class 345 on Southend line

[JBuchananGB]

Hello

I have head a rumour that the new class 345 Crossrail trains will be doing some "mileage accumulation" trips along the line to Southend Victoria.

Does anyone know anything about this?

If so when might this happen, and would they be operating in service or just as empty stock?

 

[SpacePhoenix]

would they be operating in service or just as empty stock?

If it's true then they'd just be empty stock as they've not yet been cleared for passenger use

 

[Bringback309s]

I've seen commented on some flickr photos that they don't fit in platforms 14 - 18 at LST as they're too wide! Will they have gauging issues getting to Southend?

 

[Bringback309s]

I've just looked at RTT, there are some movements for a "Class 321" between Shenfield and Southend tomorrow that look like they could be tests for the 345 http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/RFD/2017/02/28/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt

 

[Kite159]

I've seen commented on some flickr photos that they don't fit in platforms 14 - 18 at LST as they're too wide! Will they have gauging issues getting to Southend?

Big oops seeing as those are the platforms normally used by TfL Rail.

 

[pdeaves]

Big oops seeing as those are the platforms normally used by TfL Rail.

Actually "don't fit", or "assume they don't fit until someone measures/tests them"?

 

[JBuchananGB]

Certainly a very curious looking Freight Class 321 path departing Ilford EMU depot at 0839 arrive SOV 0941 and apparently leaving there at 0957 with destination Wickford arriving 10.15. Then leaving Wickford at 1024 back to Southend.

And a few more similar movements between Southend and Shenfield during the rest of the day culminating a a turn to Ilford, dep SOV 2137.

 

[hwl]

Actually "don't fit", or "assume they don't fit until someone measures/tests them"?

Considering the highest numbered 4 platforms will get rebuilt any way on lengthening in the next 18 months not the biggest worry, as long as some 345s can run from this May.

 

[Wivenswold]

I saw a flickr photo caption that said they would only fit in platforms 7-10 "according to a member of staff" but was quickly followed by a photo of one in Platform 11.

Hopefully someone in the actually know will be able to clarify.

 

[samuelmorris]

The early units are 7-car length specifically so they'll fit in 16-18 at Liverpool Street as I understand it. They'll only become 9-car once the tunnels open. I assume the units that run Gidea Park peak services will use platforms somewhere else in the station.

 

[swt_passenger]

The early units are 7-car length specifically so they'll fit in 16-18 at Liverpool Street as I understand it. They'll only become 9-car once the tunnels open. I assume the units that run Gidea Park peak services will use platforms somewhere else in the station.

The existing Shenfield line platforms are to be lengthened once most of the service goes through the Crossrail tunnels, and one of them (18 perhaps?) is being removed to allow the throat S&C to be rearranged. Once that's complete the initial tranche of 345s will be lengthened and the peak service will operate into the usual platforms although reduced in number.

 

[Bringback309s]

Sorry should have explained - not too long, too wide! https://www.flickr.com/photos/kitma...jTc-PRFGh6-NNpg7g-NJEXcb-xN5VQd-poGuPZ-28EMTW

 

[Wivenswold]

Be careful of staff quotes. As I've found out recently, they don't know everything.

 

[306024]

Be careful of staff quotes. As I've found out recently, they don't know everything.

Indeed. Clearly "Kitmasterbloke" is the guy to follow for all the latest alternative facts.

Meanwhile there is no "Big oops", rest assured the professionals are all going about guage and route clearance as they should.

 

[AM9]

Indeed. Clearly "Kitmasterbloke" is the guy to follow for all the latest alternative facts.

Meanwhile there is no "Big oops", rest assured the professionals are all going about guage and route clearance as they should.

Surely the stock is not too wide but being 23m long, it has a problem with curved platforms and crossovers within the platform length. All the existing EMU stock there is 20m long.

 

[CyrusWuff]

Surely the stock is not too wide but being 23m long, it has a problem with curved platforms and crossovers within the platform length. All the existing EMU stock there is 20m long.

Whilst the EMUs are 20m vehicles, the 170s and Mk3s are 23m vehicles...

 

[AC47461]

Indeed. Clearly "Kitmasterbloke" is the guy to follow for all the latest alternative facts.

Meanwhile there is no "Big oops", rest assured the professionals are all going about guage and route clearance as they should.

Indeed, his text states they are the platforms used by Norwich sets, but they also use 9, 10, 11 and 12 (probably far more than the ones he quotes)...

 

[Wivenswold]

I can't see GA completely changing their working timetable for May just to allow TfL trains to use the central platforms. It would also mean cutting some GA train lengths as they'd have to use the shorter Platform 18 vacated by TfL. Platform 18 is needed until the tunnel opens.

None of that will happen.