TPE Class 397 ('Nova 2') construction and updates

D6700 · 16 Nov 2018

It would appear the unit I saw being taken into the Velim test centre this afternoon was 397002, as this was parked up in the complex with Rail Adventure barrier vehicles either side when I visited a little later. It is this unit that suffered the graffiti attack, as it is still present.

There was a video of this unit in transit recently - I wonder where it has been?

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Chuggington21 · 16 Nov 2018

When can we expect one in the UK

Erniescooper · 16 Nov 2018

Chuggington21 said:
When can we expect one in the UK

First week in December

158820 · 27 Nov 2018

I read elsewhere that the 1st 397 has arrived at Portbury and will be moved by rail next week.

paddyb6 · 27 Nov 2018

Where it is going from and to once its arrived in the UK

158820 · 27 Nov 2018

Presumably Longsight or Manchester International Depot as its called on Real Time Trains. They will be maintained by Alstom at Longsight and Polmadie

TBSchenker · 28 Nov 2018

Has Longsight got the space given the amount of Mk5 rakes stored there? Unless they were reserving space for 397s too.

Are we assuming the 397s will have a similar testing route? Ie Carlisle to Bletchley.

Spartacus · 28 Nov 2018

TBSchenker said:
Has Longsight got the space given the amount of Mk5 rakes stored there? Unless they were reserving space for 397s too.

Funny you should mention that, 37884's on it's way there now to take something to Crewe South Yard.

driver9000 · 28 Nov 2018

TBSchenker said:
Has Longsight got the space given the amount of Mk5 rakes stored there? Unless they were reserving space for 397s too.

Are we assuming the 397s will have a similar testing route? Ie Carlisle to Bletchley.

There is a mk5A rake stored at Crewe South Yard alongside 365s so it would make sense to take the 397 there.

I think the test paths are for all CAF tests originating from Manchester so it is feasible that 397s may appear on test to Carlisle.

Bertie the bus · 28 Nov 2018

Spartacus said:
Funny you should mention that, 37884's on it's way there now to take something to Crewe South Yard.

Move cancelled and the loco is heading to Crewe light engine by the look of it.

Chuggington21 · 28 Nov 2018

So when normally would you fund out if one has arrived

driver9000 · 28 Nov 2018

Chuggington21 said:
So when normally would you fund out if one has arrived

When it is seen leaving the dock.....

SP Man · 28 Nov 2018

Initially the 397 is planned to be out if Crewe Arriva Train Care and if things go to plan will be dragged to Stoke on the nights of 18/19/20th Dec for testing.

TBSchenker · 29 Nov 2018

Is this going to be in a Signal Protection zone? If so I take it they’ll be testing the interference?

SP Man · 29 Nov 2018

TBSchenker said:
Is this going to be in a Signal Protection zone? If so I take it they’ll be testing the interference?

Yes in a SPZ doing EMC testing.

Erniescooper · 2 Dec 2018

driver9000 said:
When it is seen leaving the dock.....

This move http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sea...18/12/03/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt is for ROG to be in place to bring the unit to Crewe on Tuesday.

Jamesrob637 · 3 Dec 2018

Erniescooper said:
This move http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sea...18/12/03/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt is for ROG to be in place to bring the unit to Crewe on Tuesday.

It's run. Late off Leicester but made up time. Good sign.

DaveHarries · 3 Dec 2018

158820 said:
I read elsewhere that the 1st 397 has arrived at Portbury and will be moved by rail next week.

In connection with this there is the following working from Portbury for tomorrow morning which will, I suspect, be transfer of a Class 397. It had been showing for Manchester International Depot but, since showing that this morning (Monday 03rd) it has been changed.

5Q32 1024 Portbury Automotive Terminal - Crewe CS
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O62983/2018/12/04/advanced

I have an early job in Bradford-on-Avon for tomorrow morning (Tuesday 04th) but will keep an eye out for this when I get back.

Dave

EE Andy b1 · 3 Dec 2018

Are these Class 397s which are eventually replacing the Class 350/4s going to be based at the Siemens Ardwick Depot or elsewhere?

LNW-GW Joint · 3 Dec 2018

EE Andy b1 said:
Are these Class 397s which are eventually replacing the Class 350/4s going to be based at the Siemens Ardwick Depot or elsewhere?

Going to be maintained by Alstom at Longsight I believe (or maybe Edge Hill).

EE Andy b1 · 3 Dec 2018

LNW-GW Joint said:
Going to be maintained by Alstom at Longsight I believe (or maybe Edge Hill).

I just can't see how Longsight will cope with no extra capacity what with Virgin 390s, XC 220/221s, Northern 323s & DMUs, TPE Mk5a sets.
They need roads which are wired obviously, but all this must have been thought about and planed.

158820 · 3 Dec 2018

Alstom at Polmadie also will hold 397s.

Geeves · 3 Dec 2018

They are building more sidings at the Siemens depot at Ardwick so presumably when the 397s don't require exams they will be stored there rather than Longsight? Also off topic slightly Northern will be storing all their electrics out of Longsight in the not too distant future at Springs Branch. No Northern DMUs are stabled at Longsight afaik.

EE Andy b1 · 3 Dec 2018

Geeves said:
They are building more sidings at the Siemens depot at Ardwick so presumably when the 397s don't require exams they will be stored there rather than Longsight? Also off topic slightly Northern will be storing all their electrics out of Longsight in the not too distant future at Springs Branch.

Are yes, Wigan Springs Branch depot being re-built for Northern's electrics and new roads at Ardwick so probably some room at Longsight for 397s, and as was mentioned by @158820 Polmadie.
Northern have DMUs fuelled and stabled every night at Longsight.

driver9000 · 3 Dec 2018

The 397s will not be stabled or serviced on Ardwick depot or Edge Hill depot. They will be looked after by Longsight and Polmadie by Alstom who have the maintenance contract.

Chuggington21 · 4 Dec 2018

DaveHarries said:
In connection with this there is the following working from Portbury for tomorrow morning which will, I suspect, be transfer of a Class 397. It had been showing for Manchester International Depot but, since showing that this morning (Monday 03rd) it has been changed.

5Q32 1024 Portbury Automotive Terminal - Crewe CS
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O62983/2018/12/04/advanced

I have an early job in Bradford-on-Avon for tomorrow morning (Tuesday 04th) but will keep an eye out for this when I get back.

Dave

I see what ever this is did leave but a little late

Mintona · 4 Dec 2018

Definitely a 397 with many barrier coaches, I watched it pass through Bristol Temple Meads. Being hauled by a 47 I believe.

Goldie · 4 Dec 2018

Some photos on Flickr, for example: https://www.flickr.com/photos/chris...2b2v5Vs-2c8wcU8-2c42w1S-PZnWDY-2c42sxj-PZnToQ

EE Andy b1 · 4 Dec 2018

These EMUs do look smart from the exterior and should be much better than the Class 350/4s used presently. Not sure if capacity will be enough though.
So after static tests, it'll be more training for freight drivers to test the Class 397, Stoke to Kidsgrove I believe initially like with the Class 350, then more training for TPE drivers, which I presume is a different link to the Tans-Pennine drivers so should not interfere with each other's training.
Hopefully no brake problems on these units.

DaveHarries · 4 Dec 2018

Mintona said:
Definitely a 397 with many barrier coaches, I watched it pass through Bristol Temple Meads. Being hauled by a 47 I believe.

You were at Temple Meads and I had a 5 minute work break to watch it from the TM side of Bath Road bridge. Nice looking trains tbh.

Dave

TPE Class 397 ('Nova 2') construction and updates

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