The British Rail Class 730 is a series of EMU’s built by Alstom for West Midlands Trains. They are part of the Aventra family of trains, which is already in TSW with the Class 710. They come in both 3 car and 5 car units. They replaced the Class 319, 323, and 350/2 units. What would make these units fitting as a DLC is their compatibility with pre-existing routes. They would fit perfectly with the Class 805’s 2025 timetables for each WCML segment. This would especially benefit Birmingham - Crewe, as the 2025 timetable feels a little empty with limited WMR services. They would also allow for a 2025 timetable for Birmingham Cross City. And since the 730’s only replaced the 350/2’s, they can still be used alongside the Class 350/1 and /3’s.
For a modern train, I really like their design. I like the 345/710/720 "bubble" windscreen ones too. The Electrostar was a far more functional design that never really looked like it had been designed, more thrown together in the most minimalist way possible. Maybe it's just aged badly.
Personally, I like minimalist designs, quite simple, not too elaborate. That's why I liked the Vivarail D-Trains. Certain modern trains do sometimes have a bizarre, even monstrous appearance.
I agree that "less can be more" sometimes. I'd prefer it if we got a UK version of the wonderfully elegant and shapely Z50000 with their sublime interiors. I love the Regio 2N too. I'm hoping to make it over to Paris this year and spend a few days riding around the system. By comparison the Electrostar is just functional. The later ones with the plug windows looked a bit better but overall they're a very forgettable train inside and out, maybe I've just seen too many of the things over the last 27 years here in the South East of England.
I have to admit it's also a matter of tastes. I can no longer stand French trains since these modern cr*ps replaced their predecessors... I suppose that's what is called being un vieux con ! But in the same way, your Thumpers for example, they looked damn cool !
Our tastes converge on the Thumpers for certain! I assume you're a fan of our slamdoor DMUs and EMUS too. They're my favourite multiple units, though our Stadler Flirts are also exceptionally good trains.
Indeed ! It may seem paradoxical, but as much as I appreciate the modern routes in TSW, I can only acknowledge that the old stock is much more attractive than the modern units (with a few exceptions). I find the postal conversion of the Class 307 driving trailers (PCVs) an interesting middle ground (aesthetically speaking). But whatever the case may be, it is inconceivable that there will not be, at one time or another, some Southern DC EMUs (BIG, CIG, VEP, etc) in TSW. Not only are they charming, but they undeniably constitute a piece of British railway heritage, much like the inox (stainless steel) family in France !
