I have my doubts about this.The most recent copy of Modern Railways suggests that the equivalents of no less than 55 5-car 80x units will be released by GWR, LNER, TPE, Hull Trains and East Coast Trains as a result of the downturn - in that context there really isn't any future for the 180s.
- GWR's 800s are tied up in the IEP contract so cannot be easily released, only the 802s possibly could but I still heavily doubt they will go.
- LNER have 22 5 car units all tied up in the IEP deal which makes them hard to release, they will sooner get rid of the few Intercity 225 sets they are so far keeping.
- TPE will sooner let go the mk5as than the 802s due to the 802s being able to use the ECML OHLE among other reasons, like the mk5as lower MTIN.
- Hull Trains and East Coast Trains are a possibility but that would still only release 10 units, nowhere near the 55 MR says.
I don't have a copy of MR, does anyone know how they got to the figure of 55 units?