TPE Mark 5A coaching stock progress

[Bletchleyite]

Much as I'm less impressed with the interior, I still can't get over just how good these look in that livery. Must be the most visually attractive stock the UK has seen in years. Other than that end by the loco, of course

 

[Mag_seven]

I notice that the first class vehicle will be marshalled behind the loco - that will not please some.

 

[driver9000]

I notice that the first class vehicle will be marshalled behind the loco - that will not please some.

In what way? The kitchen and Guards accommodation is next to the loco and can't be heard from the saloon.

 

[nuneatonmark]

I am sure this must have been answered before, so apologies if it has but why have TPE gone for loco hauled in this case instead of an MU?

 

[Domh245]

I am sure this must have been answered before, so apologies if it has but why have TPE gone for loco hauled in this case instead of an MU?

Speed of delivery. The LHCS is here already and will soon (ish, hopefully) be entering service. The 397 EMU is still at the Velim Test Track.

As a reference, the LHCS was at Velim by mid march, the EMU arrived at the start of July (and being more complex than the LHCS will spend longer there, theoretically at least)

 

[pt_mad]

I am sure this must have been answered before, so apologies if it has but why have TPE gone for loco hauled in this case instead of an MU?

Plus the locos were already built. So order a rake of coaches and you're away pretty quick.

Plus add to that, loco hauled trains are just so damn cool.

 

[xotGD]

Plus the locos were already built. So order a rake of coaches and you're away pretty quick.

Plus add to that, loco hauled trains are just so damn cool.

Probably not a consideration, but loco-hauled stock offers a quieter and smoother passenger experience than DMUs.

An unintentional impact will be an increase in sales of West Yorkshire day rangers, northeast rovers and similar bashing tickets.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Speed of delivery. The LHCS is here already and will soon (ish, hopefully) be entering service. The 397 EMU is still at the Velim Test Track.
As a reference, the LHCS was at Velim by mid march, the EMU arrived at the start of July (and being more complex than the LHCS will spend longer there, theoretically at least)

As diesel capability was required, the alternative was more class 802 bi-modes which are a year or more away.
A class 195 option would have worked, however, but Northern got in first with the CAF build.
Having said that, the TPE policy of 3 micro-fleets still seems weird, when other TOCs are trying to reduce variety - time will tell if it works.
At the very least, it will be entertaining.

 

[MK Tom]

Stood at Wolverton waiting for test working 314Y to come through. RTT shows it as activated but hasn't left Bletchley yet. Can anyone confirm if it's running? Thanks.

 

[joshy.fre_2003]

Stood at Wolverton waiting for test working 314Y to come through. RTT shows it as activated but hasn't left Bletchley yet. Can anyone confirm if it's running? Thanks.

Non runner, inbound from Manchester - Bletchley never left, sorry pal

 

[Erniescooper]

Today's run to Bletchley left 05:25 and was back by 13:30. There should be an early morning run to Bletchley on Thursday

 

[InOban]

They can also easily buy extra coaches to lengthen them when five coaches turn out, inevitably, to be too few.

 

[TBSchenker]

I am sure this must have been answered before, so apologies if it has but why have TPE gone for loco hauled in this case instead of an MU?

At the time the franchises were being drawn up, pure Diesel Multiple Units we’re out of favour. The routes that the LHCS will operate on (Scarborough and Middlesbrough) would need diesel power.

As others have said, TPE were quite a long way down in the queue to get enough 802s, and a pure DMU order would have been frowned on.

The CAF Mk5a approach is actually a pretty decent approach, and I bet the ride quality in the Mk5 would be better than any IET or 397 can offer.

I look forward to riding on all 3 fleets next year to compare.

 

[noddingdonkey]

And if electrification ever happens on a wide enough scale, just put an electric loco on the front.

 

[ic31420]

Having said that, the TPE policy of 3 micro-fleets still seems weird, when other TOCs are trying to reduce variety - time will tell if it works.

They can always bin the other two fleets and build more mk5s.

Are these mk5s driving cars numbered in the 82 range or in with coaching stock?

How many complete rakes do we have ?

