Greater Anglia Bombardier Aventras (Class 720): Technical discussion and introduction

[robert west]

My records have it as being out on test on or around 24/01/25, if that helps

there was a 5L50 1216 wembley depot to ilford depot that ran today

booked a 720 but does anyone know which unit came over please

 

[720144]

there was a 5L50 1216 wembley depot to ilford depot that ran today

booked a 720 but does anyone know which unit came over please

Either 720510 or 516.

 

[robert west]

Either 720510 or 516.

many thanks

 

[Peter Sarf]

57310 720505 57303

Realtime Trains | 5Q70 1050 Derby Litchurch Lane to Wembley Inter City Depot | 29/01/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q70 1050 departure from Derby Litchurch Lane to Wembley Inter City Depot on 29/01/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Any news on the activities of 720505 since its trip to Wembley on 29/01/2025 - as above, nine days ago ?.
I wonder if 720505 has/will head back to Derby OR instead makes its way to Wilesden for commissioning ?.

On the subject of Willesden - is there space there yet ?.
I note there was a 5L50 from Wembley to Ilford yesterday (06/02/2025)
Would that have been 720510 or 720516 ?.
Or even both ?.

Will the above make space at Willesden for the next expected 720 (720503 iirc ?) from Derby Litchurch Lane ?.

 

[wickham]

Regarding above query, I beleive space has been filled at Willesden TMD by two 730/2s from Camden.
Don't hold your breath waiting for 720503 - I suspect that it is highly likely to go back to Derby !

 

[3973EXL]

I note there was a 5L50 from Wembley to Ilford yesterday (06/02/2025)
Would that have been 720510 or 720516 ?.
Or even both ?.

More likely -
5L50 1216 Wembley - Ilford was ROG operated, as was 5H72 1315 Ilford - Wembley 03/02
720550/507 were reported at Wembley on 04/02

GA units often visit Wembley for attention. Wheel Lathe?

GBRf do all the 720 moves before acceptance by GA.

I would guess 720516 720510 on

Realtime Trains | 5Q22 1531 Wembley Inter City Depot to Ilford E.M.U.D. | 04/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q22 1531 departure from Wembley Inter City Depot to Ilford E.M.U.D. on 04/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Q22 1542 Kilburn Up & Down Gds Lp to Ilford E.M.U.D. | 05/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q22 1542 departure from Kilburn Up & Down Gds Lp to Ilford E.M.U.D. on 05/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

720516/143 were reported on 5G33 0815 Ilford - Southend 06/02

 

[dk1]

GA units often visit Wembley for attention. Wheel Lathe?

Yes. At long last one is being constructed at Clacton.

 

[Peter Sarf]

More likely -
5L50 1216 Wembley - Ilford was ROG operated, as was 5H72 1315 Ilford - Wembley 03/02
720550/507 were reported at Wembley on 04/02

GA units often visit Wembley for attention. Wheel Lathe?

GBRf do all the 720 moves before acceptance by GA.

I would guess 720510/516 on

Realtime Trains | 5Q22 1542 Kilburn Up & Down Gds Lp to Ilford E.M.U.D. | 05/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q22 1542 departure from Kilburn Up & Down Gds Lp to Ilford E.M.U.D. on 05/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

720516/143 were reported on 5G33 0815 Ilford - Southend 06/02

Presumably 720516 & 720143 are in the middle of ongoing testing / FFR mileage accumulation ?
I note that means 720516 has made it to GA metals.

 

[The_Train]

Either 720510 or 516.

Do we know which one?

 

[Peter Sarf]

there was a 5L50 1216 wembley depot to ilford depot that ran today

booked a 720 but does anyone know which unit came over please

Either 720510 or 516.

Do we know which one?

Judging by

More likely -
5L50 1216 Wembley - Ilford was ROG operated, as was 5H72 1315 Ilford - Wembley 03/02
720550/507 were reported at Wembley on 04/02

+

GA units often visit Wembley for attention. Wheel Lathe?

So one or both of 720550 and 720507.

GBRf do all the 720 moves before acceptance by GA.

I would guess 720516 720510 on

Realtime Trains | 5Q22 1531 Wembley Inter City Depot to Ilford E.M.U.D. | 04/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q22 1531 departure from Wembley Inter City Depot to Ilford E.M.U.D. on 04/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Q22 1542 Kilburn Up & Down Gds Lp to Ilford E.M.U.D. | 05/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q22 1542 departure from Kilburn Up & Down Gds Lp to Ilford E.M.U.D. on 05/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

720516/143 were reported on 5G33 0815 Ilford - Southend 06/02

Judging by the above 720516 was as above with 720510.

