Chiltern MK5s Starting 2026 (non speculative updates thread)

[CR165022]

CH01 is finally on Chiltern soil, has just arrived at Banbury from Eastleigh with 68023.
Another set is also currently going from Eastleigh to Wembley, reportedly with 68002 taking it, which is slightly odd.

 

[markglos]

Do you know what went the other way? I am looking for set CH12

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Do you know what went the other way? I am looking for set CH12

I just passed it, but unfortunately was going too fast to read the numbers, will check the video later but 8 doubt I got it.
Definitely a MK5a and Class 68 in Chiltern colours on 5O90 1501 Banbury Depot to Eastleigh Trsmd

 

[37052 xb mr]

CH01 is finally on Chiltern soil, has just arrived at Banbury from Eastleigh with 68023.
Another set is also currently going from Eastleigh to Wembley, reportedly with 68002 taking it, which is slightly odd.

68023 Set 1 did Eastleigh to Banbury & Rtn 5Q69, 5Q88, on 1st July !

 

[CR165022]

Do you know what went the other way? I am looking for set CH12

CH12 last ended in Wembley, so if it's not on 5Q86, it'll still be in Wembley.

Edit: Confirmed 68022 & CH12 on 5Q86 to Eastleigh.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Edit: Confirmed 68022 & CH12 on 5Q86 to Eastleigh.

Yep, just seen at Banbury, I don't know the set numbers in relation to the carriages but it's definitely 68022
I didn't know there were two sets going to Eastleigh when I replied previously.

 

[37052 xb mr]

CH01 is finally on Chiltern soil, has just arrived at Banbury from Eastleigh with 68023.
Another set is also currently going from Eastleigh to Wembley, reportedly with 68002 taking it, which is slightly odd.

It’s 68027 on 5Q64
With its missing 7 on the front !

 

[172007]

Chiltern now have their Mk3 generator vehicle 96371 (former Nightstar generator van owned by Eastern Rail Services) stabled at Stourbridge depot.

I believe its there is provide headend / eth power for their Mk5a sets stabled overnight as it is quieter than Class 68's running.

Whilst the thread is for Mk5a's this Mk3 appears to be an integral part of the fleet.

I guess the power supply to the location is not up to the job, even after all the works that have been done recently.

 

[800002]

I believe its there is provide headend / eth power for their Mk5a sets stabled overnight as it is quieter than Class 68's running.

Yes, correct.

Whilst the thread is for Mk5a's this Mk3 appears to be an integral part of the fleet.

Only on so far as the local community benefits from not having the overnight activity of the cl.68 (as Scarborough did).
This, essentially, is the sole reason for the generator being located at Stourbridge.

I guess the power supply to the location is not up to the job, even after all the works that have been done recently.

Happy to be corrected by someone who knows for certain, but I wasn't aware of any such power supply being in existence at the depot.
Didn't the mk3s have gensets located in the DVT for such reasons?

 

[172007]

Yes, correct.


Only on so far as the local community benefits from not having the overnight activity of the cl.68 (as Scarborough did).
This, essentially, is the sole reason for the generator being located at Stourbridge.


Happy to be corrected by someone who knows for certain, but I wasn't aware of any such power supply being in existence at the depot.
Didn't the mk3s have gensets located in the DVT for such reasons?

I will clarrify when i mean power supply to the depot i mean the National Grid supply to the depot from the street.

 

[800002]

I will clarrify when i mean power supply to the depot i mean the National Grid supply to the depot from the street.

Pass...
But I feel it would take significant draw with upto 4 sets needing to be hooked up (probably) from the moment they arrive on depot to prior to departing again thr following morning.

 

[Snow1964]

Pass...
But I feel it would take significant draw with upto 4 sets needing to be hooked up (probably) from the moment they arrive on depot to prior to departing again thr following morning.

It's not being used for propulsion, just hotel power.

From memory (so apologies if I have it wrong), each ETH index unit is 5kw, so a complete set is about the same as a 150kw ultra rapid EV charger.

There are hundreds of hubs (8 or more Rapid EV chargers) around the country, so wiring it up with permanent shore power that uses less power to supply 4 trains than these hubs should not be impossible (although maybe not cheap)

 

[StephenHunter]

Why is it called "hotel power" anyway?

 

[172007]

Why is it called "hotel power" anyway?

Litteraly what it says. The electric power supply to meet what is required to safely and comfortably house people.

Traction power is power to control the movement of the train i.e. traction motor power, compressors for the brakes and power to energise the train cab controls etc.

Hotel power is internal lighting, toilets, ventilation and air conditioning and power and usb sockets etc.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Why is it called "hotel power" anyway?

Boats apparently (quoting thread from 2015):

I believe the term actually originates on ships. It's the same for ships as on rail, it's the power for the creature comforts. Early 20th century ships had steam turbine generators for hotel power (e.g. the White Star Olympic class, such as Titanic, had extensive use of electrics for passenger services and comfort), although I'm not sure if they actually used the term at that time.

 

[800001]

Yes, correct.


Only on so far as the local community benefits from not having the overnight activity of the cl.68 (as Scarborough did).
This, essentially, is the sole reason for the generator being located at Stourbridge.


Happy to be corrected by someone who knows for certain, but I wasn't aware of any such power supply being in existence at the depot.
Didn't the mk3s have gensets located in the DVT for such reasons?

Chilterns own admission it is to prevent the noise of 4 x 68s being powered up over night disturbing local residents.

