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

[Gordonman]

Yes, theyre the ones not yet showing in the fleet.
My belief is that any units not accepted are still owned by CAF and so the moves will be for them.

Thanks for that.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

When 197041 is delivered, it will be the only "2026" 197, and I believe it will also be the only "2026" pure diesel multiple unit!

If there's no "last Class 197 rolls off the production line" article it will require Freedom of Information I guess, but the 'Constructed' range of years in the infobox of the 197 Wikipedia article will say "2020—2026". Quite a long amount of time really, isn't it?

Will be the last 197 to come through Donnington RFT as well hopefully.

 

[sbrignall72]

Does anyone please know when 197126 is likely to be repaired after it's altercation with a tree. Is it still on Chester depot

 

[40029 Saxonia]

Passing Crewe today, 197040 was visible at the south end of the TfW/Ariva depot. Several 197s (approx. 5) were in Crewe South Yard but the only one I could identify (and that's not 100% certain) was 197039. If anyone knows which ones were in Crewe South yard at 12:15 today it would be appreciated. Its assumed they were 23/25/32/38/39 but I have no proof of that!

 

[87electric]

Does anyone please know when 197126 is likely to be repaired after it's altercation with a tree. Is it still on Chester depot

It was on Chester depot on 13th Jan. That’s all I can help you with I’m afraid.

 

[Gordonman]

16/01/2025

197029 197030 5Z90 Holyhead - Shrewsbury sidings

197114 is back in service today.Was stopped on Crewe Electric depot on 10/09/2025

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Jan 2026 ==

Passing Crewe today, 197040 was visible at the south end of the TfW/Ariva depot. Several 197s (approx. 5) were in Crewe South Yard but the only one I could identify (and that's not 100% certain) was 197039. If anyone knows which ones were in Crewe South yard at 12:15 today it would be appreciated. Its assumed they were 23/25/32/38/39 but I have no proof of that!

197023,197025,197032,197038 and 197039 were moved from Crewe South yard to the LNWR depot for further storage over the Christmas/New Year period.197040 remained in the south yard.
The moves between the south yard and LNWR and vice versa are very rarely shown on Trust so unless there are any visual sightings usually go unreported.
The units moved to LNWR for storage were all in a line on the first line inside the depot,so would be visible from passing trains through the gaps in the wall unless there was stock parked up outside next to the mainline which would block the view.
Perhaps Jacob could advise if these units are still on LNWR or have moved back to the south yard?

 

[Caaardiff]

16/01/2025

197029 197030 5Z90 Holyhead - Shrewsbury sidings

197114 is back in service today.Was stopped on Crewe Electric depot on 10/09/2025

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Jan 2026 ==


197023,197025,197032,197038 and 197039 were moved from Crewe South yard to the LNWR depot for further storage over the Christmas/New Year period.197040 remained in the south yard.
The moves between the south yard and LNWR and vice versa are very rarely shown on Trust so unless there are any visual sightings usually go unreported.
The units moved to LNWR for storage were all in a line on the first line inside the depot,so would be visible from passing trains through the gaps in the wall unless there was stock parked up outside next to the mainline which would block the view.
Perhaps Jacob could advise if these units are still on LNWR or have moved back to the south yard?

197025, 032, 038 and 039 are at South Yard
197040 is at LNWR

Not sure about 197023

 

[Jacob Porrett]

16/01/2025

197029 197030 5Z90 Holyhead - Shrewsbury sidings

197114 is back in service today.Was stopped on Crewe Electric depot on 10/09/2025

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Jan 2026 ==


197023,197025,197032,197038 and 197039 were moved from Crewe South yard to the LNWR depot for further storage over the Christmas/New Year period.197040 remained in the south yard.
The moves between the south yard and LNWR and vice versa are very rarely shown on Trust so unless there are any visual sightings usually go unreported.
The units moved to LNWR for storage were all in a line on the first line inside the depot,so would be visible from passing trains through the gaps in the wall unless there was stock parked up outside next to the mainline which would block the view.
Perhaps Jacob could advise if these units are still on LNWR or have moved back to the south yard?

I'm sorry to say but unfortunately I no longer work at Arriva TrainCare Crewe so I don't know what's around anymore.

 

[tfw756rider]

Realtime Trains | 3C01 0427 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 06/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 0427 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 06/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C02 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 06/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 06/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1835 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 06/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1835 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 06/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C02 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 07/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 07/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1835 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 07/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1835 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 07/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

3C01,3C02 and 3C03 worked on the 6/1/26 with 197029 and 197030.

3C02 and 3C03 then ran on the 7/1/26 but as a 2-car. but I didn't know whether it was 197029 or 197030.

It was 197029, I went back to see it.

Very Short Term (Plan) schedules for 3C02 and 3C03 to Pwllheli and back for the 8/1/26 were added, but then removed again before they would've run, due to the bad weather.

