Porterbrook Cl.769 'Flex' trains from 319s, initially for Northern

[Bikeman78]

What could they replace them with realistically?

Nothing. But they would save the cost of constantly repairing the 769s, not to mention the leasing cost. And now they are paying even more to hire extra units to cover the overhauls.

 

[Ribbleman]

The situation regarding the two additional 769s is bizarre. Last October, Porterbrook managers advised rail user group OPSTA in the presence of Northern managers that two units from those previously used by TfW would be receiving attention at Long Marston and Crewe IEMD. They would then be available for Northern to use from January at no charge, providing cover for the 8 sets already used by Northern when they were sent away one at a time to Brodies in Kilmarnock for C6 overhauls.

The Government tender document, issued 5 months after the sets were supposed to be in traffic, implies that these units will in fact incur leasing charges. This may be creative accounting for appearance sake with no funds actually changing hands but the appalling lack of urgency in progressing matters reflects very badly on those involved.

 

[507016]

A question ive always had is: if in the event a 331 failed on the wigan diagrams and there was nothing else but a few spare 769s to replace it, would that be something that would happen?

 

[Geeves]

A question ive always had is: if in the event a 331 failed on the wigan diagrams and there was nothing else but a few spare 769s to replace it, would that be something that would happen?

When it's happened in the past it's resulted in a 156 being split off an Oxford Rd - Liverpool LS or or a 150 coming off Springs Branch. If there's nothing else it's going to be a cancellation.

Everyone signs them for a start and powers that be at Northern are happy to keep the chaos that are 768s confined to their own small area!

 

[507016]

769424 wheelslid on its approach to appley bridge and now unfortunately has a very bouncy flat spot on its A Motor bogie

 

[317 forever]

I rode one (448) from Southport to Manchester Oxford Road yesterday.

I could tell that the change from diesel to electric happened at Bolton rather than Ince or Wigan Wallgate. I noticed the engine go off and the sound a bit different as we left Bolton.

 

[david l]

5/6 diagrammed started in service today, all still running. Missing are 769431 (reliability since return from Brodies overhaul has been very low), 769434 (Brodies for a couple of months), 769450 (demic line Allerton for weeks). No sign of the cavalry 769421/52 from TfW, last heard of at Crewe S.Yd or Crewe IEMD. No sign as yet of any test train to bring the Wigan-Lostock Junction line into electric use (wires live since 1 Jan)

 

[Geeves]

The only place power change over at Ince has been talked about is on here, there's nothing official been put out.

I've asked the question to folks that should (and would know) and they don't know anything so it seems it will remain at Bolton for the time being at least. Let's wait and see what the December timetable change brings with regards to 769s being put into North Western ex Staly etc.

 

[david l]

The only place power change over at Ince has been talked about is on here, there's nothing official been put out.

I've asked the question to folks that should (and would know) and they don't know anything so it seems it will remain at Bolton for the time being at least. Let's wait and see what the December timetable change brings with regards to 769s being put into North Western ex Staly etc.

Have been advised that Northern 'expect' that the line will be authorised by summer and that changeovers thereafter will take place at Ince. Spoiler is that I wasn't advised which how long summer would last or whether it would be this summer..............

 

[Geeves]

Have been advised that Northern 'expect' that the line will be authorised by summer and that changeovers thereafter will take place at Ince. Spoiler is that I wasn't advised which how long summer would last or whether it would be this summer..............

David that's a point, glacial would be an understatement but then that's the railway. I am sure Northern control are looking forward to the new regime if and when it happens!

 

[EastMidlander]

5/6 diagrammed started in service today, all still running. Missing are 769431 (reliability since return from Brodies overhaul has been very low), 769434 (Brodies for a couple of months), 769450 (demic line Allerton for weeks). No sign of the cavalry 769421/52 from TfW, last heard of at Crewe S.Yd or Crewe IEMD. No sign as yet of any test train to bring the Wigan-Lostock Junction line into electric use (wires live since 1 Jan)

There's a Class 323 test train running tonight. I saw it as I drove over the bridge by Westhoughton station around 30 minutes ago.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

There's a Class 323 test train running tonight. I saw it as I drove over the bridge by Westhoughton station around 30 minutes ago.

Looks like 3Z98 0118 Wigan North Western to Wigan North Western (323227 + 323224 ) went from Wigan to Bolton and back.
There was a 2nd lap booked in but it doesn't appear to have been used.

 

[david l]

Looks like 3Z98 0118 Wigan North Western to Wigan North Western (323227 + 323224 ) went from Wigan to Bolton and back.
There was a 2nd lap booked in but it doesn't appear to have been used.

Also booked tomorrow same paths.

Meanwhile, 5 out of 6 769's started the day, but 769424 which went ECS 05.52 SP- Southport to form 2071 07.03 Southport-Man.Ox Rd failed at Southport, service cancelled and return 08.27 Man. Ox Rd-Southport cancelled as far as Wigan Wallgate where 150103/156416 replaced, having been sent ECS from Newton Heath.