Four ECML trains to travel side by side

[Jordeh]

The Azuma really is a vile train. Spartan and plastic, inside and out, with few redeeming features. This event will only highlight how little we care about aesthetics in the modern age.

I will reserve my judgement until I've been on one. However, I do think it's quite aesthetically pleasing.

 

[mm333]

There are four movements arriving at Tollerton Junction in RTT now

STP 0222 York 5Z43 GR Terminates here (High Speed Train (HST125))
STP 0227 York 5Z91 GR Terminates here (Electric locomotive)
STP 0405 York FRGT ZZ Terminates here
STP 0410 York Warehouse Nrm Annexe 5Z98 WR Terminates here

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sea...17/04/23/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt

 

[jopsuk]

A little odd that the Azuma is down as "FRGT". this is it's positioning move from Doncaster

 

[mm333]

Are Azuma movements run by VTEC or run by Hitachi? If the latter, that's why it's down as 'freight'.

 

[TimboM]

Are Azuma movements run by VTEC or run by Hitachi? If the latter, that's why it's down as 'freight'.

I believe they're operated by GBRf on behalf of Hitachi, hence the "FRGT" and ZZ TOC code.


EDIT: yes... GBRf have the contract for ECML testing/commissioning:

http://www.gbrailfreight.com/media-centre/news-releases/

"GB Railfreight, one of the UK’s largest rail freight operators, has won a contract with Hitachi Rail Europe to test their newly built electric intercity trains on the East Coast Main Line (ECML).

Testing of Hitachi’s electric trains begins in Spring 2017. Since September 2013 the companies have worked together to facilitate the testing and commissioning of the new bi-mode intercity trains, part of the Intercity Express Programme (IEP).

The first two electric only test trains for the ECML arrived at Hitachi’s newly constructed Doncaster depot in February.

As part of the new contract, due to run until April 2020, GBRf will provide train crew for all aspects of the testing and commissioning programme."

 

[GrimShady]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks they're pretty awful looking.

I hate them already!

 

[Spartacus]

I live in Newcastle and I won't because of the stupidly early times...

So stupid, doing it while there's nothing booked to run at that time.......

 

[Spartacus]

I hate them already!

I'm gonna wait and see for myself. Externally at least,l having seen them in the flesh at York the one thing I'm not a fan of is that above cantrail everything looks thrown on, not very fitting for such a streamlined train, and seemingly worse than on the Javelins, however I've since learned that it's a design feature, to make sure no water can pool and cause issues such as they Voyagers suffer around Dawlish during bad weather.

I'll settle for something looking a bit of a afterthought if it's actually designed to improve availability.

 

[snowball]

New press release:

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/feeds...ing-event-on-yorkshires-east-coast-main-line/

Further details about the once in a lifetime event taking place on Yorkshire’s railways later this month have been confirmed, with the historic occasion to begin at 06.00 on Sunday 23 April near the North Yorkshire village of Tollerton.

With the eyes of the world watching, four trains spanning four generations will travel side by side, in the same direction, to celebrate the past, present and future of one of the country’s most iconic pieces of railway, the East Coast Main Line, before arriving into York at around 08.00 for a special celebration that will last until around 09.00.

The world famous Flying Scotsman will travel alongside two trains from Virgin Trains’ revitalised fleet – an HST (Class 43), an InterCity225 (Class 91) – and the rail operator’s brand new train, the Virgin Azuma (Class 800) which is being built by Hitachi in the North East, and will come into service in 2018.

Now the partners involved in the show – Network Rail, Virgin Trains, Welcome to Yorkshire, the National Railway Museum and Hitachi – have confirmed that the historic occasion will begin around ten miles north of York near the village of Tollerton.

The best view of the action will be from York station – where a giant screen will broadcast footage of the trains live, and members of the public are advised to head to the station.

Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the trains as they travel between Tollerton and the station are being urged to stay safe behind boundary fencesand keep off both the tracks and private land – trespassers will cause the trains to stop and put at risk the completion of both this event and any future plans to showcase the route and its iconic locos.

 

[Crossover]

These appear to be the timed run back to York with a couple of shunts to put a couple of sets in the south facing bays for the morning
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/SKELTNB/2017/04/23/0751?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt

 

[mildertduck]

Is anyone going to see this tomorrow? I'm thinking of watching online.

https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/news/four-trains-four-generations--times-confirmed-for-history-making-event-on-yorkshires-east-coast-main-line/

[...]the historic occasion to begin at 06.00 on Sunday 23 April near the North Yorkshire village of Tollerton.

