Chiltern MK5s Starting 2026 (non speculative updates thread)

[sjpowermac]

Is it not possible to just turn the locos round?

In a compartment behind the driver's cab at the number 1 end there is a mode switch to select between:

SERV: driving from the locomotive
TRAIL: driving from the DT (Mk5A) or DVT (Mk3)
AESS: auto engine start/stop
SOS: emergency circuits only
0: main loco systems disconnected

When operating with a DT (Mk5A) or DVT (Mk3) it’s preferable to have the number 1 end of the loco leading to give the driver easy access to the mode switch.

In addition, the number 2 end of the loco is noisier in the cab due to the presence of a compressor at that end of the loco.

It’s perfectly possible to operate a Mk5A set with the number 2 end of the loco leading. Whilst this happened many times during TPE operation, due to the complexity of the routes they operated over, it should be more straightforward on Chiltern to arrange for the number 1 end to (almost!) always lead.

 

[Ju135]

The locos are traditionally spun around at Hatton if required via the junctions for Stratford-upon-Avon.

 

[CR165022]

Can also be done by doing the Wembley-Banbury-Oxford-Wembley Triangle.

 

[MerlinRail 804]

CHILTERN RAILWAYS MK5 PRESS LAUNCH

68020 and CH05	Stourbridge Depot	>	3Z15	>	1R90	>	3J90	>	>	>	Stourbridge Depot
OR
68032 and CH13	Wembley LMD	>	5H15	>	1R90	>	5Z63	>	5E55	>	Wembley LMD

Note, only one of these will run.

Looks like 3Z15 has run from Stourbridge. 68020 + CH05 according to Railcam

 

[D6700]

@CR165022 has a point. If you compare these two pictures, 68022 appears to have a reversed livery.
Note the exhaust at the coaches end, so the locos are the same way around.

Images show 68020 and 68022 in the new Chiltern Railways blue stripes livery.

Very interesting - thank you for posting this comparison.

I see the livery has been modified, as well as being reversed, with a much smaller light blue section on 68022.

I'm not a fan of this recent fad for "as dark as possible" front ends, which can look almost sinister! Not surprisingly, I prefer the modified livery.

 

[Yorkshire09876]

I see the livery has been modified, as well as being reversed, with a much smaller light blue section on 68022.

Isn't it different on each side (one having a longer light blue section than the other)?

 

[D6700]

Isn't it different on each side (one having a longer light blue section than the other)?

No idea - a photo of 68022 from the other side will confirm either way. Regardless, the version in the photo posted better matches the stock.

 

[amazon1675]

5Q86 on the system for tomorrow .Class 37 plus a rake of stock from Long Marston.Rake 6 or 9?

 

[nigelsporne]

Being a bit thick here but are the ends of the locos different on each end. Dark blue at one end and light blue at the other??

 

[XCTurbostar]

Isn't it different on each side (one having a longer light blue section than the other)?

The livery is different on each side.

No idea - a photo of 68022 from the other side will confirm either way. Regardless, the version in the photo posted better matches the stock.

The livery has swapped ends so the left vinyl is on the right and vice versa. The attached image is as you requested.

5Q86 on the system for tomorrow .Class 37 plus a rake of stock from Long Marston.Rake 6 or 9?

Should be either 68027 or 68031 from Loughborough, I'm not certain of it being a 37.

Being a bit thick here but are the ends of the locos different on each end. Dark blue at one end and light blue at the other??

Correct.

 

[nigelsporne]

Thanks for this. Now just taking things a little further. Which is the Number 1 end?

 

[D6700]

The livery is different on each side.

The livery has swapped ends so the left vinyl is on the right and vice versa. The attached image is as you requested.

Nice one, thank you.

It's quite odd to have an asymmetric livery - it's almost like they still haven't made their mind up!

To my eye, both sides on 68022 look better than the other arrangement, with the light blue now being kept away from the stock, so the inside end matches the coaches. Looking at my own photo of 68032, the light blue next to the stock really didn't make sense.