 

[driver9000]

Are these mk5s driving cars numbered in the 82 range or in with coaching stock?

How many complete rakes do we have ?

The Driving Trailers are numbered as coaches with numbers beginning 128xx.

13 rakes on order and the 5th rake was delivered to Manchester yesterday.

 

[BeHereNow]

I am sure this must have been answered before, so apologies if it has but why have TPE gone for loco hauled in this case instead of an MU?

They were designed to be delivered quickly, ahead of when Hitachi were able to deliver.

 

[nuneatonmark]

Thanks, as always, everyone. I'm travelling from Malton to Manchester in October, shame they won't be in service by then. Never experienced first class on TPE, I hope it's good.

 

[Bornin1980s]

I was somehow of the understanding that trains from Middlesbrough to Airport via Piccadilly reversed at Piccadilly. Is that true? I've only been the full distance once, in 2006 on a 158.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

I was somehow of the understanding that trains from Middlesbrough to Airport via Piccadilly reversed at Piccadilly. Is that true? I've only been the full distance once, in 2006 on a 158.

They switched to running via Victoria and the Ordsall Chord at the last timetable change.

 

[sprinterguy]

Not really, if during testing of the other sets and all the numbers add up, for brake force etc, then runners not required,
and as there out testing quite often now just with a class 68, vehicles must be ok to run.
They'll still be checked on arrival at the port and brake tested and running brake tests.

Why is it surprising? The mk5a have begun mainline testing on UK rails. Therefore the authorities must have determined that their braking systems meet the requirements of the UK network and so they can run without the need for the barrier/brake force vehicles.

Fair enough, just didn't think the testing would affect the nature of the delivery runs.

 

[duffield]

T... Never experienced first class on TPE, I hope it's good.

It's Ok, bit more room, nothing special though.

 

[SHerr]

Thanks, as always, everyone. I'm travelling from Malton to Manchester in October, shame they won't be in service by then. Never experienced first class on TPE, I hope it's good.

The environment is quite nice following the refurb with leather etc but quite small so can often have people standing in First (even excluding the ones that come through from the Sardine area).

Not sure if it’s still the same but I always laughed at the bizarre situation where you get a better quality of coffee in Standard than you do in First! If you pay for one off the trolley you used to get a very nice filter coffee - probably the best anywhere on the rail network. However if you dare to get a ‘free’ one in first you get a bog standard instant.

Small token food which is fine if your doing Leeds to Manchester, but if you were travelling from Newcastle to Liverpool it’s a bit lacking. Hopefully will get upgraded on new stock as they appear to have some level of catering facility rather than just a space for a trolley on the 185s.

 

[route:oxford]

If you pay for one off the trolley you used to get a very nice filter coffee - probably the best anywhere on the rail network. However if you dare to get a ‘free’ one in first you get a bog standard instant.

Reminds me of a "Naked Video" sketch...

(First one in this episode).

 

[MK Tom]

Non runner, inbound from Manchester - Bletchley never left, sorry pal

Thanks. It wasn't a totally profitless visit! I finally managed to track down the Mark Vs this morning:

Photos here: https://mkttransportphoto.smugmug.com/2018/September-2018/UK-Rail-September-2018/i-cSrWT4h

Video here:

 

[BMIFlyer]

Can those 68s still work other trains? Also, do they have full Mk5 controls in both cabs, or just one?

They have upgraded cab systems in both cabs. They can work freight trains and passenger trains (one worked a freight train last week) but can't operate in push pull mode with any other passenger stock except Mk5A's.

 

[Scotrail84]

Pretty sure there’s a set tucked away in Crewe depot.

 

[_toommm_]

Pretty sure there’s a set tucked away in Crewe depot.

One tucked away behind the shed at Longsight Car M.D.

 

[realnovice]

Anymore testing this week? How long is the testing timetable or does it depend on problems/specific rolling stock features?

Looks like there are 5 rakes delivered up to now - do they all need to get a certain mileage before entering service?

 

[EE Andy b1]

One tucked away behind the shed at Longsight Car M.D.

That's the X shed on Longsight Traincare Depot!

Where several sets can be stabled along with the Up sidings towards the mainlines.