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

[Jacob Porrett]

The last one....

TFW Class 197041 is seen at Donnington RFT today in the sunshine.

The final Class 197 to go through the system.

(18/3/26)

 

[tfw756rider]

The last one....

TFW Class 197041 is seen at Donnington RFT today in the sunshine.

The final Class 197 to go through the system.

(18/3/26)

Great to see her! Again though, I just hope that the drag is on Fri 20th rather than Thu 19th (due to my availability). Fingers crossed.

 

[Roger B]

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 & 197041) 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.

I took the train from Crewe to Shresbury and back this afternoon.

It looked to me like there were three 197 sets in Crewe South Yard in all, with two sets in the siding on the right (ie westerly when looking south), and one set in the adjacent siding on the left (ie easterly looking south).

I caught a fleeting glimpse of what looked like two darker carriages (barrier vehicles?) a short distance behind the single set.

I took a few photos, but didn't manage one looking down between the sets. I've attached the best of the mediocre bunch below.

So can I be confident that these sets were 197025, 197038 and 197039?

 

[tfw756rider]

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 & 197041) will all be out in service soon.

Do you mean 197025, 197038, 197039 and 197040? (197041 has only just left CAF Newport, Llanwern and is at Donnington)

(...or) Actually taking over the Cambrian route - I do wonder how soon given ALL 197s will need to be reliably available for that.

197 Cambrian service isn't due to start until September 2026, by which presumably all the drivers and guards will be trained.

 

[Techniquest]

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!

Just looked at 1929 today, no allocation showing for 197023 so I’m guessing it could be an error.

I won’t lie, I was getting my hopes up and was planning a late night leap!

 

[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!

It's Changed. 1D65 is now 197101 Throughout with 197020 Added at Chester.

If 197023 is Almost Ready to Enter Service - a Day on the Chester to Crewe Shuttle may not be a bad Idea.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Do you mean 197025, 197038, 197039 and 197040? (197041 has only just left CAF Newport, Llanwern and is at Donnington)


197 Cambrian service isn't due to start until September 2026, by which presumably all the drivers and guards will be trained.

Yep I meant 040 - got the last on on the brain it seems

Although.... How soon could 197041 be on their heels ?.

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!

It's Changed. 1D65 is now 197101 Throughout with 197020 Added at Chester.

If 197023 is Almost Ready to Enter Service - a Day on the Chester to Crewe Shuttle may not be a bad Idea.

I think your right, that makes sense to keep something just commissioned on service near to the home depot.

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

For further storage?

197024 197029 197030 3C01 Shrewsbury - Mach

I guess these latest 197s * wil be seeing service rather than storage. TfW have let most of the other ETCS 197s loose on non-Cambrian services for a considerable period. It makes sense to keep them warm. Plus also worth breaking them in (exposing them to real passengers etc) ASAP before committing to the Cambrian switch over which I think is still going to be a big bang (all in one go) switchover.

EDITed 19/03/2026 as I neglected to remove second paragraph by Gordonman when I quoted his post - I was referring to his first paragraph (which was referring to 197023).
* = latest 197s meaning all of 197023, 197025, 197032, 197038, 197039, 197040 & 197041 eventually. That is currently 197023 and soon 197032 (fingers crossed).

 

[Bevan Price]

Yep I meant 040 - got the last on on the brain it seems

Although.... How soon could 197041 be on their heels ?.

I think your right, that makes sense to keep something just commissioned on service near to the home depot.

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


I guess these latest 197s wil be seeing service rather than storage. TfW have let most of the other ETCS 197s loose on non-Cambrian services for a considerable period. It makes sense to keep them warm. Plus also worth breaking them in (exposing them to real passengers etc) ASAP before committing to the Cambrian switch over which I think is still going to be a big bang (all in one go) switchover.

Plenty of time for it to change, but RTT shows 197023 allocated to 04:21 Holyhead - Cardiff tomorrow (19 March)

 

[Peter Sarf]

Plenty of time for it to change, but RTT shows 197023 allocated to 04:21 Holyhead - Cardiff tomorrow (19 March)

Might well couple on to the service at Chester. The service will be a peak time service by the time it passes Hereford.

I just checked the same service today. No joining or splitting BUT it was a three car service today (197115) !.

So maybe a 197/1 tomorrow.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Yep I meant 040 - got the last on on the brain it seems

Although.... How soon could 197041 be on their heels ?.

I think your right, that makes sense to keep something just commissioned on service near to the home depot.

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


I guess these latest 197s wil be seeing service rather than storage. TfW have let most of the other ETCS 197s loose on non-Cambrian services for a considerable period. It makes sense to keep them warm. Plus also worth breaking them in (exposing them to real passengers etc) ASAP before committing to the Cambrian switch over which I think is still going to be a big bang (all in one go) switchover.

