Im sorry in advance for my bad spelling but its late!!!
Ok, so with the current problems with the new Class 220/1 Voyager DEMU's on Virgin Crosscountry and the aging HST fleet, the idea of a HST 2 has been touted a number of times.
I for one have quite strong views about what exactly any proper replacement of the HST should be and what it should incorperate in its design.
Basically im curious what other people think we need as a HST 2!
So here i go! My opinions! (dont forget, its opinions!)
HST 2 needs:
- 2 diesel power cars, similar to the current HST power cars, but i assume with modern engineering a more powerful engine could be developed at the same weight as the original. This of course means failure does not automatically mean the train must be cancelled and acceleration will be lively! Also the top speed should be 125mph. No tilt as thats just another thing to go wrong!!! and in my opinion its pointless unless its going to cut 45mins+ off journey times!!!
- a minimum of 8 non-powered coaches (a MK5 coach if you will!). On crosscountry routes the train should consist of one 1st class/buffet car and then 7 standard class coaches ( im guessing about 450 SC seats). These coaches should be air conditioned, have the at seat audio entertainment as the voyagers do, the LCD displayes now common in modern units, have a good mix of tables and airline seats (a 50-50 mix would be ideal), have wide deep and solid shelved luggage racks (similar to the current MK2&MK3 luggage racks) with one at either end of the coach and one in the centre. Also the odd openable window to let fresh air in (i for one feel claustraphobic on voyagers when it gets warm because of the lack of airflow).
All seating should be spaced to give adequate legroom for a 6foot tall person at the minimum, with a few seats giving more legroom for those who are very tall or disabled.
Good deep above head racks (same as the current mk3's
) are required too so that the majority of soft items can be comfortably fitted in.Tables should be solid and hardwearing and actually provide useful working space for TWO people sitting opposite (many modern tables are too narrow for two people to use it opposite each other!)
The ride should be quiet and firm (like the mk3's, but in my opinion these are slighty too bouncy).
Also a working electronic reservation system would be a bonus. Although the displays should be larger and much clearer than on the voyager.
The power points on the voyager should too be adapted.
- Electronic systems should only be used were it provides a real and reliable alternative to manual or mechanical activites. There is a huge overuse in modern day life of computer technology. So many modern day train failures are related to computer software problems. Did the original HST have any computer equipment on it? how many years of reliable service has it given?!
- the HST 2 should have a prototype (just like the original!) which is thouroughly tested and certified before production commences. Hopefully this will help to ensure smooth and painless delivery of the fleet.
- it should be standard to all TOC's just as the original HST is. This would mean maintinance would be easier and a perminant devoted specialised crew of engineers could be employeed so as to ensure the fleet is kept up to scratch.
Im no technical wizard but those are my views on what i would like to see become the backbone of our long distance railway network.
Im sure ive missed plenty of points out and many people will disagree or develop the above points, but thats why i started this thread!!!
All in all, keep it simple, dont try and revolutionise rail travel, just evolve the original HST into a modern day equivilent which will get from A to B without giving customers anything to moan about.
I for one would rather get from A to B comfotably in a basic HST than in a fancy voyager that fails or plays up or even worse is packed beyond all belief
Cheers
Guy
In years to come when the young 'uns on here are running the railways they'll be designing services that make good MSTS activities. 
