Recent content by crosscity

I made the effort to see it, especially as it took an unusual route through the West Midlands. I managed to see it in three different places - Aston, Soho and Wolverhampton. I didn't think I'd see a 323 under its own power on the Crosscity line ever again! Here are three of my photos...

... and here it was passing through Rugeley TV. 10May2025. Rugeley TV. BR Class 323 EMU 323243. [P1220130] by Ray Honke, on Flickr

A photo of 323243 at Lime St on a test run appeared today on a 323/730 Facebook group. Perhaps it was being revved up for its trip to Wolverton.

Although the schedule for 323243 to go to Wolverton was created (and for 323218 to come back) yesterday (Sat 03Feb), neither transfer happened. I went to Rugeley, and was a bit disappointed! Does anyone know why 323243 didn't go? ... and will another attempt be made soon?

It is, of course, possible to get to Leamington Spa and points further south directly from New St. It really depends on where the Op is planning on going.

No. You'll go through Birmingham twice, but usually only once through New St. This doesn't detract from your otherwise excellent information, though.

I thought 243 was still in WM livery? I know it's not been in service, and it will be interesting to see whether it goes to Wolverton in two weeks.

I managed to intercept 202 passing Atherton (near Nuneaton). 19Apr2025 at 13:39. Atherstone. BR Class 323 EMU 323202. [P1210992] by Ray Honke, on Flickr

Looks like the penultimate 323 (202?) still in WM livery will head for re-paint at Wolverton on Easter Saturday (19th April). 209 should return to the North in its spanking new colours! 323202: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K32259/2025-04-19/detailed 323209...

The transfers seem to take place every two weeks, so 209 should make its way back to Allerton on Sat 19Apr. Here is my photo of 218 heading to Wolverton yesterday. 05Apr2025. WM Class 323 Farewell. Tamworth. BR Class 323 EMU 323218. [P1210923] by Ray Honke, on Flickr

37510 hauling 730217+730212. (5Q72 0857 Old Dalby-Willesden from Railcam and photos on Flickr).

The train was 5Q59 0611 Bletchley-Old Dalby and consisted of 730226 hauled by 37608. I don't know why the 730's are taken to Old Dalby, but it happens quite a lot.

202, 218 and 243 are still in WM livery, so a chance of seeing two of them at Piccadilly.

That's a fair point, although when the first 730 entered service on 15th April, only four had transferred to Northern. All 17 units had transferred by 8th July and four diagrams (of eleven) were still operated by the remaining 9 323's.

That's surprising! In the run-down of the 323's on the Birmingham Crosscity line last year, you could tell which ones were going to Northern - they were the ones with USB charging points.