Class 701 'Aventra' trains for South Western Railway: progress updates

[markle]

deleted

 

[Snow1964]

People said the same stuff about the North London Line pre-overground.

I find it madness that it's ever considered acceptable for a Greater London railway station to have fewer than 2 tph (and ideally 4tph, for a true TUAG frequency), outwith a track closure directly affecting that station. Several of the stations on the Hounslow loop are already in the 30-40th percentile based on ticket sales, at 2000-3000 passengers a day. Not some quiet backwater.

roll on Thursday morning when ORR issues latest station usage, should know exactly where each station on 701 network ranks nationally

 

[NSEWonderer]

Enjoying driving 033

 

[norbitonflyer]

29 out today - all time record

 

[Siemens Staines]

29 out today - all time record

Unfortunately not all at the same time, so they didn't quite manage to cover their 29 diagrams. A bit unlucky this evening, because they would have done had the issues with 701018 not caused the evening peak part of its diagram to be cancelled. It is also the first weekday for a long time that no 455s have deputised for a 701, the morning peak shortfall being made up with cancellations.

 

[class701]

At 05:30 this morning, I passed half of a 455 on the A3 at Tolworth on two low loaders. I was wondering how they get out of the park and across the mainline. It's quite a steep flyover with some tight bends and turns around there.

 

[Nogoohwell]

The major problem is that there is little if any space left at all locations for any further siding extensions in the suburban area. Every suburban depot was looked in to for the original SWT 10 car plan, and siding extensions and remodelling of track layouts was undertaken where ever possible to accommodate the 10 car 455+456, 458 and 707 formations.

About 15 years ago the lighting was renewed on the sidings north of Wimbledon platform 8/9.
Easily park 3 701’s there overnight ready for their southbound morning journeys. Always wondered why they have not been used.

 

[class701]

This might be why. Recycle company goes bust.

Rolling stock withdrawal plans altered after Unimetals liquidation

Recycling company Unimetals' recent liquidation has meant some stock withdrawal plans have had to change

www.railmagazine.com

 

[Goldfish62]

This might be why. Recycle company goes bust.

Rolling stock withdrawal plans altered after Unimetals liquidation

Recycling company Unimetals' recent liquidation has meant some stock withdrawal plans have had to change

www.railmagazine.com

Yes they've been going to Derby for the past week or two.

 

[Nimbus020]

Unfortunately not all at the same time, so they didn't quite manage to cover their 29 diagrams. A bit unlucky this evening, because they would have done had the issues with 701018 not caused the evening peak part of its diagram to be cancelled. It is also the first weekday for a long time that no 455s have deputised for a 701, the morning peak shortfall being made up with cancellations.

Also good that 458/5s 533 + 535 are still working to help out on the mainline suburban side - are they diagrammed? - 5M03 onwards was just 4-car 455 737 today (had been a 701 diagram 'til recently)

 

[swtrains]

701503+701504 on 5Q21 today!

 

[NSEWonderer]

701503+701504 on 5Q21 today!

On platform 18 as of now

 

[OneTrackMinded]

701503+701504 on 5Q21 today!

It’ll be interesting to see if they’re able to meet the target of introducing the /5s in mid next year. Apparently a training plan is starting to be negotiated with ASLEF.

 

[swt_passenger]

This might be why. Recycle company goes bust.

Rolling stock withdrawal plans altered after Unimetals liquidation

Recycling company Unimetals' recent liquidation has meant some stock withdrawal plans have had to change

www.railmagazine.com

That’s been discussed at some length over at least 6 weeks in the 455 withdrawal thread here:

SWR 455 & 458/5 withdrawals

2x 455s off for scrap on Wednesday: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K45171/2025-10-15/detailed any ideas on the units?

www.railforums.co.uk

…and there’s also a dedicated thread about the business’s problems in the general thread here:

Unimetals (Owners of Sims Recycling) goes bust

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr4dx41k3vxo Recycling company Unimetals, which has dozens of sites across the UK, has filed for liquidation. The company's head office is in Stratford-upon-Avon, and has sites scattered around the country, including London, Halesowen, Staffordshire...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[norbitonflyer]

Also good that 458/5s 533 + 535 are still working to help out on the mainline suburban side - are they diagrammed? - 5M03 onwards was just 4-car 455 737 today (had been a 701 diagram 'til recently)

As I type, they are at Vauxhall on their way to Shepperton as 2H41

458530 is still around as well, currently at Waterloo about to form 2V43, 1537 Hounslow roundabout service

 

[Big Jumby 74]

About 15 years ago the lighting was renewed on the sidings north of Wimbledon platform 8/9.
Easily park 3 701’s there overnight ready for their southbound morning journeys. Always wondered why they have not been used.

