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Decision on how to replace SWR's diesel units needed "within a year or two"


04/04/2025 in Network

South Western Railway 159009 and 158885 arrive at Overton on April 18 with the 0640 Exeter St Davids-Basingstoke. The operator is exploring options for sections of third-rail electrification along the route. PAUL BIGGS.

A decision on how to replace South Western Railway’s (SWR’s) ageing diesel multiple units are is needed “within the next year or two”.




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Comments

  • VT Fan 3 - 06/04/2025 13:29

    My SWR Proposal: To convert the Class 158 and 159 Express Sprinters by fitting a battery-diesel self-charging hybrid system, something similar to the Chiltern Railway's HybridFlex. This would mean trains would be fitted with a powerful battery meaning it uses 25 per cent less fuel, significantly cuts emissions, reduces noise and air pollution, and allows the train to run solely on battery power when departing and arriving at stations.

  • VT Fan 3 - 06/04/2025 20:41

    My 2nd SWR Proposal: Replacing the Class 158 and 159 Express Sprinters with 2, 3 and 4 car CAF Civity DMUs, similar to the Class 196 and 197 Civity.

  • KHomerMMTP - 12/04/2025 03:11

    Some form of electrification is the way forward, but why the Class 450s with their inefficient 20m body-length carriages and commuter door layouts? What about an IEP derivative with third-rail power pick-up as well as overhead line pick-up plus batteries, with 25Kv ohle installed selectively between Worting Junction and Exeter, where it would meet up with the extended Great Western electrification scheme? Given that extension of GWR electrification will allow sone trains on that network to be pure electric traction, there'll be spare bi-mode IEPs available for conversion from diesel-electric to battery-electric.

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