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

[Peter Sarf]

There's enough ETCS 197s floating about to cover other work until the Cambrian switch. Software updates are relatively easy to do and can be switched at any time.

Thanks. Hopefully the 197s currently on Cambrian tests/training can still stray eventually. That is before the actual switch from 158s to ETCS 197s.

I assume the aspiration will be to have the same software version on all 197s anyway long term ?.

 

[sd0733]

In the meantime (while 158s still rule Cambrian) it does mean the above three/four 197s are unlikely to stray onto other services on TfW. So hard to see them outside Cambrian routes.

The update affects the way ASDO works at certain stations so they wont be used until thats rolled out. Theres likely proving runs over routes outside the Cambrian on the affected routes before its properly signed off and rolled out across the whole fleet.

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

I assume the aspiration will be to have the same software version on all 197s anyway long term ?.

It will be, theyve had multiple software updates already and just means for a couple of days while the updates happen some units cant work with others.

 

[Peter Sarf]

The update affects the way ASDO works at certain stations so they wont be used until thats rolled out. Theres likely proving runs over routes outside the Cambrian on the affected routes before its properly signed off and rolled out across the whole fleet.

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


It will be, theyve had multiple software updates already and just means for a couple of days while the updates happen some units cant work with others.

Thanks.

 

[tfw756rider]

(...)197024(maybe) 197029, 197030 & 197038 are the ones currently used on Cambrian testing West of Machynlleth.

197024 has gone back off the Cambrian.

197029, 197030 and 197039 (in unit number order) are the 3 197s currently on the Cambrian I believe.

197038 hasn't been on the Cambrian since July 2025 I believe, as a then-unaccepted unit paired with 197032 on night-time Rail Operations Group ETCS mileage accumulation runs (Crewe South Yard-Machynlleth-Welshpool-Newtown-Crewe South Yard).

Realtime Trains | 3C15 0421 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 20/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C15 0421 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 20/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Looks like there will be another/more 197(s) coming onto the Cambrian in a few days' time.

Granted the ETCS equipment was I believe disabled (more than just switched off) on ETCS 197s that are still interworking.

I believe that the isolation/disabling of the ETCS equipment on the 197/0e units is (not more than) the switching off of it (but I'm happy to be corrected!)

See post #9,339 and the photo comparing the ETCS-fitted and non-ETCS 197 behind-driver's seat control panels, with the additional switch(es) and reminder notice on the former.

 

[Peter Sarf]

197024 has gone back off the Cambrian.

197029, 197030 and 197039 (in unit number order) are the 3 197s currently on the Cambrian I believe.

197038 hasn't been on the Cambrian since July 2025 I believe, as a then-unaccepted unit paired with 197032 on night-time Rail Operations Group ETCS mileage accumulation runs (Crewe South Yard-Machynlleth-Welshpool-Newtown-Crewe South Yard).

Realtime Trains | 3C15 0421 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 20/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C15 0421 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 20/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Looks like there will be another/more 197(s) coming onto the Cambrian in a few days' time.


I believe that the isolation/disabling of the ETCS equipment on the 197/0e units is (not more than) the switching off of it (but I'm happy to be corrected!)

See post #9,339 and the photo comparing the ETCS-fitted and non-ETCS 197 behind-driver's seat control panels, with the additional switch(es) and reminder notice on the former.

Thanks. Sorry, 197038 was a typo. I spotted it as soon as I saw your bold - but alas not before !.

 

[tfw756rider]

Realtime Trains | 3C01 1544 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 16/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1544 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 16/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Actually running! I've been informed that it's 197039 solo.

 

[craigybagel]

I believe that the isolation/disabling of the ETCS equipment on the 197/0e units is (not more than) the switching off of it (but I'm happy to be corrected!)

See post #9,339 and the photo comparing the ETCS-fitted and non-ETCS 197 behind-driver's seat control panels, with the additional switch(es) and reminder notice on the former.

