Merseyrail Class 777 introduction updates

[jamesst]

If the intention is to bring further sidings at Southport back into use, I would guess that consideration has been given as to what additional security will be required. Lighting in that area was improved just before COVID but clearly, further measures are needed. I haven’t been past recently so don’t know if NR have started the necessary track fettling.

Yeah Southport sidings have always been a hotspot for graffiti attacks im afraid

 

[MattRat]

Yeah Southport sidings have always been a hotspot for graffiti attacks im afraid

Perhaps they should open up a livery design competition for those people. I think some on this forum would prefer said designs to what Merseyrail has come up with

 

[Elecman]

Crewe Basford Hall where the 365’s were stored could be used

 

[DJH1971]

Crewe Basford Hall where the 365’s were stored could be used

I know 777's are quite often stored at Crewe carriage sidings so makes sense

 

[Pacef8]

The sidings at birkenhead central as well if they had not been left to rot away.

 

[Ribbleman]

I know 777's are quite often stored at Crewe carriage sidings so makes sense

There are a few units at Crewe now. Against the idea of storing sets there or indeed anywhere off the Merseyrail system is the cost of renting the storage space and the not inconsiderable expense of bringing locos to and from Leicester or Derby each time a stock movement is required. That’s why the Southport sidings are to be renovated, but obviously thought will have been given to providing security against the spray can vandals.

 

[Elecman]

The existing stored units at Crewe are in the Arriva Traincare site the other side of the WCML

 

[61653 HTAFC]

The existing stored units at Crewe are in the Arriva Traincare site the other side of the WCML

Hope they've improved security since the two class 151 units got wrecked there!

 

[Wezz]

A couple of months ago I queried why use is not being made of other sidings at Southport and was told that they will be brought into use once Network Rail had given them some attention. I would think that at least a further 8 units could be accommodated there. All the 777 sets in the UK completed their FFR runs some months ago.

Those sidings have now been upgraded by Network Rail, hence why you now see 777's stored there.

 

[Ribbleman]

Those sidings have now been upgraded by Network Rail, hence why you now see 777's stored there.

That’s good. I hope that they will be safe there.

 

[3973EXL]

STP 11/01 6Q62 0400 Dollands Moor - Wembley Rec
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R25409/2023-01-11/detailed

STP 11/01 6Q43 1232 Wembley Rec - Crewe Dn Refuge
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K30160/2023-01-11/detailed

STP 11/01 6Q44 2219 Crewe Dn Refuge - Kirkdale CS
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K30161/2023-01-11/detailed

 

[8A Rail]

I know 777's are quite often stored at Crewe carriage sidings so makes sense

They are stored there, have been for a long time, just keep changing the Units around occasionally. Currently, No 777002, 005, 006, 012, 014, and 016 are there (as of November last year and as far as I am aware, no changes since then).

 

[Luke McDonnell]

When do you think we will the the 777s come into service will they come into service by February/March time and is the main issue causing further delay in roll out the ASLEF issue still just asking for an update on this

 

[childwallblues]

They are stored there, have been for a long time, just keep changing the Units around occasionally. Currently, No 777002, 005, 006, 012, 014, and 016 are there (as of November last year and as far as I am aware, no changes since then).

Those must be stored along side the Stoke line as today there nonr alongside the WCML.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Jan 2023 ==

Those must be stored along side the Stoke line as today there was none alongside the WCML.

 

[8A Rail]

When do you think we will the the 777s come into service will they come into service by February/March time and is the main issue causing further delay in roll out the ASLEF issue still just asking for an update on this

Awaiting result of ballot with ASLEF members on latest deal, apparently should be known in next few days.

 

[FrodshamJnct]

STP 11/01 6Q62 0400 Dollands Moor - Wembley Rec
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R25409/2023-01-11/detailed

STP 11/01 6Q43 1232 Wembley Rec - Crewe Dn Refuge
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K30160/2023-01-11/detailed

STP 11/01 6Q44 2219 Crewe Dn Refuge - Kirkdale CS
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K30161/2023-01-11/detailed

This move has now been postponed as the unit was delayed moving through France. Due into Calais yard today, moving from Dollands possibly early next week (Tues/Weds).

 

[Wyrleybart]

This move has now been postponed as the unit was delayed moving through France. Due into Calais yard today, moving from Dollands possibly early next week (Tues/Weds).

Due into Calais on Wednesday but takes nearly a week to travel 30 miles underground to Angleterre. Marvellous concept this rail freight thingey !!!!

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Due into Calais on Wednesday but takes nearly a week to travel 30 miles underground to Angleterre. Marvellous concept this rail freight thingey !!!!

It's 777 140 apparently.

Is that the first full battery unit to come over? Can't remember if there's already one here...

 

[Sam 76]

It's 777 140 apparently.

Is that the first full battery unit to come over? Can't remember if there's already one here...

I believe it’s just 049 that’s currently on Merseyside that has the test batteries on the network so it’s most likely 140 to be the one that’s coming as you said

 

[MattRat]

I believe it’s just 049 that’s currently on Merseyside that has the test batteries on the network so it’s most likely 140 to be the one that’s coming as you said

They need 7 for the Kirkby line right? I wonder if they are making preparations for service, and the closer we get to the number needed, the closer we get to them being in service. Something to watch at least.

