Merseyrail Class 777 introduction updates

[d9009alycidon]

Interesting to read about the reliability issues with these units, still this is nothing new. By the mid 1960s the new AM3 (later class 303) units for the Glasgow Suburban Electrification were considered the most complicated electric units of their time. Since their return to traffic following the major transformer issues that put them out of service for a year, further modification were needed in the quest for higher component reliability and longevity and eventually these mods ran into hundreds, (including the strengthening of the floor in the vestibules to combat the effects of stiletto heels). Investigations continued towards a reduction in down time, as at that time there was a diagramming provision for 19 units to be continually out of use for maintenance. This represented less than 79% availability.

It just shows that somehow lessons are never really learned....

 

[MTN 24J]

Maybe I'm just imagining this, but have drivers been told to slow down on the northern line?

My journey from Kirkby this morning seemed slower than normal but I did prefer the smoother ride, and not being battered around.

The same seemed to be the case on my return trip from Central, with the driver not accelerating as hard out of Moorfields?

On a side note, any idea when the new 777/1s will be introduced?

 

[karlbbb]

Maybe I'm just imagining this, but have drivers been told to slow down on the northern line?

My journey from Kirkby this morning seemed slower than normal but I did prefer the smoother ride, and not being battered around.

The same seemed to be the case on my return trip from Central, with the driver not accelerating as hard out of Moorfields?

On a side note, any idea when the new 777/1s will be introduced?

I also had the same this morning, to the point of being very noticeable, but my homeward journey seemed back to normal. That said, the home journey was delayed due to a door issue so I guess that was just making up time.

 

[KevinTurvey]

I've noticed quite a lot of my journeys on the Ormskirk line now take a minute or three longer than they did six months back, and they never seem to make up any time despite the significantly more power available than the 507/8's. Quite bizarre really, I would have expected the opposite.

 

[irish_rail]

Could they have been "muzzled"? I know with the IETs the original take off speed has been somewhat reduced, (most likely due to catching passengers unaware who then fell over whilst stowing luggage, or maybe to reduce engine wear). Maybe on the 777s by reducing the acceleration they are hoping to increase reliability? Just a thought from a bystander, as I know nothing about electric trains too be fair!

 

[jamesst]

Maybe I'm just imagining this, but have drivers been told to slow down on the northern line?

My journey from Kirkby this morning seemed slower than normal but I did prefer the smoother ride, and not being battered around.

The same seemed to be the case on my return trip from Central, with the driver not accelerating as hard out of Moorfields?

On a side note, any idea when the new 777/1s will be introduced?

Nope,noones been told to slow down. Both lines have healthy turnaround times so there's not much point bombing it around

 

[Sam 76]

Interesting to note that the 777s have had 2 non fault days in a row on the Ormskirk and Kirkby services (Tuesday and Wednesday). If this continues it must be seen as progress given there is 7/8 units at anyone time

 

[adam_haddad40]

Here's 777004 running on West Kirby services yesterday. Problems persist. The set was late running due to on set of doors being locked out od use do to a step fault, and as you can see the PIS didn't want to play.

Merseyrail | DG401139. 777004. Manor Road. 22.8.2023.

Paul Bigland Photography

PaulBigland.zenfolio.com

The coupler is rusted on a brand new unit. Not good.

 

[Liverpool 507]

The West Kirby unit has failed twice today. First on 2W06 which never left West Kirby, then again on 2W21 at Moorfields. On the New Brighton line, 5N02 never ran but unsure if a 777 is running on that line.

 

[prod_pep]

Eurovision-themed 777013 was reportedly the New Brighton set this morning. Wasn't that stabled there for a few days prior?

Tuesday was not quite a fault-free day for the Ormskirk and Kirkby 777s according to Open Train Times. Tuesday's 1731 Liv Cen - Ormskirk was caped at Sandhills with the 1819 Ormskirk return fully cancelled due to a train fault. Signs of improvement perhaps but a long, long way to go.

 

[peter.owen]

Eurovision-themed 777013 was reportedly the New Brighton set this morning. Wasn't that stabled there for a few days prior?

777013 was stabled at New Brighton yesterday afternoon.

 

[bahnause]

The coupler is rusted on a brand new unit. Not good.

That‘s normal if a coupler isn‘t used fore a longer period of time. Not an issue at all.

 

[karlbbb]

It's extremely likely the coupler hasn't been used since delivery. There's only been one or two test trains running as 8-car that I've seen, and the rescue of a failed unit where there were two units coupled but one dead.

 

[Wrex2J78]

Eurovision themed 777013 worked New Brighton diagram 2N02? today until diagram 2N17 (around 11.15). It then stood in New Brighton Platform 2 and is now back on its way to Kirkdale as 5T67. Presumably it failed after the 2N17 diagram.

 

[315801]

I have just been informed by my other half that there was a failure at James St around 15:00, does anyone have any further information on whether it was 777 related please, info was posted on the merseyrail website

 

[pokemonsuper9]

I have just been informed by my other half that there was a failure at James St around 15:00, does anyone have any further information on whether it was 777 related please, info was posted on the merseyrail website

Realtime Trains | 2C33 1415 Chester to Liverpool James Street | 24/08/2023

Real-time train running information for 2C33 1415 departure from Chester to Liverpool James Street on 24/08/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

This service is partially cancelled​

This service was cancelled between Liverpool James Street and Chester due to a problem with the traction equipment (MD).

Not sure what diagram is the Chester 777 is (or if it's even running)

 

[L401CJF]

Realtime Trains | 2C33 1415 Chester to Liverpool James Street | 24/08/2023

Real-time train running information for 2C33 1415 departure from Chester to Liverpool James Street on 24/08/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Not sure what diagram is the Chester 777 is (or if it's even running)

Not running, it was a 50X.

 

[MR-507508]

Any idea if a Class 777 will be working on the Chester line tomorrow, Friday 25th August?

 

[Birkonian]

I have just been informed by my other half that there was a failure at James St around 15:00, does anyone have any further information on whether it was 777 related please, info was posted on the merseyrail website

It impacted the whole Wirral network this afternoon. Needs sorting quickly.

 

[jamesst]

Any idea if a Class 777 will be working on the Chester line tomorrow, Friday 25th August?

No, there won't be any on the Chester line until Monday at the earliest.

 

[MR-507508]

No, there won't be any on the Chester line until Monday at the earliest.

Thanks for confirming

 

[73001]

It impacted the whole Wirral network this afternoon. Needs sorting quickly.

It was a 507/8, not a 777.

 

[Vespa]

Will 777 Wirral service be running on Bank Holiday Monday ?

 

[karlbbb]

A unit on the Ormskirk line has already popped this morning. Nearly made it to 7am!

 

[73001]

A unit on the Ormskirk line has already popped this morning. Nearly made it to 7am!

2 cancellations on the Wirral too, assuming the 777 as well.

 

[ExRes]

Schedules currently showing on RTT for next Wednesday, 1333 6Q77 Wembley Rec 1-7 to Walton Old Jct MSC Sdgs and 2309 6Q78 to Kirkdale CS

 

[315801]

Which units will be next to arrive please

 

[jamesst]

Will 777 Wirral service be running on Bank Holiday Monday ?

Yep

 

[karlbbb]

1701 Central to Ormskirk has popped before it even got back into Central from the reversing siding. That’s a busy service to not be running!

 

[Statto]

2 cancellations on the Wirral too, assuming the 777 as well.

2W06, the 07.51 from West Kirby didn't even make the round trip this morning, as it got canceled at Meols on the return journey, & seems like the issues started at James Street P1, were it departed 8 minutes late.