It's pretty much the same as with the 158s when isolated - turn a switch in the cab that can only be reinstated by maintenance staff with a special key. The key difference is where a 158 would normally not leave the depot in such condition, the 197s have no restrictions for now.

 

[tfw756rider]

It's pretty much the same as with the 158s when isolated - turn a switch in the cab that can only be reinstated by maintenance staff with a special key. The key difference is where a 158 would normally not leave the depot in such condition, the 197s have no restrictions for now.

Thanks

197030 in the siding by Machynlleth footbridge (my sighting). 197039 and 197029 in Machynlleth coal siding (someone I know's sighting).

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

(the schedule links originally posted here are now in post #1 of the newly-started CAF class 197 Civity for TfW: Cambrian training schedules thread on the Allocations, Diagrams & Timetables forum).

 

[DelW]

Thanks

197030 in the siding by Machynlleth footbridge (my sighting). 197039 and 197029 in Machynlleth coal siding (someone I know's sighting).

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

58 upcoming 197 Cambrian schedules:

Sun 19/4/26

Realtime Trains | 3C00 2022½ Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 19/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 2022½ departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 19/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Mon 20/4/26

Realtime Trains | 3C15 0421 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 20/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C15 0421 departure from Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 20/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 20/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 20/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1023 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 20/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1023 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 20/04/2026. 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 | 20/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 20/04/2026. 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 | 20/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1631 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 20/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 20/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 20/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C07 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 20/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C07 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 20/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Tue 21/4/26

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 21/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 21/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1023 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 21/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1023 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 21/04/2026. 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 | 21/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 21/04/2026. 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 | 21/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1631 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 21/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 21/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 21/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C07 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 21/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C07 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 21/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Wed 22/4/26

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 22/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 22/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1023 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 22/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1023 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 22/04/2026. 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 | 22/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 22/04/2026. 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 | 22/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1631 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 22/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 22/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 22/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C07 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 22/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C07 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 22/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Thu 23/4/26

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 23/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 23/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1023 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 23/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1023 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 23/04/2026. 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 | 23/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 23/04/2026. 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 | 23/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1631 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 23/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 23/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 23/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C07 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 23/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C07 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 23/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Fri 24/4/26

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 24/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 24/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1023 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 24/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1023 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 24/04/2026. 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 | 24/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 24/04/2026. 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 | 24/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1631 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 24/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Sun 26/4/26

Realtime Trains | 3C00 2040 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs | 26/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 2040 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs on 26/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Mon 27/4/26

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 27/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 27/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1023 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 27/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1023 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 27/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C00 1544 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 27/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1544 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 27/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 27/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 27/04/2026. 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 | 27/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1631 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 27/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C07 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 27/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C07 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 27/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Tue 28/4/26

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 28/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 28/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1023 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 28/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1023 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 28/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C00 1544 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 28/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1544 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 28/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 28/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 28/04/2026. 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 | 28/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1631 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 28/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C07 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 28/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C07 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 28/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Wed 29/4/26

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 29/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 29/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1023 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 29/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1023 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 29/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C00 1544 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 29/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1544 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 29/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 29/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 29/04/2026. 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 | 29/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1631 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 29/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C07 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 29/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C07 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 29/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Thu 30/4/26

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 30/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 30/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1023 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 30/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1023 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 30/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C00 1544 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 30/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1544 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 30/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C06 1557 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli | 30/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C06 1557 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Pwllheli on 30/04/2026. 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 | 30/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C01 1631 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 30/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C07 1832 Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 30/04/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C07 1832 departure from Pwllheli to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 30/04/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Fri 1/5/26

Realtime Trains | 3C02 0924 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 01/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C02 0924 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 01/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C03 1023 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs | 01/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C03 1023 departure from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs on 01/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 3C00 1544 Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth | 01/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 3C00 1544 departure from Machynlleth Carr. Sdgs to Aberystwyth on 01/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

While I'm sure there are many who appreciate this information (and previous similarly detailed posts), might I suggest starting a dedicated thread in the Allocations & Timetables forum to group them together?

