(20 Feb 2019, 9:37 pm)Malarkey wrote I forgot to mention Northern were mentioned on Look North last week regarding the withdrawal of the pacers and how this may not be done as they have no replacements on order or sourced yet, it was also mentioned it would be illegal per new legislation coming into place for them to operate come 2020.
Having had a bit of think, unsure if they'll be available once the Azumas all enter service for LNER but what about shorter units of Class 43's or have the Class 43's on Cross Country with Voyagers moving over onto Northern Rail Services.
Northern have a large amount of trains on order, with some already in the UK. I don't know where their information is from? There's also a continuing fleet cascade programme which is going to push out the Pacers.
You're being optimistic with the introduction of the Azuma, it'll be long beyond 2020 when the HSTs are freed up.