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

[wickham]

Thanks for posting.

Both 3C04 and 3C05 have run today with 197029 and 197030.

There was also an 8Z01 Shrewsbury sidings - Crewe Electric which ran in the early hours.Any ID would be appreciated

8Z01 sounds like yellow plant, but I could well be wrong.

 

[sd0733]

There was also an 8Z01 Shrewsbury sidings - Crewe Electric which ran in the early hours.Any ID would be apappreciated

8Z01 was a sick 158822 on a wheelskate being assisted by 158823.

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

 

[tfw756rider]

Thanks for posting.

Both 3C04 and 3C05 have run today with 197029 and 197030.

You're welcome, yes indeed.

Updated set of schedule links:

Realtime Trains | 3C01 0420 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 08/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C01 0420 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 08/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran - 197030+197029 Shrewsbury - Machynlleth

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 10/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 10/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

cancelled

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1020 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 10/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1020 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 10/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

cancelled

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 10/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 10/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

cancelled

Realtime Trains | 3C07 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 10/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C07 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 10/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

cancelled

Realtime Trains | 3C04 1040 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury | 11/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C04 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 11/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran - 197029+197030 Machynlleth - Shrewsbury

Realtime Trains | 3C05 1226 Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 11/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C05 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 11/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran - 197030+197029 Shrewsbury - Machynlleth

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 11/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 11/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3C07 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 11/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C07 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 11/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 12/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 12/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran - 197029+197030 Machynlleth - Aberystwyth

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1020 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 12/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1020 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 12/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran - 197030+197029 Aberystwyth - Machynlleth

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 12/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 12/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran - 197029+197030 Machynlleth - Pwllheli

Realtime Trains | 3C07 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 12/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C07 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 12/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran - 197030+197029 Pwllheli - Machynlleth

Realtime Trains | 3C11 0423 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Holyhead Car. M.D. | 13/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C11 0423 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Holyhead Car. M.D. on 13/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

cancelled (staying for the below)

Realtime Trains | 3C00 1040 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury | 15/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 15/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3C01 1226 Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 15/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 15/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3C02 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 15/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C02 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 15/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

cancelled

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 15/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 15/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

cancelled

Realtime Trains | 3C00 1040 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury | 16/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 16/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3C01 1226 Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 16/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 16/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3C02 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 16/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C02 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 16/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

cancelled

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 16/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 16/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

cancelled

Realtime Trains | 3C04 0423 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 17/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3C04 0423 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 17/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran - 197029+197030 Machynlleth - Shrewsbury

 

[Gordonman]

8Z01 was a sick 158822 on a wheelskate being assisted by 158823.

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

Many thanks

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

Long term stored 197021 has finally re-entered service today currently working 1F91 Chester - Liverpool.

Yesterday,197104 took 197014 from Canton - Shrewsbury Abbey Sidings 0n 5Z97.197014 has been stopped at Canton since 20/11/2025.

Stopped units at Canton are currently 197012 (24/11/2025),197016 (04/11/2025),and 197045 (29/08/25).

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

19 class 197'0 and 9 class 197'1 not in service today.This compares with 19 and 7 respectivly last Monday.

197003 - Holyhead
197012 - Canton since 24/11/25
197014 - Shrewsbury See above
197016 - Canton since 04/11/25
197023 - Crewe
197024
197025 - Crewe
197029 - Shrewsbury
197030 - Shrewsbury
197032 - Crewe
197036
197038 - Crewe
197039 - Crewe
197040 - Crewe
197041 - CAF Newport awaiting delivery
197044
197045 - Canton since 29/08/25
197047 Crewe Electric since 22/09/25
197048

197107 - Crewe Electric since 10/09/25
197109
197110 - Chester
197111 - Chester since 20/11/25
197112
197114 - Crewe Electric since 10/09/25
197116 - Crewe Electric since 10/09/25
197125
197126 - Chester since 13/10/25

Units with no information listed were all in service last week.Note that some of these units will be spare.

 

[Rob1969]

Many thanks

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

Long term stored 197021 has finally re-entered service today currently working 1F91 Chester - Liverpool.

Yesterday,197104 took 197014 from Canton - Shrewsbury Abbey Sidings 0n 5Z97.197014 has been stopped at Canton since 20/11/2025.

Stopped units at Canton are currently 197012 (24/11/2025),197016 (04/11/2025),and 197045 (29/08/25).

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

19 class 197'0 and 9 class 197'1 not in service today.This compares with 19 and 7 respectivly last Monday.