 

[tfw756rider]

While I'm sure there are many who appreciate this information (and previous similarly detailed posts), might I suggest starting a dedicated thread in the Allocations & Timetables forum to group them together?

Yes, good idea - thanks. And then posts from that can just be linked in here as necessary, which will take up a lot less space in here.

Edit: thread now started. Follow this link for the upcoming 197 Cambrian schedules.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Yes, good idea - thanks. And then posts from that can just be linked in here as necessary, which will take up a lot less space in here.

Edit: thread now started. Follow this link for the upcoming 197 Cambrian schedules.

Thanks for the paths and yes plenty there !.

The increase in paths, even if not all used, suggests things are moving a step further towards 197s taking over the Cambrian. Or am I being hasty/optimistic ?.

 

[childwallblues]

197032 has been on Borderlands duties today whilst 197023 was on the Chester to Liverpool service.
197037/38 were operating together on the Holyhead to Birmingham service.

 

[tfw756rider]

Updates posted in the 197 Cambrian training schedules thread.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

How much longer until we see less 158s and more 197s on the Birmingham/Wales routes?

 

[Lurcheroo]

The increase in paths, even if not all used, suggests things are moving a step further towards 197s taking over the Cambrian. Or am I being hasty/optimistic ?.

Cambrian train crew have officially started training this week.

I don’t know exactly how it’s working but I’m fairly sure that The paths from tomorrow onwards will be for their training.
I assume that only some of them will be used depending on what needs to be done on that day.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Cambrian train crew have officially started training this week.

I don’t know exactly how it’s working but I’m fairly sure that The paths from tomorrow onwards will be for their training.
I assume that only some of them will be used depending on what needs to be done on that day.

So we can expect the Cambrian 197 crew training to get used around mid November 2026 (or earlier) other wise the training expires.

 

[craigybagel]

So we can expect the Cambrian 197 crew training to get used around mid November 2026 (or earlier) other wise the training expires.

They can have a refresh at that point, which only takes a day - as opposed to needing to do the entire training (5 days for drivers, and 2 for conductors IIRC).

 

[Peter Sarf]

They can have a refresh at that point, which only takes a day - as opposed to needing to do the entire training (5 days for drivers, and 2 for conductors IIRC).

Thats true - I was getting all optimistic for a moment .

 

[craigybagel]

Thats true - I was getting all optimistic for a moment .

Take comfort from the fact that whatever the start date for them in service turns out to be, it'll come quicker from doing the training now rather than later at least!

 

[Peter Sarf]

Take comfort from the fact that whatever the start date for them in service turns out to be, it'll come quicker from doing the training now rather than later at least!

That's true. Better to spread the load rather than a headlong rush to train all staff probably coinciding with some happy holiday season.

Meanwhile I try to pick off the ETCS 197s on normal services in/around Cardiff.

 

[tfw756rider]

How much longer until we see less 158s and more 197s on the Birmingham/Wales routes?

Still 4-and-a-bit months until 197 Cambrian entry-to-service is due to start (in September 2026).

 

[Cambrian359]

Still 4-and-a-bit months until 197 Cambrian entry-to-service is due to start (in September 2026).

It will be strange when it changes is I’ve only ever known and used 158s on the Cambrian in the almost 20 years I’ve been doing Machynlleth to Shrewsbury/ Birmingham!
Although I have no major gripes on the 3 occasions I’ve used 197s so hopefully they work out fine on the Cambrian.

 

[tfw756rider]

It will be strange when it changes is I’ve only ever known and used 158s on the Cambrian in the almost 20 years I’ve been doing Machynlleth to Shrewsbury/ Birmingham!
Although I have no major gripes on the 3 occasions I’ve used 197s so hopefully they work out fine on the Cambrian.

