Rail Users Ireland Forum - View Single Post - New high-speed Dublin-Belfast train planned

MrX · 22-06-2006, 07:43

That's if HST2 ever materialises.. the UK operators seem quite happy to just work with off-the-shelf pendelinos etc. Now that BR's gone and you've umpteen little operators, they're not all that concerned about R&D...

The UK hasn't really developed any serious new rail systems since the 1980s!

In terms of Intercity stuff, BR's MK4 was pretty much the end of the line for UK-built stuff.

Virgin's using off-the-shelf stuff from Italy etc and other operators are still using MK3 HST1s in various states of refurbishment / re-engined.

Considering that there are already tilting high speed DMUs available with excellent records, HST2 doesn't seem all that likely unless it's based around a pre-existing design.

22-06-2006, 07:43	#14
MrX Really Regular Poster Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 585	That's if HST2 ever materialises.. the UK operators seem quite happy to just work with off-the-shelf pendelinos etc. Now that BR's gone and you've umpteen little operators, they're not all that concerned about R&D... The UK hasn't really developed any serious new rail systems since the 1980s! In terms of Intercity stuff, BR's MK4 was pretty much the end of the line for UK-built stuff. Virgin's using off-the-shelf stuff from Italy etc and other operators are still using MK3 HST1s in various states of refurbishment / re-engined. Considering that there are already tilting high speed DMUs available with excellent records, HST2 doesn't seem all that likely unless it's based around a pre-existing design. Last edited by MrX : 22-06-2006 at 07:48.