317/6's at Witham.

[NXEA!]

I've just pulled into Witham on the 10.48 ex Liverpool Street service to Braintree on platform 4, and on platform 1 there are a pair of 317/6's, one of them being 652. Why are they here? I know the 17.02 to Norwich is planned to be 317 operated as are the Harwich services from London, but I didn't realise they had any booked work up the GEML now. Or is this a one off, and if so, what are they doing here? Many Thanks.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Could it be something to do with the displacement caused by the recent invasion of the 379s on the Stansted / Cambridge routes?

 

[jonb]

Hi NXEA,

That sounds very much like the Ilford - Witham & return test trip usually running as 5V91. Any units can be out on the run (315/317/321) and the purpose is to give the units a run down after maintenance work/exams. Have seen some unusual combinations on it over the years!

Hope that helps.

 

[NXEA!]

Hi NXEA,

That sounds very much like the Ilford - Witham & return test trip usually running as 5V91. Any units can be out on the run (315/317/321) and the purpose is to give the units a run down after maintenance work/exams. Have seen some unusual combinations on it over the years!

Hope that helps.

Ahh interesting! Thanks for that! What sort of combinations if you don't mind me asking?

 

[O L Leigh]

Jon B has it. There is a daily test diagram that is filled as required that runs from Ilford CS to Witham and back again. I've had to wait at Ilford for a pair of Cl317s to come back from a test trip in the past before then taking them empty to Liv St and back into service.

O L Leigh

 

[87015]

07xx (1F13) Witham - Liverpool Street was 317s vice 321s this morning.

 

[Tottenham Flyer]

07xx (1F13) Witham - Liverpool Street was 317s vice 321s this morning.

317664, 317502 & 317884 (3 different liveries too!)