asdf wrote:

The plans are for the current (self-contained) WLL service to be
replaced with through running from the NLL (Stratford to Clapham
Junction), so it wouldn't be possible to use a different type of stock
just for the WLL. The Euston to Watford service will be axed
completely, but this only uses something like 4 of the 23 313 units.

It seems apparent to me from the figures that the proposed doubling of
the frequency on the WLL and NLL (and the reopening of the Queens Park
- Camden Road route) will be achieved simply by running the 376s in
addition to the 313s, rather than the 376s replacing the 313s. The
options in the contract would then allow the 313s to be replaced at a
later date with a subsequent build of 376s.

Yehbutnobut.

As far as I can tell (certainly according to NR's RUS -
http://tinyurl.com/hbkhq ), the medium-term plan to take effect by 2009
when these trains are introduced is for:

Stratford - Richmond x 4
Stratford - QP x 2
Barking - Clapham x 2
Barking - Gospel Oak x 2
Watford - Croydon (via Clapham) x 1
Shepherds Bush - Croydon (via Clapham) x 1

This is the same frequency as at present on Stratford to Richmond. The
Stratford to QP service should involve roughly the same amount of stock
as the current Euston to Watford service (slightly longer journey time
but 2tph instead of 3tph). The Barking services will all need to be
diesel (Turbostars with a 376-style interior are preferred, according
to the RUS).

The only requirement for additional electric stock is on
Watford/Shepherds Bush to Croydon, and that's only if it's decided that
these services should be operated by NLR instead of Southern (the
through Brighton to Watford service will be axed either way). So I
don't think we're going to see 313s and 376s running together after the
full 376 fleet has been delivered.

The longer-term plan (2014 onwards) is the same, except that it
involves infrastructure works that allow 4tph to QP and all GOBLIN
trains running through to Clapham. This would also be the timescale for
any GOBLIN electrification, so it would either involve a big new order
of 376s if electrification goes ahead, or a couple of new 376s and a
couple of new Turbostars. The 313s will have been out of use for some
years by this point so probably won't be effective even as a stopgap.

--
John Band
john at johnband dot org
www.johnband.org