 

[720144]

Do we know which one?

Both 720510 & 516 on 2 separate days. Not exactly like 141 & 143 both came together.

505 still needs to be commissioned before further testing.

I note there was a 5L50 from Wembley to Ilford yesterday (06/02/2025)
Would that have been 720510 or 720516 ?.
Or even both ?.

720507 & 550 coming back.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Both 720510 & 516 on 2 separate days. Not exactly like 141 & 143 both came together.

505 still needs to be commissioned before further testing.

Indeed, so that means no 720s at the bottom end of the WCML for testing ?.
But as someone else posted - a pair of 730/2s have taken up residence at Willesden from Camden.
So I wonder what Camden needs the space for ?.
Or is Willesden going to get the pair of 730/2s into service/FFR ?.

720507 & 550 coming back.

Aye.

 

[800001]

Indeed, so that means no 720s at the bottom end of the WCML for testing ?.
But as someone else posted - a pair of 730/2s have taken up residence at Willesden from Camden.
So I wonder what Camden needs the space for ?.
Or is Willesden going to get the pair of 730/2s into service/FFR ?.

Aye.

No 730/2 are due into service for many many months yet.

 

[720144]

Indeed, so that means no 720s at the bottom end of the WCML for testing ?.
But as someone else posted - a pair of 730/2s have taken up residence at Willesden from Camden.
So I wonder what Camden needs the space for ?.
Or is Willesden going to get the pair of 730/2s into service/FFR ?.

I’m just hoping that derby can clear all of the remaining 720s left awaiting (503 504 534 & 104) in a short matter of time this year.

 

[3973EXL]

Realtime Trains | 0D20 0926 Leicester L.I.P. to Derby Litchurch Lane | 11/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 0D20 0926 departure from Leicester L.I.P. to Derby Litchurch Lane on 11/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

5Q68 11/02 Runs as required
Schedule amended to terminate Willesden TMD if it runs.

Realtime Trains | 5Q68 1245 Derby Litchurch Lane to Bletchley | 11/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q68 1245 departure from Derby Litchurch Lane to Bletchley on 11/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

STP

Realtime Trains | 0F70 1817 Willesden T.M.D to Leicester L.I.P. | 11/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 0F70 1817 departure from Willesden T.M.D to Leicester L.I.P. on 11/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Peter Sarf]

No 730/2 are due into service for many many months yet.

Thanks, clears that up. I will go ask more on the 730 thread.

I’m just hoping that derby can clear all of the remaining 720s left awaiting (503 504 534 & 104) in a short matter of time this year.

Yes one has become accustomed to a rather brisk and fulsome delivery rate recently.
And :-

Realtime Trains | 0D20 0926 Leicester L.I.P. to Derby Litchurch Lane | 11/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 0D20 0926 departure from Leicester L.I.P. to Derby Litchurch Lane on 11/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

5Q68 11/02 Runs as required
Schedule amended to terminate Willesden TMD if it runs.

Realtime Trains | 5Q68 1245 Derby Litchurch Lane to Bletchley | 11/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q68 1245 departure from Derby Litchurch Lane to Bletchley on 11/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

STP

Realtime Trains | 0F70 1817 Willesden T.M.D to Leicester L.I.P. | 11/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 0F70 1817 departure from Willesden T.M.D to Leicester L.I.P. on 11/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

There is the answer - Another Tuesday delivery.
My money is on 720503 * as per the so far correct reporting of the order of progress up thread.
Then I fear it goes quiet.

EDIT 09/02/2025
* = probably not 720503 as that is advertised as being an exhibit at the 200 year celebrations at Derby Litchurch Lane.

 

[87electric]

They may well have one as an exhibit, but it won't be the final one produced... that was 720 144 and it's been in service for a few weeks now...

720503 is being displayed at Derby for Railway 200. Mentioned on the Alstom website 30 January.

 

[Peter Sarf]

720503 is being displayed at Derby for Railway 200. Mentioned on the Alstom website 30 January.

There's me hoping that 720503 is in 5Q68 on Tuesday !. OK maybe a different 720 or something different or not not running.

 

[3973EXL]

720510/516

Realtime Trains | 5G33 0815 Ilford E.M.U.D. to Southend Victoria | 10/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 5G33 0815 departure from Ilford E.M.U.D. to Southend Victoria on 10/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[720144]

There's me hoping that 720503 is in 5Q68 on Tuesday !. OK maybe a different 720 or something different or not not running.

Yes either 503 or 504 will hopefully work 5Q68 south tommorow if correct.

 

[SeaKing]

Yes either 503 or 504 will hopefully work 5Q68 south tommorow if correct.

