(12 Mar 2015, 11:52 am)tyresmoke wrote Not sure you'll get 158s while Northern crew them between Newcastle & Carlisle

Carlisle drivers and guards sign 158s and a few have made it across to Newcastle previously (as well as 153s). However Newcastle crew don't sign them at all and, from my viewpoint, I can't see Northern wanting to train all of their staff up.

From my experience, the Tyne Valley doesn't really need expansion (barring a few services - ie some trips on Saturdays to/from Metrocentre) but this is sometimes handled by ScotRail by putting on 2x 156s anyway.


In an unrelated note, the new Fife Circle contract starts on Wednesday 1st April 2015 utilising DRS' Class 68s and Mark 2 coaches, taking over from DB Schenker.