197029+197030 went off the Cambrian on the 9/1/26 as:

Realtime Trains | 5Z84 1640 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 09/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Z84 1640 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 09/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

...and went back onto the Cambrian on the 17/1/26 as:

Realtime Trains | 3C01 0427 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 17/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 0427 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 17/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

So far, the following driver training schedules have been put on the system for the next week:

Realtime Trains | 3C02 1532 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 22/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 1532 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 22/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1835 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 22/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1835 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 22/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C04 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 23/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C04 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 23/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C05 1635 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 23/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C05 1635 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 23/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Peter Sarf]

Very Short Term (Plan) schedules for 3C02 and 3C03 to Pwllheli and back for the 8/1/26 were added, but then removed again before they would've run, due to the bad weather.

197029+197030 went off the Cambrian on the 9/1/26 as:

Realtime Trains | 5Z84 1640 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 09/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Z84 1640 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 09/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

...and went back onto the Cambrian on the 17/1/26 as:

Realtime Trains | 3C01 0427 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 17/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 0427 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 17/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

So far, the following driver training schedules have been put on the system for the next week:

Realtime Trains | 3C02 1532 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 22/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 1532 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 22/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1835 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 22/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1835 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 22/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C04 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 23/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C04 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 23/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C05 1635 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 23/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C05 1635 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 23/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Thanks for finding. I was not getting anywhere looking for runs today or tomorrow !.

These two 197s (197029 & 197030) appear on RTT so I assume they are accepted by TfW ?.

EDIT
Corrected 197/1 to 197/0 (brain fade).

Since this is driver training I hope that means entry into service on Cambrian Coast within the next six months (otherwise driver competency lapses) ?.

 

[tfw756rider]

Thanks for finding. I was not getting anywhere looking for runs today or tomorrow !.

These two 197s (197029 & 197030) appear on RTT so I assume they are accepted by TfW ?.

Since this is driver training I hope that means entry into service on Cambrian Coast within the next six months (otherwise driver competency lapses) ?.

You're welcome - someone I know told me that he saw 197029+197030 at Machynlleth on the 17/1/26, so I looked for schedules.

Yes, 197029 and 197030 are accepted by Transport for Wales. The first 13 minutes of the video below show them:

• On November 2025 pre-driver-training check runs (stopping points, train-platform step measurements etc.) at Aberystwyth, Bow Street bridge, Talybont (Gwynedd) and Caersws
• On December 2025 driver training runs at Borth (9 minutes in), and 'Picnic Island' near Aberdovey

Regarding six-month driver training competency:

Even if the units don't come into service quick enough for a driver to maintain competence, this isn't unchartered territory. If you do lose competence, it's only a 1 day refresher to regain it rather than the full 5 days from scratch. This was required for a few drivers at other depots, when mass 197 training started quite a while before they eventually entered service. Better to have drivers trained too early than too late!

I believe that 197 Cambrian service is estimated to start in late Summer 2026, but if the above information applies, it's not the end of the world as I understand it.

 

[Peter Sarf]

You're welcome - someone I know told me that he saw 197029+197030 at Machynlleth on the 17/1/26, so I looked for schedules.

Yes, 197029 and 197030 are accepted by Transport for Wales. The first 13 minutes of the video below show them:

• On November 2025 pre-driver-training check runs (stopping points, train-platform step measurements etc.) at Aberystwyth, Bow Street bridge, Talybont (Gwynedd) and Caersws
• On December 2025 driver training runs at Borth (9 minutes in), and 'Picnic Island' near Aberdovey

Regarding six-month driver training competency:

I believe that 197 Cambrian service is estimated to start in late Summer 2026, but if the above information applies, it's not the end of the world as I understand it.

Thanks.
(corrected my post to reflect correct sub class).

I had not taken in that Summer 2026 was a possibility for Cambrian services to switch over to 197s. Subject to slippage of course.

 

[158822]

September apparently for Cambrian 197 introduction.

 

[tfw756rider]

September apparently for Cambrian 197 introduction.

That's what I heard, I just didn't want to say it until someone else did.

 

[Peter Sarf]

That's what I heard, I just didn't want to say it until someone else did.

I expect the dependencies will be :-
398s into service on the TAM lines.
756s moved to Rhymney Valley and VOG etc.
Improvements in availability of 197s *.
How many 150s will be kept beyond the first two unless 197 availability improves (or some 158s continue on Cambrian but not expected).

* = I am assuming that 197 availability is not quite what is expected yet BUT I may be wrong ?.

 

[Jez]

197 availability does seem to have been better recently. Ive not noticed many substitutions. It helps that the MK4a are behaving at the moment too.

Obviously we still have quite a few Cambrian units helping out but on paper I think those are covering the fact we have 197s doing work intended for the 231s long term.

 

[BillStampy]

197 availability does seem to have been better recently. Ive not noticed many substitutions. It helps that the MK4a are behaving at the moment too.

You've said it now, we're all doomed! Cue the reliability falloff!
In all seriousness it does seem to be going very well for both fleets at the moment and they're still substituting for the 230s. Overall I think it's going quite positively!

 

[Caaardiff]

Some of the long term stopped sets are starting to come back into service.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Some of the long term stopped sets are starting to come back into service.

I suppose that may be a good indication that Chester is able to cope with the fleet size these days.
I am assuming Machynlleth will help with the extra Cambrian 197s but to what level I do not know.

