CAF class 197 Civity for TfW: News and updates on introduction.

[sd0733]

@sd0733, as the first night of this week's Cambrian 197 didn't run, I'm worried that it might affect next week's plans for the daytime runs? Or I guess they can just use units that have done sufficient mileage on ETCS (or whatever the case may be?)

I'm not sure im afraid. All being well the next runs won't be impacted as everything was in place but time will tell. Sorry can't confirm either way at this moment!

 

[tfw756rider]

I'm not sure im afraid. All being well the next runs won't be impacted as everything was in place but time will tell. Sorry can't confirm either way at this moment!

Thanks for the reply

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Nov 2025 ==

Second night of this week also cancelled.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Nov 2025 ==

Daytime Cambrian 197 test runs with allocations tomorrow (10/11/25):

Realtime Trains | 3C10 0420 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 10/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C10 0420 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 10/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

3C10 0420 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs
197029+197030

Realtime Trains | 3C00 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 10/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C00 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 10/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

3C00 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth
197029+197030

Realtime Trains | 3C01 1020 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 10/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1020 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 10/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

3C01 1020 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs
197030+197029

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Thanks for the reply

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Nov 2025 ==

Second night of this week also cancelled.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Nov 2025 ==

Daytime Cambrian 197 test runs with allocations tomorrow (10/11/25):

Realtime Trains | 3C10 0420 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 10/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C10 0420 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 10/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

3C10 0420 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs
197029+197030

Realtime Trains | 3C00 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 10/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C00 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 10/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

3C00 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth
197030+197029

Realtime Trains | 3C01 1020 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 10/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1020 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 10/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

3C01 1020 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs
197029+197030

The pair came from Holyhead depot yesterday.

 

[tfw756rider]

The pair came from Holyhead depot yesterday.

Thanks, they've now been in and out of Aberystwyth

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Nov 2025 ==

Cambrian 197s today (11/11/25):

Realtime Trains | 3C00 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 11/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C00 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 11/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

197029+197030

Realtime Trains | 3C01 1020 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 11/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1020 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 11/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

197030+197029

Realtime Trains | 3C05 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 11/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C05 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 11/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

197029+197030

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 11/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 11/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

197030+197029

 

[childwallblues]

Cambrian day on the Chester to Liverpool service yesterday with 197026 and 197024 doing the honours.

 

[tfw756rider]

Cambrian 197s today (12/11/25):

Realtime Trains | 3C05 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C05 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

197029

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 12/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 12/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

197029

 

[158822]

When do the 197s on test on the Cambrian leave for Holyhead or wherever they will be stored?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Nov 2025 ==

How many 197s are actually on test on the Cambrian? Is it just the two?

 

[tfw756rider]

When do the 197s on test on the Cambrian leave for Holyhead or wherever they will be stored?

I've asked this to someone for you.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Nov 2025 ==

How many 197s are actually on test on the Cambrian? Is it just the two?

At the moment yes, as these runs are for "pre-driver-training" checks like stopping points, Automatic Selective Door Operation (ASDO), ramps etc.

Several more 197s have been on Cambrian ETCS mileage accumulation runs, mostly at night.

 

[158822]

Thank you @tfw756rider

 

[tfw756rider]

Thank you @tfw756rider

You're welcome @158822. The person said that they didn't know and that they're just going by Realtime Trains, and that there's a "going back" path in the early hours of Friday, but also one or two next week.

Realtime Trains | 3C11 0423 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Holyhead Car. M.D. | 14/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C11 0423 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Holyhead Car. M.D. on 14/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C15 0423 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 17/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C15 0423 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 17/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Jacob Porrett]

197040 arriving at Donnington RFT tomorrow.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

So with 197s on daytime Cambrian workings, does that mean ETCS is validated for both 158 and 197 operation?
ie are the trackside and on-train systems compatible allowing mixed working?
I see the 197s reached Pwllheli so the whole system seems to be fully functional.
That's very good news if true.

 

[tfw756rider]

197040 arriving at Donnington RFT tomorrow.

Thanks for letting us know Then, it will only be 197041 left to arrive there after it!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Nov 2025 ==

So with 197s on daytime Cambrian workings, does that mean ETCS is validated for both 158 and 197 operation?
ie are the trackside and on-train systems compatible allowing mixed working?
I see the 197s reached Pwllheli so the whole system seems to be fully functional.
That's very good news if true.

It would seem so, yes. After the 158s and 197s were initially tried "alongside each other" on the Cambrian in the daytime in July 2024, some issues were experienced, but whatever those were seem to have now been resolved.

