Train fire on Southeastern Networker

A Southeastern train saw emergency services attend today after smoke appeared from beneath the train.

A Class 466 Networker came to a halt at Bearsted station earlier this afternoon with the cause said to be brakes overheating.

Kent Fire and Rescue state five fire engines and a bulk water carrier were on scene.

There were no reported injuries. KFF spent two hours on site.

Some Class 466s are now over 30 years old and Southeastern announced a tender for new stock, though no confirmation of an order has since been announced in the two years since 2022.

Electric trains normally have a shelf life of 35-40 years which Networkers are approaching. Most gain a comprehensive refurbishment at mid-life. The Networkers never did hence the bubbling floors, broken fittings and mess many are in.

Whether the new government agree remains to be seen.

Funding

How they’re funded will be revealing. The government state they wish to renationalise rail (though Southeastern as been under direct government control for some time now as is Network Rail) but their plan excludes existing rolling stock leased by private companies.

Just yesterday high annual profits (£144 million) and subsequent dividends paid by one train leasing company was revealed.

Upon privatisation stock purchased by the state such as the Networkers were sold to private leasing companies who have leased them back for nearly 30 years now as taxpayers and passengers foot the bill. Nice money if you can get it.

Profits gained by the private rail rolling stock owners is money not being reinvested in enhancing existing stock – or ordering new trains.

The question now is will any new stock ordered by this government again be via private leasing companies at high cost for decades? If so their nationalisation claims are weak, to be polite. Certain interests will still benefit at the expense of passengers and taxpayers,

Or will any new stock – if ordered – be purchased outright and under the direct control of any publicly owned rail company such as Great British Rail?

That shows up on government books in the short term – but long term saves money. It’ll be a test of this government’s forthcoming action across a wide area.

Running a site alone takes time and a fair bit of money. Adverts are far from enough to cover it and my living costs as a private renter.