 

[wickham]

The locos are traditionally spun around at Hatton if required via the junctions for Stratford-upon-Avon.

If I am reading this thread correctly, simply turning the loco does not solve the problem. Is this thread saying that the livery has been applied to the wrong end of the loco (ie: No. 1 end instead of No. 2 end, or vice-versa) ?

 

[D6700]

If I am reading this thread correctly, simply turning the loco does not solve the problem. Is this thread saying that the livery has been applied to the wrong end of the loco (ie: No. 1 end instead of No. 2 end, or vice-versa) ?

Yes, that's how I read it - although it appears to be a design issue, rather than the application, as the amount of light blue on one side is vastly different on the modified version, due to how it relates to the position of the diagonal three-shade swashes.

 

[CR165022]

So this is how it seems to be:
The first 2 diagrams are the 68s livery with the blue on the No.2 end, whereas the last 2 diagrams are the livery on the No.1 end, the correct end. The No.1 end is where the empty panel side is, which is where a 68s nameplate would usually go etc.

 

[RPM]

Looking at the interiors, the antimacassar/head cushions in first class have been Chilternised. Everything else seems to be exactly as per TPE spec. Not surprising, considering they are in as-new condition and pretty much match the Chiltern colour palette already.

 

[LUYMun]

Why must the First Class coach be at the loco end?

 

[Tester]

Why must the First Class coach be at the loco end?

Posh thrash

 

[Goldfish62]

Why must the First Class coach be at the loco end?

Because the sets are fixed formation and that's where the 1st class was put when they were built. If you were able to move the 1st Class coach it would be sandwiched between standard class coaches, which is not ideal.

 

[43102EMR]

@CR165022 has a point. If you compare these two pictures, 68022 appears to have a reversed livery.
Note the exhaust at the coaches end, so the locos are the same way around.

Images show 68020 and 68022 in the new Chiltern Railways blue stripes livery.

022 also seems to have a different variation of the livery if I’m not mistaken? Albeit very subtle

 

[Kite159]

Posh thrash

For the DfT civil servants from High Wycombe who demanded the return of first class, the rest of the time it will carry fresh air whilst standard class passengers are crammed into a mere 4 standard class coaches.

 

[Class15]

For the DfT civil servants from High Wycombe who demanded the return of first class, the rest of the time it will carry fresh air whilst standard class passengers are crammed into a mere 4 standard class coaches.

You’ve claimed this many times. Can we wait until the trains actually enter service before making such assumptions?

 

[172007]

For the DfT civil servants from High Wycombe who demanded the return of first class, the rest of the time it will carry fresh air whilst standard class passengers are crammed into a mere 4 standard class coaches.

Where is the link to show that civil servants are allowed to claim first class tickets. That was clamped down on years ago wasn't it. I can't immagine the handful that can claim all live on the Chiltern Main Line if any let alone be in the DFT.

 

[RPM]

For the DfT civil servants from High Wycombe who demanded the return of first class, the rest of the time it will carry fresh air whilst standard class passengers are crammed into a mere 4 standard class coaches.

Unlikely. More to do with the sets having first class already and no budget to alter them. It may turn out to be a mistake, but it can always be declassified.

 

[PLY2AYS]

Here’s the Chiltern press release (it’s probably available elsewhere, but I found it on LinkedIn, so here’s the link):

“These modern Mark 5A trains will replace our 47-year-old Mark 3 carriages and deliver significant improvements for customers across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands. The new fleet is set to add 10,000 more seats for customers each weekday from December 2026 as well as bringing an enhanced customer experience…”

#train #rail #marylebone | Chiltern Railways | 11 comments

Today at London Marylebone, we launched the first of our newest (Mark 5A) trains - a major milestone in delivering our 2030 vision of easier, greener, and better journeys. The trains will transform customer journeys with 10,000 more seats for customers each weekday from December 2026. These...

www.linkedin.com

 

[XCTurbostar]

Some other images from today.

Images show the press event Mk5 set exterior and interior. Internally, there is very little change from TPE. The final image shows a silver set and a blue stripes set next to each other at London Marylebone.

