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

[Bobcp]

I have not noticed 197023 in service since that move (on Thursday 12/03/2026). But perhaps it takes a while to commission ? - I hope I am just not being patient enough !.

Seen on Saturday 14th. with its end just poking out of the building alongside the main depot building.
Set number clearly visible from the line to Bache.

 

[SeaKing]

There was a 3Z00 Crewe South Yard to Chester DMUD this morning.

 

[tfw756rider]

New 197 Cambrian schedules, just those Machynlleth-based runs to Shrewsbury and back:

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0426 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 16/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0426 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 16/03/2026. 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 | 17/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 17/03/2026. 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 | 17/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 17/03/2026. 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 | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 18/03/2026. 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 | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 18/03/2026. 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 | 20/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 20/03/2026. 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 | 20/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 20/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[sd0733]

New 197 Cambrian schedules, just those Machynlleth-based runs to Shrewsbury and back:

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0426 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 16/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0426 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 16/03/2026. 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 | 17/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 17/03/2026. 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 | 17/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 17/03/2026. 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 | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 18/03/2026. 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 | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 18/03/2026. 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 | 20/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 20/03/2026. 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 | 20/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 20/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Should be for 6 car Proving runs between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth. Once thats done proving is.complete, 6s to Machynlleth 4s are signed off on the Aberystwtyh and Pwllelhi legs.

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

There was a 3Z00 Crewe South Yard to Chester DMUD this morning.

197032 is at Chester now so could have been that one.

 

[tfw756rider]

Should be for 6 car Proving runs between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth. Once thats done proving is.complete, 6s to Machynlleth 4s are signed off on the Aberystwtyh and Pwllelhi legs.

Oh wow, thanks - I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing those on Wed 18/3/26 and Fri 20/3/26 then! (I can't see them on Tue 17/3/26)

So the 197 Cambrian maximum lengths will be 6-car between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth, and 4-car on both the coast/Pwllheli and Aberystwyth lines?

I did see a 6-car 158 in passenger service at Aberystwyth several years ago (it was that booked 6-car from Birmingham, but they left all three units on at Machynlleth rather than taking one or two off), but I suppose that's not really as relevant nowadays.

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

197032 is at Chester now so could have been that one.

197032, or typo of 197023?

 

[sd0733]

Oh wow, thanks - I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing those on Wed 18/3/26 and Fri 20/3/26 then! (I can't see them on Tue 17/3/26)

So the 197 Cambrian maximum lengths will be 6-car between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth, and 4-car on both the coast/Pwllheli and Aberystwyth lines?

I did see a 6-car 158 in passenger service at Aberystwyth several years ago (it was that booked 6-car from Birmingham, but they left all three units on at Machynlleth rather than taking one or two off), but I suppose that's not really as relevant nowadays.

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


197032, or typo of 197023?

Yes, correct, that will be the maximum permitted formations on each section.

Yes 032. 023 i believe is at the depot, 032 has been in the parcels bay (next to platform 1) all afternoon.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Yes, correct, that will be the maximum permitted formations on each section.

Yes 032. 023 i believe is at the depot, 032 has been in the parcels bay (next to platform 1) all afternoon.

Will it be a mix of 2 and 3 car formations? How would it work because 3x 2 car 197s isn't 4 car for Pwllheli and Aberystwyth is it?

 

[Peter Sarf]

Will it be a mix of 2 and 3 car formations? How would it work because 3x 2 car 197s isn't 4 car for Pwllheli and Aberystwyth is it?

the 3car 197/1s do not have ERTMS. Can only ever by 2car 197/0s (197003 & 197022 - 197041).

I think split will always mean one of Aberystwyth or Pwllheli will be 4car and the other 2car. It is just that both routes are passed for 4car operation.

 

[wythallpaul]

197003 made it to Birmingham International (BHI) for the 1st Time Yesterday Evening (16/03/26) on 1I26.

Clarification:- 1I26 1536 Holyhead (HHD) to Birmingham International (BHI).

43 (out of a Final Build Total of 51) TfW 2-Car Cl197's have now Worked into the West Midlands.

197003 does not have the Tinted Cab side Windows that the Other Cambrian Units have had Retro-Fitted.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

197041 expected at Donnington RFT tomorrow (Wednesday 18th) the final 197.

 

[tfw756rider]

197003 made it to Birmingham International (BHI) for the 1st Time Yesterday Evening (16/03/26) on 1I26.

Clarification:- 1I26 1536 Holyhead (HHD) to Birmingham International (BHI).

