When did the Liverpool - Stansted's switch from 158s to 170s? I think it was quite soon after the 170s were put into service, so were there any still floating about as late as 2003?
There were still 158s on the route until the XC takeover when the 158s went to East Midlands Trains, and I am sure that when the ex TPX 158s arrived at Central Trains in 2007, they used more 158s on the route. The same goes for Nottingham to Cardiff/Birmingham as well.
I think it was after the 170s and the 'CityLink' branding was introduced, although I seem to remember that didn't stop 158s or even the odd 156 from turning up sometimes!
'CityLink' was Central Trains version of 'Alphaline' - it only denoted that there was air conditioning, seat reservations avaliable and light refreshments on board. They did try to keep their 170s and 158s on Nottingham to Cardiff, Liverpool to Norwich and Birmingham to Stansted services, whilst 350s were used on CityLink services between Birmingham and Liverpool.
Lasted till 2004 (as ATN). I think it was done for by the WCML upgrade works.
... and Virgin didn't want the two car 158s failing on the 2-track WCML North of Carlisle thus causing delay.
Nobody's mentioned Manchester-South Wales? Were they not 158s back then?
There was a 158 on this service on Monday, and there are still 1 or 2 services on the route booked for 158s, although you're right it is rarer than it was.