Good idea- has anyone yet requested this from the mods (don't want to spam them if it's already been done).
Sorry - in this instance I really meant "first of the 777-induced" retirements
Nope, they don't.
How many hours a day is the course? As in, how many drivers can do it per day, so we can figure out how many will be trained by the end of the first 8 days.
Is this the circuit on RTT starting with the 0943 Kirkby to Central (5G72) and 1005 return (5K14) repeating every 45 minutes until the 1605 from Central (5K38) - (ten round trips) although I note that today RTT shows its first five round trips were cancelled, and it entered service at Kirkdale (not Kirkby) at 1307.
I have read that the expectation is in about 18 months. This may depend partly on Network Rail’s progress on infrastructure alterations to allow 8-car 777 formations to run everywhere. There was an intention to retain 14 x Class 507 to allow some double unit running until NR had completed the various works. Given that timetables for everything have been disrupted, this may no longer be the plan.
I see at Southport a sign has gone up today saying they are making changes to the platforms and access in preparation for the 777s.
As many as are available, the problem being just that!
Which begs the question, where did the Monday date come from?
Hi David,
I’m going to be a tease and suggest that rather than me giving you a timetable, you run a sweepstake on how long you think it’ll take. I’ll buy the winner a pint (or an alternative of an equivalent value if that isn’t your thing). The measure is duration between 1st and last (53rd) unit entering passenger service which will have been preceded by the last 507/8 having been withdrawn from service. Please note that this might involve a timetable change
(May seems a bit soon)
I did wonder why there isn't some kind of mini plow and brush in front of the skate to push off the snow so you can keep running.
Wasn't snow in today's case, just a layer of ice as they looked clear to the eye.
Hmmmm there's electricity in the conductor rails, I wonder if there's a way to harness it to generate heat
Great news, thanks.I’m sure that you’ll appreciate why I have been silent for a while. I wouldn’t have wanted to say anything potentially controversial while Merseyrail’s drivers were considering which way to cast their votes (I fully appreciate that a fair few in here are Merseyrail employees).
Hopefully I can clarify on a few points:
1. The first IPEMU that was tested in Germany is currently en route between Crewe and Liverpool. RTT users can track progress and could intercept for photos at Bootle New Strand for photos in a couple of hours before delivery to Kirkdale.
2. Entry into Service is imminent. The Merseyrail and Merseytravel feeds will break the news (I’ll RT it once I have opportunity in the working day to do so)
3. Lots going on at Southport for a few months to come in preparation for eight car operation. We’re working at over 20 stations on this aspect of the project (I bet a few of you have already noticed a few changes). The works are mostly non-disruptive and will be delivered by Network Rail in advance of the associated services being provided.
4. 777 rollout programme. Love the debate about duration as it’s very real and the answer isn’t yet nailed on. The main constraints are driver training, stabling capacity on the network, rolling stock transportation/commissioning/fault free running/acceptance, 507/8 handback to Angel Trains, timetable change and Cl 777 performance in service.
I’m going to be a tease and suggest that rather than me giving you a timetable, you run a sweepstake on how long you think it’ll take. I’ll buy the winner a pint (or an alternative of an equivalent value if that isn’t your thing). The measure is duration between 1st and last (53rd) unit entering passenger service which will have been preceded by the last 507/8 having been withdrawn from service. Please note that this might involve a timetable change
I’m really looking forward to the first train entering passenger service now that there’s a deal agreed and the rollout working its way round the network. I’ll be keeping an eye on this chatroom
Could be very complex for what is essentially only an issue for certain parts of the day in a few weeks of the year.
They won’t all have batteries, but those with traction batteries could theoretically lift their shoes and still run if they had enough battery power to get them to the underground section.
They will all have batteries. I think the OP is referring to the batteries they have on board to allow them to move round the depot without a third rail, not the units with battery packs for operation to Headbolt Lane.
