BAD NEWS: Just saw a 730 stabled outside Crewe and cos the lights were on inside (it's night time) I was just able to see 2+3 seating similar to the 720; not sure if I was seeing things but I saw end gangways so it was definitely a 730.
The units at Crewe were built before the order was changed, it is expected that they will recieve interior modifications to 2+2 seating at some point, likely after full production of the LNR 730s has begun.
Supposedly this is going to change - They're going to keep the same types of seats but retrofit tables and armrests.
Ah fair enough, that's a relief!
They're also supposedly going to be used on Euston-Crewe services.
Any news on the future of the Liverpool-Euston workings?
As in, the workings that ran from liverpool through new street to euston back in 2019? Pretty sure they're long gone.
The only justification for their existence was ORCATS raiding and maybe to provide some more cross-Birmingham connectivity. ORCATS has been replaced by management fees and performance based bonuses and there are still two services between Coventry and Wolverhampton per hour.
Had been discussed internally using Trent Valley rather than via BHM but has been shelved indefinitely
Think DfT have said no to 2tph, was meant to be reintroduced this year
It's something my depot is looking at doing as we sign the entire route, it would also allow the 8 car 350 to run semi-fast and then have either 4 car 350/5 car 730 to run the LIV-BHM all stops without needed UDS
I agree, however if the 2nd train was to become LIV-EUS via the Trent, passengers would have to change at Crewe or Stafford regardless.
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
They‘re doing it this month?
They've been testing for months already. I think they may be on training now but not too sure.
On the WCMl?
Indeed, they've been to Euston a few times, quite a lot of testing in the Trent Valley area as well. A bit around Bletchley as well.
What’re the paths?
Can't see any currently, but they have been out.
Alright, I’ll keep an eye out. Q head code I assume
I think these are mainly GBRF mileage accumulation runs on behalf of Alstom. I'm not sure what the state of training is but not much has taken place between Bletchley and Euston so far and I don't believe any 730s are at Wembley.
I wonder if these are completed units going into storage at Worksop, or if Alstom are still running short of space and sending part completed units for storage there.08/03 5Q26 37601/608 730026/027
Realtime Trains | 5Q26 1041 Derby Litchurch Lane to Worksop Up Receptions | 08/03/2023
Real-time train running information for 5Q26 1041 departure from Derby Litchurch Lane to Worksop Up Receptions on 08/03/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.
730s should be being stored at Oxley and Bletchley currently. Not aware of any planned to be at Wembley
