krus_aragon
Established Member
The plan *was* just the 230s, but they're still not ready for public service, and TfW would really like to shift the Bidston 150s south instead to help with overcrowding issues. That's where the 197s can step in.
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CAF Civity for TfW: News and updates on introduction.
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Tfw are having a plan B for the route now
Jacob Porrett
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Ah right ok. Makes sense that does.
anamyd
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Thanks for letting me know, I went and saw itRealtime Trains | 537O 1642 Crewe C.S. to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 23/05/2022
Real-time train running information for 537O 1642 departure from Crewe C.S. to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 23/05/2022. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.www.realtimetrains.co.uk
003 is due to be dragged to Machynlleth on Monday, to allow ERTMS testing take place.
I heard that the ERTMS test runs of 197003 will take place in the early hours of mornings, but would you (or anyone else) be able to tell me what times and days they're running, and where to? I'm particularly interested in any running between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth.
SuperLuke2334
Established Member
Has anyone got any further information or updates on progress with the ERTMS testing, or has it not yet commenced? Many thanks in advance.
Doveymain158
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The 197 has been to Aberystwyth
SuperLuke2334
Established Member
This is excellent news, hopefully we'll see some upgrades to the line coming soon enough then.
anamyd
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Thanks for letting me know, I've now seen a photo of it there. Is it going there again on the next (last) couple of nights? I only live a few minutes' walk away so it would be nice to see it in person
Philip
On Moderation
How is it currently looking for 197 introduction and withdrawal of 175s? Is September for the start of the process and December for complete removal of 175s still realistic?
Anonymous10
Established Member
I'd say its now optimistic as the 197s are yet to make it to Cardiff let alone Swansea or Milford haven
Cardiff123
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No, that's fantasy land stuff
Philip
On Moderation
How about change to the South Wales-Manchester timetable to accommodate the 197 and Mk4 services - is this still set for December or more likely to be next May now?
krus_aragon
Established Member
Last September, TfW announced that this would be done in 2023 (along with updated timescales for other changes elsewhere).
See https://news.tfw.wales/news/transport-for-wales-outline-dates-for-additional-train-services
craigybagel
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September for the start is certainly possible - it might even be earlier. December for the end is definitely not happening.
December is still the aim, and there's a large amount of training taking place to make this happen.
Philip
On Moderation
Thanks for update.
LNW-GW Joint
Veteran Member
197 101 on the North Wales main line today, doing repeated trips Chester-Llandudno Jn-Chester, making station stops (3Dxx).
197 102 parked up in Chester sidings, with engines running.
197 101 was used for traincrew training along the N Wales coast, the drivers practical handling hours/experience and the guards ASDO training etc
102 is the used for Chester depot training for their fitters and refuelling at the depot. The shunters need traction training as do all the maintenance staff.
Rumours are saying the 175s lease could be extended to March 2023, the difficulty lies with Chester depot going over to caf from this week.
Maintaining 2 separate fleets at a small depot would be very problematic, let's hope someone has a plan.
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Although Alstom are transferring to CAF, has anything been decided on when they will start maintaining the 197s? The maintenance could still be split between Crewe and Chester until more 197s start arriving.
The maintenance will be shared between Chester and crewe by the looks of things, the depot is quite small as are Chester stations yard.
Until the 197s start getting handed over to tfw all the 175s will require there maintenance at Chester, so until then the 197s are used for depot staff training and setting up new 197 specific maintenance equipment.
The retention tanks need new equipment fitting at the depot and a few other unit specific equipment.
The depot is getting new tools apparently and lots of caf staff training.
It's a busy time at Chester depot
anamyd
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Does anyone know when there will be more 197 test runs that go to Aberystwyth? There must surely be more, and I'm disappointed that I wasn't told about the one on the 28th...? until the 29th after it had already happened, even though I had asked when it would be on the 26th. The guy who took the photo I saw must've found out somehow, and I had I known, I would've walked across the road to see it.
I've noticed that there's a "buses replace trains" notice currently up that says "Machynlleth-Aberystwyth: Monday 13 June - Friday 17 June, Sunday 19 June - Friday 24 June, Sunday 26 June - Friday 01 July, Sunday 03 July - Friday 08 July, late nights / early mornings" - could this be 197-related?
I've noticed that there's a "buses replace trains" notice currently up that says "Machynlleth-Aberystwyth: Monday 13 June - Friday 17 June, Sunday 19 June - Friday 24 June, Sunday 26 June - Friday 01 July, Sunday 03 July - Friday 08 July, late nights / early mornings" - could this be 197-related?
Wyrleybart
Established Member
I wouldn't fret too much. Once training is complete and the 197s have taken over, that is all you will see. Make the most of your 158s
craigybagel
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I'm not sure we have many posters from the Cambrian. I'd love to help but I've no idea myself what's happening out there.
Doveymain158
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I know 197 has been out testing at night on the Cambrian but i have no idea of when and what times
TrainTrackJack
Member
There doesn't seem to be any paths showing of test runs, however 197003 was sat on Machynlleth Carriage Sidings yesterday at 1600 when I went past.
Edit: The best I could suggest is to watch diagram websites such as Traksy and look for an obscure movement late at night to either Newtown or Aberystwyth - so far it has run under 5Q97 when I've seen it on the diagrams.
I'm sorry I don't know when a 197 is next going to Aberystwyth. It might not be for quite a long time. If testing went well last week and as far as I know it did, the next 197 related testing is late August on the Cambrian. Even this testing may not go to Aberystwyth.
There will be a lot of traction training for the mach depot staff and looking at depot equipment fitting compatability etc for the future. As the mach depot will be going over to CAF, so there will be more 197 visits later this year no doubt once more ertms 197s
Has a 197 been to Holyhead yet? I've seen them in North Wales but all seem to be scared of going further than Llandudno Junction. Plenty of ECS runs Chester to Junction, isn't it time to go a bit further with them or is this just mileage accumulation?
There are issues with trackside clearance around Conwy for the 197s and further locations between Llandudno Junction to Holyhead.
The places effected are being worked on to enable the units to go towards Holyhead soon, as Holyhead will be stabling point for the 197s later this year.