Move for Chiltern’s Class 172s?

CHILTERN RAILWAYS’ four Class 172 DMUs could potentially be transferred to West Midlands Trains as a stopgap measure while the latter waits for its delayed CAF Class 196s to be introduced. WMT has 35 of the class in its fleet after the eight Class 172/0s transferring from London Overground, which means it could eventually have the entire fleet on its books.

Meanwhile, the introduction of the Class 196 has been delayed due to COVID-19 and the need to retrofit door control panels for guards in the passenger saloons. The 196s are to replace WMT’s Class 170s that are transferring to East Midlands Railway, but with the latter requiring at least seven two-cars for its May timetable. Consequently, the arrival of the Chiltern DMUs would provide short-term cover.