 

[FrodshamJnct]

Due into Calais on Wednesday but takes nearly a week to travel 30 miles underground to Angleterre. Marvellous concept this rail freight thingey !!!!

Due to resourcing issues, and was delayed due to an unrelated accident near Metz.

 

[Skie]

They need 7 for the Kirkby line right? I wonder if they are making preparations for service, and the closer we get to the number needed, the closer we get to them being in service. Something to watch at least.

Nah, it’s coming over to do real world testing on the network having done it on test tracks so far.

Once the ballot results are known next week either it will go quiet again whilst they work on the 3rd offer or there will be some PR wibble from Rotherham with a date for introduction.

 

[Sam 76]

They need 7 for the Kirkby line right? I wonder if they are making preparations for service, and the closer we get to the number needed, the closer we get to them being in service. Something to watch at least.

They will do eventually yes when Headbolt Lane opens but for now any 777 will be able to do it that’s passed fault free running

 

[MattRat]

They will do eventually yes when Headbolt Lane opens but for now any 777 will be able to do it that’s passed fault free running

Isn't Headbolt lane meant to be this year? That would be a tight turnaround from a Kirkby 777 service to a Headbolt lane 777 service. I wouldn't be surprised if they give themselves some leeway and start operating 777s straight from Headbolt lane.

The again how does it line up with Eurovision?

 

[Sam 76]

Isn't Headbolt lane meant to be this year? That would be a tight turnaround from a Kirkby 777 service to a Headbolt lane 777 service. I wouldn't be surprised if they give themselves some leeway and start operating 777s straight from Headbolt lane.

The again how does it line up with Eurovision?

It is indeed yes. It will be interesting as it actually on the Merseyrail website suggests an opening in Spring. So who knows what they may choose to do

 

[Ribbleman]

It is indeed yes. It will be interesting as it actually on the Merseyrail website suggests an opening in Spring. So who knows what they may choose to do

They will need 4 sets to operate to Headbolt Lane when opened. That will be sufficient to maintain the 15 minute frequency from Liverpool Central, but there will be 7 battery fitted sets in all to provide for maintenance spares/training. Assuming that the batteries work as expected, further sets can be equipped retrospectively as and when business cases can be made for individual service extensions.

 

[Sam 76]

They will need 4 sets to operate to Headbolt Lane when opened. That will be sufficient to maintain the 15 minute frequency from Liverpool Central, but there will be 7 battery fitted sets in all to provide for maintenance spares/training. Assuming that the batteries work as expected, further sets can be equipped retrospectively as and when business cases can be made for individual service extensions

Thanks so much for the info and that’s makes sense rather than doing it all in one go when they may not be needed

 

[D821]

I finally saw a 777 for the first time tonight, it was parked up outside Birkenhead North. I noticed they had moved a 230 the other day, must have been to make room.

 

[315801]

I've managed to catch a fleeting glimpse of the 777s only 2 times since delivery commenced.

The 1st was 777003 when it was parked alongside the shed at b/head north in full view to passengers to see what was coming.

The only other unit I have seen is 777010 when it was out on daytime testing in the line to new brighton, 1st sighting was as it crossed onto the new brighton line where thd track splits off to west kirby and the 2nd sigthing of 010was at new brighton stn after the crew had changed ends and were preparing to leave.

 

[M28361M]

The Liverpool Echo, citing an interview by Steve Rotheram on BBC Radio Merseyside this morning, is now suggesting that roll out could happen within days if the ASLEF ballot is favourable. Link to article.

We are a few days away from the third anniversary of the first 777 being delivered to Kirkdale, so it would be nice to see them finally running in passenger service.

The first of the long-awaited new Merseyrail trains could be just days away from welcoming passengers if a crunch vote is accepted next week.

The new state-of-the-art Class 777 trains are due to replace the existing Merseyrail fleet of 507 trains, with a deal for the new vehicles signed back in 2016. But the roll-out of the new models has been held up by a number of factors including the pandemic and industrial disputes.

The new trains have been built by Swiss manufacturer Stadler, but will be fully owned by the Liverpool City Region. It had been widely hoped that the first of the new trains would begin transporting people around the network before Christmas but that did not happen. However, passengers may not have much longer to wait.

The final obstacle related to the new trains concerns an agreement being reached with the ASLEF union on terms and conditions for the drivers of the new trains. An offer has been made, which has now been balloted on and a result is expected on Tuesday.

City region bosses are hopeful this deal will be accepted and if it is then the launch of the first new trains could follow just days later. The first of the new trains will operate on the Kirkby line.

The roll-out of the trains will be done in a phased approach, with new trains gradually replacing the ageing rolling stock over a period that could run to 15 months.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram spoke on BBC Radio Merseyside this morning to confirm how close we could now be to having the first new trains accepting local passengers.

He said: "We are trying to work through all the difficulties we have had and it has been really hard. But we are at the final hurdle now." He referred to an appearance by ASLEF General Secretary Mick Whelan in Parliament earlier this week, which confirmed an offer from Merseyrail was now being voted on.

Mayor Rotheram added: "We will find out the results of that ballot early next week and after that we can hopefully go very, very quickly into service. Everything is in place we just need to get over this final hurdle and I've got everything crossed."