717(?) Welwyn-St Neots-Biggleswade 21/12/25

[317362]

There seems to be a working in which on Realtime trains is allocated 717001, it is currently running as 5Q98. It may not be a 717 I realise.

Is this some form of ECTS test and is this the first 717 beyond Hitchin on the main line towards Biggleswade on power or is this a relatively regular thing? Just curious. Always nice to see the crossover at St Neots in use.

Realtime Trains | 5Q98 2155 Welwyn Garden City to Biggleswade | 21/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q98 2155 departure from Welwyn Garden City to Biggleswade on 21/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[MCR247]

Also, where does it go afterward?

 

[milooo]

There seems to be a working in which on Realtime trains is allocated 717001, it is currently running as 5Q98.

Is this some form of ECTS test and is this the first 717 beyond Hitchin on power or is this a relatively regular thing? Just curious. Always nice to see the crossover at St Neots in use.

Realtime Trains | 5Q98 2155 Welwyn Garden City to Biggleswade | 21/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q98 2155 departure from Welwyn Garden City to Biggleswade on 21/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

The 717s go to Letchworth at the extreme of the day if that counts

 

[317362]

Have amended initial post to clarify main line north of Hitchin, there isn't a path out of Biggleswade and a berth shows STOP on the up slow south of Biggleswade so assume it's going into a possession? Just reversing at St Neots on p4

 

[alisdair]

"is this the first 717 beyond Hitchin on the main line towards Biggleswade on power or is this a relatively regular thing?"

717001 and 717002 have been through Biggleswade numerous times, on 100mph test runs, and have reached Peterborough on these trips. These have been as both 6-car and 12-car formations.

717011 (NHS) went to Peterborough during Covid lockdown era.

I also photographed 717009 at BIW, on another run to Peterborough in 8/24, but I never gleaned what this was for.

Cheers
Alisdair

 

[stadler]

The 717s have been to both Peterborough and Cambridge when they were being tested before entering service. The 717s have also beem to Three Bridges via the Thameslink Core a couple of times both under test when they were new and to get to and from the depot there when Hornsey was unable to carry out certain work. But it is certainly rare seeing the 717s at Biggleswade or anywhere on that line.

 

[317362]

Thanks all