197003 - Holyhead
197012 - Canton since 24/11/25
197014 - Shrewsbury See above
197016 - Canton since 04/11/25
197023 - Crewe
197024
197025 - Crewe
197029 - Shrewsbury
197030 - Shrewsbury
197032 - Crewe
197036
197038 - Crewe
197039 - Crewe
197040 - Crewe
197041 - CAF Newport awaiting delivery
197044
197045 - Canton since 29/08/25
197047 Crewe Electric since 22/09/25
197048

197107 - Crewe Electric since 10/09/25
197109
197110 - Chester
197111 - Chester since 20/11/25
197112
197114 - Crewe Electric since 10/09/25
197116 - Crewe Electric since 10/09/25
197125
197126 - Chester since 13/10/25

Units with no information listed were all in service last week.Note that some of these units will be spare.

Hi All, can anyone confirm if 197023/025/032/039/040 are still in Crewe South Yard please? I’m the area tomorrow. Cheers Rob

 

[Gordonman]

Hi All, can anyone confirm if 197023/025/032/039/040 are still in Crewe South Yard please? I’m the area tomorrow. Cheers Rob

Should be.

197038 should also be there.

197029 and 197030 have worked 3C05 Shrewsbury - Chester TMD this morning

There is a 3Q81 Crewe South Yard - Machynlleth in the system for tonight

 

[Rob1969]

Should be.

197038 should also be there.

197029 and 197030 have worked 3C05 Shrewsbury - Chester TMD this morning

There is a 3Q81 Crewe South Yard - Machynlleth in the system for tonight

Thanks Gordon. I’ve literally just gone past Crewe South Yard on the Shrewsbury service and there were two ready to work off but no other 197s at all. Do we have any idea where the others have gone?

 

[tfw756rider]

There is a 3Q81 Crewe South Yard - Machynlleth in the system for tonight

Thanks, looks like this will be the first ETCS mileage accumulation since the pre-driver-training checks and the start of driver training:

Realtime Trains | 3Q81 2130 Crewe South Yard to Machynlleth | 18/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3Q81 2130 departure from Crewe South Yard to Machynlleth on 18/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3Q82 0048 Machynlleth to Welshpool | 19/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3Q82 0048 departure from Machynlleth to Welshpool on 19/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3Q83 0149 Welshpool to Newtown (Powys) | 19/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3Q83 0149 departure from Welshpool to Newtown (Powys) on 19/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3Q84 0212 Newtown (Powys) to Crewe South Yard | 19/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3Q84 0212 departure from Newtown (Powys) to Crewe South Yard on 19/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3Q81 2052 Crewe South Yard to Machynlleth | 19/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3Q81 2052 departure from Crewe South Yard to Machynlleth on 19/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3Q82 0048 Machynlleth to Welshpool | 20/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3Q82 0048 departure from Machynlleth to Welshpool on 20/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3Q83 0149 Welshpool to Newtown (Powys) | 20/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3Q83 0149 departure from Welshpool to Newtown (Powys) on 20/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

Realtime Trains | 3Q84 0212 Newtown (Powys) to Crewe South Yard | 20/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 3Q84 0212 departure from Newtown (Powys) to Crewe South Yard on 20/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

ran

 

[Gordonman]

Thanks Gordon. I’ve literally just gone past Crewe South Yard on the Shrewsbury service and there were two ready to work off but no other 197s at all. Do we have any idea where the others have gone?

Sorry,no idea.

I read a couple of reports last weekend of 6- 7 units being in the South Yard which matches with the list of units supposedly being there.The sightings were from the main line though.
The 2 units you saw are possibly ready to work tonight's 3Q81

 

[Rob1969]

Sorry,no idea.

I read a couple of reports last weekend of 6- 7 units being in the South Yard which matches with the list of units supposedly being there.The sightings were from the main line though.
The 2 units you saw are possibly ready to work tonight's 3Q81

Yes agreed Gordon, they certainly looked ready to go albeit a few hours early. If you get to find out which pair that is I’d be grateful. I may be able to catch up with them later. Cheers

 

[Caaardiff]

197023/039/040 are at South Yard
197025/032/035 are at Arriva TC

 

[Rob1969]

197023/039/040 are at South Yard
197025/023/035 are at Arriva TC

Thanks Caaardif but you’ve got 023 down twice, I assume one should be 032 but which one?

 

[Caaardiff]

Thanks Caaardif but you’ve got 023 down twice, I assume one should be 032 but which one?

Yes, corrected. Thanks

 

[Peter Sarf]

197023/039/040 are at South Yard
197025/032/035 are at Arriva TC

Is "Arriva TC" Crewe Carriage Shed so in the fork of the WCML and Stoke lines ?.

 

[Lewisham2221]

Is "Arriva TC" Crewe Carriage Shed so in the fork of the WCML and Stoke lines ?.

Yes

 

[Peter Sarf]

Yes

Thanks.
So on opposite sides of the same part of the WCML - its the cruel choice of which side to look when on a passing train !.

 

[tfw756rider]

Does anyone know which units were used on the first night? I'll only be seeing them on the second night (if they run).