197041 will spend months at Arriva TrainCare Crewe before being accepted by the customer. It will be tested, cleaned and worked on before it goes.

 

[Peter Sarf]

197041 will spend months at Arriva TrainCare Crewe before being accepted by the customer. It will be tested, cleaned and worked on before it goes.

Thanks, makes sense.

 

[40029 Saxonia]

Curious. In the early hours of tomorrow morning 2 x 197/1 leave Chester (00:53) to Crewe South Yard, then return. Credit to RTT

 

[sd0733]

197041 will spend months at Arriva TrainCare Crewe before being accepted by the customer. It will be tested, cleaned and worked on before it goes.

AFAIK its still expected to be delivered to TFW in July time. Obviously can move forward or backwards depending how the process progresses.

 

[craigybagel]

Curious. In the early hours of tomorrow morning 2 x 197/1 leave Chester (00:53) to Crewe South Yard, then return. Credit to RTT

They're booked on there every night, owing to a lack of stabling space in Chester. In practice they usually remain at the station rather than going through to the South Yard. They go back to Chester and in to service a few hours later.

 

[Rhydgaled]

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.

I understand that the trains in Aberystwyth (AYW) can get (particularly) busy around start and end of University terms. So, assuming the platform at AYW is long enough for 6-cars, surely it would make sense to get 6-car class 197 formations cleared to use it to allow maximum strengthening of key services on the appropriate dates? I think I saw Arriva send both units on an inbound Cambrian working to Aberystwyth, with the Pwllheli portion starting from Machynlleth formed with a third unit at least once, so it doesn't seem that big a stretch to do something similar with a 6-car formation for AYW-SHR/BHI.

On a somewhat related note, if a route is setup and cleared for 6-car class 197s formed with three units (2+2+2), is it automatically cleared for 6-cars with two units (3+3) and 5-car formations (3+2) or do they have to be setup seperately? Obviously there are no ETCS-fitted 3-car units at the moment but I was just wondering if extra work would be needed to clear them in multiples should any ever be fitted, or whether the work already being done for 2+2+2 formation would surfice.

 

[tfw756rider]

197024 197029 197030 3C01 Shrewsbury - Mach

@Peter Sarf, after reading post #10,177, just to be clear, this trio is on the following:

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

(this was all three units)

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

and all three of these units have actually been in service "off-Cambrian".

 

[SeaKing]

Might well couple on to the service at Chester. The service will be a peak time service by the time it passes Hereford.

I just checked the same service today. No joining or splitting BUT it was a three car service today (197115) !.

So maybe a 197/1 tomorrow.

Seems to be working the service by itself.

 

[Peter Sarf]

@Peter Sarf, after reading post #10,177, just to be clear, this trio is on the following:

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

(this was all three units)

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

and all three of these units have actually been in service "off-Cambrian".

Sorry I really confused myself and most likely everyone else there.
I have edited the original post as I neglected to remove second paragraph by Gordonman when I quoted his post - I was referring to his first paragraph (which was referring to 197023).
* = by latest 197s I am meaning all of 023, 025, 032, 038, 039, 040 & 041 eventually, That is currently 023, and soon 032.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Realtime Trains | 4G97 0626 Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft | 20/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 4G97 0626 departure from Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft on 20/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

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

197041. The last one.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Realtime Trains | 4G97 0626 Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft | 20/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 4G97 0626 departure from Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft on 20/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

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

197041. The last one.

Thanks for reporting.

 

[Lurcheroo]

I understand that the trains in Aberystwyth (AYW) can get (particularly) busy around start and end of University terms. So, assuming the platform at AYW is long enough for 6-cars, surely it would make sense to get 6-car class 197 formations cleared to use it to allow maximum strengthening of key services on the appropriate dates?

Even for the busiest of services to and from Aberystwyth, 4 coaches is plenty. Of course the additional services to Shrewsbury still left to be added to the timetable will also provide more options and capacity. TFW were quick to make the 12:30 departure 4 coaches around the last Christmas break to support student travel.

On a somewhat related note, if a route is setup and cleared for 6-car class 197s formed with three units (2+2+2), is it automatically cleared for 6-cars with two units (3+3) and 5-car formations (3+2) or do they have to be setup seperately? Obviously there are no ETCS-fitted 3-car units at the moment but I was just wondering if extra work would be needed to clear them in multiples should any ever be fitted, or whether the work already being done for 2+2+2 formation would surfice

I’m not totally sure but a 2+2+3 was used to clear Shrewsbury - Birmingham and any combination up to 7 coaches is cleared to go there so I would presume so.

I must say 3 cars for the Cambrian in the summer would be ideal, particularly for the coast. Can’t see it happening anytime soon however.