I've ridden on 60, and I like the look, acceleration, braking, engine/gearchange sounds and Passenger Information System of them. As for the seats and ride quality, well, they are what they are. It would be nice if the toilet, seat-back table and power socket issues got rectified.

 

[Jez]

I've ridden on 60, and I like the look, acceleration, braking, engine/gearchange sounds and Passenger Information System of them. As for the seats and ride quality, well, they are what they are. It would be nice if the toilet, seat-back table and power socket issues got rectified.

Ive been on 71 out of the 74 in service. I think they are really nice units despite the opinions of some. I think the seats are very comfortable compared to some modern trains it was a pleasant surprise the first time i rode one. The leg room is good and im 6ft 2. The only major issue i have with them is the toilets (or rather the doors to the disabled toilets being unreliable). Ive not noticed any issues with the power sockets?

 

[tfw756rider]

Ive been on 71 out of the 74 in service. I think they are really nice units despite the opinions of some. I think the seats are very comfortable compared to some modern trains it was a pleasant surprise the first time i rode one. The leg room is good and im 6ft 2. The only major issue i have with them is the toilets (or rather the doors to the disabled toilets being unreliable). Ive not noticed any issues with the power sockets?

Someone I know had told me that he came across some broken ones, but I didn't, but then I started to come across some broken ones as well.

The 197s have the same rubbish sockets as on 730s that break easily on both 730s and 197s unfortunately. Recently-ish, I came across a table bay on 197002 that all 6 (!) sockets broken (both 3-pin sockets and all 4 USB sockets)...

By the way, when I say broken, I don't mean merely "not working", I mean physically broken (USB plugs go in loose and don't make a connection, and 3-pin plugs don't go in all the way and also don't make a connection).

 

[Russel]

By the way, when I say broken, I don't mean merely "not working", I mean physically broken (USB plugs go in loose and don't make a connection, and 3-pin plugs don't go in all the way and also don't make a connection).

The USB issue isn't unique to the 197s in fairness.

USB Is far too fragile to be used in public places IMO, which is why so many USB sockets don't work, I don't even attempt them any more.

 

[Peter Sarf]

The USB issue isn't unique to the 197s in fairness.

USB Is far too fragile to be used in public places IMO, which is why so many USB sockets don't work, I don't even attempt them any more.

Not just trains. Last (road) coach trip I had my 11 year old grandaughter was struggling to plug in her USB which was beneath her knee. I took a photo to see which way up it was and realised that there was instead a gap about the size of a golf ball with wires and a circuit board behind. Just occurs to me now that might not have been USB but 3pin - ie 240V !.

So yes I agree they are fragile. Many are in a position where a passing leg could break the plug or the socket. Up by the window would be less prone perhaps.

Both WiFi and the power sockets on not just 197s are hardly worth planning on relying on !. A view out the window is hopefully more reliable !.

---

Looks like 197040 and 197041 might be the only two 197s to not yet to have been accepted. 197039 has made it onto Cambrian testing duties along with 197029 and 197030. I think 197029 & 197030 have been used in the past on passenger services ?.

So I think that 197039, 197040 & 197041 are the only 197s to so far not been exposed to passengers.
Any corrections ?.

 

[Northerngirl]

I can't particularly remember the layout on the 197s, but some plugs seem to have the 2 USBs placed perfectly to be mangled by a 3 pin that has been put in the wrong way round. Maybe its some big conspiracy to sell more plugs to transit companies

 

[Russel]

I can't particularly remember the layout on the 197s, but some plugs seem to have the 2 USBs placed perfectly to be mangled by a 3 pin that has been put in the wrong way round. Maybe its some big conspiracy to sell more plugs to transit companies

Got a feeling that is how it is on one of the Greater Anglia unit types and yes, I agree, I've done it myself, not realizing the plug socket was upside down!

 

[sh24]

USB C is pretty robust, but A is too fragile for public use.