Realtime Trains | 1I26 1536 Holyhead to Birmingham International | 16/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 1I26 1536 departure from Holyhead to Birmingham International on 16/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

43 (out of a Final Build Total of 51) TfW 2-Car Cl197's have now Worked into the West Midlands.

That means that, along with all 26 3-car 197s having now worked into the West Midlands, a total of 69 197s have now done so. 70 197s have been in service overall, so which 2-car 197 (of the ones that have been in service) hasn't worked into the West Midlands?

(The 44 2-car 197s that have been in service overall are 197001-022, 197024, 197026-031, 197033-037 and 197042-051)

197003 does not have the Tinted Cab side Windows that the Other Cambrian Units have had Retro-Fitted.

I don't think 197003 has even been on the Cambrian since 2022, when it was the first 197 to go on it.

 

[nigelsporne]

197003 would have made it earlier but was initially turned round at Wolverhampton and sent back to Holyhead and then on the diagram mentioned above. I copped it at International.

 

[tfw756rider]

197041 expected at Donnington RFT tomorrow (Wednesday 18th) the final 197.

Thanks very much for letting us know!

Realtime Trains | 6Q97 1006 Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 6Q97 1006 departure from Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) on 18/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Will this be the drag, then? Or will it be on a subsequent day?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Mar 2026 ==

New 197 Cambrian schedules, just those Machynlleth-based runs to Shrewsbury and back:

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0426 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 16/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0426 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 16/03/2026. 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 | 17/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 17/03/2026. 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 | 17/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 17/03/2026. 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 | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 18/03/2026. 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 | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 18/03/2026. 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 | 20/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury on 20/03/2026. 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 | 20/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1226 departure from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 20/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Although I couldn't see today's (Tue 17/3/26) 3C00, I am going to see today's 3C01.

If anyone could give me the unit numbers in advance, I'd appreciate it - no worries if not

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Thanks very much for letting us know!

Realtime Trains | 6Q97 1006 Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 6Q97 1006 departure from Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) on 18/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Will this be the drag, then? Or will it be on a subsequent day?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Mar 2026 ==


Although I couldn't see today's (Tue 17/3/26) 3C00, I am going to see today's 3C01.

If anyone could give me the unit numbers in advance, I'd appreciate it - no worries if not

It's normally the day after isn't if no problems occur.

 

[wythallpaul]

"so which 2-car 197 (of the ones that have been in service) hasn't worked into the West Midlands?"

I have no Record of 197030 Reaching the West Midlands.

 

[tfw756rider]

It's normally the day after isn't if no problems occur.

Ah thanks, makes sense - the next one that shows after the 18th is for the 20th though?

Realtime Trains | 6Q97 1104 Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) | 20/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 6Q97 1104 departure from Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) on 20/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Gordonman]

197003 made it to Birmingham International (BHI) for the 1st Time Yesterday Evening (16/03/26) on 1I26.

Clarification:- 1I26 1536 Holyhead (HHD) to Birmingham International (BHI).

43 (out of a Final Build Total of 51) TfW 2-Car Cl197's have now Worked into the West Midlands.

197003 does not have the Tinted Cab side Windows that the Other Cambrian Units have had Retro-Fitted.

197003 is not a Cambrian unit

 

[wythallpaul]

Post 10,148 Above States:-

"the 3 - car 197/1s do not have ERTMS (ETCS?). Can only ever be 2 - car 197/0s (197003 & 197022 - 197041)."

21 in Total, TfW 2 - Car Cl197's to Replace 24 TfW Cl158's is my Understanding.

 

[tfw756rider]

197003 is not a Cambrian unit

197003 was the very first 197 to run on the Cambrian in 2022.

Post 10,148 Above States:-

"the 3 - car 197/1s do not have ERTMS (ETCS?). Can only ever be 2 - car 197/0s (197003 & 197022 - 197041)."

21 in Total, TfW 2 - Car Cl197's to Replace 24 TfW Cl158's is my Understanding.

There was previous discussion about 197003 being numbered "out-of-sync" with 197022-197041. It looked like it would be less expensive for 197003 and 197021 to swap numbers (which apparently could be done), than to move 197003's ETCS equipment into 197021.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Mar 2026 ==

197024+197029+197030 is the trio for the 6-car Cambrian proving runs this week.

Realtime Trains (or rather the data feed) is erroneously showing that 197024 wasn't in 3C00, but I have had confirmation that it was.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Ah thanks, makes sense - the next one that shows after the 18th is for the 20th though?

Realtime Trains | 6Q97 1104 Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) | 20/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 6Q97 1104 departure from Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) on 20/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

It doesn't stay for long basically so whichever day.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Mar 2026 ==

From the Transport For Wales Class 197 Facebook group.

