Only testing up/down pantograph on the move still & not drawing power. This can still only be done under an SPZ as far as I am aware so would be in diesel mode.
I would be very surprised but then I have just had two days off. Anything can happen.The video posted above suggests Electric mode for testing without SPZ now permitted. Seemed to be no noise coming from the power pack
From a good source.
GA now have all but accepted that their plans to replace trains will be delayed until the first half of 2021, which shouldn't come as any great surprise to anyone here.
There are still discussions ongoing about how to deal with platform length restrictions and there has been talk that that the 317s running on the Hertford East route will be 'changed' for different trains, whatever that means.
Find it weird that they didn't just say they would be replaced by new trains, seeing as how much they like to shout about that. Perhaps indicates that there's something in the rumours that other stock will run there?
I would be very surprised but then I have just had two days off. Anything can happen.
I notice that Renatus 321 322 has finally put in an appearance (it could have been around for a bit but I've just seen it myself). Anyone know how the last two (329 & 330) are getting on?
Today’s Railways claims this month all have returned. I saw 329 last week but haven’t spied 330 yet?
To me it would make sense to keep the 30 Renatus 321s on for a longer period. Would 30 be enough to cover all the know issues? Hertford East, Wickford-Southminster (ostensibly the bay platforms at Wickford being the issue), anything else? Do any drivers on the West Anglia route sign 321s?
Certainly as a poster above says, it would make sense to keep the 379s for Hertford East though, as that could/would alleviate much/any re-training, although I guess the issue there might be the 2+2 seating. Having said that, I was over that side a few weeks ago and the 317s (even the refreshed ones) look and feel seriously tired (some were worse than that!!), even the grottiest 321s on my route don't feel as bad.
I have seen the term "SPZ" used in a couple of recent posts. Could somebody please exactly explain what it means?
321s are not suitable for West Anglia as many stations don't have the necessary DOO equipment. Which is why West Anglia drivers don't sign them.
379s would be luxury on the Hertford service, at least for the lucky few that would get a seat, but then a 317/7 is luxury on an all stations Cheshunt.
The cab design on a 317 allows for a driver to look back along the train, which is no longer considered appropriate but survives due to historical custom and practice. A 321 has a different cab design which makes it much more difficult for a driver to look out of the side window from the driving seat. Some West Anglia stations have fixed equipment, but only the minimum that was needed to make trains DOO back in the day.
Look at all the monitors at Rayleigh (admittedly a curved platform) to see what could be needed for 321 operation on West Anglia.
Was that outside a Signal Protection Zone mate?I can confirm that the 755 did run under AC Power on Tuesday night another step forward.
Was that outside a Signal Protection Zone mate?
"It's Happening"Yes it must have been, I was not on duty, but the SPZ's are only Trowse - Norwich as you know ! The paperwork we now have says; DIESEL ONLY Liverpool Street to Bow Depot Junction and Ipswich to Needham Market: must be in diesel mode an pan lowered.
Can run with 1 pan raised Bow Depot Jct to Ipswich & Needham Market to Norwich.
"It's Happening"
Marketing budget being spent like there’s no tomorrow with all the TV ads.
Marketing budget being spent like there’s no tomorrow with all the TV ads.
Remember that GA is fundamentally a PR company that happens to run a railway network. They could make a bandit look like a charitable saint if they were contracted to do so.From a political point of view having to retain 8 year old trains is better than explaining why they are still using BR-built stock.
When are they going to start calling the Flirts "Hares", after the first Norwich in 90?
321329 in service last week not seen 330 yetI notice that Renatus 321 322 has finally put in an appearance (it could have been around for a bit but I've just seen it myself). Anyone know how the last two (329 & 330) are getting on?