I take both those points about the Chinese trains. But the
DfT» have recently met with manufacturers which suggests that they may be considering them.
They do seem to be less technically complex than other modern trains and certainly simpler than the
IEP▸ . This might speed up manufacture and testing. (
) And the phased introduction of locos then coaches does seem to be a sensible way of replacing life-expired stock without breaking the bank.
They also seem to be cheap (about half what the pendolinos cost). I for one think it would be good for a new company to enter the rolling stock marker. The Chinese are desperate to enter the European market. If we ordered trans from them first then they might set up an essembly factory in the
UK▸ rather than elsewhere in Europe which would be good for the UK.
I know that Grand Central has looked at the Polaris before and I wouldn't be surprised if an open access company placed the first order (nor would I be surprises if one of those companies got their hands on the Irish Mark IIIs). I would argue that the open access companies have much more of a focus on value for money and customer comfort than
NR» , DfT or the
TOCs▸ have, and the Polaris traisn would seem to score well on both fronts.
