Network rail Mark 3 DVT conversion

[IKBrunel]

I've noticed a yellow DVT in the yard at Brush Loughborough for a while, might be different units.

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving_Van_Trailer#Mark_3_DVT
there are 5 units now with Network Rail being converted for use in measurement trains.

Whats the idea here, is this to replace existing control cars or increase the pool of measurement trains or avoid need to top & tale locos?

 

[55018ballymoss]

Simply to reduce the requirement for locomotives.
One plus DVT is cheaper to run and as flexible as a top and tailed formation.

Though part of me will be sad to see the end of top and tailed Class 37s on one of the circuits. They still make a fabulous noise as they go past the Signalbox!

 

[jopsuk]

What locomotives have they been fitted for use with with? Are they Blue Star (to work with the 37s, 31s etc that currently work many NR test trains) or AAR (For working with 67s, potentially 66, 59 or 70 and presumably 68)?

 

[IKBrunel]

makes sense, 2 locos must be way overpowered to haul a handful of converted passenger carriages.

 

[O L Leigh]

Given the number of Skips at the RTC, I'm assuming that the DVTs will have AAR the same as the Chiltern/ATW DVTs while the DBSOs will continue to work with Blue Star locos.

O L Leigh

 

[KA4C]

Given the number of Skips at the RTC, I'm assuming that the DVTs will have AAR the same as the Chiltern/ATW DVTs while the DBSOs will continue to work with Blue Star locos.

O L Leigh

The DVT's are to work with 67's on the PLPR trains and so are AAR fitted

These DVT's are not entirely the same as the Chiltern ones

DBSO's will continue on the UTU's

 

[SprinterMan]

Given the number of Skips at the RTC, I'm assuming that the DVTs will have AAR the same as the Chiltern/ATW DVTs while the DBSOs will continue to work with Blue Star locos.

O L Leigh

I'm glad the DBSOs are not being replaced, having grown up near the GEML when Anglia operated them I have a certain fondness for them :P

Adam

 

[jopsuk]

The DVT's are to work with 67's on the PLPR trains and so are AAR fitted

These DVT's are not entirely the same as the Chiltern ones

What differences are there? I guess there's less worry about retaining passenger luggage/cycle storage!

 

[KA4C]

What differences are there? I guess there's less worry about retaining passenger luggage/cycle storage!

a sodding great genny and fuel tank in there might hinder that

 

[jopsuk]

The Chiltern ones have a generator and fuel tank but I was under the impression they'd retained (more limited) cycle storage?