Asking the RPSI to preserve a Class 80

[Techniquest]

Saw something mentioned in the current The Railway Magazine, shall have to look closer at this but I fully intend to chip in.

 

[PFX]

This matter was discussed some time ago on th NI Thumpers thread. There are a few posts (some wildly speculative, others not so) relating to the matter, these probably being the most relevant though now posted a while ago.

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=990280&postcount=322

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=991037&postcount=329

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=991037&postcount=329

As the first post states, the 80 class set has been confirmed as the sandite train from this September. Nothing has changed since then. I haven't seen Railway Magazine so don't know what they're saying about it all.

 

[alfred roberts]

NIR intend to replace the 80 class sandite BUT not until 2013.

So this implies that the 450 DEMUs will still be around until then...

 

[Cyberbeagle]

It's suggested that NIR are keeping spares for the Class 450s to keep them operational for around another 5 years, for Sandite duties and as a strategic reserve for major events.

I suppose we could still change the subject header of this thread to "Ask the RPSI to preserve a Class 450?" LOL... I'll get me flak jacket.

Haven't seen this month's Railway Magazine yet, but will look it up. One of the best magazines for reporting local heritage and network news, whereas with some you might feel that the Irish Sea is a force-field around England!!

 

[4SRKT]

If NIR are keeping 450s for use on major events, could our Irish friends on here keep us posted as to when such rolling-stock-heavy events may occur (rugby, GAA etc), so that maybe, just maybe GB-based cranks can get one last shot at them......

Also I suppose another tour isn't out of the question some day if they are to be kept serviceable.