Network rail yellow fleet withdrawal

[zwk500]

Why not a ”tri-mode” diesel/battery/electric unit like what Northern is looking at?

No particular reason why not, although NR may want to avoid buying a diesel fleet for cost/green reasons.

 

[HJ10001]

I live in Liverpool, any new Network Rail test train must be fitted with Tripcock braking and must be able to fit in the Merseyrail link tunnels between Leeds Street Junction, Liverpool Central Low Level and Brunswick on the Northern Line, plus the Wirral Loop.

 

[XCTurbostar]

To be honest, I think Merseyrail is a good candidate for using the 777s as monitoring trains since it’s effectively self contained.

 

[HJ10001]

To be honest, I think Merseyrail is a good candidate for using the 777s as monitoring trains since it’s effectively self contained.

Interesting point

 

[sk688]

shame the 442s were scrapped they'd have been ideal for this sort of work ....

 

[Railperf]

Also not suitable for 125mph operation, so it would almost certainly be better to use some kind of IET derivative in every conceivable case.

Producing a 755/4 that could run at 125mph is not inconceivable. It would obviously lose some passenger accomodation in the process but they have more than enough power under electric to do 125mph without issue and the basic FLIRT design is 125mph capable.
But I wouldn't be surprised another 80x derivative will be the eventual choice.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Producing a 755/4 that could run at 125mph is not inconceivable. It would obviously lose some passenger accomodation in the process but they have more than enough power under electric to do 125mph without issue and the basic FLIRT design is 125mph capable.

The loss of some passenger accommodation wouldn't be an issue for a yellow fleet 755 would it?

Would four cars be enough for all the test and monitoring equipment, though? I guess any 755 derivative would likely be six cars long ( plus the "thrash pod" for non-electric routes, of course! ).

 

[hwl]

Would four cars be enough for all the test and monitoring equipment, though?

Should be as the existing trains often have minimum coach count to increase the brake force for high speed running (with locos or HST Power cars)

 

[Railperf]

The loss of some passenger accommodation wouldn't be an issue for a yellow fleet 755 would it?

Would four cars be enough for all the test and monitoring equipment, though? I guess any 755 derivative would likely be six cars long ( plus the "thrash pod" for non-electric routes, of course! ).

Norwegians run five-car 124mph FLIRT units with three powered bogies - so just a case of adding a power (battery or diesel) pack or two for off wire running. Surely should have enough space for measuring eqpt.

 

[CDM Transport]

The HST powercars seem a good fit for infrastructure monitoring. They can go most places with ease and speed.

I think Network Rail are thinking about replacing the Mk1s and Mk2s over anything. They are quite old and a MK5 etc substitute could be a good idea.

If they did want something else as traction, let's remember that some routes that are tested can only be worked by class 37s and not 43s, meaning that 37s may have to stay if they stay loco hauled.

I don't think Network Rail will be looking to make this change anytime soon, as they recently have made a contract with HNRC Switelsky to give Colas 37s Fs.

 

[zwk500]

If they did want something else as traction, let's remember that some routes that are tested can only be worked by class 37s and not 43s, meaning that 37s may have to stay if they stay loco hauled.

It's possible NR could get other locos cleared, with special restrictions for the low-RA routes.

 

[HJ10001]

It's possible NR could get other locos cleared, with special restrictions for the low-RA routes.

However, the 37's and 43's are not permitted on certain route's on the southern region, due to some of the tunnels being too narrow! Only the original & rebuilt 73's are permitted in these areas.

This also includes the Merseyrail tunnels and the Wirral Loop.

 

[hwl]

The HST powercars seem a good fit for infrastructure monitoring. They can go most places with ease and speed.

I think Network Rail are thinking about replacing the Mk1s and Mk2s over anything. They are quite old and a MK5 etc substitute could be a good idea.

If they did want something else as traction, let's remember that some routes that are tested can only be worked by class 37s and not 43s, meaning that 37s may have to stay if they stay loco hauled.

I don't think Network Rail will be looking to make this change anytime soon, as they recently have made a contract with HNRC Switelsky to give Colas 37s Fs.

It's possible NR could get other locos cleared, with special restrictions for the low-RA routes.

However, the 37's and 43's are not permitted on certain route's on the southern region, due to some of the tunnels being too narrow! Only the original & rebuilt 73's are permitted in these areas.

This also includes the Merseyrail tunnels and the Wirral Loop.

Mk1 and Mk2 are effectively go everywhere. Mk3 and Mk5 aren't - they just physically won't fit without infrastructure mods in places - this isn't just about RA. 37s are go most places, HST power cars less so but 73 are effectively go anywhere.

The new solution will effectively need to be go everywhere e.g. 20m (non articulated vehicle length - shorter if articulated) and narrow bodyshells (unless they go for different designs for different which some what defeats the point of the tender).