With the eyes of the world watching, four trains spanning four generations will travel side by side, in the same direction, to celebrate the past, present and future of one of the country’s most iconic pieces of railway, the East Coast Main Line, before arriving into York at around 08.00 for a special celebration that will last until around 09.00.

The world famous Flying Scotsman will travel alongside two trains from Virgin Trains’ revitalised fleet - an HST (Class 43), an InterCity225 (Class 91) - and the rail operator’s brand new train, the Virgin Azuma (Class 800) which is being built by Hitachi in the North East, and will come into service in 2018.[...]

 

[800001]

These appear to be the timed run back to York with a couple of shunts to put a couple of sets in the south facing bays for the morning
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/SKELTNB/2017/04/23/0751?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt

Azuma and Scotman to arrive at same time, Azuma into plat 5, Scotsman into 9.

Then HST and 91 will pass through to south of station then come back into plat 6 and 7.

Afterwards, I have heard Azuma and Scotsman will depart south at same time.

 

[mildertduck]

Have to say that it makes really good viewing on the internet for those who can't make it to York

 

[berneyarms]

Have to say that it makes really good viewing on the internet for those who can't make it to York

Any chance you could provide the link?

 

[Strathclyder]

Aerial helicopter feed now live on VTEC's Facebook page. Quite the sight, I have to say.

 

[83G/84D]

Also being covered on TV, BBC Breakfast showing the event a short time ago.

 

[TimboM]

For such a unique publicity shot you'd have thought they would've reversed the 225 set (e.g. at Newcastle) and actually had the 91 leading...??

Or at least use a DVT that didn't need a lick of paint on its front end (cab roof in particular) like 82205 does?

 

[backontrack]

As Flying Scotsman, a Virgin Azuma, IC125 NRM40 and IC225 Flying Scotsman appear together at York, the hashtag #fourtrains is trending on Twitter. There are some good photos, too.

https://twitter.com/hashtag/fourtrains?src=tren&data_id=tweet:856066086013423616

 

[backontrack]

For such a unique publicity shot you'd have thought they would've reversed the 225 set (e.g. at Newcastle) and actually had the 91 leading...??

Or at least use a DVT that didn't need a lick of paint on its front end (cab roof in particular) like 82205 does?

I think it's because of the purple thistle on the DVT.

 

[ainsworth74]

Must admit they did look spectacular running down the ECML alongside each other! And the weather couldn't have been better for it really. They had a Deltic waiting for them at York as well it seems.

 

[Fuzzytop]

Cracking stream - though does anyone know which 91 it was? Presumably 91101 to match the Scotsman DVT, but I've seen pictures of 91105.

 

[800001]

Cracking stream - though does anyone know which 91 it was? Presumably 91101 to match the Scotsman DVT, but I've seen pictures of 91105.

Certainly wasn't 91101, standard VTEC livery from videos ive seen

 

[800001]

Must admit they did look spectacular running down the ECML alongside each other! And the weather couldn't have been better for it really. They had a Deltic waiting for them at York as well it seems.

Read on VTEC's facebook page last night, that if they could jiggle some TPEX platforms around then they were hopeful that a deltic could be displayed, looks like they did

 

[Darandio]

Must admit they did look spectacular running down the ECML alongside each other! And the weather couldn't have been better for it really. They had a Deltic waiting for them at York as well it seems.

On the video I saw this morning, the Deltic was on the back of the Flying Scotsman rake.

 

[Taunton]

Looks like the Deltic was pushing hard from the start. The helicopter shots show a considerable exhaust from it as they accelerate. First time a Deltic has been used as a banker?

I do wonder why nowadays steam crews feel the need to do a huge long blast through the cylinder cocks as they start. Doing so on this occasion completely concealed the start by all four trains. In real steam days (and being aware of what cylinder cocks actually do, so no explanations please) I have no recollection of any crew ever doing this on departure.

 

[Fuzzytop]

Certainly wasn't 91101, standard VTEC livery from videos ive seen

I thought correctly, it was 91105.

 

[SeanG]

Whilst it purely serves as a publicity stunt for Virgin you can't argue with the fact that it has done a good job for the public's perception. Job Well Done

 

[800001]

On the video I saw this morning, the Deltic was on the back of the Flying Scotsman rake.

Deleted

 

[dk1]

Whilst it purely serves as a publicity stunt for Virgin you can't argue with the fact that it hasn't done a good job for the public's perception. Job Well Done

Totally agree. Another fabulous PR exercise from Virgin Trains. They certainly how to put on a show & grab the public & medias attention.

 

[martin2345uk]

Whilst it purely serves as a publicity stunt for Virgin you can't argue with the fact that it hasn't done a good job for the public's perception. Job Well Done

I disagree, I think reception has been pretty positive!