See post 3197 not 503.

 

[wickham]

It is only February now, are they seriously proposing to keep 720503 at Derby till August !!??

 

[3973EXL]

What the website says -

Alstom presents: The Greatest Gathering

www.alstom.com

What rolling stock will be on display at The Greatest Gathering?​

We will be displaying over 50 historic rail vehicles, representing steam, diesel and electric traction, alongside others. As the programme develops between now and August, we will reveal individual items in due course. Rolling stock present at the launch on Thursday 30 January 2025 will appear at the main event – or examples from the same class:
All advertised exhibits will appear at The Greatest Gathering subject to operational availability.

• LNER Class A4 (60007) ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’, built 1937. Preserved steam locomotive provided by the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust
• Merchant Navy Class (35018) ‘British India Line’, built 1945. Preserved Southern Railway steam locomotive, operated by West Coast Railways
• Class 37 (37800), ‘Cassiopeia’, built 1963. Diesel-electric locomotive owned by Europhoenix and operated by Rail Operations Group
• Class 50 (50049) ‘Defiance’, built 1968. Diesel locomotive operated by GB Railfreight and owned by Class 50 Alliance Ltd, based at the Severn Valley Railway
• Class 57 (57307) ‘Lady Penelope’, originally built in 1965 as 47225 and rebuilt in 2002. Diesel locomotive operated by Direct Rail Services
• Class 66 (66315) converted for UK use in 2025. Diesel locomotive operated by GB Railfreight
• Class 69 (69004) originally built in 1979 as 56069 and rebuilt in 2022. Diesel-electric locomotive in heritage British Rail Research Division livery operated by GB Railfreight
• Class 507 (507001), built 1978. Preserved Merseyrail electric multiple unit (EMU) in heritage British Rail blue-grey livery, provided by the Class 507 Preservation Society
• Class 390 Pendolino (390016 – now renumbered 390200 for Railway 200), built in 2002. Electric high-speed passenger train operated by Avanti West Coast
• Class 701 Aventra (701003), built in 2024 at Derby Litchurch Lane. Electric multiple unit (EMU) operated by South Western Railway
• Class 720 Aventra (720503), built in 2024 at Derby Litchurch Lane. Electric multiple unit (EMU) operated by Greater Anglia

​

​

 

[wickham]

Thanks for clarification 3973EXL: "examples from the same class" looks more likely to be 720534 (assuming this is still last on the delivery list) to be displayed and NOT 720503, but we will see in six months time !

 

[markglos]

720503 is being displayed at Derby for Railway 200. Mentioned on the Alstom website 30 January.

Also says on the website it was built in 2024

 

[720144]

See post 3197 not 503.

Many thanks. So it’ll definitely be either 504 or 104 next on the delivery list ?

Also says on the website it was built in 2024

503 was definitely not built in 2024. More or likely built in 2019.

 

[Pinza68]

Many thanks. So it’ll definitely be either 504 or 104 next on the delivery list ?

503 was definitely not built in 2024. More or likely built in 2019.

The first 2 720's I saw at Derby were 503 and 510 on 19th July 2019

 

[Peter Sarf]

It is only February now, are they seriously proposing to keep 720503 at Derby till August !!??

Indeed a whopping SIX months !.
More likely 720503 will get delivered and used and then sent back for the celebrations.
The one for the celebrations does not even have to be a working 720 and a working 720 is worth more money than a cosmetically complete but not necessarily tested 720.
Given they say a 720 built in 2024 I feel 720144 is more appropriate.
One would assume that the remaining four 720s (104, 503, 504, 534) still at Derby would all be gone from Derby long before August (2025) ?.
If one was to stay I suspect it will be 720534.

But that is enough conjecture,
we will know one more piece in the puzzle by this time tomorrow - if 5Q68 runs.

 

[3973EXL]

69009 0D20 off shed at Leicester 0939 Derby Lit 1037

Realtime Trains | 0D20 0926 Leicester L.I.P. to Derby Litchurch Lane | 11/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 0D20 0926 departure from Leicester L.I.P. to Derby Litchurch Lane on 11/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Peter Sarf]

69009 0D20 off shed at Leicester 0939

Realtime Trains | 0D20 0926 Leicester L.I.P. to Derby Litchurch Lane | 11/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 0D20 0926 departure from Leicester L.I.P. to Derby Litchurch Lane on 11/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

And 5Q68 appears to be manually activated (5h55m before departure).
So a likely runner ?.

Realtime Trains | 5Q68 1245 Derby Litchurch Lane to Bletchley | 11/02/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q68 1245 departure from Derby Litchurch Lane to Bletchley on 11/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk