Grand Central to replace HSTs with cascaded Class 180s

Grand Central will hand its three High Speed Trains back to Angel Trains at the end of December.

The HSTs are being replaced by Great Western Railway 180102104/106/108, which have themselves been replaced on GWR metals by High Speed Trains and Turbos made redundant following the introduction of new IEP trains. The GC HSTs are destined for East Midlands Trains and will enter traffic in March.

The six-coach sets will be used on two duties per day, releasing Class 222s to strengthen other Midland Main Line services.

Transferring from GC to EMT are power cars 43423/465/467/468/ 480/484, Trailer Restaurant First Buffet (TRFB) 40424/426/433, Trailer First (TF) 41201-203 and Trailer Standard (TS) 42401-409.

A GC spokesman said: “A consistent all-Class 180 fleet will mean greater capacity and more seats where the demand is highest, with the flexibility to run in five- or ten-carriage formations,” said GC.

The open access operator also said there would be greater flexibility within the fleets, due to the ability to swap trains to different routes during disruption.

GC’s ‘180s’ are being refurbished by Arriva Train Care in an 18-month project. This includes a full interior refresh, new fabric seats with leather edging in Standard Class, an exterior repaint, upgraded catering facilities, and new toilet facilities with improved disabled access, with LED lighting throughout.

The GC fleet will be 180101108/112/114. Hull Trains has 180109-111/113. These are expected to move to GC once HT’s Class 802s have been delivered.