458/0 Drag

[ChampsRacing]

Just passed 458015 & 023 Inbetween two barrier coaches and a colas 47 at Wimbledon park presumably for Wabtec.

Been informed its a test drag to Eastleigh.

 

[louis97]

Perhaps this, http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R43299/2013/06/01/advanced

Any idea what for, bit early for conversion isn't it?

 

[D365]

Hasn't work begun already on the 460s? Better than leaving them to rot I suppose.

 

[swt_passenger]

Perhaps this, http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R43299/2013/06/01/advanced

Any idea what for, bit early for conversion isn't it?

It has always apparently been the plan that once a couple of completed 458/5s were available for service the first pair of 458s could go for conversion themselves. May 2013 was the original date IIRC, so getting the translators ready and tested is needed about now.

Eastleigh is relevant in that the translators were modified there, but the work on the 458s will take them up to Wabtec.

 

[455driver]

Hasn't work begun already on the 460s? Better than leaving them to rot I suppose.

Work has begun on the 460s but not the 458s yet, as for "better than leaving them to rot I suppose", the 458s are still in everyday use on Readings, Guildfords and Ascots! :roll:
In fact a 458 had the pleasure of playing skittles at Putney (or Wandsworth Road) last night (Saturday).

The 47/458 ensemble was seen crawling through Woking on the return working at about midnight.

 

[D365]

The 458s haven't been rotting, at least not through a lack of use All but 4 of the 460 carriages which are not allocated to lengthening existing 458/0 units are being formed into 6 additional 5-car units. Makes sense to get the ex-GX into service first and working on the current units when these are settled.

 

[cj_1985]

Perhaps this, http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R43299/2013/06/01/advanced

Any idea what for, bit early for conversion isn't it?

im going to ask a stupid question here, but based on the listings via that link... can anyone confirm that the contract to move the 458s (both 458/0s TO the works, and 458/5s FROM the works) has been awarded to Colas Rail... rather than to GBRf who has hired in Colas traction for the service (as has been happening frequently of late - albeit mostly for infrastructure duties) due to the final destination/signing off point, or was that just a coincidence.


it doesn't sound like a stupid question in my head... but that doesn't mean it isn't stupid... so if so, I apologise