TPE Class 185 working 5K25/5H90

[EE Andy b1]

Howdy.
Spotted at Crewe on Thursday19 October 2017 was a TPE Class 185 DMU working 5K25 1940 Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe, then 5H90 2038 return to Man Picc both routed via Stockport.
Quite a rare occurrence I believe!

Does anyone have an idea what this is in connection with?
Maybe a future route learner in connection with the arrival of 68s for TPE, maintenance or such as Longsight depot will have at least 3 loco hauled sets stabled per night.

Any info would be appreciated,

Thanks Andy

 

[Solent&Wessex]

It is being used for route learning of drivers in connection with the forthcoming commencement of driver training on class 68 locomotives.

 

[EE Andy b1]

It is being used for route learning of drivers in connection with the forthcoming commencement of driver training on class 68 locomotives.

Yes I did wonder if that was what the ECS run was for as TPE drivers need to get on with training and route learning as the 68s should be starting with MK3s in December.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[driver9000]

It was a route pass out for TPE Driver managers ahead of the Driver route learning to Crewe to get the loco hauled rake to and from Crewe LNWR.

As for the introduction into service of the mk3 rakes in December....I wouldn't hold your breath at the moment. It looks less and less likely as time wears on.

 

[BMIFlyer]

It was a route pass out for TPE Driver managers ahead of the Driver route learning to Crewe to get the loco hauled rake to and from Crewe LNWR.

As for the introduction into service of the mk3 rakes in December....I wouldn't hold your breath at the moment. It looks less and less likely as time wears on.

Yes I did wonder if that was what the ECS run was for as TPE drivers need to get on with training and route learning as the 68s should be starting with MK3s in December.
Thanks for the reply.

Training on the MK3's won't be happening yet, as the 2 rakes are still at Laira.

Current estimate for top and tailed Mk3 stock being used at TPE is January for driver training (handling) of class 68s. No plans to carry any passengers on these trains as of yet, but it will happen eventually - most likely from February onwards - TBC.

This should enable a second refurbishment line to be opened for the 185 fleet so that 2 units can be done at the same time as opposed to one. This way all the 185s could in theory be finished internally when the first Mk5 set is delivered and enters service in May - this is TBC as well.

In the mean time 68019 and 021 should depart the U.K. imminently for a trip to Czechia to be used for Mk5 testing.

 

[EE Andy b1]

Thanks driver9000 & BMIFlyer for your replies.

Time will move swiftly on and before we know it there will be 68s working Liverpool - Manchester Airport - Scarborough/Middlesborough and wherever else!
It will be just great to have more loco and stock out and about again. Roll on 2018!