The evolution of the English language over time

[Strat-tastic]

Indeed. There's no ownership involved.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Moot point as to whether apostrophes should be used when numbers are pluralised. Opinions in style guides seem to differ. Probably fine if used consistently and there is no confusion when used, for example, could be either the 1970s or the 1970's.

Why would an apostrophe be necessary for a simple plural? A Class 142, several Class 142s is surely correct.

Indeed. There's no ownership involved.

Apostrophes can also be used to indicate contractions as well as possession.

Concur with the general consensus that it is not necessary to use an apostrophe simply to show the plural form of most acronyms, initialisms, numbers or abbreviations, except on the rare occasions where clarity and sense might require such inclusion.