Bi-Mode Trains And CrossCountry
The CrossCountry franchise runs trains all over the UK.
I wonder how bi-mode trains will effect their services.
These are just a few thoughts.
InterCity 125 Trains
CrossCountry have enough Class 43 locomotives and Mark 3 carriages to make-up five 2+8 InterCity 125 sets.
These trains will not meet the regulations in a couple of years, so will they be replaced or refurbished.
It is probably not an easy decision for the following reasons.
- Passengers and I suspect drivers too, love them.
- They are probably ideal for longer routes like Devon and Cornwall to Scotland
- Scotrail and Great Western Railway will be updating several trains each.
- They are forty years old.
- There may be pressure to retire the trains because of environmental problems.
- If they even wanted to acquire a few extra sets, the type retirement by other operators might help.
Left to the Marketing Department, there would only be one decision.
Class 800 Trains
Class 800 trains or more likely Class 802 trains, specified for their routes may offer advantages to CrossCountry on some of their routes.
Consider these features of Class 802 trains.
- Available in any number of cars between four and twelve.
- Designed around a flexible interior.
- Dual voltage is probably available.
- Wi-fi and power sockets.
- Hitachi have designed the trains for lower track-access charges.
Costs and the marketing advantage of new electric trains will probably decide.
Devon and Cornwall to Scotland
Consider.
- Plymouth to Edinburgh and Glasgow is an hourly service that takes just under nine hours to Edinburgh with no changes.
- One train per day goes from Plymouth to Aberdeen in eleven hours.
- A lot of the route is not electrified, but it is North of York.
- Would a Class 802 train have enough fuel capacity?
I suspect current arrangements will continue.
Southampton Central And Bournemouth To Manchester And Newcastle
Consider.
- North of Leeds, the route is electrified using 25 KVAC overhead
- South of Basingstoke, the route is electrified using 750 VDC third-rail.
- Any bi-mode train would need to be dual-voltage.
- Range should be less of a problem
A dual-voltage bi-mode Class 802 train might be ideal.
Other Routes
Most other routes only have a small proportion of running on electrified track.
Conclusion
I think it unlikely, that CrossCountry will go for a total replacement of their fleet with bi-mode trains.
But I suspect, they’re keeping a watching brief on developments in electrification and trains.
The Anonymous Widower 