldn't be plans to replace the 444s and 450s in this franchise.
Yes, I do agree the 444s and 450s could be run for another 25 years or more, If I were running the next franchise then this would definitely be the case.
The trusty old 442s are of course not going to the scrapheap just yet that I like to think if the 444s/450s are still running in 20 years time these would be just as reliable as the 442.
We all honestly do not know what will happen in the next franchise, so many possibilities and surprises like the very new 707s suddenly on their way out being replaced by 701s in only two years time, this news did take some people by surprise.
There seems to be a gaggle of TOCs going for brand new trains with thanks to cheap loans so who knows the next SW franchise holder (or FirstGroup if they win again) may do the same by replacing the 158/159/442/444/450s?
Greater Anglia are replacing the Stansted Express Electrostars with new Stadler FLIRTs, these are younger than the 444s/450s.
Given how quickly the 707s are being replaced, far fetched this may sound, say if Stagecoach wins back the next franchise then they could replace the 701s with an improved version of 707s assembled in Siemens' new Yorkshire plant? We really don't know how things will turn out in 2025, will the Queen be alive then?