Northern Trains Ltd

[knutstransport]

RE: Northern Trains Ltd

(11/01/2025 20:02)Y458 KNF Wrote:  It appears that more 331s should have been ordered is it still possible that Northern could order more 195 & 331s?

As there's been a change of government that may affect future rolling stock plans. Prior to the election there was a proposal for the next Northern franchise to order a large number of new trains to replace the ex-BR stock and to allow a cascade of the newer trains (including the 195s and 331s) to other operators.

Although, as there's off-lease DMUs and EMUs available I would guess any short term issues are going to be resolved by cascades. Unfortunately the EMUs which WMT had surplus to requirements are 323s and 350/2s - both with 3+2 seating.

[Y458 KNF]

RE: Northern Trains Ltd

(12/01/2025 12:41)knutstransport Wrote:  As there's been a change of government that may affect future rolling stock plans. Prior to the election there was a proposal for the next Northern franchise to order a large number of new trains to replace the ex-BR stock and to allow a cascade of the newer trains (including the 195s and 331s) to other operators.

Although, as there's off-lease DMUs and EMUs available I would guess any short term issues are going to be resolved by cascades. Unfortunately the EMUs which WMT had surplus to requirements are 323s and 350/2s - both with 3+2 seating.

The 323s that are going into storage I can see eventually going to Northern as well. if the much needed additional stopper between LIV-NLW (possibly Golborne if that gets built) gets brought back then they could be put on them.

[507022]

RE: Northern Trains Ltd
As Northern is govt owned, I agree that they will probably insist that Northern do not order new trains.
There is a ridiculous amount of units stored with years of life left in them, including 8 323s from WMT.
As for the 350/2s, it would be cheaper to reconfigure the layout than buy new trains ( they would most likely be refurbed anyway)

[knutstransport]

RE: Northern Trains Ltd
More details on new rolling stock for Northern:

Shortlisted manufacturers: Alstom, CAF, Hitachi, Siemens and Stadler
Mix of Electric Multiple Units (EMU) and Battery-Electric Multiple Units (BEMU) and /or Multi-mode Multiple Units (MMU)

Phase 1:
130 units to replace the 150s, 155s and 156s, with first sets expected to enter service in 2030

Phase 2:
Includes replacement of remaining diesel trains and 'older trains' presumably the likes of the 323s and 333s.

Phase 3:
Sounds like it's undecided with the total number quoted being 'up to 450 units'. Possibly option for the 331s to be released for a consistent fleet, and another option for them to remain?

https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/about-us/newtrains

[Metroline1511]

RE: Northern Trains Ltd
The Stalybridge to Stockport return shuttle was cancelled yesterday. I had hoped to ride it. Thankfully it was announced in good time on the National Rail website and I was able to settle for other plans instead.

Happy news concerned my decision for a Cheshire trip on February 8th. I was pleased to see some £2 singles from Stockport to Macclesfield. I checked the through fares from my nearest station Heaton Chapel. As the fare was just 10p more expensive I agreed to book from there instead of walking to Stockport.