Class 700 reliability

[ctrh136]

Hi all,
I'm not sure if there is a similar thread here but I've had a look through the last month or so but haven't seen one.

I've noticed that Thameslink seem to be cancelling quite a few services due to "more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time" - this seems to have been going on for a while as I remember seeing this when they often cancelled the (at the time) one a day train to/from East Grinstead. Is this because the class 700s are proving unreliable as I can't believe that operations now are more intensive than pre-Covid? Or am I missing something?

 

[hooverboy]

Hi all,
I'm not sure if there is a similar thread here but I've had a look through the last month or so but haven't seen one.

I've noticed that Thameslink seem to be cancelling quite a few services due to "more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time" - this seems to have been going on for a while as I remember seeing this when they often cancelled the (at the time) one a day train to/from East Grinstead. Is this because the class 700s are proving unreliable as I can't believe that operations now are more intensive than pre-Covid? Or am I missing something?

The class 700 are mechanically very reliable.When they run,(more often than not the cause of cancellation is crew-related),they are robust and punctual.
The main quirk with these units is the aesthetics and the interior,not the stuff that makes it go.

 

[gm671]

Current issue is many units are out of mileage and Siemens are struggling to get them through periodic exams on time. Not been told if this is down to lack of labour, parts or both.

 

[ctrh136]

Current issue is many units are out of mileage and Siemens are struggling to get them through periodic exams on time. Not been told if this is down to lack of labour, parts or both.

Ah that makes sense.
I've seen that TL have temporarily withdrawn the Littlehampton service (which is transferring to Southern in May anyway) and have withdrawn one East Grinstead peak service (which is being covered by Southern to/from London Bridge) until early May.

 

[Dave91131]

700111 appears to have been out of use at Peterborough for about a fortnight now, unsure if mechanical / maintenance related though.

 

[Javelin_55]

Current issue is many units are out of mileage and Siemens are struggling to get them through periodic exams on time. Not been told if this is down to lack of labour, parts or both.

Apparently the wheel lathe at Hornsey is out of service so units are stacking up waiting for Three Bridges which doesn't help.

700111 appears to have been out of use at Peterborough for about a fortnight now, unsure if mechanical / maintenance related though.

700111 hasn't run in passenger service for nearly a month, due to suspension issues.

 

[Failed Unit]

It is interesting on this contract I believe it is a "no train - no pay". But I bet Siemens are glad the full Thameslink service was never implemented. I notice at WGC the Sevenoaks service is frequently step up to save a unit.

The one that arrives at 0712 for example would normally form the 0802. It is not going back out at 0732 to save a unit. 387s are more common as well (not that anyone will complain at that.)