Slow progress with new trains
Building new trains is relatively straightforward. Its getting them accepted and into reliable service that is the really difficult part. Indeed, I must add nothing new works out of the box to the Laws.
This eternal truth is currently being rediscovered courtesy of the big-three state-specified rolling stock contracts Intercity Express Programme (IEP), Thameslink and Crossrail.
Acceptance of Great Western Railways Hitachi Class 800 bi-mode fleet has been deferred by six months because of Network Rails delay in commissioning Route Section 3 of the Great Western Electrification Project (GWEP). Testing between Reading and Didcot should have started in September 2015.
But RS3 wasnt energised until July 2016, when the first runs revealed interference between the trains traction equipment and the Overhead Line power supply, halting running. Further tests in September 2016 were no better and acceptance was halted pending a solution to the problem.
Having followed Hitachi from their first Verification Train I reckon the traction power supply is the problem, rather than the train. However, changes to the Class 800 control software have now allowed the acceptance testing programme to re-start, but with over a year of test running lost, the IEP contract has had to be revised.
Under the new programme the first train should be accepted this September. Seven Class 800 sets should then be available for the start of passenger services during October. Delivery of the Virgin Trains East Coast IEP fleet is likely to experience a knock-on delay.