 

[WirralLine]

I suppose that may be a good indication that Chester is able to cope with the fleet size these days.
I am assuming Machynlleth will help with the extra Cambrian 197s but to what level I do not know.

Im sure it was mentioned here that Mach would be doing the general maintenance and light repairs on the Cambrian 197s, with Chester being used for large jobs.

A few things I have noticed - the "older" 197s ie the ones introduced early on, are starting to look shabby inside. Ground in dirt around the windows (a matt, textured white surround on the windows seems a bad idea to start with when it comes to ease of cleaning). A number of broken/damaged seat tray tables. The carpets are torn/fraying in places and looking a bit worn down in the well used parts. Not to mention the toilet doors still dont work properly on any of them.

 

[XFeed]

Not to mention the toilet doors still dont work properly on any of them.

The toilet modules/control systems including the toilet doors have practically been an issue from the beginning and have been pretty unreliable with Rolen the toilet module supplier issuing numerous software updates and corrective actions.

 

[Jez]

You've said it now, we're all doomed! Cue the reliability falloff!

Haha! Hopefully not!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Jan 2026 ==

Im sure it was mentioned here that Mach would be doing the general maintenance and light repairs on the Cambrian 197s, with Chester being used for large jobs.

A few things I have noticed - the "older" 197s ie the ones introduced early on, are starting to look shabby inside. Ground in dirt around the windows (a matt, textured white surround on the windows seems a bad idea to start with when it comes to ease of cleaning). A number of broken/damaged seat tray tables. The carpets are torn/fraying in places and looking a bit worn down in the well used parts. Not to mention the toilet doors still dont work properly on any of them.

Ive not really noticed any major issues with the older ones but next time i go on one I will be sure to have a look. I am guessing it will be a long time before they are due for a refresh however. Definitely noticed the issue with the toilets however, id say nearly every time ive travelled recently there has been an issue with 1 or more toilets.

 

[tfw756rider]

The toilet modules/control systems including the toilet doors have practically been an issue from the beginning and have been pretty unreliable with Rolen the toilet module supplier issuing numerous software updates and corrective actions.

Still more to go, hopefully? Also, do you know if there are any plans to sort out any loose seat-back tables that open themselves, and toilet lids/seats that don't stay up?

 

[XFeed]

Still more to go, hopefully? Also, do you know if there are any plans to sort out any loose seat-back tables that open themselves, and toilet lids/seats that don't stay up?

Numerous rectification campaigns are developed but do not know any timescales about the faults you raise sorry.

 

[BenBracken]

The toilet modules/control systems including the toilet doors have practically been an issue from the beginning and have been pretty unreliable with Rolen the toilet module supplier issuing numerous software updates and corrective actions.

I travelled on an SWR Arterio unit last summer and noticed the toilet setup was identical so guessing the same supplier? All seemed to be working perfectly, have there been issues elsewhere on other operators?

 

[XFeed]

I travelled on an SWR Arterio unit last summer and noticed the toilet setup was identical so guessing the same supplier? All seemed to be working perfectly, have there been issues elsewhere on other operators?

I don`t know if other fleets have the same toilet manufacturer as 197s but I am led to believe 195s are a different supplier and are more reliable ?
Maybe more knowledgeable people than myself who are familiar with different fleets can chip in with the answers.

 

[nwales58]

Also, do you know if there are any plans to sort out any loose seat-back tables that open themselves ...

Carry your own Allen keys

 

[tfw756rider]

Carry your own Allen keys

Well I suppose that's one way of doing it

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jan 2026 ==

Realtime Trains | 3C02 1532 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 22/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 1532 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 22/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1835 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 22/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1835 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 22/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C04 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 23/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C04 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 23/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C05 1635 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 23/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C05 1635 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 23/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

The above 4 workings all ran, with 197029+197030.

10 more schedules are on the system:

Realtime Trains | 3C00 1040 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury | 24/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 24/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C01 1226 Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 24/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 24/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C02 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 27/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 27/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1833 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 27/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1833 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 27/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C00 1040 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury | 28/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 28/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C01 1226 Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 28/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 28/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C02 1545 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 29/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 1545 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 29/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1833 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 29/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1833 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 29/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C04 1547 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 30/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C04 1547 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 30/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C05 1635 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 30/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C05 1635 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 30/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[BenBracken]

Just got this photo off the TfW enthusiasts FB page taken at Llandeilo JCN. So 197s are using SDL whilst Landore Bridge is closed. I had thought TfW were just putting buses on! Hadn’t realised 197s were cleared for SDL and driver training etc had taken place. Be great to know which services use it usually, everytime I’ve tried recently the service just goes round the back of Landore depot!

 

[Rhydgaled]

So 197s are using SDL whilst Landore Bridge is closed. I had thought TfW were just putting buses on! Hadn’t realised 197s were cleared for SDL and driver training etc had taken place.

There don't appear to be many diversions over the SDL though compared to when the Loughor viaduct was replaced back in Arriva Trains Wales' time. Tomorrow for instance there don't appear to be any through trains Carmarthen-Cardiff between 06:00 and 20:00. Do fewer crews sign the route now compared to back then?