"Mizter T" wrote in message
...

Yes, so new stock for Thameslink - but it's just a question of 'how much'
Thameslink there will be.

(The idea of a common-ish stock type for both Thameslink and Crossrail
gets a regular airing here and there, and seems fairly sensible - though
I'm unclear if the respective timetables will mesh well enough for one to
be a follow on order from the other?)

In Roger Ford's latest 'e-preview', he suggests that Crossrail's recent
announcement that they'll not use a specially designed train doesn't mean
much. Quoting from RF's email:

"When Crossrail says the new trains 'will be based on tried and tested
designs', it means 'will be based on any basic platform currently in service
which can be adapted to the UK gauge and Crossrail specification', which is
not at all the same thing

"While conceding that the concepts developed by the Thameslink bidders
'appear to be consistent with the overall concept requirements for Crossrail',
the statement continued 'equally, other train solutions are also likely to
meet our requirements'.

"In other words, nothing has changed and the reference to rolling stock in
the press release was all spin and no substance. Not clever when Crossrail
is being squeezed for every penny, well every million pounds."

Paul