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

[Jez]

Looking at my list of 197s the one and only time ive been on 197003 was January 2025. So it certainly hadnt been around for a long while. I assumed as it was a Cambrian 197 the reason it has been out of service for so long is because it was being stored, but it appears the other Cambrian 197s are being cycled as posted by @Gordonman but it being absent for so long does make me wonder if there are issues with it rather than it just being stored.

I know 197004 was out of service for a long time but came back into service recently and 197110 and 197045 have been out of service for ages.

 

[tfw756rider]

The delay on the Cambrian is very poor considering the December 2022 introduction for the units.

The 14th of November 2022, for the record. Very poor maybe, but, in response to:

What a shambles.

I quote myself:

Maybe, but at least there have now been some driver training runs from Machynlleth to Aberystwyth and back, from Machynlleth to Pwllheli and back, and from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury and back, in December 2025, January 2026 and early February 2026 with 197029+197030 (following the pre-driver-training check runs in November 2025, which was also when the September 2026 entry-to-service date was set).

(When I say driver training by the way, I do mean guard as well - in fact, I heard that as of late January it's being done with more proper guard stuff).

The duo are now 1 week into 6-week maintenance staff training at Machynlleth depot, which should finish around the 20/3/26, then theoretically there will be a decent 5 months of driver training from April to August before the start of entry-to-service in September.

 

[Russel]

The 14th of November 2022, for the record. Very poor maybe, but, in response to:

I quote myself:

Did you mean to re-quote my post, you responded to that on Friday, I still think the whole thing is a shambles, 2 days later!

We are just awful at new fleet rollouts and have been for a number of years now.

 

[tfw756rider]

Did you mean to re-quote my post, you responded to that on Friday, I still think the whole thing is a shambles, 2 days later!

Yes I did, to show @TT-ONR-NRN what I was responding to.

We are just awful at new fleet rollouts and have been for a number of years now.

Awful at new fleet rollouts or good at setting very optimistic dates, or both?

 

[Russel]

Awful at new fleet rollouts or good at setting very optimistic dates, or both?

Possibly a combination of both to be fair.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

If you remember 197003 has that "thermal incident" in other words it caught fire.

 

[Peter Sarf]

If you remember 197003 has that "thermal incident" in other words it caught fire.

Ah, thanks. So it (197003) could well be the last (back) in service.

Plus I can now see logic in its ERTMS equipment being put into 197021 where it was planned to be originally.

 

[Gordonman]

Long term stopped 197047 has re-entered service today.Its last outing was on 22/08/2025.

Also 197026 and 197033 which were missing last week which shows they are not being stored again at the moment.

Today's OOS/spare units are

(197003)
197008
197010
187014
197022
(197023)
(197025)
197027
(197029)
(197030)
(197032)
(197038)
(197039)
)197040)
(197041)
197045
197051
197105
197106
197110
197117
197123
197126

 

[Peter Sarf]

Long term stopped 197047 has re-entered service today.Its last outing was on 22/08/2025.

Also 197026 and 197033 which were missing last week which shows they are not being stored again at the moment.

Today's OOS/spare units are

(197003)
197008
197010
187014
197022
(197023)
(197025)
197027
(197029)
(197030)
(197032)
(197038)
(197039)
)197040)
(197041)
197045
197051
197105
197106
197110
197117
197123
197126

That means out of action are 23 197s or more realistically 17 2car and 6 3car meaning 52 vehicles. That is more than the 42 vehicles of the ERTMS (2car 197s) part of the fleet. So currently even without 197s on Cambrian TfW are down 10 class 197 vehicles !. I did not realise it was actually that bad.

 

[40029 Saxonia]

That means out of action are 23 197s or more realistically 17 2car and 6 3car meaning 52 vehicles. That is more than the 42 vehicles of the ERTMS (2car 197s) part of the fleet. So currently even without 197s on Cambrian TfW are down 10 class 197 vehicles !. I did not realise it was actually that bad.

The list includes the seven 197/0s that haven't been handed over to TfW yet, so its actually 10 2 cars that are not in service

 

[Class777]

Wow, eventually.


What do you mean by cranking out?

Apologies, unwell when I posted it. I mean it in the sense of either failing or experiencing technical issues.

 

[tfw756rider]

I've been informed of 4 schedules:

Realtime Trains | 3C00 0055 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Welshpool | 19/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 0055 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Welshpool on 19/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C01 0130 Welshpool to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 19/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 0130 departure from Welshpool to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 19/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0221 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Welshpool | 19/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0221 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Welshpool on 19/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 0255 Welshpool to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 19/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 0255 departure from Welshpool to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 19/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Another schedule has now been added:

Realtime Trains | 3C10 0042 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 21/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C10 0042 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 21/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Does anyone in here know what these are?

