class 158 to be reformed from the two sets damaged on 21/10/24?

[Llanigraham]

I understand from a video on the TfW Facebook page (only link I can find: https://www.facebook.com/TfWTrafnidiaethCymru/videos/1061174518668752) that both units were taken slowly to Mach, where they are now sitting in the depot for further examination/testing, prior to them being removed in some way for further repair elsewhere.

 

[D365]

There is an ERTMS jumper cable connected between the 2 units.

To clarify - unless the Cambrian 158s have been designed to allow for reformation into ’hybrid’ three car units, I wouldn’t expect to find ETCS control signals at the cab ends, as opposed to the intermediate ends where the control [and supply] signals are present.

My understanding of ’sleep’ mode is that it is based on a direction signal being present, without a cab desk on the unit in question being opened.

 

[Lurcheroo]

To clarify - unless the Cambrian 158s have been designed to allow for reformation into ’hybrid’ three car units, I wouldn’t expect to find ETCS control signals at the cab ends, as opposed to the intermediate ends where the control [and supply] signals are present.

My understanding of ’sleep’ mode is that it is based on a direction signal being present, without a cab desk on the unit in question being opened.

no I would very much doubt they were ever designed with that in mind. Although I’m sure if there was enough of a desire and money available a solution could be found, but I wouldn’t think there would be desire or money for it when the Mach depot couldn’t accommodate it for maintenance.

Ahh right that’s interesting! So may not work as it would see a can keyed in on that unit. Would likely cause a BTM failure or something that and cause havoc.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

On the assumption that the "outer" vehicles are relatively unscathed:

• If getting the ERTMS bits to work together is a simple enough job for those tasked with looking after the kit, and...
• If creating one good set is considered the best way of moving forward from an operational standpoint...

Then I can see that solution being adopted. Those in the know will be better placed to determine the likelihood of such an outcome.

Any idea of creating new centre cars from the damaged vehicles, is a little more "pie in the sky".

 

[BenBracken]

The Cambrian Line reopened yesterday and looking at RTT there seems to be a fairly normal service? Just curious how they have achieved that given they are two units down.

 

[Lurcheroo]

The Cambrian Line reopened yesterday and looking at RTT there seems to be a fairly normal service? Just curious how they have achieved that given they are two units down.

Mach was one unit short today so the 06:19 from Aberystwyth was terminated at Mach so it could form the 06:47 to Aberystwyth.
I see the 18:28 is also a replacement bus departing at 18:10 (to make a connection with the train at Mach).

 

[Llanigraham]

Mach was one unit short today so the 06:19 from Aberystwyth was terminated at Mach so it could form the 06:47 to Aberystwyth.
I see the 18:28 is also a replacement bus departing at 18:10 (to make a connection with the train at Mach).

In that case did they run the Brum as a 2 car instead of a 4 car.
I need to catch the 0620 UP off Caersws on Thursday so hope everything is running ok.

 

[WAB]

The Cambrian Line reopened yesterday and looking at RTT there seems to be a fairly normal service? Just curious how they have achieved that given they are two units down.

Being short of 158s is not a situation reserved to the past week; there will be a well-used set of contingency arrangements to maintain the service on the Cambrian, such as de-strengthening certain services, compressing the unit diagrams to cover more services, replacing certain Machynlleth to Aberystwyth runs with buses, set swaps for 197s/153s/150s at Shrewsbury, etc. There are a number of options to keep the show on the road up there.

 

[Lurcheroo]

In that case did they run the Brum as a 2 car instead of a 4 car.
I need to catch the 0620 UP off Caersws on Thursday so hope everything is running ok.

Looks like it was a mix of 2 and 4 cars yesterday to Brum. The 6:20 from Caersws looks like it ran as 2 all the way. Hopefully it goes as 4 on Thursday for you

 

[BenBracken]

So would they even need to bother repairing the damaged units if they can keep the show on the road until the 197s are in service? West Wales has several months of an amended service and changes in Carmarthen whilst the 197s were being trialled, are they close enough now on the Cambrian?

 

[Lurcheroo]

So would they even need to bother repairing the damaged units if they can keep the show on the road until the 197s are in service? West Wales has several months of an amended service and changes in Carmarthen whilst the 197s were being trialled, are they close enough now on the Cambrian?

I would think it would be more down to the lease company.

The Cambrian is likely 12 months or more away from having 197’s, but if the ERTMS 197’s are brought in and the Shrewsbury - Birmingham portion gets signed off for 197’s it may be less of an issue. It may be that services Shrewsbury - Birmingham become a mix of 197 and 158.

 

[WAB]

So would they even need to bother repairing the damaged units if they can keep the show on the road until the 197s are in service? West Wales has several months of an amended service and changes in Carmarthen whilst the 197s were being trialled, are they close enough now on the Cambrian?

Because it means trains leaving passengers behind, constant work for control organising the alterations each day distracting from other important tasks, trains routinely leaving late and being terminated short of their destination, a reliance on rail replacement buses which are not always obtainable, and no resilience to deal with service perbutation or further unit shortages.

 

[43096]

I would think it would be more down to the lease company.

Indeed. And, of course, the insurers.

 

[chrisjo]

In case anyone is interested, I was at Machynlleth around 11:30 on 1st Nov. Apart from 158820 working SHR-AYW, there were no fewer than eight 158 units scattered about the carriage sidings / depot, with the damaged ends of 24 and 41 hidden inside the old 89C steam shed.

 

[fgwrich]

Maybe 52803 the only saved car from Salisbury crash could be used I understand it's at long Marston in storage

Wasn’t sure where to post this but, it’s fair to say 52803 won’t be coming back. It has been pictured today on the back of a Reid’s lorry entering EMR / Unimetals Nottingham.