Chiltern MK5s Starting 2026 (non speculative updates thread)

[CR165022]

Not MK5 related but it seems as though 68013 has failed over Bicester South Junction, been there for over an hour

 

[liamf656]

Not MK5 related but it seems as though 68013 has failed over Bicester South Junction, been there for over an hour

I believe there is an issue with the DVT

 

[dooton]

Not MK5 related but it seems as though 68013 has failed over Bicester South Junction, been there for over an hour

Jumper cable issue. Isolations made to get train into Bicester North. Replacement jumper enroute. Set will proceed to SBJ then form further inspection.

 

[btdrawer]

Seems like there are more issues with the class 68s today - currently at Bicester North where two class 68 services are currently 20-30 minutes late

 

[LUYMun]

68015 on 1R25 had a brake fault at Marylebone, stopped twice trying to accelerate. Fault rectified but running up to 15 late. Should be okay on its return journey.

 

[MerlinRail 804]

68015 on 1R25 had a brake fault at Marylebone, stopped twice trying to accelerate. Fault rectified but running up to 15 late. Should be okay on its return journey.

Was this more to do with the 68 or the Mk3s?

 

[CR165022]

I've noticed there's a STP 1U98 & 1H98 in for the 15th. Is this another press run type thing for the MK5s? They're pathed as a DMU but that doesn't mean it will be one.

 

[Jgleeson071]

Was this more to do with the 68 or the Mk3s?

Mk3 Related I Would Say

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==

I've noticed there's a STP 1U98 & 1H98 in for the 15th. Is this another press run type thing for the MK5s? They're pathed as a DMU but that doesn't mean it will be one.

Mk5 Run for Staff

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Mk3 Related I Would Say

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==


Mk5 Run for Staff

Realtime Trains | 1U98 0931 London Marylebone to Banbury | 15/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 1U98 0931 departure from London Marylebone to Banbury on 15/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 1H98 1316 Banbury to London Marylebone | 15/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 1H98 1316 departure from Banbury to London Marylebone on 15/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Times for those who are interested.

 

[warwickshire]

Wednesday 14th January 2026.
1. 0086 1008 Lougbbourgh Brush to Eastleigh Arlington saw 68021 unbranded, return to Eastleigh, after receving modifications at Loughbourgh,
Through Hatton Warwickshire
Around 30 late,

Leaves only 68019 68023 68024 68025 68027 to be modified.

 

[43 302]

Wednesday 14th January 2026.
1. 0086 1008 Lougbbourgh Brush to Eastleigh Arlington saw 68021 unbranded, return to Eastleigh, after receving modifications at Loughbourgh,
Through Hatton Warwickshire
Around 30 late,

Leaves only 68019 68023 68024 68025 68027 to be modified.

What modifications would those be please?

 

[Oxfordblues]

Wednesday 14th January 2026.
1. 0086 1008 Lougbbourgh Brush to Eastleigh Arlington saw 68021 unbranded, return to Eastleigh, after receving modifications at Loughbourgh,
Through Hatton Warwickshire
Around 30 late.

On-time passing Oxford. I noted audible wheel-flats. Isn't there a lathe at Loughborough?

 

[Mogz]

Poster seen by me today at Leamington that suggests that the start date of the Mk 5A trains will be the 27th January.

Apologies if it’s already common knowledge…

 

[FrontSideBus]

I always thought it was a shame that the driving trailer didn't look more like 397.

 

[MerlinRail 804]

Seen today at Leamington- apologies if it’s already common knowledge…View attachment 196248

So I’m guessing entry to service date is the 27th then?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Jan 2026 ==

Pretty random if it’s a Tuesday though surely

 

[43 302]

So I’m guessing entry to service date is the 27th then?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Jan 2026 ==

Pretty random if it’s a Tuesday though surely

Makes sense to kick it out on one of the Risborough turns that start at Wembley if you ask me. Although I'm sure they won't.

 

[MerlinRail 804]

Makes sense to kick it out on one of the Risborough turns that start at Wembley if you ask me. Although I'm sure they won't.

Yes that would make sense.

 

[87015]

Yes that would make sense.

Looks like the Mk3/Mk5 first set stock swapover is in RTT for Stourbridge on Saturday.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Looks like the Mk3/Mk5 first set stock swapover is in RTT for Stourbridge on Saturday.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:S75231/2026-01-24/detailed This?

 

[MerlinRail 804]

Are they likely to put a mk5 on all 4 LHCS diagrams on the 27th, or just one?

 

[43 302]

Are they likely to put a mk5 on all 4 LHCS diagrams on the 27th, or just one?

Just the one.

 

[MerlinRail 804]

Just the one.

Thought so. Cool

In other news, just spotted Chiltern have a put a seat layout on their website. Bit low res, but that’s how it is on the page.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Interesting that they've bothered doing that - are they planning to introduce reservations?

 

[MerlinRail 804]

Interesting that they've bothered doing that - are they planning to introduce reservations?

I’d defo hope so. This is Chiltern’s opportunity to make the Birmingham service feel like a bit more of an intercity service IMO.

 

[Wyrleybart]

Looks like the Mk3/Mk5 first set stock swapover is in RTT for Stourbridge on Saturday.

Is it definitely going to be Mk5 though, or class 16x ?

 

[PLY2AYS]

Is it definitely going to be Mk5 though, or class 16x ?

I’d put a significant amount of money on it being a Mk5.
I’ve a sneaking suspicion to also keep an eye on other Mk’3’ movements leading up to 27th.

 

[Snow1964]

Thought so. Cool

In other news, just spotted Chiltern have a put a seat layout on their website. Bit low res, but that’s how it is on the page.

And at the top of the webpage now says

All Aboard - Your new trains have arrived

note current, not future tense

New Trains | Chiltern Railways

www.chilternrailways.co.uk

 

[LittleRedTrain]

Interesting that they've bothered doing that - are they planning to introduce reservations?

I’d defo hope so. This is Chiltern’s opportunity to make the Birmingham service feel like a bit more of an intercity service IMO.

As a regular user, I really hope not! The Birmingham service is still primarily a commuter service that just happens to link two citiies, in the same way as LNWR. It's not 'InterCity' like Avanti. Reservations are also a nightmare for dwell times.
It's bad enough that they've decided to reduce Standard capacity by re-introducing First Class.

The fact that a loco-hauled set can always be substituted at last minute with a 168 also won't help (as those come in so many combinations that reservations would be impossible).

 

[Snow1964]

The fact that a loco-hauled set can always be substituted at last minute with a 168 also won't help (as those come in so many combinations that reservations would be impossible).

There will be rather more mk5s sets, so would hope substitutions will be same type of train.

Also Chiltern has made it clear the class 168 will be used to lengthen other trains formed of DMUs, which suggests they aim to keep fleets separate.

 

[Hophead]

And at the top of the webpage now says


note current, not future tense

New Trains | Chiltern Railways

www.chilternrailways.co.uk

Looks like they're not quite ready for us:

Home > 403

Access denied​

When I follow your link, or click "More Trains, Newer Trains" from the Chiltern Home Page.