Class 345 progress

[JonathanH]

Now that would make sense as I imagine they will want to dispense with the older (7-car) version of the software asap. But it depends how much of a new version of the 9-car software will be required to cater for two missing cars !.

The presentation linked somewhere up thread would appear to imply that there is only one version of the 7-car software - the units that were converted from 9-car to 7-car would have the same software as the units which have only ever been 7-car.

 

[rebmcr]

They will want to make sure that any conversions are aligned with major exam intervals, otherwise the spare carriages (after eventual re-insertion) would end up forcing early maintenance on the rest of their train.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Would anyone be able to tell me if 001 or 037 will serve Reading today, as I believe they’re the only two serviceable units I haven’t been on.

I’m specifically asking here and not the TOPS thread because I’m sure one of you will be able to tell me if it’s on East, on West, waiting for FLU extension, in the core on test, etc.

Many thanks

 

[Gulf1159]

The presentation linked somewhere up thread would appear to imply that there is only one version of the 7-car software - the units that were converted from 9-car to 7-car would have the same software as the units which have only ever been 7-car.

That‘s correct there are two versions of the software one for 7 cars and one for 9 cars

 

[3973EXL]

Reading 20/12

0922 345042 7
5N04 345052
5G74/75 345022
0952 345004
5G50/51 345011 7
1122 345056 7
1152 345042 7
5G56/57 345017 7

21/12
0903 345016 7
0922 345064 7
5N04 345011 7
5G74/75 345022
0952 345042 7
5G50/51 345013 7
5G56/57 345056 7

22/12
0922 345011 7
5N04 345013 7
5G74/75 345022
5G50/51 345038 7
1122 345014 7

23/12
0922 345009 7
5N04 345010
5G74/75 345022
0952 345004
5G50/51 345046
1122 345062
5G56/57 345011 7

24/12
0903 345055
0922 345015 7
5N04 345009 7
5G74/75 345013 7
0952 345058
5G50/51 345011 7
5G56/57 345004

 

[Peter Sarf]

The presentation linked somewhere up thread would appear to imply that there is only one version of the 7-car software - the units that were converted from 9-car to 7-car would have the same software as the units which have only ever been 7-car.

I agree that seems to be the case. I was wondering if there might be a new development... An adaptation of the 9-car software would mean the 7-car units could go anywhere signalling wise. But I suspect it would be a big change to the 9-car software for a notional advantage. Leave it alone in other words and that probably extends to not shortening existing 9-car 345s.

 

[JonathanH]

I agree that seems to be the case. I was wondering if there might be a new development... An adaptation of the 9-car software would mean the 7-car units could go anywhere signalling wise. But I suspect it would be a big change to the 9-car software for a notional advantage. Leave it alone in other words and that probably extends to not shortening existing 9-car 345s.

I suggest you watch the relevant part of this presentation which explains the difference between 7-car and 9-car software and how it interacts with the signalling set up. The investment in updating the 7-car software to 'go anywhere' would never have been justified. Even less so now with the 7-car fleet in the process of being removed forever, albeit slightly delayed by the extra services using Paddington platform 14.
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/class-345-progress.120221/page-145#post-5238153

 

[hwl]

I agree that seems to be the case. I was wondering if there might be a new development... An adaptation of the 9-car software would mean the 7-car units could go anywhere signalling wise. But I suspect it would be a big change to the 9-car software for a notional advantage. Leave it alone in other words and that probably extends to not shortening existing 9-car 345s.

The Paddington P14 requirement for 7 car will only probably last till September 2022 at the earliest so it really isn't worth it.

 

[Peter Sarf]

I suggest you watch the relevant part of this presentation which explains the difference between 7-car and 9-car software and how it interacts with the signalling set up. The investment in updating the 7-car software to 'go anywhere' would never have been justified. Even less so now with the 7-car fleet in the process of being removed forever, albeit slightly delayed by the extra services using Paddington platform 14.
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/class-345-progress.120221/page-145#post-5238153

Oh I know. I was originally wondering if a NEW 7-car version of the (go anywhere) 9-car software was an easy route. Rather than keeping and supporting the existing OLD 7-car software (which I seem to recall reading is rather out of date signalling wise). Would that result in less support being required overall for the software ?. It is only for less than a year though so not really necessary - fingers crossed.

 

[Gulf1159]

Oh I know. I was originally wondering if a NEW 7-car version of the (go anywhere) 9-car software was an easy route. Rather than keeping and supporting the existing OLD 7-car software (which I seem to recall reading is rather out of date signalling wise). Would that result in less support being required overall for the software ?. It is only for less than a year though so not really necessary - fingers crossed.

No that isn’t an option. Its far move cost effective to update the current software for the 7 car units ( the software is currently stable) The 7 car units only have TPWS signalling software installed where as the 9 cars have TPWS/ETCS and CBTC installed

 

[rebmcr]

No that isn’t an option. Its far move cost effective to update the current software for the 7 car units ( the software is currently stable) The 7 car units only have TPWS signalling software installed where as the 9 cars have TPWS/ETCS and CBTC installed

Yes, @Peter Sarf already knows that, it's the starting point of his entire line of reasoning, so there's no need to tell him again.

He is specifically theorising about adapting the ETCS software so that it can run on 7-carriage trains. This would bring the benefit of simplifying lengthening/shortening trains; ending maintenance for the 'legacy' software; allowing 7-carriage trains to use the tunnel; while keeping service to short Paddington High Level platforms.