 

[168lover]

For the DfT civil servants from High Wycombe who demanded the return of first class, the rest of the time it will carry fresh air whilst standard class passengers are crammed into a mere 4 standard class coaches.

Half the locohauled sets fly straight through High Wycombe so not sure where you're getting your info from

 

[XCTurbostar]

Wednesday 15th October
Driver Training Mk5s
68027 or 68031 - 0V94 (LE) then 5Q86 with CH06 and or CH09

68032 and CH13 - Wembley LMD > 3N26 > 3H27 > 3E28 > Wembley LMD

Passenger Mk3s
68013 and AL01 - Stourbridge Depot > 5R17 > 1H17 > 1R21 > 1H45 > 1J49 > 5J49 > Stourbridge Depot
68009 and AL02 - Stourbridge Depot > 5J14 > 1H14 > 1R17 > 1H41 > 5E37 > Wembley LMD > 5O55 > 1P51 > 5H68 > 5E60 > Wembley LMD
68015 and AL03 - Wembley LMD > 5P05 > 1H10 > 5Y14 > Wembley LMD > 5O62 > 1J53 > 5J53 > Stourbridge Depot
68010 and AL04 - Wembley LMD > 5P08 > 1H12 > 5E16 > Wembley LMD

Class 68s

Spoiler: Show Table

Loco	Pool	Use with fleet	Status/Location	Notes
68008	XHCS	MK3s only	DRS use	DRS Branded
68009	XHCS	MK3s only	In Traffic	DRS Branded
68010	XHCE	MK3s only	In Traffic
68011	XHCE	MK3s only	DRS use
68012	XHCE	MK3s only	Wembley LMD
68013	XHCE	MK3s only	In Traffic
68014	XHCE	MK3s only	DRS use
68015	XHCE	MK3s only	In Traffic
68019	XHTP	MK5s only	Longsight Depot
68020	MBDL	MK5s only	Stourbridge Depot	Light Blue on Number 2 End
68021	XHTP	MK5s only	Carlisle Kingmoor
68022	MBDL	MK5s only	Banbury Depot	Light Blue on Number 1 End
68023	XHTP	MK5s only	Longsight Depot
68024	XHTP	MK5s only	Motherwell
68025	XHTP	MK5s only	Carlisle Kingmoor
68026	MBDL	MK5s only	Eastleigh
68027	MBDL	MK5s only	Loughborough Brush
68028	MBDL	MK5s only	Banbury Depot
68029	MBDL	MK5s only	Eastleigh
68030	MBDL	MK5s only	Eastleigh
68031	MBDL	MK5s only	Loughborough Brush
68032	MBDL	MK5s only	Wembley LMD	Light Blue on Number 2 End

XHCS (DRS Chiltern Railways Support)
XHCE (DRS Chiltern Railways Standard)
MBDL (Chiltern Railways Holding Pool)
XHTP (DRS TransPennine Express)

Key

Grey	indicates 'Silver Set' livery
Red	indicates re-vinyled 'Blue Stripes' livery
Blue	indicates DRS blue unbranded or Compass blue livery
Green	indicates 68014's 'Greener Future' livery

Correct as of 14/10/2025

Current coaching formations

MK3s 'Silver Sets' sets

Spoiler: Show Table

Set	DVT	RFM	TSO	TSO	TSO	TSO	TSO
AL01	82304​	10272​	12609​	12606​	12610​	12621​	12602​
AL02	82301​	10273​	12613​	12605​	12608​	12615​	12616​
AL03	82305​	10274​	12625​	12604​	12617​	12620​
AL04	82309​	10271​	12607​	12614​	12603​	12619​	12618​

DVT - Driving Van Trailer
RFM - Restaurant First Modular
TSO - Trailer Standard Open