 

[tfw756rider]

It doesn't stay for long basically so whichever day.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Mar 2026 ==

From the Transport For Wales Class 197 Facebook group.

Thanks Jacob - hopefully it will be Friday the 20th rather than Thursday the 19th, because:

a) there's a schedule on the system for Friday the 20th but not Thursday the 19th, and...

b) I'd be able to see it on Friday the 20th but not Thursday the 19th.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Thanks Jacob - hopefully it will be Friday the 20th rather than Thursday the 19th, because:

a) there's a schedule on the system for Friday the 20th but not Thursday the 19th, and...

b) I'd be able to see it on Friday the 20th but not Thursday the 19th.

Doesn't matter which day for me. Either is fine.

 

[tfw756rider]

"so which 2-car 197 (of the ones that have been in service) hasn't worked into the West Midlands?"

I have no Record of 197030 Reaching the West Midlands.

Thanks, and I guess it probably won't for a while, being one of the units used frequently on the Cambrian Class 3s.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Mar 2026 ==

Doesn't matter which day for me. Either is fine.

Ah, so if I'm not able to see it, you still will

 

[D365]

Post 10,148 Above States:-

"the 3 - car 197/1s do not have ERTMS (ETCS?). Can only ever be 2 - car 197/0s (197003 & 197022 - 197041)."

Just to pick up on your post. Yes, those units listed above are ETCS fitted. ERTMS is the wider system including GSM-R (voice & data radio).

 

[Peter Sarf]

I was at Crewe today (Tuesday 17/03/2026).
Does anyone know what 197s were in the Crewe South Yard today around 12:45 - 17:30 ?.
(the best view seems to be from a train to/from Nantwich but a bit far away)
Does anyone know what the shiny new looking 197 in the carriage shed furthest from the WCML at the Crewe end was ?.

 

[40029 Saxonia]

I was at Crewe today (Tuesday 17/03/2026).
Does anyone know what 197s were in the Crewe South Yard today around 12:45 - 17:30 ?.
(the best view seems to be from a train to/from Nantwich but a bit far away)
Does anyone know what the shiny new looking 197 in the carriage shed furthest from the WCML at the Crewe end was ?.

Credit to previous messages.

With 023 & 032 now at Chester and 041 to be delivered later this week, the 'yet to be accepted by TfW' 197s likely to be at Crewe are 025, 038, 039, 040 but where they are precisely I'm unsure

 

[Peter Sarf]

Credit to previous messages.

With 023 & 032 now at Chester and 041 to be delivered later this week, the 'yet to be accepted by TfW' 197s likely to be at Crewe are 025, 038, 039, 040 but where they are precisely I'm unsure

Yes I agree with that.

There were at least three in the South yard, possibly a fourth making two rows of two. But then the new looking 197 in the Carriage shed would make five !. So I know I might be wrong !.

I cannot help thinking they (197025, 197038, 197039 & 197040 41) will all be out in service soon.
Either
Rotating (as other units have) with other Cambrian ETCS capable 197/0s now there seem to be enough spare parts.
OR
Actually taking over the Cambrian route - I do wonder how soon given ALL 197s will need to be reliably available for that.

 

[northstaffsman]

Thanks very much for letting us know!

Realtime Trains | 6Q97 1006 Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 6Q97 1006 departure from Donnington Rft to Crewe C.S. (L&Nwr Site) on 18/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Will this be the drag, then? Or will it be on a subsequent day?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Mar 2026 ==


Although I couldn't see today's (Tue 17/3/26) 3C00, I am going to see today's 3C01.

If anyone could give me the unit numbers in advance, I'd appreciate it - no worries if not

197041 expected at Donnington RFT tomorrow (Wednesday 18th) the final 197.

Afternoon, any update on when 197.041 is expected at Donnington? Thanks in advance.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Mar 2026 ==

Afternoon, any update on when 197.041 is expected at Donnington? Thanks in advance.

Can confirm that 197.041 is at Donnington. Hope this helps someone.

 

[wythallpaul]

197023 is Allocated on 1D65 Tonight (18/03/26) from Chester to Holyhead in a Pair with 197101.

Clarification:- 1D65 2121 Crewe (CRE) to Holyhead (HHD).

According to Realtime Trains (RTT).

Taking over from 197019. Subject to Change of Course!

 

[Gordonman]

197023 is Allocated on 1D65 Tonight (18/03/26) from Chester to Holyhead in a Pair with 197101.

Clarification:- 1D65 2121 Crewe (CRE) to Holyhead (HHD).

According to Realtime Trains (RTT).

Taking over from 197019. Subject to Change of Course!

For further storage?

197024 197029 197030 3C01 Shrewsbury - Mach