‘170/4s’ head to Northern in 2018

Sixteen Class 170/4s will transfer from ScotRail to Northern next year, starting with four in February, followed by a further six in July, with the final six moving south in November.

The Class 170s are being released by the introduction of Class 385 electric multiple units on the Edinburgh-Glasgow via Falkirk route. That is due to start in December, although there could be a slight delay depending upon whether sufficient numbers of staff have been trained on the ‘385s’.

The Class 170s will be refurbished for use with Northern. The move will enable the operator to internally cascade other diesel multiple units within its operations, starting with the withdrawal of Pacers next year. Class 170s were introduced into Scotland in 2000, replacing ‘158s’ on the Edinburgh-Glasgow route.

Rolling stock leasing company Eversholt Rail also owns 170393-170396, 170401416/450-461/470-478 that are currently in use with ScotRail.