 

[Harpo]

I passed the trio of Cambrian visitors today, stabled at the east end of Mach depot next to the main line.

On the need for 4 cars, the Pwllheli portions are utterly rammed to Barmouth when the sun shines.

 

[XFeed]

I must say 3 cars for the Cambrian in the summer would be ideal, particularly for the coast. Can’t see it happening anytime soon however.

As has been previously mentioned 3 car units are not available for the Cambrian however, when built, non Cambrian 2 and 3 car units were built with all the internal wiring required for it and is just sitting there but non of the associated equipment is fitted and as far as I`m aware there is no intention to change this at the moment.

 

[Lurcheroo]

On the need for 4 cars, the Pwllheli portions are utterly rammed to Barmouth when the sun shines.

The 10:55 from Mach is the busiest and that is booked 4 during summer. There was a mention of making the 12:51 as 4 cars as that is also very busy but has not yet happened.

As has been previously mentioned 3 car units are not available for the Cambrian however, when built, non Cambrian 2 and 3 car units were built with all the internal wiring required for it and is just sitting there but non of the associated equipment is fitted and as far as I`m aware there is no intention to change this at the moment.

It would be good in my opinion but it is what it is haha!

 

[Bobcp]

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!

It's Changed. 1D65 is now 197101 Throughout with 197020 Added at Chester.

If 197023 is Almost Ready to Enter Service - a Day on the Chester to Crewe Shuttle may not be a bad Idea.

197023 failed this afternoon (19th.), on its first day in public service, whilst working 1W22 - 12.57 Fishguard Harbour - Manchester Piccadilly service.
Train terminated whilst running late at Cardiff Central with reported brake issues.

 

[wythallpaul]

197023 failed this afternoon (19th.), on its first day in public service, whilst working 1W22 - 12.57 Fishguard Harbour - Manchester Piccadilly service.
Train terminated whilst running late at Cardiff Central with reported brake issues.

Worked as a Single Unit Chester to Holyhead, Holyhead to Cardiff, (Onto Canton & Back), Cardiff to Fishguard Harbour & Fishguard Harbour to Swansea Where it was Coupled to 197119. Left Swansea Around 15-00 and at 15-30 was in Difficulty. Pure Guesswork of Course but maybe they should have Checked the Functionality when Coupled in Multiple with another Unit. 197119 was sent Forward on Arrival at Cardiff, so 197023 must have been the Problematic Unit.

 

[tfw756rider]

Realtime Trains | 4G97 0626 Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft | 20/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 4G97 0626 departure from Basford Hall Yard (Fl) to Donnington Rft on 20/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

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

197041. The last one.

Looks like 4G97 has been cancelled due to a request by the train operator...

 

[40029 Saxonia]

197023 working to Maestag from Cardiff

 

[tfw756rider]

197023 failed this afternoon (19th.), on its first day in public service, whilst working 1W22 - 12.57 Fishguard Harbour - Manchester Piccadilly service.
Train terminated whilst running late at Cardiff Central with reported brake issues.

197023 working to Maesteg from Cardiff

Hopefully it does better today (20/3/26).

The entry into service of 197023 in the second half of March 2026 now means that 71 (of 77) 197s have been in service @Peter Sarf and everyone.

45 (of 51) 2-car 197s have been in service:
All 30 non-ETCS 2-cars (197001-002, 197004-021, 197042-051)
15 (of 21) ETCS-fitted 2-cars (197003, 197022-197024, 197026-031, 197033-037)

All 26 3-car 197s have been in service:
All 12 188-seat 3-cars (197101-112)
All 14 174-seat 3-cars (197113-126)

==============================

The number of 197s still to enter service is down to 6, all of which are ETCS-fitted 2-cars:
197025, 197032, 197038-041

Of these, 5 have been delivered:
197025, 197032, 197038-040
(out of these 5, all have been on CAF/Rail Operations Group overnight Cambrian runs, but only 197032 has been accepted by Transport for Wales)

And 1 has left the factory but hasn't quite been delivered yet:
197041

==============================

The overall number of new Transport for Wales (TfW) trains that have been in service is now up to 106 (of 148):

71 (of 77) 197s
45 (of 51) 197/0s

• All 30 non-ETCS 197/0s
• 15 (of 21) ETCS-fitted 197/0s

All 26 197/1s

• All 12 188-seat 197/1s
• All 14 174-seat 197/1s

All 11 231s

All 24 756s
All 7 756/0s
All 17 756/1s

This leaves 42 new TfW trains still to enter service:

6 197/0s (all of which are ETCS-fitted units)
36 398s

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Looks like 4G97 has been cancelled due to a request by the train operator...

STP path in for Monday morning now.