Can anyone update on 168329 and the turbo hybrid 'experiment'?

[GWRrrr]

It's all gone a bit quiet on 168329 and modifying the 168 fleet to hybrids. Can anyone update, because I understand the second unit didn't get modified.

Thanks

 

[dooton]

Having some mods at Wolverton, due back mid Jan.

 

[GWRrrr]

Thanks. That explains why it's been a bit quiet then.

 

[dooton]

Yes, we did some runs to Oxford and Birmingham before Christmas and was doing decent mileage. This trip was planned and the expectation is when it returns it will be back in service earning it's keep.

 

[CR165022]

Not sure if this is the right thread to ask, but is there also any updates on 165004? As that's been away for years now

 

[Suraggu]

Not sure if this is the right thread to ask, but is there also any updates on 165004? As that's been away for years now

It's a slow burning project but it's progressing at Wabtec, Doncaster. Massively behind schedule mind.

 

[12LDA28C]

It's a slow burning project but it's progressing at Wabtec, Doncaster. Massively behind schedule mind.

It was, but was transferred some time ago to Loughborough. It was due back at Chiltern in October, then November, now who knows!?

Yes, we did some runs to Oxford and Birmingham before Christmas and was doing decent mileage. This trip was planned and the expectation is when it returns it will be back in service earning it's keep.

I think it's fair to say 168329 hasn't been a roaring success. It's certainly spent more time out of traffic than it has 'earning its keep'.

It's all gone a bit quiet on 168329 and modifying the 168 fleet to hybrids. Can anyone update, because I understand the second unit didn't get modified.

Thanks

The second unit got sent to Wolverton, then taken back soon afterwards as the conversion was cancelled, on grounds of cost I believe.

Chiltern have been asking for expressions of interest from ROSCOs and manufacturers to provide a fleet of battery / hybrid units to replace their current ageing fleet which is becoming increasing difficult to source parts for. Whether or not that comes to fruition is anyone's guess.

 

[norbitonflyer]

Thanks. That explains why it's been a bit quiet then.

Isn't that the idea?

 

[GWRrrr]

Is there any update on what's happening with 168329?

 

[dooton]

Still running around accumulating mileage and reliability improvements. A lot of lessons learned from 329 will go into the production model (Should they be built).

 

[12LDA28C]

Is there any update on what's happening with 168329?

Still in service with Chiltern but as far as I know the assessment / trial period has now finished and it is just going to continue as part of the fleet for the foreseeable future. Whether it has been a success is open to debate.

 

[Chorley Cake]

It was on RTT a few times in the last ten days or so, frequently working into Marylebone as well, rather than spending its time on the Aylesbury/Princes Risborough shuttle.

 

[CR165022]

its continuing to do the same set of services:
2P10, 2A06, 2P16, 2A10, 2P23, 2A15, 2C45, 1T41, 1Y62 & 2B53

 

[12LDA28C]

It was on RTT a few times in the last ten days or so, frequently working into Marylebone as well, rather than spending its time on the Aylesbury/Princes Risborough shuttle.

It's booked to go into Marylebone in the afternoon, on the same diagram it has always done.

 

[50002Superb]

its continuing to do the same set of services:
2P10, 2A06, 2P16, 2A10, 2P23, 2A15, 2C45, 1T41, 1Y62 & 2B53

I assume this isn’t daily? 168323 is on those services today.

 

[12LDA28C]

I assume this isn’t daily? 168323 is on those services today.

Yes, those are its diagrammed trains. It is not on those trains today due to being on planned maintenance.

 

[50002Superb]

Yes, those are its diagrammed trains. It is not on those trains today due to being on planned maintenance.

Thought so, thanks