Network Rail have recently ordered a new 23-vehicle electrification train from Windhoff to work on the GWML electrification. It will be based at a new depot in Swindon...
Read full Network Rail press release
23 vehicles sounds a lot for a single train. I wonder if it will be in split smaller "units" like the current 980xx Windhoffs.
Cant they just use the 980xx machines for the job they were designed for anyway? I cant see why a new train is needed..........
High-output is the name of the game nowadays. This new train can electrify a mile a night! I doubt the old 980xx machines could achieve that sort of output.
Also, some of the old ones are used for general OHL maintenance & repairs nowadays, and one has been converted beyond it's original OHL use.