You are quite correct. South Sidings 1 and 2 (as I knew them) and/or Down sidings A & B or some such, in more recent times. The longest alongside the Down Slow line could accommodate 4 x 8 SUB on the juice rail in my time, the siding itself (unelectrified) extending further towards Earlsfield under Durnsford Road bridge. In later years it was shortened to a point about adjacent to mid way point of the adjacent USL flyover. The second siding could hold 2 x 8 SUB, but at that time only had access/egress to plats 9 & 10 at Wimbledon, so no good for SW services starting from plat 8.

This location did form part of the in house initial discussions for the SWT 10 car plan back as far as 2008 ish, but in the end the risk of vandalism was one reason given that this location was not upgraded in full (walkways etc), and as things worked out, given the total number of 10 car formations (at that time) could be accommodated in other (more secure) locations, with alterations as mentioned, this location was dropped in respect of upgrading.

Depending on the upcoming 10 car 701 overall plan (in its entirety), perhaps this is something that may need revisiting?

 

[3417 Gordon]

At 05:30 this morning, I passed half of a 455 on the A3 at Tolworth on two low loaders. I was wondering how they get out of the park and across the mainline. It's quite a steep flyover with some tight bends and turns around there.

They don’t go over the bridge. They turn right out of the park and then follow Durnsford Road to Wandsworth where they join the A3.

 

[wickham]

You are quite correct. South Sidings 1 and 2 (as I knew them) and/or Down sidings A & B or some such, in more recent times. The longest alongside the Down Slow line could accommodate 4 x 8 SUB on the juice rail in my time, the siding itself (unelectrified) extending further towards Earlsfield under Durnsford Road bridge. In later years it was shortened to a point about adjacent to mid way point of the adjacent USL flyover. The second siding could hold 2 x 8 SUB, but at that time only had access/egress to plats 9 & 10 at Wimbledon, so no good for SW services starting from plat 8.

This location did form part of the in house initial discussions for the SWT 10 car plan back as far as 2008 ish, but in the end the risk of vandalism was one reason given that this location was not upgraded in full (walkways etc), and as things worked out, given the total number of 10 car formations (at that time) could be accommodated in other (more secure) locations, with alterations as mentioned, this location was dropped in respect of upgrading.

Depending on the upcoming 10 car 701 overall plan (in its entirety), perhaps this is something that may need revisiting?

Wimbledon South Sidings are still there, but they appear to be out of commission at present as track panels and equipment are dumped on them. The Wimbledon end of the siding nearest the SW main line has been used in recent years as a "bolt hole" for failed trains which have come out of service at Wimbledon, but the one on the "Central side" has not been used for very many years. I do not know if they are officially closed, mothballed, blocked by engineers possession or what the exact situation is. As was stated above a great deal of money was spent on installing new lighting and I think, walkways, but they have never been used for berthing since. Vandalism could indeed be a problem here, which secure fencing might obviate, but those vandals seem to get in somehow whatever is done. I suspect that walking access for train crews might also be a problem, despite the walkways. The same problems exist with the elecrrified long siding at Wokingham, which has never been used for it's intended purpose. I seem to recall a failed train being put in there once, but then there was a great problem in getting it out again as the walking route was not signed off by the unions.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

but those vandals seem to get in somehow whatever is done. I suspect that walking access for train crews might also be a problem, despite the walkways

Deleted. Not relevant to thread.

 

[Hoover powered]

Realtime Trains | 5Q84 1119 Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q84 1119 departure from Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

701 move tomorrow from Marchwood?

 

[NSEWonderer]

701503+701504 on 5Q21 today!

Ended up splitting with 701504 going ahead on routine testing.

 

[mansonlo49]

Realtime Trains | 5Q84 1119 Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q84 1119 departure from Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

701 move tomorrow from Marchwood?

Realtime Trains | 5Q82 0902 Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Eastleigh Trsmd | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q82 0902 departure from Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Eastleigh Trsmd on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

there’s another 5Q82 happening, so not sure which will be the one

 

[Peter Sarf]

Realtime Trains | 5Q82 0902 Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Eastleigh Trsmd | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q82 0902 departure from Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Eastleigh Trsmd on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

there’s another 5Q82 happening, so not sure which will be the one

There is actually an 0Z84 which could be a second loco into Marchwood for the 5Q84 drag to Wimbledon. It is down as a Q working but is an STP.

