FirstGroup applies to run new London KX to Sheffield rail service

[ess1uk]

More new bimodes?

[woodenhead]

5 minutes ago, ess1uk said:

More new bimodes?

Will have to be, how long before wires reach Sheffield and cover the route to Retford as well.

 

Apart from Services on the ECML, WCML and HS2 there aren't any Inter City routes where all services are wired throughout, even the WCML and ECML have some services away from wires once off the trunk route.

 

Bi-modes are so much more flexible over HST, Pendolino or Voyagers in that respect - when under the wires no fumes and when away from the wires they can use their engines, looking back it is surprising that the original Voyagers were not bi-mode and by the time they thought of it, it was too late.

[RichardT]

On 06/01/2024 at 21:53, JohnR said:

 

If you want a laugh, check out the route on the map in the Daily Mail.... 

 

FTFY, as I believe the young shavers say…😉

[Cruachan]

2 hours ago, ess1uk said:

More new bimodes?

 

2 hours ago, woodenhead said:

Will have to be, how long before wires reach Sheffield and cover the route to Retford as well.

 

Bi-modes are so much more flexible over HST, Pendolino or Voyagers in that respect - when under the wires no fumes and when away from the wires they can use their engines, looking back it is surprising that the original Voyagers were not bi-mode and by the time they thought of it, it was too late.

The initial proposal is to use a 22x unit (and presumably a spare) on the service, most likely an ex-EMR 222.

 

New bi-modes could not be delivered in time to achieve the proposed mid to late 2025 service start date, and there isn't sufficient slack in the Hull Trains fleet to allow use of an existing unit.

[The Stationmaster]

21 hours ago, woodenhead said:

Will have to be, how long before wires reach Sheffield and cover the route to Retford as well.

 

Apart from Services on the ECML, WCML and HS2 there aren't any Inter City routes where all services are wired throughout, even the WCML and ECML have some services away from wires once off the trunk route.

 

Bi-modes are so much more flexible over HST, Pendolino or Voyagers in that respect - when under the wires no fumes and when away from the wires they can use their engines, looking back it is surprising that the original Voyagers were not bi-mode and by the time they thought of it, it was too late.

To really suit their operating area infrastructure the Voyagers would have had to be tri-mode.

[AMJ]

I find it interesting whilst standing at Wokefield Kirkgate whilst waiting goods trains that the Grand Central trains to London are the only ones that there are a fair number of passengers waiting for that service.  Other trains from there seem to have ha handful of folks get on there.

 

There seem to be quite a few who would have normally gone from Westgate on LNER.  It might be down to the fares as many of the leisure travellers getting to London is part of the overall experience.  

 

I was on York the other month, there was an issue in the north and there were 2 LUMO's sat in the station awaiting paths.  Walking past both units they had obviously sold 90%+ of the seats so I feel this new operation to Sheffield will succeed.