Class 230 units training/introduction on the Borderlands line: updates

[TheSel]

Yesterday's delivery was cancelled, but it's in again for today.

... and it's on its way. 41 late at Worcester.

Realtime Trains - 533L 1445 Long Marston to Wrexham General

Realtime Trains provides live realtime running information for the Great British railway network using open data.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Wyrleybart]

... and it's on its way. 41 late at Worcester.

Realtime Trains - 533L 1445 Long Marston to Wrexham General

Realtime Trains provides live realtime running information for the Great British railway network using open data.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

As a matter of interest, do we know whose operators licence this is running under ?

 

[Bob Price]

Rail Operations Group - ROG

 

[Liverpool 507]

Presume this is 230008?

Guess it will stay at Wrexham General until further notice? The other two (006 & 007) are hibernating inside the shed at Birkenhead North and I doubt there’s room for another.

 

[Bob Price]

There is a path today to take it to Birkenhead. 10.30 from UB1 on 586L

 

[Wyrleybart]

Rail Operations Group - ROG

Thanks Bob

 

[8H]

Thanks Bob

Arrived at Birkenhead North 10 minutes ago!

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

They’ve also just told us we all need to learn Piccadilly to the airport now too as network rail don’t want us taking up the mayfield loop. So that’s all red link and the starter link drivers tied up for a while.

At least half the Chester-Manchester services run through to the Airport already (9 services).
Isn't that enough to keep the route valid for train crew?
One of them runs via Northwich and reverses at Piccadilly.

 

[craigybagel]

At least half the Chester-Manchester services run through to the Airport already (9 services).
Isn't that enough to keep the route valid for train crew?
One of them runs via Northwich and reverses at Piccadilly.

Only one of the three links at Chester sign the airport (which is also the only link that signs Northwich). If all Manchester services go through to the airport, the other two links will need to sign it. I think Holyhead will also need to sign it as well - which although not directly connected to the 230s may have a knock on effect as it will further reduce the numbers of drivers available for training if HHD jobs need covering in the meantime whilst they learn the airport.

 

[D365]

It is not Vivarail it is Birmingham University who are on the Long Marston site alongside Viva rail.
See https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/hydroflex-testing.209688/

I know - you asked your question in a Vivarail thread, hence my confusion. Vivarail and UoB are running their own, separate Hydrogen R&D programmes.

 

[Bob Price]

Looks like testing is back on, 545M en route to Wrexham Central running a few minutes late. Don't know which unit.

 

[6Gtraincrew]

Looks like testing is back on, 545M en route to Wrexham Central running a few minutes late. Don't know which unit.

I'd guess it's 008 as I think 006 and 007 have been accepted by TFW and there are no TFW drivers who sign them.

 

[arfortune]

I'd guess it's 008 as I think 006 and 007 have been accepted by TFW and there are no TFW drivers who sign them.

TfW haven't accepted any units to date - all this is Vivarail.

 

[6Gtraincrew]

TfW haven't accepted any units to date - all this is Vivarail.

Okey dokie, I stand corrected. I just presumed that with 006 and 007 having had plenty of runs and them not coming out to play for about a month now, that Vivarail had done all they wanted with them.

 

[43096]

TfW haven't accepted any units to date - all this is Vivarail.

006 and 007 have been signed over to TfW.

 

[Bob Price]

230009 on long testing today to Stourbridge Junction and back. Looks like it may have failed at SJ or just running back to LM later today. Encouraging signs for the project

 

[Bob Price]

Paths in use this morning on local test runs. Guessing it's 009 unless it's the Hydrogen unit out again. Nothing still on the Borderlands from the schedules.

 

[sw1ller]

We’ve had a rough idea of when we’ll be starting traction training. March/April time. I wouldn’t take this as concrete obviously but it’s welcome news.

 

[Bob Price]

We’ve had a rough idea of when we’ll be starting traction training. March/April time. I wouldn’t take this as concrete obviously but it’s welcome news.

Guess all 5 will be delivered by then and planning for May introduction?

 

[sw1ller]

That’s my guess. Still not holding my breath though due to Covid.

 

[31160]

So is the current plan for them just to be used on the borderline or is the Chester crewe shuttle still a thing

 

[Jez]

What is the plan long term for the Conwy Valley and Chester/Crewe shuttle once the 150s and 153s eventually go?

 

[6Gtraincrew]

What is the plan long term for the Conwy Valley and Chester/Crewe shuttle once the 150s and 153s eventually go?

197's

 

[Bletchleyite]

197's

Probably the biggest improvement the Valley has ever had, assuming it's not floated away down Afon Conwy by then.

 

[Bob Price]

230009 on long runs today, out to Stourbridge etc.

Been wondering why there have been no runs scheduled over the past few days. Seems the first 484 has been shipped today so guess their focus is on that.

 

[ADHDTog]

Just been past Birkenhead North TMD (around 1330) and there appears to be a class 230 there.

 

[6Gtraincrew]

Just been past Birkenhead North TMD (around 1330) and there appears to be a class 230 there.

There should be three. 006, 007 and 008 are being stabled there.

 

[47550]

Just been past Birkenhead North TMD (around 1330) and there appears to be a class 230 there.

008 was outside when I went past yesterday.

 

[Bob Price]

Everything seems to have slowed down. No testing on the Borderlands and 009 on limited test runs. 010 can't be far off completion.

 

[DavidGrain]

I think Vivarail are working on priorities like how many 484s can they get out to the Isle of Wight before Christmas and the line is closed for engineering work. The 484s are transferred from road to rail at Sandown and then driven on temporary battery power to St Johns. The Island Line is going to need 3 units to start the service and so far they have just one. If TfW are talking about May for the 230s to come into service then their priority has slipped down.