My point is there have been 15 spares for years now - as far back as December 2006 there have been six spare 508s. Totally unacceptable nothing additional has been taken on in such a lengthy timeframe. Three were even moved up in readiness for Merseyrail's acceptance but refused at the eleventh hour. To say there are "not" units available is just plain wrong.
As for 508212, I am aware of such a move, but scrap is not the expected outcome. 508301-303 departmental use? I'll believe that when I see it, but hardly surprising if the expected operator of them flat out refuses them and then says there are "no" spare trains.
it couldn't cost that much for a few extra trains up here but then u got to refurb them to same standard as rest so u going into few million before they make any money
(11/08/2012 15:04)Harryn9000 Wrote: [ -> ]it couldn't cost that much for a few extra trains up here but then u got to refurb them to same standard as rest so u going into few million before they make any money
The official line was that the units brought North were of such a poor quality that Merseyrail rejected them.
Considering the work 507002 has had to have done, even since back at Birkenhead North, you'd have to do even more work to 3 additional units, including interior, nevermind mechanical work.
You also have to consider that there may be something different with other 508s that contradicts anything the RMT/ASLEF have agreed with Merseyrail, (methods of train working, driving policies, OTDR, security, staff facilities etc).
507002 was outside bhead depot today, first time I've actually seen it since 2009
it's nice to see 507002 back on the mend
looks brand new virtually
how much trains can birkenhead north depot (inside the shed) handle
507002 actually looks quite dirty up close.
The four lanes comprising the main shed of Birkenhead North can each hold two units, the repair shop two with one outside and the siding alongside the depot one also. That makes a total of twelve with additional space but presumably required for access.
508123 and 508125 made up this mornings West Kirby 6 car... No 507002 just yet