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While modifying the locos for 100mph operation may only require a software change and modified dampers, adding ETH capability would require redesign of the Main Transformer to add an Electric Train Supply (ETS) winding, plus associated switchgear, wiring and ETS jumpers. Class 92 locos provide a...

In addition the Tractive Effort on Class 390 is automatically ramped down to zero over the speed range from 125mph to 127mph. This feature was introduced after a train was clocked at 135mph as exiting a tunnel in the early years of operation with Tilt/TASS isolated. Provision to revert to 140mph...

Just when I thought things could not get any worse the verb "to onboard" makes an appearance! I suspect that means I was "offboarded" when I retired.

I was not aware of any issues with power supply compatibility being reported back to Alstom. The type test results were accepted by SWR and NR. I also thought there was some daytime 12-car testing operated out of Bournemouth to verify TMS functionality, but I may be mistaken. Unfortunately I no...

The Traction control electronics for the Class 458/4 reverted to the original 4-car Class 458 current draw limits, as agreed with Network Rail's power supply engineers. The Class 458/4 type test programme in October/November 2023 demonstrated that the trains performed in accordance with this...

The pantograph is lowered to allow for sequential re-energisation of trains when the OLE supply is restored. If the supply has tripped due to a flashover on the roof of the train (usually due to tree branches or large birds) then the faulty train will be immediately identified when the...

Or the air was leaking out faster than it could be pumped in.

The three compressors are powered by 400V 3-phase supplies from three different Auxiliary Converters. There is also an Auxiliary Compressor operated from the 110V battery supply to raise the local pantograph and close the VCB when initially powering up the train. However, at least one of the...

Hopefully not a repeat of the incident that affected 390117 at Camden on Sunday 31st August. The train had just departed Euston when the OLE tripped and it was stranded in the dead section. The driver of another train reported a flash from the OLE near Primrose Hill tunnel and a "passer by"...

The Class 390 trains are very effective at self-recovery, hence the reason why Virgin got rid of most of their Thunderbird locos more than 10 years ago. However, there are vulnerabilities, mostly related to the air system and the 25kV distribution circuits. On most occasions when there is a...

Previous bogie overhauls were performed in the custom-built facility at Longsight Depot with the bogies moved around the site by the trusty Class 08 shunters.

I thought the prime purpose of the MU speed profile was to reduce the differential where there are higher EPS speed limits? If the existing PS limits are maintained at all locations where there is an EPS speed limit then the maximum speed will remain at 110mph for most of the route for non-tilt...

390020 departed Widnes on 21st June and returned to passenger service on 24th June. Another Mission Accomplished ;)

Demonstration of electromagnetic compatibility with the WCML signalling systems and infrastructure. Almost certainly unlikely to be an issue as much of the Traction system design is common with Class 390, but it takes a lot of engineering effort to verify that.

Air leak causing the brakes to apply.

Thursday 6th June should be the final day of passenger service for a Class 390 fitted with the original Virgin interior. 390020 will be the final train to go into Alstom Widnes for refurbishment, ending service at Liverpool on Thursday night. The train stands at Edge Hill depot all day Friday...

While the Pendolino branding is still used for high-speed trains manufactured by Alstom in Italy, most fleets produced in recent years (ED250 for PKP in Poland, ETR 675 for NTV in Italy and Renfe Class 114 in Spain) lack the tilting mechanism. Hence, the pendular aspect of these Pendolino trains...

That is interesting data. Analysis performed several years ago indicated that a high acceleration non-tilt EMU running at the current PS (Permissible Speed) limits would take 8 minutes longer to reach Crewe compared to a Class 390 running in Tilt mode at the EPS (Enhanced Permissible Speed)...

390002 departed Widnes on 10th May.

390013 departed Widnes Friday evening (24th May) having completed refurbishment and was replaced by 390010. 390020 is the final Pendolino in service with original Virgin interior. It will be stopping for refurbishment on Friday 8th June.