HYPODERMIC
Member
Back in the early '00s, when the TOCs/Govt first started buying the replacements for HSTs (ie. Pendolinos and Voyagers onto the WCML, Meridians onto the MML), why did they commission all-new designs?
Instead of all that expense, why wasn't a "HST2" programme considered? they could have updated the existing design with newer engines, disabled toilets and electronic sliding doors, and so on? Or, more radically, an electric/bi-mode HST or new Class 91s?
Yes, this questions comes a little bit from the perspective of an enthusiast, but even casting my bias aside, why was an updated HST ruled out? It seems a bit bizarre as the trains we have ended up with don't seem a whole lot superior, as far as the passenger is concerned?
Instead of all that expense, why wasn't a "HST2" programme considered? they could have updated the existing design with newer engines, disabled toilets and electronic sliding doors, and so on? Or, more radically, an electric/bi-mode HST or new Class 91s?
Yes, this questions comes a little bit from the perspective of an enthusiast, but even casting my bias aside, why was an updated HST ruled out? It seems a bit bizarre as the trains we have ended up with don't seem a whole lot superior, as far as the passenger is concerned?