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Bi Mode Train

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cnjb8

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When do they convert from diesel and electric, vice versa?
At the station, do they turn on the diesel engine when the pantograph is on, effectively two power sources? Or do they put the pantograph down before turning the engine on, effectively no power source for a few seconds?
Do they switch mid journey at speed?
 
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jfowkes

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If you mean the Class 800/802, they can and do transition to/from diesel to electric at line speed.

If going electric-to-diesel, the engine is started while the train is still powered under the wires to ensure it's running OK before switchover occurs (and to ensure that the pantograph drops!)
If going diesel-to-electric, the train gets under the wires on diesel, the pan is raised, the system switches over.

There's a good thread on RMweb about the details.
 

mawallace

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I was thinking this re the new trains on the GA's lines. What's the point of bi mode on Norwich to Lowestoft , Norwich to Gt Yarmonth. When will these be used on electric?
 

cnjb8

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I was thinking this re the new trains on the GA's lines. What's the point of bi mode on Norwich to Lowestoft , Norwich to Gt Yarmonth. When will these be used on electric?
The trains will be used on other electric and diesel lines too.
 

Aureol Colin

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If the Norwich to Cambridge services are extended to Stanstead, Ely to Stanstead will be under the Wires. The Ipswich to Cambridge also has wires at each end and of course Norwich itself is wired, although no one has reported the in service unit as switching to Electric on approach yet. Transfers from Crown Point up the mainline will also be electric.
 

cnjb8

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If you mean the Class 800/802, they can and do transition to/from diesel to electric at line speed.

If going electric-to-diesel, the engine is started while the train is still powered under the wires to ensure it's running OK before switchover occurs (and to ensure that the pantograph drops!)
If going diesel-to-electric, the train gets under the wires on diesel, the pan is raised, the system switches over.

There's a good thread on RMweb about the details.
Thanks for the info.
 

Railperf

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If the Norwich to Cambridge services are extended to Stanstead, Ely to Stanstead will be under the Wires. The Ipswich to Cambridge also has wires at each end and of course Norwich itself is wired, although no one has reported the in service unit as switching to Electric on approach yet. Transfers from Crown Point up the mainline will also be electric.
I doubt any diesel to electric changeovers will take place on the move. But electric to diesel shouldn't pose a problem.
The latest from Network Rail is this:
New square shaped, blue bordered signs are being erected at the appropriate Stop Car Marker Boards for class 755 bimodes.
A white Class 755 on a blue band tops the sign. Half of the remainder is Power Changeover (separate lines) in black lettering divided by a blue band from the bottom segment. All the latter have the yellow exclamation triangle on the LHS. The Diesel to Electric sign exhibits Electric and 25kV on separate lines to the right. The opposite changeover is topped by DIESEL in red lettering with Lowestoft beneath and Felixstowe below that in the example shown.
Locations:
Ipswich Down Pfms 2-4
Stowmarket both platforms for the different changeovers
Norwich 1-6 Up
 

geoffk

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So am I right in saying that LNER's Hull service will change traction at Templehirst in both directions, rather than during the call at Doncaster? The same will presumably apply to the new Hull Trains stock. What about TPE's Newcastle service - is the change being made at York or Colton Junction?
 

Railperf

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So am I right in saying that LNER's Hull service will change traction at Templehirst in both directions, rather than during the call at Doncaster? The same will presumably apply to the new Hull Trains stock. What about TPE's Newcastle service - is the change being made at York or Colton Junction?
As far as I can tell the diesel to electric change is made at a stand at York
 
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