 

[Rob1969]

Yes agreed Gordon, they certainly looked ready to go albeit a few hours early. If you get to find out which pair that is I’d be grateful. I may be able to catch up with them later. Cheers

3Q81 was worked by 197039 & 040 last night. I managed to see the first working at Crewe

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Dec 2025 ==

Is "Arriva TC" Crewe Carriage Shed so in the fork of the WCML and Stoke lines ?.

So having checked again today in fading light going past on WCML, I could see a line inside Crewe Carriage Shed of at least 3 197s with gaps in the wall providing a fleeting view of each one and a head on view but not close enough to ID them. If anyone can supply the order they are in facing Crewe station that would be very useful.

There also did look like there were 3 in Crewe South yard on the opposite side too today so looks like Caaardiff’s locations were spot on. Thanks for the help. Cheers Rob

 

[tfw756rider]

Does anyone know which units were used on the first night? I'll only be seeing them on the second night (if they run).

3Q81 was worked by 197039 & 040 last night. I managed to see the first working at Crewe

I actually ended up not seeing either of the two nights due to being too tired doing other things. Was it 197039+197040 again? Hopefully it won't be too long until I can see 197040 on another run instead.

 

[Rob1969]

I actually ended up not seeing either of the two nights due to being too tired doing other things. Was it 197039+197040 again? Hopefully it won't be too long until I can see 197040 on another run instead.

I only saw the 1st diagram on Thurs evening but I’d assume 039 & 040 will have covered both days

 

[Gordonman]

197023/039/040 are at South Yard
197025/032/035 are at Arriva TC

197035 is in service.

Do you mean 197038?

 

[40029 Saxonia]

197035 is operating the 15:22 Cardiff - Chester today (with 197002) according to RTT

197035 is in service.

Do you mean 197038?

 

[Rob1969]

Yes pretty certain Caaardiff did mean 038 as I saw 035 on the same day working

 

[Peter Sarf]

Yes pretty certain Caaardiff did mean 038 as I saw 035 on the same day working

Would make sense as 038 is less likely to be in service than 035.

But, although 035 has been in servcice as far back as May 2025, I have not noted it out since so it might have only just re-entered service.
EDIT 13:35
Looking at some of my old paper lists it has been in service enough to suggest 035 has more or less been in servcice since July 2025 or earlier.
/EDIT

For 038, it has been out on the Cambrian testing as far back as 10/07/2025 but no idea what it has done since. Probably in the same group as 039 & 040 - ie ERTMS testing on the Cambrian and not in passenger service.

Begs the question - does anyone with access to systems know where 197038 is ?.

 

[Tony2]

Would make sense as 038 is less likely to be in service than 035.

But, although 035 has been in servcie as far back as May 2025, I have not noted it out since so it might have only just re-entered service.

For 038, it has been out on the Cambrian testing as far back as 10/07/2025 but no idea what it has done since. Probably in the same group as 039 & 040 - ie ERTMS testing on the Cambrian and not in passenger service.

Begs the question - does anyone with access to systems know where 197038 is ?.

I saw 197035 on 09/12 working 0851 Cardiff Central- Pembroke Dock.

 

[Peter Sarf]

I saw 197035 on 09/12 working 0851 Cardiff Central- Pembroke Dock.

I now think 035 has been out in service since July 2025 or most likely earlier.
I just dug out some old paper records of mine and it looks to have possibly been a regular performer.
Edited original post.

EDIT 13:43
I asked about 197038 on Non-Urgent TOPS thread.

Currently at Crewe Arriva Traincare.

Answer is ATc Crewe.

 

[wythallpaul]

197035 was at Birmingham International (BHI) during September & November:-
03/09/25 in a Pair with 197001.
26/09/25 in a Pair with 197036.
03/11/25 as a Single Unit.
14/11/25 in a Pair with 197017.
18/11/25 & 19/11/25 Both Days in a Pair with 197028.

 

[Caaardiff]

197035 is in service.

Do you mean 197038?

Yes, sorry. Was given duff info. 197038 is at ATC

 

[Peter Sarf]

Yes, sorry. Was given duff info. 197038 is at ATC

Thanks for the update.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Dec 2025 ==

Just browsing RTT today and this morning 197030 went ECS Holyhead to Llandudno and return.

 

[tfw756rider]

...a posting on another enthusiast's forum reports one coach of 197025 being returned to Newport from Donnington at the end of March 2024.

Do you (or does anyone) know when 197025 first left the Newport factory and went to Donnington?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Dec 2025 ==

In March 2023, 197029 was taken by road from Donnington to Newport for mods.

Do you (or does anyone) know when 197029 first left the Newport factory and went to Donnington?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Dec 2025 ==

66515 worked 6Q98 from Donnington FRT to Crewe on the 22nd of June 2023 with 197030. Another ETCS fitted 197.

Do you (or does anyone) know when 197030 left the Newport factory and went to Donnington?