0Z82 Eastleigh to Marchwood light loco

Realtime Trains | 0Z82 0707 Eastleigh East Yard to Marchwood Mod Gbrf | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Z82 0707 departure from Eastleigh East Yard to Marchwood Mod Gbrf on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

5Q82 Marchwood to Eastleigh drag

Realtime Trains | 5Q82 0902 Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Eastleigh Trsmd | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q82 0902 departure from Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Eastleigh Trsmd on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Arrives Eastleigh too late for :-

0Z84 Eastleigh to Marchwood light loco

Realtime Trains | 0Z84 0912 Eastleigh East Yard to Marchwood Mod Gbrf | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Z84 0912 departure from Eastleigh East Yard to Marchwood Mod Gbrf on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

5Q84 Marchwood to Wimbledon

Realtime Trains | 5Q84 1119 Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q84 1119 departure from Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Would not be the first week there have been a couple of 701 moves iirc.

 

[Stephen42]

There is actually an 0Z84 which could be a second loco into Marchwood for the 5Q84 drag to Wimbledon. It is down as a Q working but is an STP.

0Z82 Eastleigh to Marchwood light loco

Realtime Trains | 0Z82 0707 Eastleigh East Yard to Marchwood Mod Gbrf | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Z82 0707 departure from Eastleigh East Yard to Marchwood Mod Gbrf on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

5Q82 Marchwood to Eastleigh drag

Realtime Trains | 5Q82 0902 Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Eastleigh Trsmd | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q82 0902 departure from Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Eastleigh Trsmd on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Arrives Eastleigh too late for :-

0Z84 Eastleigh to Marchwood light loco

Realtime Trains | 0Z84 0912 Eastleigh East Yard to Marchwood Mod Gbrf | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Z84 0912 departure from Eastleigh East Yard to Marchwood Mod Gbrf on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

5Q84 Marchwood to Wimbledon

Realtime Trains | 5Q84 1119 Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs | 03/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q84 1119 departure from Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs on 03/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Would not be the first week there have been a couple of 701 moves iirc.

The same paths are in for 4th December as well. It's probable they've entered all the potential paths and several won't actually run. The light loco 0O77 move from Leicester LIP to Eastleigh East Yard didn't run today which isn't promising for tomorrow. There is another 0O77 tomorrow which would get loco(s) into the right place for the 4th. My guess would be one 701 move rather than four this week.

 

[gazr]

Is there a reason two units couldn't be stabled in Wimbledon station itself overnight? There's enough pointwork either side for whatever runs in the middle of the night (1-5AM) to get around them.

 

[Peter Sarf]

The same paths are in for 4th December as well. It's probable they've entered all the potential paths and several won't actually run. The light loco 0O77 move from Leicester LIP to Eastleigh East Yard didn't run today which isn't promising for tomorrow. There is another 0O77 tomorrow which would get loco(s) into the right place for the 4th. My guess would be one 701 move rather than four this week.

So far for today (Wednesday 03/12/2025 @ 10:55).
0Z82 Loco Eastleigh to Marchwood auto activated and has not run yet (3+ hours overdue if it does !).
5Q82 Drag Marchwood to Eastleigh Cancelled (so fits in with your observation yesterday).
0Z84 Loco Eastleigh to Marchwood never activated and too late now if it was a replacement.
5Q84 Drag Marchwood to Wimbledon auto activated and looking unlikely to run, we will see for sure after 11:19 (yawn). Now (+20m) cancelled.

EDIT 11:40 5Q84 now cancelled - unsurprisingly

It is all there for a repeat (or otherwise) tomorrow.

 

[Stephen42]

So far for today (Wednesday 03/12/2025 @ 10:55).
0Z82 Loco Eastleigh to Marchwood auto activated and has not run yet (3+ hours overdue if it does !).
5Q82 Drag Marchwood to Eastleigh Cancelled (so fits in with your observation yesterday).
0Z84 Loco Eastleigh to Marchwood never activated and too late now if it was a replacement.
5Q84 Drag Marchwood to Wimbledon auto activated and looking unlikely to run, we will see for sure after 11:19 (yawn). Now (+20m) cancelled.

EDIT 11:40 5Q84 now cancelled - unsurprisingly

It is all there for a repeat (or otherwise) tomorrow.

47739 is on the way down to Eastleigh now on 0O77 so would expect a single drag tomorrow. 5Q82 to Eastleigh has the light loco move afterward so looks the more likely on paper.

 

[WWTownEnth]

Any news on next week’s new diagram?

 

[Peter Sarf]

47739 is on the way down to Eastleigh now on 0O77 so would expect a single drag tomorrow. 5Q82 to Eastleigh has the light loco move afterward so looks the more likely on paper.

Aye. Always keep an eye out for a move from Eastleigh to Wimbledon of a 701 under its own power of course.

 

[swr444]

Any news on next week’s new diagram?

Am I mistaken or didn’t TEW mention them already