End of class 421s on Lymington branch?

[LeeEAS]

if that's so, then why is there no pictures of a DMU on the route?

There has been, you just have to be on the right forums.

Posted by swlines on wnxx:

[AlistairW]

EMT also has one of SWT's units. The timetable recast on the Waterloo - Exeter line will take place this December thanks to a new passing loop at Axminster which will allow the service to become hourly, its currently 2 hourly or there abouts. Therefore SWT will no longer serve anywhere west of Exeter, which was 4 trains a day and a shame for holiday traffic.

So how many units they have on loan to FGW and EMT may be completely different from December. But this still leaves the question of how they can spare 1 for the Lymington branch.

[energize]

So how many units they have on loan to FGW and EMT may be completely different from December. But this still leaves the question of how they can spare 1 for the Lymington branch.

I'd have thought they needed two in case one failed. The easiest option would be to retain the 3CIGs since they'd be better off running in their natural environment as opposed to becoming hauled stock on a preserved railway. But, as I've said, SWT want to get rid of them since Bournemouth depot can't maintain them having got rid of the 442s, so the closest depot is Wimbledon. Apparently a 73 drags both units there which is odd, since they could run under their own power there.

[energize]

But, by scrapping the 3CIGs, SWT is shooting itself in the foot since enthusiasts from all over the UK won't be turning up just to ride on a 158/159. The very existence of the 3CIGs has boosted traffic in this respect. Unlike the 159s they also have proper guards' vans capable of accommodating 20+ plus bikes, which is sensible given the number of passengers travelling with bikes to catch the Lymington-Yarmouth ferry.

[LeeEAS]

SWT is shooting itself in the foot since enthusiasts from all over the UK won't be turning up just to ride on a 158/159. The very existence of the 3CIGs has boosted traffic in this respect.

Whilst it has boosted 'enthusiast' traffic, I fail to see how they are shooting themselves in the foot, my guess is that the 3CIGs obviously cost more to run than the 158s/159s on the branch otherwise they wouldn't be doing this to begin with, so technically any revenue gained from enthusiasts paying a visit would be lost from the cost of putting the 3CIG in service that day.

However, I still think the 3CIGs are far better for the line for 3 reasons;
- It's an electrified line, it should have an electric train on it.
- Reduction of pollution as mentioned before
- There is plenty on space to place suitcases etc, and if you're bike wont fit you can get it in the guards compartment.

[desiro5]

However, I still think the 3CIGs are far better for the line for 3 reasons;
- It's an electrified line, it should have an electric train on it.
- Reduction of pollution as mentioned before
- There is plenty on space to place suitcases etc, and if you're bike wont fit you can get it in the guards compartment.

yea but try telling that to SWT. those points are (rightly) of no value to them.

[energize]

However, I still think the 3CIGs are far better for the line for 3 reasons;
- It's an electrified line, it should have an electric train on it.
- Reduction of pollution as mentioned before
- There is plenty on space to place suitcases etc, and if you're bike wont fit you can get it in the guards compartment.

yea but try telling that to SWT. those points are (rightly) of no value to them.

I think one reason why SWT are so keen to get rid of the 3CIGs is that SWT' is now being charged more for use of electricity by Network Rail. Therefore, some accountant in Overline house (the office block overlooking Southampton Central where SWT's head office is) has decided that because of the limited passenger traffic, it's more cost-effective to use diesel rather than electric traction because of the increase in electricity charges. Using diesels on electric routes might become more common if electricity prices continue to increase due to a shortfall in generating capacity as more power stations come off-line.

SWT should take the issue of bike space seriously since I've noticed that more and more passengers want to take their bikes on board. Last year I got on a Salisbury to Romsey via Southampton & Eastleigh service (2 car 158, usual unit for this service) at around 18:00 with my bike. At Redbridge another guy got on with a bike, and at the next stop Millbrook I think two people got on with bikes. When the train finally left Southampton Central it was carrying 8 bikes although the train was only designed to take two. I don't know whether that happens everyday though.

[bgstrowger]

The cost in electricity usage of a 421 is negligable. If SWT were that concerned about rising electricity costs, they'd surely be cutting back on all their electric services.

[MCR247]

Apparently a 73 drags both units there which is odd, since they could run under their own power there.

The only line that they are cleared for is Lymington.

[LeeEAS]

Apparently a 73 drags both units there which is odd, since they could run under their own power there.

The only line that they are cleared for is Lymington.

Nonsense, they work ECS to and from Bournemouth everyday for overnight storage.

[energize]

Apparently a 73 drags both units there which is odd, since they could run under their own power there.

The only line that they are cleared for is Lymington.

Nonsense, they work ECS to and from Bournemouth everyday for overnight storage.

Until 2005 the Lymington-Bournemouth journey was an actual service journey but since the withdrawal of all other slam-door units the journey is now an ECS movement.

Once, I did see the blue/grey 3CIG run through Southampton Central a couple of years ago, which presumably means they're still cleared to run outside of the Lymington-Brockenhurst branch. Although if this is the case, I don't know why they have to be dragged to Wimbledon.

[MCR247]

Oh right, I was only saying what I have been told by a friend.

[34002salisbury]

i think its sad that they are getting rid of the slammers too early and i don't see the point of a diesel operated service at least use an electric unit

do you think they will be operating at weekends this summer with the new offers if so i will go down for a farewell trip

[34002salisbury]

i know what they can replace them with

the Victoria line underground stock-they're going soon

[energize]

However they'll have to be converted to third rail operation because the Lymington branch is third-rail electrified, whereas the Underground is 4th-rail. The platforms at Brockenhurst, Lymington Town and Lymington Pier will also need to be lowered, or the track raised. The 1967 stock is in fact scheduled to be transferred to the Bakerloo when the 2009 stock replaces them, so unless TfL changes its mind, I don't think they will be appearing on the Lymington branch.

However, it's an interesting concept. The Lymington branch could be turned into a "Tube Heritage Line" with old London Underground stock repainted in their original colours using the branch. You might say the Ryde-Shanklin line is a heritage line because it uses 1938 stock but sooner or later they'll wear out, and a future will have to be decided for that line. Also, 1967 stock wouldn't be able to carry bikes, which would be a bad idea since many cyclists use the line to travel to Lymington. But it's all in the future...