anthony263
Established Member
Photos put up on Facebook tonight showing g 769450 out with the pantograph down
Suprised this isn't attracting more posts it's a big deal!Confirmed it was running on diesel power. First 769 to do so on the mainline.
Everyone is bored waiting for something to happen it's been that long.Suprised this isn't attracting more posts it's a big deal!
Then they'll all get wheel flats and be withdrawn again...Everyone is bored waiting for something to happen it's been that long.
Hope there working for leaf fall.
Where is the photograph allegedly taken?
Equally, the GW versions were promised with Air Cooling and fully sealed windows (similar to the renatus 321s) whereas that appears to not only retain them, but retain it's FCC interior as well.
That to me just looks like a repainted 319, nothing more. The give away being the standard 319 equipment under the driving coach, or lack of engine for a 769.
That to me just looks like a repainted 319, nothing more. The give away being the standard 319 equipment under the driving coach, or lack of engine for a 769.
Equally, the GW versions were promised with Air Cooling and fully sealed windows (similar to the renatus 321s) whereas that appears to not only retain them, but retain it's FCC interior as well.
Another clue being that 769 conversions take place at Loughborough and not Wolverton. All the Northern units went to Wolverton first for a refresh and repaint so it will just be the same for the GWR ones.That to me just looks like a repainted 319, nothing more. The give away being the standard 319 equipment under the driving coach, or lack of engine for a 769.
Agreed. Seems that the modus operandi is Gemini (Wolverton) for repaint (and possibly corrosion work if required), Brush/Wabtec (Loughborough) for 769 engine fitment, and Wabtec (Doncaster) for any further mods (which mainly appear to have been confined to the early Northern prototypes).Another clue being that 769 conversions take place at Loughborough and not Wolverton. All the Northern units went to Wolverton first for a refresh and repaint so it will just be the same for the GWR ones.
At least mainline testing has now started. If they work then introduction into service in 6 - 8 months isn't totally unrealistic, unlike all the other made up dates that have been put about in the past.December and May ? What years ?
Will the powers to be ever give up on the 769s along with the 230s and say a lesson to be learnt is not to meddle about with conversions to what can be regarded as completely different model.
Reputations and money are at stake.
Somebody paid good money to deliver specific benefits, based on consultants' advice.
The customers (which may be as much DfT as the ROSCOs/TOCs) want their 4-penn'orth.
I imagine failure will mean discounted lease rates on stock which actually works.
Must admit I hadn't realised mainline testing was now under way - I think I must have missed that! What form is this taking? On diesel and electric, I take it?At least mainline testing has now started. If they work then introduction into service in 6 - 8 months isn't totally unrealistic, unlike all the other made up dates that have been put about in the past.
Must admit I hadn't realised mainline testing was now under way - I think I must have missed that! What form is this taking? On diesel and electric, I take it?
I was, for what it's worth, advised a couple of months ago that NT were assuming there would be two units on mileage accumulation from "autumn" with 2 units available from "September".
769450 has been out testing on electric and diesel