VivaRails administrators have provided a
progress report confirming that GWR has purchased the Marston Vale Units for the princely sum of £60k deemed to be the scrap value. The leasing company had them in the books for £3.3m. TfW must be crying in their milk having expended £30m on their 230's.
GWR acquired 230001, the intellectual property, plant and stored unconverted vehicles for £1.4m.
As usual the only winner in these cases are the administrators who now expect to receive £0.9m.
Other interesting observation is that Strukton Rail had commenced legal proceedings against VivaRail for £15m reasons aren't explained but Strukton Rail were owed 1.3m when administrators were appointed but looks like the administration will terminate proceedings.
All in all a sad ending for the vision here but maybe GWR will keep the vision alive although i can't see any further D78's being converted this is now about proof of concept for battery and fast charge system. Im also surmising that DfT have approved expenditure so they can get a photo op to say they are working on solutions to decarbonise rail.