Class 769s to Southport

[Fedupnorthern]

I thought the new timetable inserted Ince as a power changeover station, utilising the wires from Wigan to Bolton? This isn't happening on my train. Is diesel still anticipated over the section? Poor show and a bad return on investment if so.

 

[td97]

The new timetable enables the 769 power changeover at Ince, once the electrification is approved for Entry into Service EIS

 

[Fedupnorthern]

The new timetable enables the 769 power changeover at Ince, once the electrification is approved for Entry into Service EIS

Ah, OK that's half a step forward then. I must assume it is still not suitable for use despite being energised months ago.

 

[td97]

Correct. Energisation was 1 January.

 

[david l]

So what exactly is needed for 'Entry into Service'? Energisation was 1 January or coming up to 5 months ago..........or is it easier to leave it until the next timtable change in December?

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

From a conversation with a Northern driver; the 769s are sometimes reluctant to switch mode, so drivers would prefer to continue to do it at Bolton where it is possible to "get around" an errant unit, rather than at Ince where you would be blocking the line.

 

[sportzbar]

From a conversation with a Northern driver; the 769s are sometimes reluctant to switch mode, so drivers would prefer to continue to do it at Bolton where it is possible to "get around" an errant unit, rather than at Ince where you would be blocking the line.

Although drivers would "prefer" to change at Bolton, once the change comes in, drivers will be required to change at Ince. In practice this does mean that should a unit fail to go into diesel mode, then the only option is to proceed into Wigan North-Western on electric where the service will be terminated.

Any drivers continuing to perform the change at Bolton will be invited for tea and biscuits.

Going forward I believe that final testing of the line is scheduled for some point in June.....