Quote:
Originally Posted by Deathbyteacup
Besides which, wasn't there the Mk4? Aren't they superior? I don't see why we'd go back to Mk3's.
It's not like we're going back to building Mk1's!
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IMO the Mk3s are the best of the british made coaching stock, they seem bigger and I found were generally more comfortable, although those arm rests were a pain!
The Mk4s were built with tilt technology in mind (just like the 91s, although I understand neither are now suitable due to modifications) and so, like the Pendelinos and Voyagers, they are narrower at the top to facilitate it. There is no point in building these heavier coaches unless you want to have them tilting, but there is relatively little suitable track for tilt to be used on, and make a difference in the timings.
There is also a question of testing a Mk4 design away from the ECML, I don't know where they are cleared for, but the Mk3 is cleared for all mainlines and quite a few other routes too.
Didn't BREL become Adtranz which became Bombardier? I'm sure they would be happy to make more Mk3s if the price was right.