230001 Outings

[Roger B]

I've not seen a thread about 230001. This seems to be an elusive unit, spending most of its time at Vivarail's HQ in Long Marston, not visible from any public location.
I would really like to see 230001 - or better still, to travel on it - but I'm not expecting to be able to travel on it any time soon!
I was disappointed that I missed it at Glasgow Central during COP26 - unfortunately I hadn't realised it was going to be there.
So I was wondering whether anyone on this forum has intel about its next outings - where's it expected to be, and when, when's it scheduled to travel to/from locations, and how (rail / road), etc?
If any info comes to light, it would be great if it could be posted on this thread please.
Many thanks

 

[Chris125]

Something in connection with the Greenford shuttle could well be it's next appearance, when/if the trial of battery operation there goes ahead.

 

[Roger B]

Something in connection with the Greenford shuttle could well be it's next appearance, when/if the trial of battery operation there goes ahead.

Thanks Chris - really helpful. I wasn't aware of that. Can you point me to anywhere where I could track what's happening with this please? Cheers

 

[D365]

There’s an existing discussion concerning the Greenford trial (I think?) - wouldn’t have been very long as there’s nothing official in the public sector yet.

But in the meantime you’ll struggle to catch 001 now that Viva are no longer at LM.

 

[Bob Price]

I have heard it is being stabled at Bedford with the Bedford Bletchley units while the Greenford trial is sorted out. The tender for the trial has been issued but I have heard nothing more.

 

[Roger B]

I see this month's Modern Railways has an article about 230001 working the Greenford Branch. I've not got my March copy of MR yet (waiting for me at the newsagent's back home) - can any say what date 230001 is expected to start working this, please?

Many thanks

 

[JonathanH]

I see this month's Modern Railways has an article about 230001 working the Greenford Branch. I've not got my March copy of MR yet (waiting for me at the newsagent's back home) - can any say what date 230001 is expected to start working this, please?

Many thanks

The press release doesn't give a date - all couched in terms of 'later this year' but it does seem to imply it will be 230001. I'd imagine it needs an internal refit of some sort to be used sensibly in service.

Vivarail chosen for GWR fast charging trial.

Press release text below. Great Western Railway has signed a deal with manufacturer Vivarail to trial new battery-charging technology on its network, paving the way for battery-only trains to run in regular passenger service in the future. The trial, supported by Network Rail, will take place...

www.railforums.co.uk

Fast Charge equipment will be installed at West Ealing Station later this year and tested with Vivarail’s battery-only Class 230 train, first showcased at COP26 last year.

 

[Roger B]

The press release doesn't give a date - all couched in terms of 'later this year' but it does seem to imply it will be 230001. I'd imagine it needs an internal refit of some sort to be used sensibly in service.

Vivarail chosen for GWR fast charging trial.

Press release text below. Great Western Railway has signed a deal with manufacturer Vivarail to trial new battery-charging technology on its network, paving the way for battery-only trains to run in regular passenger service in the future. The trial, supported by Network Rail, will take place...

www.railforums.co.uk

Many thanks Jonathan - the 'man in the know' (as usual)!

 

[JonathanH]

Many thanks Jonathan - the 'man in the know' (as usual)!

I assure you that I am not 'in the know'. I just note that it was being discussed in another thread.