When it was just the first 4, I just assumed that, with 197029+197030 supposedly on maintenance staff training at Machynlleth depot for 6 weeks, they would be (a) different 197(s) doing those couple of ShrewsburyAFCS-to-Welshpool-and-back runs,

but now, the fifth one (also with a "3C" headcode, used for 197s) is for Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury AFCS (without return), which wouldn't make sense with, again, 197029+197030 supposedly on maintenance staff training at Machynlleth depot for 6 weeks?

 

[Welshguy1048]

Another schedule has now been added:

Realtime Trains | 3C10 0042 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 21/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C10 0042 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 21/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Does anyone in here know what these are?

When it was just the first 4, I just assumed that, with 197029+197030 supposedly on maintenance staff training at Machynlleth depot for 6 weeks, they would be (a) different 197(s) doing those couple of ShrewsburyAFCS-to-Welshpool-and-back runs,

but now, the fifth one (also with a "3C" headcode, used for 197s) is for Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury AFCS (without return), which wouldn't make sense with, again, 197029+197030 supposedly on maintenance staff training at Machynlleth depot for 6 weeks?

@tfw756rider

Morning

I have asked on the TOPS request thread - what the allocation for this move today is

Realtime Trains | 5Z22 1100 Holyhead Car. M.D. to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 18/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Z22 1100 departure from Holyhead Car. M.D. to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 18/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

And its 197022 and 197027 on it.

Dave

 

[tfw756rider]

@tfw756rider

Morning

I have asked on the TOPS request thread - what the allocation for this move today is

Realtime Trains | 5Z22 1100 Holyhead Car. M.D. to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 18/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Z22 1100 departure from Holyhead Car. M.D. to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 18/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

And its 197022 and 197027 on it.

Dave

Morning Dave, thanks - I suppose that 197022 and 197027 will then do those Shrewsbury-Welshpools.

I still don't understand what 3C10 on Sat 21/2/26 is for though? Looks like it's a path for 197029+197030 to go back, even though I thought those two were meant to stay for 6 weeks for Machynlleth maintenance staff training,

 

[Peter Sarf]

The list includes the seven 197/0s that haven't been handed over to TfW yet, so its actually 10 2 cars that are not in service

Overall it means TfW are not using 52 class 197 vehicles. Most (38 vehicles) of those have been accepted and broken/stored/testing and 7 pairs (14 vehicles) not yet accepted. But not using 197s on Cambrian only saves 42 class 197 vehicles. So 10 class 197 vehicles down ?.

The seven 197/0s that have not been accepted yet would be bearable on their own. Until Cambrian needs them of course. But in the meantime, without Cambrian, TfW still seems to actually be 10 coaches worth of 197s short.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

197001/005 were on the Salop Line today at one point. Went past them this morning. I was on 12:26 off Telford Central.

 

[sd0733]

I still don't understand what 3C10 on Sat 21/2/26 is for though? Looks like it's a path for 197029+197030 to go back, even though I thought those two were meant to stay for 6 weeks for Machynlleth maintenance staff training,

Seems likely its just to swap the sets over, having 2 at Machy for depot training it doesnt really matter too much which units are there and unlikely to be needed 24/7 for that.

Seems that next week there is a Wednesday and Thursday run to Aberystwyth from Mac late afternoon both days.

 

[tfw756rider]

Seems likely its just to swap the sets over, having 2 at Machy for depot training it doesnt really matter too much which units are there and unlikely to be needed 24/7 for that.

Oh yeah, thanks, although I can't see a schedule for different 197s to go back on the Cambrian to replace 197029+197030.

Seems that next week there is a Wednesday and Thursday run to Aberystwyth from Mac late afternoon both days.

Thanks a lot I can't see the schedules, but I take it you can see them internally but they haven't yet "gone out"?

 

[Gordonman]

Oh yeah, thanks, although I can't see a schedule for different 197s to go back on the Cambrian to replace 197029+197030.


Thanks a lot I can't see the schedules, but I take it you can see them internally but they haven't yet "gone out"?

197027 197022 have worked last night's overnight testing culminating on 3C03 Welshpool - Shrewsbury this morning.
Presume 197029 and 197030 remain at Machynlleth for staff training.

There is a 5T10 Chester - Chester via Crewe running at the moment.197010 or 197110?Both are not in service today

 

[tfw756rider]

197027 197022 have worked last night's overnight testing culminating on 3C03 Welshpool - Shrewsbury this morning.