Chime Whistle Publishing (@ChimeWhistle) on X

Chiltern says that from Dec it will have 4 Explorers at Stourbridge "We need to ensure we are good neighbours and not keeping Stourbridge awake all night with four thundering Caterpillar engines". Trial is underway using ERS former Nightstar generator coach, to keep sets powered.

x.com

Chiltern says that from Dec it will have 4 Explorers at Stourbridge "We need to ensure we are good neighbours and not keeping Stourbridge awake all night with four thundering Caterpillar engines". Trial is underway using ERS former Nightstar generator coach, to keep sets powered.

 

[800002]

It's not being used for propulsion, just hotel power.

From memory (so apologies if I have it wrong), each ETH index unit is 5kw, so a complete set is about the same as a 150kw ultra rapid EV charger.

There are hundreds of hubs (8 or more Rapid EV chargers) around the country, so wiring it up with permanent shore power that uses less power to supply 4 trains than these hubs should not be impossible (although maybe not cheap)

I don't know the ins and out, sadly.
I do know is, from inferring several sources, this is the cheapest option which delivers 100% of what is required (in a timely and cost effective manner).
There would be precisely zero appetite to spend the money for capex infrastructure to deliver what the penny van can deliver for (what i presume) a much more adequate cost.

There are other factors at play, I believe.

 

[172007]

It isn't to do with power supply, by Chilterns own admission it is to prevent the noise of 4 x 68s being powered up over night disturbing local residents.

i know we are going speculative slightly but it must have everything to do with the power supply to the depot. Why do you go to the expence of leasing a carriage and having to fuel it with diesal every few days when you can just plug the carriages into the normal depot electric supply via a control box.

 

[37052 xb mr]

68023 Set 1 out today
1st Chiltern passenger run

 

[Peter Mugridge]

68023 Set 1 out today
1st Chiltern passenger run

Yes; it's on the diagram that includes the 11.02 off Marylebone and 13.45 back from Moor Street.

Annoyingly I can't get out for it today ( it's the only rake I still need for haulage* ) as my house buyer is coming back with contractors to measure things today and tomorrow...!!!


*Plus 12802 also still outstanding, obviously.

 

[172007]

Does anyone know the training progress on the Mk5a sets with regard to when if the critical mass has not been already achieved where more sets can be used per dsu say to cover for 168 unavailability. I still see 165's on the Birmingham services which they are not really suitable for these days?

 

[150219]

Does anyone know the training progress on the Mk5a sets with regard to when if the critical mass has not been already achieved where more sets can be used per dsu say to cover for 168 unavailability. I still see 165's on the Birmingham services which they are not really suitable for these days?

You cannot substitute a loco-hauled set for a DMU without needing to provide a train manager.

Training is still ongoing.

165s are suitable for Birmingham services if the choice is that or nothing.

 

[172007]

You cannot substitute a loco-hauled set for a DMU without needing to provide a train manager.

Training is still ongoing.

165s are suitable for Birmingham services if the choice is that or nothing.

I did nuance that 165's are "not really suitable" as in well they are better than nothing.

And yes i am aware that you can't substitute a condictor operated rolling stock on a DOO service unless you have a conductor / TM for it.

My enqury is wether there are now enough staff trained that one or two extra loco hauled could be dropped in. In the past rosters have had the class of rolling stock added after there name so it was easy to identify who signed certain rolling stock so that thos can be done when a critical mass of traincrew has been reached.

It seems frustrating for the travelling public to be on 165's to the West Midlands and short forms on the Met say 11th, 12th of December then on the 14th 12 sets of Mk5's magically are about as apposed to 3 and no 165's plus Met line trsins not short formed.

 

[37052 xb mr]

There are 4 sets working today
As per Tuesday diagrams
With the morning Gerrards Cross
& Princess Risborough turns

 

[150219]

I did nuance that 165's are "not really suitable" as in well they are better than nothing.

And yes i am aware that you can't substitute a condictor operated rolling stock on a DOO service unless you have a conductor / TM for it.

My enqury is wether there are now enough staff trained that one or two extra loco hauled could be dropped in. In the past rosters have had the class of rolling stock added after there name so it was easy to identify who signed certain rolling stock so that thos can be done when a critical mass of traincrew has been reached.

It seems frustrating for the travelling public to be on 165's to the West Midlands and short forms on the Met say 11th, 12th of December then on the 14th 12 sets of Mk5's magically are about as apposed to 3 and no 165's plus Met line trsins not short formed.

No problem then, as per the previous answer the training is still ongoing.

 

[md2016]

I hopped on the morning Risborough turn this morning. Was first decommissioned? RTT said it was standard class only, but I didn’t want to risk it.

 

[CR165022]

I hopped on the morning Risborough turn this morning. Was first decommissioned? RTT said it was standard class only, but I didn’t want to risk it.

Was it 1H10? I don't think the Risborough services have first, only the Birmingham's

 

[37052 xb mr]

Diagram 1 this morning
1H08 is 68019 set 13
1st Chiltern run, now all worked.

Extra loco hauled today
With Wembley concert.

 

[800002]

Believe declassified on the Risborough starter of 1H10, 07 21 PRR - MYB. Due to capacity / demand.

I hopped on the morning Risborough turn this morning. Was first decommissioned? RTT said it was standard class only, but I didn’t want to risk it.

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

Diagram 1 this morning
1H08 is 68019 set 13
1st Chiltern run, now all worked.

Extra loco hauled today
With Wembley concert.

*Different loco hauled today.
(Wembley event).
1H10 and 1P51 return are not running.

 

[37052 xb mr]

Believe declassified on the Risborough starter of 1H10, 07 21 PRR - MYB. Due to capacity / demand.


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


*Different loco hauled today.
(Wembley event).
1H10 and 1P51 return are not running.

There are extra Birmingham runs
1R45, 1H77
1R29, 1H53, 1R49
All 68s & sets