End of class 421s on Lymington branch?

[Pompeyfan]

it would mean getting the whole of bomo, or at least the 21 from the lymington line, re-trained on new rolling stock, and i believe the route is transfering to fratton or salisbury, meaning traction is already dealt with, meaning the only issue is route knowledge

[energize]

Surely a 455 could be used?

Unfortunately 455s don't have toilets, although that shouldn't be a problem since the journey time is only about 10 minutes. Having said that there appears to be no other reason why 455s can't be used though.

[LeeEAS]

Surely a 455 could be used?

Unfortunately 455s don't have toilets, although that shouldn't be a problem since the journey time is only about 10 minutes. Having said that there appears to be no other reason why 455s can't be used though.

They cannot be used for the same reason why SWT don't like using 450s on the branch - Only 3 cars fit in the platform.

That is why I suggested 456s, they are only 2 cars.

Of course if the DfT or SWT had some sense they could use the 3-car 508301 which is stored at Eastleigh at the moment...

[richard222]

Of course if the DfT or SWT had some sense they could use the 3-car 508301 which is stored at Eastleigh at the moment...

Thats a very, very good idea!

[wba2uk]

I think the problem with SWT using a 508 is that its non standard with the rest of their fleet, one of the reasons the 421s are going. Working out contracts for maintaining a single unit could prove expensive and a bother too. I can see why they have chosen a 159, but to me a 455 would indeed make more sense.

Its a shame to see the 421s go, in my opinion they should sell the branch outright and preserve it. Use both electric and steam on the line. I have some cracking photo's of M7s and 4MTs working the branch in the 60s.

[energize]

Trouble is the entire branch is now single-track only, so it would be necessary to install run-round loops at Lymington Pier and Brockenhurst for steam/diesel locomotives could run round.

If SWT wanted to do a good deed, they could reopen the former halt serving the Ampress works, since houses and a new hospital have been built there. The platform's still there - all they'd need to do is clear it and put up timetable posters.

[wba2uk]

Trouble is the entire branch is now single-track only, so it would be necessary to install run-round loops at Lymington Pier and Brockenhurst for steam/diesel locomotives could run round.

True enough, but I imagine if there was a group who willing to take the job on, installking the run around loops would'nt be a major problem. But I would think building a new steam shed and facilites would.

[MCR247]

Its not a 159 its 158 IIRC

[kieranhardy]

Trouble is the entire branch is now single-track only, so it would be necessary to install run-round loops at Lymington Pier and Brockenhurst for steam/diesel locomotives could run round.

Or you could top and tail

If SWT wanted to do a good deed, they could reopen the former halt serving the Ampress works, since houses and a new hospital have been built there. The platform's still there - all they'd need to do is clear it and put up timetable posters.

I thought the idea was to open it a couple of years back for the hospital, doesn't seem to have materialized though.

[LeeEAS]

Its not a 159 its 158 IIRC

SWT received 158881 and 158882 back from EMT a week ago, so they now have more 158s than they need, hence why this is happening...

[chriscooper]

Wonder what will happen to the CIGs once they are withdrawn? Will be a shame to see two Slammers in mainline condition (TPWS, OTMR, Central Locking) being relegated to hauled stock on a preserved railway, if one even wants them, or worse scrapped. Knights Rail would be ideal, as they actually want to get Slammers back on the mainline, and already have some they are working on. SWT won't keep them, afterall they didn't keep the VEP.

[salopiangrowler]

platforms too short for a 455 well lyminton town is anyway.

[LeeEAS]

platforms too short for a 455 well lyminton town is anyway.

Yep, that's why SWT don't want to use 4 car units as one car is locked out of use and cannot be used.

[connorurry]

Waste of diesel using a 158 on an electrified line...

Not entirely Lee.

Maybe using 3rd rail is getting expensive and they want to cut costs to save money.
Diesel is cheap these days.

[salopiangrowler]

i dont know why SWT dont purchase a 153 and 150/2 for the job run them as a 3 car set it'll save the need to run a 158 or 159 up and down at slow speeds. incidently will the dieselisation of the Lymington branch mean they'll be switching off the juice and even removing the 3rd rail contacts.