Yeah, thanks. I saw them

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Feb 2026 ==

Presume 197029 and 197030 remain at Machynlleth for staff training.

I just saw 197029 in Machynlleth sidings, so presumably 197030 is inside Machynlleth depot.

As 197022+197027 went to Welshpool while 197029+197030 were/are at Machynlleth, I believe technically that was the first time that more than two 197s were on the Cambrian railway in any form simultaneously.

 

[sd0733]

Oh yeah, thanks, although I can't see a schedule for different 197s to go back on the Cambrian to replace 197029+197030.


Thanks a lot I can't see the schedules, but I take it you can see them internally but they haven't yet "gone out"?

Basically, yes. Unless things change in the meantime they should feed through soon.

 

[tfw756rider]

Seems that next week there is a Wednesday and Thursday run to Aberystwyth from Mac late afternoon both days.

I can now see the schedules; many thanks for letting me know in advance of that

Realtime Trains | 3C00 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 25/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 25/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C01 1631 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 25/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1631 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 25/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C00 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 26/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 26/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C01 1631 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 26/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1631 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 26/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Feb 2026 ==

Basically, yes. Unless things change in the meantime they should feed through soon.

Thanks, nice timing

If:

Realtime Trains | 3C10 0042 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 21/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C10 0042 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 21/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

is 197029+197030 going back off, I can't see a schedule for (a) different 197(s) coming back on to replace them?

Presumably one will be added? Otherwise, 3C10 would have to not run, and then 197029 from the sidings would have to do the Aberystwyths as 2-car runs?

 

[sd0733]

Thanks, nice timing

No problem. It Was good timing!

 

[tfw756rider]

197022+197027 have moved from Shrewsbury Abbey Foregate sidings to Machynlleth sidings:

Realtime Trains | 5Z27 0230 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 21/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Z27 0230 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 21/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Does anyone know whether the following was 197029+197030 going back off or not?

Realtime Trains | 3C10 0042 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 21/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C10 0042 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 21/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Feb 2026 ==

(I went past Shrewsbury Abbey Foregate sidings at 0750 on the 21/2/26, but there were no 197s in them). Can anyone tell me where 197029+197030 are please?

 

[sd0733]

Does anyone know whether the following was 197029+197030 going back off or not?

Realtime Trains | 3C10 0042 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 21/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C10 0042 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 21/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Feb 2026 ==

(I went past Shrewsbury Abbey Foregate sidings at 0750 on the 21/2/26, but there were no 197s in them). Can anyone tell me where 197029+197030 are please?

197029+030 are currently at Chester having worked 3C10 00:10 Mac to Abbey Foregate, then continued as 5Z30 03:25 to Chester.

Tonight, they are booked to work 5T30 21:30 Chester to Holyhead seemingly leaving 022+027 as the Mach trainers.

 

[tfw756rider]

197029+030 are currently at Chester having worked 3C10 00:10 Mac to Abbey Foregate, then continued as 5Z30 03:25 to Chester.

Tonight, they are booked to work 5T30 21:30 Chester to Holyhead seemingly leaving 022+027 as the Mach trainers.

Thanks a lot

197022 and/or 197027 should be working the Aberystwyths then.

I've been informed of the following schedule, and that it might be (a) 197(s) (presumably because of the "C" in the headcode):

Realtime Trains | 5C00 1400 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth | 25/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 5C00 1400 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth on 25/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Could you be so kind as to check for me if possible please?

 

[sd0733]

Realtime Trains | 5C00 1400 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth | 25/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 5C00 1400 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth on 25/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Could you be so kind as to check for me if possible please?

Showing as 197s, 029 and 030 look likely as theyve worked back from Holyhead on https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:56574/2026-02-24/detailed this evening.

 

[chrisjo]

Chester yesterday just 126 and 014 in the sidings with bits obviously missing. 110 was in the CAF sheds and I see it's working the Crewe shuttle today.

 

[tfw756rider]

Showing as 197s, 029 and 030 look likely as theyve worked back from Holyhead on https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:56574/2026-02-24/detailed this evening.

Thanks, and I now see that 197029+197030 will work the Aberystwyths rather than 197022+197027, which I suppose are now being used as the Machynlleth depot maintenance training units?

 

[BenBracken]

Finally had a try of Standard Plus section today, on 117. A very nice surprise, loved the comfy seats and window alignment. How many SP sets are there out there? Are they going to convert them back to standard at some point? The 2+1 is lovely but surely a few more seats could help with capacity if they have abandoned the concept?