Jorge Da Silva
Established Member
What were the Polaris trains I heard that they were to replace HST’s and proposed during 2010? Any information
-
Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!
What were the Polaris Trains?
- Thread starter Jorge Da Silva
- Start date
- Status
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R
RailUK Forums
pdeaves
Established Member
Chinese construction, if memory serves correctly.
pitdiver
Member
Were they trains that were launched from submarines and aimed at rival railway companies
pdeaves
Established Member
A little about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaris_(train)
swt_passenger
Veteran Member
- Joined
- 7 Apr 2010
- Messages
- 32,880
Does the software industry still use the term “vapourware”? I think that’s what Polaris was. I expect someone thought they could make a fortune as the importer of Chinese built trains, but no-one was tempted. The railway magazines of the time must have made a few quid running full page adverts for a while though...
Jorge Da Silva
Established Member
Ah thanks
Were they encouraged by the TOCs to try to keep the European train makers on their toes?
43096
On Moderation
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2015
- Messages
- 16,757
It was Grand Central - or more specifically one consultant they used - who was keen on the idea. Once he was (rightly) shown the door, it all went quiet.
Sad Sprinter
Established Member
I have a Modern Railways magazine from May 2008 that had a drawing of them. As someone said they were to be Chinese built for Grand Central. Back in the day they had all sorts of plans ready for the dizzying future of 2012 such as Kings Cross to Cleethorpes services etc. I think those Polaris trains were meant for Grand Union-a sister company to Grand Central which was going to run Euston to Bradford trains via Stalybridge. A couple of years ago this Chinese company, I forget who they were, brought out some more designs for local and regional style trains. As far as I know nothing has come from it.
- Status