Zopa Supports Citizens Advice ‘Super-Complaint’
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on Peer2Peer Finance News.
This is the first paragraph.
Zopa is supporting a ‘super-complaint’ against the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) which aims to stop loyal bank customers from being overcharged.
This may seem a bit cynical on Zopa’s part, but I’ve been with them for eleven years and have always got a better return after tax and any losses, than I would have got from say a cash ISA or one of the Big Banks’ Savings Accounts.
Read the article and see what you think!
Intriguingly, I’ve never heard a licenced Financial Adviser recommend Zopa.
Will There Be Hydrogen-Powered Class 230 Trains?
In the October 2018 Edition of Modern Railways, there is an article which is entitled Vivaral Delivers First Class 230.
In addition to discussing the deployment on the Marston Vale Line, the article has various sub-sections describing future plans for the Class 230 trains.
One such sub-section is entitled Isle of Hydrogen Hybrid?.
This is the first paragraph.
Vivarail is still waiting to hear whether it will receive a European Union grant to develop a hydrogen fuel cell version of the Class 230, although Mr. Shooter was hopeful confirmation of this would be received in September. The application has been made with a range of other organisations including Canadian fuel cell company Ballard.
Other points from the sub-section include.
- The train will be a hydrogen-battery hybrid.
- The design would be similar to the diesel-battery hybrid for the Borderlands Line.
- The hydrogen fuel cells would be in the centre vehicle.
It is also said that hydrogen storage can’t be on the roof, due to the UK’s restrictive loading gauge.
Conclusion
At the moment, it’s just adding another prototype train to a long list of trains with a better environmental footprint.
If this train is successful, it will be a three-car independently-powered train, with no emissions and low noise, which will be ideal for a lot of routes in the UK and possibly other countries, which share out passenger loading gaue and requirements.
Will Class 230 Trains Run On The Island Line?
In the October 2018 Edition of Modern Railways, there is an article which is entitled Vivaral Delivers First Class 230.
In addition to discussing the deployment on the Marston Vale Line, the article has various sub-sections describing future plans for the Class 230 trains.
One such sub-section is entitled Isle of White Next?.
This is the first paragraph.
Introduction of Class 230s on the Island Line between Ryde and Shanklin is South Western Railway operator FirstGroup’s preferred solution for the line.
Other points from the sub-section include.
- South Western Railway is required to produce a proposal for the Island Line as part of the franchise.
- The current Class 483 trains are the oldest on the UK network.
- A decision is expected before the end of the year.
Vivarail are also reported to have found a way to fit their larger trains in the Ryde Tunnel.
The picture from Wikipedia, shows a Class 483 train approaching Ryde Tunnel.
The height and width of the two trains in London Underground service are as follows.
- Class 483 – Width 2.60 metres – Height 2.88 metres
- Class 230 – Width 2.85 metres – Height 3.62 metres
According to the article 45 mm. of packing will be removed.
But it still could be a very tight fit.
Will The Class 230 Trains Feature Battery Operation?
A year ago in Diesel And Battery Trains Could Be The Solution For Island Line, I reported on a report in the Island Echo.
I discussed battery operation extensively and there are several benefits.
- Energy saving through regenerative braking.
- Health and safety
- Lower maintenance cost.
- Emergency train recovery.
- The addition of a passing loop at Brading station to improve the timetable.
The line could also be extended to Ventnor station as a single-track without electrification.
Conclusion
It looks to me, that Class 230 trains offer more than just a newer train with wi-fi and power sockets.
One thing puzzles me!
If Vivarail can modify London Underground D78 Stock to work on the Island Line, why wasn’t this option considered before?
The Anonymous Widower 