Correct as of 13/10/2025

MK5s 'Blue Stripe' sets

Spoiler: Show Table

Set	DT	TOS	TOS	TOS	TOF	Location	Notes
CH01	12801	12703	12702	12701	11501	Wolverton Works
CH02	12814	12706	12705	12704	11502	Eastleigh
CH03	12803	12709	12708	12707	11503	Longsight Depot
CH04	12804	12712	12711	12710	11504	Eastleigh
CH05	12805	12715	12714	12713	11505	Stourbridge Depot
CH06	12806	12718	12717	12716	11506	Long Marston
CH07	12807	12721	12720	12719	11507	Eastleigh
CH08	12808	12724	12723	12722	11508	Longsight Depot
CH09	12809	12727	12726	12725	11509	Long Marston
CH10	12810	12730	12729	12728	11510	Eastleigh
CH11	12811	12733	12732	12731	11511	Longsight Depot
CH12	12812	12736	12735	12734	11512	Banbury Depot
CH13	12813	12739	12738	12737	11513	Wembley LMD
Spare	12802					Long Marston

DT - Driving Trailer (Standard)
TOF - Trailer Open First
TOS - Trailer Open Standard

Key

Red	indicates re-vinyled 'Blue Stripes' sets
Black	indicates Grey unbranded sets

Correct as of 13/10/2025

Revinyl Order
CH05 - Released from Eastleigh with 68020 - 25/09/2025
CH13 - Released from Eastleigh with 68032 - 29/09/2025
CH10 - Released from Eastleigh with 68030 - 06/10/2025
CH12 - Released from Eastleigh with 68022 - 13/10/2025

 

[greenline712]

For what it's worth, I've just passed 3H27 at Bicester North turnback siding, due to depart at 1701 ECS to Marylebone No ID on the loco or stock, I'm afraid ...

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Oct 2025 ==

For what it's worth, I've just passed 3H27 at Bicester North turnback siding, due to depart at 1701 ECS to Marylebone No ID on the loco or stock, I'm afraid ...

68032.
I quite like the livery .... not too fancy but modern at the same time. The loco seemed to be a bit quieter, although that might be 'cos it wasn't working hard ...

 

[XCTurbostar]

The livery is growing on me, depending on whether Chiltern decide to run the lighter blue on both ends, this will help its appeal, IMO.

I've recieved a few messages recently about what the normal diagrams are for the Mk3s/68s. The below are the planned diagrams;

Mondays and Fridays

Set 1	Stourbridge Depot > 5R17 > 1H17 > 1R21 > 1H45 > 1J49 > 5J49 > Stourbridge Depot
Set 2	Stourbridge Depot > 5J14 > 1H14 > 1R17 > 1H41 > 5E37 > Wembley LMD
Set 3	Wembley LMD > 5O60 > 1J53 > 5J53 > Stourbridge Depot

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

Set 1	Stourbridge Depot > 5R17 > 1H17 > 1R21 > 1H45 > 1J49 > 5J49 > Stourbridge Depot
Set 2	Stourbridge Depot > 5J14 > 1H14 > 1R17 > 1H41 > 5E37 > Wembley LMD > 5O55 > 1P51 > 5H68 > 5E60 > Wembley LMD
Set 3	Wembley LMD > 5P05 > 1H10 > 5Y14 > Wembley LMD
Set 4	Wembley LMD > 5P08 > 1H12 > 5E16 > Wembley LMD > 5O62 > 1J53 > 5J53 > Stourbridge Depot

Note: Princes Risborough services are currently unreliable as it relies on using 4/4 Mk3 sets.

Saturdays

Set 1	Stourbridge Depot > 5J27 > 1H27 > 1R29 > 1H54 > 1J53 > 5J53 > Stourbridge Depot
Set 2	Stourbridge Depot > 5R17 > 1H17 > 5E20 > Wembley LMD > 5O66 > 1J59 > 5J59 > Stourbridge Depot

Sundays

Set 1	Stourbridge Depot > 5J31 > 1H31 > 5Y30 > Wembley LMD > 5O64 > 1J55 > 5J55 > Stourbridge Depot
Set 2	Stourbridge Depot > 5J35 > 1H35 > London Marylebone (4 Hours) > 1J52 > 5J52 > Stourbridge Depot