Yes, Machynlleth Sidings-"based" 197029+197030 went to:

• Aberystwyth and back on Mon 10/11/25
• Aberystwyth and back on Tue 11/11/25
• then Pwllheli and back on Tue 11/11/25
• Pwllheli and back on Wed 12/11/25
• Shrewsbury and back on Thu 13/11/25

Sorry I forgot to put the 13/11/25 schedules on here in advance, but they were:

Realtime Trains | 3C98 1040 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury | 13/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C98 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 13/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

197030+197029

Realtime Trains | 3C99 1226 Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 13/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C99 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 13/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

197029+197030

 

[Welshguy1048]

@tfw756rider

Hello

Is it too early to know what the allocation is for this tomorrow morning please ?

Realtime Trains | 3C11 0423 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Holyhead Car. M.D. | 14/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C11 0423 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Holyhead Car. M.D. on 14/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Thank you

Dave

 

[Anonymous10]

@tfw756rider

Hello

Is it too early to know what the allocation is for this tomorrow morning please ?

Realtime Trains | 3C11 0423 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Holyhead Car. M.D. | 14/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C11 0423 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Holyhead Car. M.D. on 14/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Thank you

Dave

Likely the pair which have been doing runs around the cambrian, namely 197030 and 029

 

[tfw756rider]

Likely the pair which have been doing runs around the cambrian, namely 197030 and 029

Depends whether or not it runs. If it does, it will be either 197029+197030 or 197030+197029. If it doesn't, they'll go off the Cambrian next week (rather than tomorrow). But yes, I get your point!

 

[chrisjo]

197123 got a window broken between Shotton and Flint on 1D39 1425 MIA-LLD this afternoon. All pax removed from affected coach at Flint, doors locked/taped off, and carried on.

 

[158822]

Could one 197 be going to Holyhead tomorrow and the other 197 leave on Monday?

 

[Peter Sarf]

Posted 05/11/2025 :-

New unit 18/11/25 at Crewe.

Posted 13/11/2025 :-

197040 arriving at Donnington RFT tomorrow.

Looks like 197040 might make it to Crewe on 18/11/2025.
So answers the conjecture.

 

[tfw756rider]

Posted 05/11/2025 :-

Posted 13/11/2025 :-

Looks like 197040 might make it to Crewe on 18/11/2025.
So answers the conjecture.

Oh yeah!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Nov 2025 ==

Could one 197 be going to Holyhead tomorrow and the other 197 leave on Monday?

Possible but not sure.

 

[FrontSideBus]

What lines are kitchen units used on?

 

[tfw756rider]

What lines are kitchen units used on?

The catering cupboard is on all 197s, but I don't know what the eventual plan for it is. I did notice though that even some of the ETCS-fitted 197s have vinyls on the cupboards.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Realtime Trains | 4G97 0626 Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft | 18/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 4G97 0626 departure from Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft on 18/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 6G97 1006 Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) | 18/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 6G97 1006 departure from Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) on 18/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Paths for the 197 collection on the 18th next week.

 

[tfw756rider]

Oh yeah!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Nov 2025 ==


Possible but not sure.

The move today didn't run, so looks like they'll go back next week.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Nov 2025 ==

Realtime Trains | 4G97 0626 Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft | 18/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 4G97 0626 departure from Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft on 18/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 6G97 1006 Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) | 18/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 6G97 1006 departure from Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) on 18/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Paths for the 197 collection on the 18th next week.

Thanks for letting us know

 

[The_Train]

Realtime Trains | 4G97 0626 Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft | 18/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 4G97 0626 departure from Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft on 18/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 6G97 1006 Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) | 18/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 6G97 1006 departure from Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) on 18/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Paths for the 197 collection on the 18th next week.

Was it 040 that turned up at Donnington?

 

[philip simpkin]

Yes, 040 seen at Donnington at 12.15 today.

 

[tfw756rider]

Yes, 040 seen at Donnington at 12.15 today.

Nice one!

 

[Jacob Porrett]

I'm going over tomorrow to take some photos.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Nov 2025 ==

Photos attached (not mine, shared with permission from their creator, RWL) of the November 2025 Cambrian 197 daytime runs (for doing checks before training starts). One is of 197030+197029 at Aberystwyth on the 10/11/25, having worked 3C00 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth, and about to work 3C01 1020 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs. The other is of 197029+197030 at Picnic Island near Aberdovey on the 11/11/25, while working 3C05 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli.

 

[wythallpaul]

Bumper day for Cl197 at Birmingham International (BHI) Yesterday (15/11/25). Due to the aftermath of the bad Weather the day before causing Flooding & subsequent Unit Displacement there were 6 Different Cl197's in the West Midlands. 197028+197043 1st thing in the Morning, Followed by 197122 later on, then in the Afternoon/Evening there was 197007+197011 Followed by 197123. Most Different in one day Previously was 23/02/25 (5) & 28/07/25 (Also 6).

 

[158822]

Does anyone know how many 197s are south of the block?