That could either be:

• a simple task of trimming some lines of code that expect the extra carriages, or
• a complex task involving a full rebuild of the 9-carriage ETCS software.

Nobody here knows which is true, so your claim about what is or isn't "far move cost effective" lacks credibility.

 

[Gulf1159]

Yes, @Peter Sarf already knows that, it's the starting point of his entire line of reasoning, so there's no need to tell him again.

He is specifically theorising about adapting the ETCS software so that it can run on 7-carriage trains. This would bring the benefit of simplifying lengthening/shortening trains; ending maintenance for the 'legacy' software; allowing 7-carriage trains to use the tunnel; while keeping service to short Paddington High Level platforms.

That could either be:

• a simple task of trimming some lines of code that expect the extra carriages, or
• a complex task involving a full rebuild of the 9-carriage ETCS software.

Nobody here knows which is true, so your claim about what is or isn't "far move cost effective" lacks credibility.

As I said it isn’t an option and won’t happen. The 7 cars will only be around for another 10-12 months.

I speak from working within the company

 

[345 050]

Would anyone be able to tell me if 001 or 037 will serve Reading today, as I believe they’re the only two serviceable units I haven’t been on.

I’m specifically asking here and not the TOPS thread because I’m sure one of you will be able to tell me if it’s on East, on West, waiting for FLU extension, in the core on test, etc.

Many thanks

Sorry for late reply. 001 was in West on 8 December. 037 I think is a test unit in the core. I have not seen it out West recently and I haven't seen any reports of it being out West in the last year at least.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Sorry for late reply. 001 was in West on 8 December. 037 I think is a test unit in the core. I have not seen it out West recently and I haven't seen any reports of it being out West in the last year at least.

Thanks! I guess 001 is the only one I can get atm, with 037 and 018, 019, 032, 041, 050, 067, 069 on test duties.

 

[alanc]

Thanks! I guess 001 is the only one I can get atm, with 037 and 018, 019, 032, 041, 050, 067, 069 on test duties.

345001 was seen on 9R60/9P68 this afternoon. Hope you got lucky...

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

345001 was seen on 9R60/9P68 this afternoon. Hope you got lucky...

Sadly I was unaware :/

 

[3973EXL]

STP 29/12

Realtime Trains - FRGT 1115 Old Dalby to Old Oak Depot

 

[JonathanH]

Reports elsewhere of 345050 in service today out of Liverpool Street so presumably it has had the internal equipment referred to in post 4306 removed.

 

[345 050]

Reports elsewhere of 345050 in service today out of Liverpool Street so presumably it has had the internal equipment referred to in post 4306 removed.

Travelled on 345 050 this afternoon (East side), can confirm this unit is now in public service. It had a 'new train' smell!

 

[3973EXL]

STP 29/12

Realtime Trains - FRGT 1115 Old Dalby to Old Oak Depot

5Q73 37611 345019 dep 1016

 

[fat_boy_pete]

5Q73 37611 345019 dep 1016

Final delivery

https://twitter.com/Clinnick1/status/1476154071274999808?t=VqWVFklfa8-aBfSPYbbhNw&s=19

 

[hwl]

Final delivery

https://twitter.com/Clinnick1/status/1476154071274999808?t=VqWVFklfa8-aBfSPYbbhNw&s=19

It is a redelivery though, previously delivered to OOC in 2018...

Used for some testing before returning to Old Dalby.

 

[fat_boy_pete]

It is a redelivery though, previously delivered to OOC in 2018...

Used for some testing before returning to Old Dalby.

Fair enough. However I assume Richard means all units are now in London.

 

[JonathanH]

345032 a further unit in service today on the east side of London.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

345032 a further unit in service today on the east side of London.

Rather exciting that only five more remain unserviceable, considering it was closer to half the fleet at the start of the year. I had expected it to stay that way until the shamefully delayed core opened.

 

[3973EXL]

Reading
04/01
5G50 Caped
5G56/57 345012 7
1152 345038 7
1222 345056 7
1252 345064 7

05/01
5G50/51 345032
1122 345012 7
1152 345011 7
5G56/57 345062
1222 345055

06/01
0822 345014 7
0833 345023
0852 345056 7
0903 345038 7
0922 Caped

 

[Wolves]

Does anyone know if 345003 is a 7 or 9 car?
Thanks

 

[JonathanH]

Does anyone know if 345003 is a 7 or 9 car?
Thanks

It appears that 345003 has finally broken cover, having seemingly been out of circulation since the start of December.

It appears to have done the move out to the first signal berth outside the depot on Friday. This has been the first sign of units being extended to 9-car in the past. Unusually, there was some time between the unit moving to signal berth 0142 and returning to the depot.


[Pictures show a screen shot of output from TrackIt! with headcode '5I03' cancelled at signal berth C313 having travelled to signal berth 0142 during the early afternoon on 7 January].

345009 next by all accounts, but I guess it will be a while before we see it. I don't think 345006/07/22 have done passenger work yet since their conversion.

 

[kevin_roche]

Is there any news of the software updates on the trains which was due to begin over Christmas? Have any been done?

 

[Gulf1159]

Is there any news of the software updates on the trains which was due to begin over Christmas? Have any been done?

Yes ELR110 software update did happen just after the Christmas period.

West portal transition is being tested on Sunday 9 January 2022 between Abbey Wood and Acton Main line. Trains then run ecs to west Ealing loop before returning back to Acton Main line for the next departure back to Abbey wood