Thameslink/ Class 700 Progress

[jon0844]

I'd sooner have proper mobile coverage installed in St Pancras (low level), so I don't need to use Wi-Fi on the train OR try and use the Wi-Fi service that I've had problems logging in to - and requires personal details (like many) before you can get access at all.

Wi-Fi on a train is fine. If it's free, there's definitely no harm in having it. I don't it's that vital though.

 

[AM9]

I'd sooner have proper mobile coverage installed in St Pancras (low level), so I don't need to use Wi-Fi on the train OR try and use the Wi-Fi service that I've had problems logging in to - and requires personal details (like many) before you can get access at all.

Wi-Fi on a train is fine. If it's free, there's definitely no harm in having it. I don't it's that vital though.

That was my inference in post #2514. Although I'm sure that every effort is being made to ensure that the 700s are as trouble-free as possible, there's still the possibility of a brand-new design having unforseen issues so all available resources should be concentrating on the things that would make or break the service's viability. If necessary, deployment of wi-fi should be shelved until the trains are performing adequately in their primary function, i.e. carrying lots of passengers safely.
They've got until 2020 anyway.

 

[The Box Photter]

That was my inference in post #2514. Although I'm sure that every effort is being made to ensure that the 700s are as trouble-free as possible, there's still the possibility of a brand-new design having unforseen issues so all available resources should be concentrating on the things that would make or break the service's viability. If necessary, deployment of wi-fi should be shelved until the trains are performing adequately in their primary function, i.e. carrying lots of passengers safely.
They've got until 2020 anyway.

Good point, well made. I'd prefer the oily bits and sparky bits of the trains to work when they enter service. I'm not really bothered about on-train WiFi. In my experience (Virgin Trains, I'm pointing at you) the service is patchy at best.

 

[jon0844]

I doubt Wi-Fi would cause any issues to the rest of the train functionality. I'm sure that whether it was part of the design request, Siemens has a simple off the shelf system to retrofit at any time.

 

[AM9]

I doubt Wi-Fi would cause any issues to the rest of the train functionality. I'm sure that whether it was part of the design request, Siemens has a simple off the shelf system to retrofit at any time.

I'm sure that installing wi-fi will be relatively trouble-free, but it will take a finite resource to get it fully operational, so any proirity on that resource would be for the more mundane functions of the train.

 

[Class377/5]

The bigger issue will be NR getting the signal to the train I'd have thought.

 

[BelleIsle]

I'd sooner have proper mobile coverage installed in St Pancras (low level), so I don't need to use Wi-Fi on the train OR try and use the Wi-Fi service that I've had problems logging in to - and requires personal details (like many) before you can get access at all.

Wi-Fi on a train is fine. If it's free, there's definitely no harm in having it. I don't it's that vital though.

Here here. Personally, I would like some sort of mobile coverage sorted all the way past West Hampstead as it can be a little patchy with all those tunnels and cuttings to negotiate.

 

[trainmania100]

First daylight test ran today three bridges to blackfriars under STP schedule
runs wednesday too.

 

[westcoaster]

First daylight test ran today three bridges to blackfriars under STP schedule
runs wednesday too.

Went through to cricklewood, driver training runs, so has to include pan up/down

 

[SpacePhoenix]

@Class377/5 have you had your training on them yet? if you have what do you think about from from a driver's point of view?

 

[carriageline]

@Class377/5 have you had your training on them yet? if you have what do you think about from from a driver's point of view?

Don't think he's a driver, stand to be corrected though!

 

[urpert]

I notice the new diamond shaped stop boards haven't yet appeared at stations on the Catford loop (not sure about Sutton way)?

I'm not going to believe the 319s are actually going until the signs go up...

 

[Fincra5]

I drove past one yesterday around Horley. Not a fan of the Panto Lights being on all the time.

 

[asylumxl]

I drove past one yesterday around Horley. Not a fan of the Panto Lights being on all the time.

Isn't the same as the 387s though?

 

[Class377/5]

@Class377/5 have you had your training on them yet? if you have what do you think about from from a driver's point of view?

Don't think he's a driver, stand to be corrected though!

Not a driver but views from a cab are great compared to current stock. Happy to hear to from a actual driver view point but ones I've spoken to stated it's a far better experience with driving position front and center for the train.

I notice the new diamond shaped stop boards haven't yet appeared at stations on the Catford loop (not sure about Sutton way)?

I'm not going to believe the 319s are actually going until the signs go up...

Already been mentioned in staff briefs about Sutton trains going over to 700 operation this year. Note the 12th 700 is planned to be a 700/0 so won't be long until right stock is here.

I drove past one yesterday around Horley. Not a fan of the Panto Lights being on all the time.

You might not like it but it's going to be useful in dealing with incidents. Been many events in Core with things in the pan well so working out where they've come from is going to help. And the lights are required for this. The 87s don't record unless pan is in use so aren't that great at helping track event causes.

 

[stut]

I drove past one yesterday around Horley. Not a fan of the Panto Lights being on all the time.

"Oh no, they aren't!"

 

[Deepgreen]

First daylight test ran today three bridges to blackfriars under STP schedule
runs wednesday too.

RTT shows it as cancelled today owing to a planned cancellation by the operator.

 

[Fincra5]

Not a driver but views from a cab are great compared to current stock. Happy to hear to from a actual driver view point but ones I've spoken to stated it's a far better experience with driving position front and center for the train.



Already been mentioned in staff briefs about Sutton trains going over to 700 operation this year. Note the 12th 700 is planned to be a 700/0 so won't be long until right stock is here.



You might not like it but it's going to be useful in dealing with incidents. Been many events in Core with things in the pan well so working out where they've come from is going to help. And the lights are required for this. The 87s don't record unless pan is in use so aren't that great at helping track event causes.

Maybe but out on the BML there isn't all that much that goes on overhead. Maybe they'll be useful for inspecting Balcombe Tunnel.

 

[Class377/5]

Maybe but out on the BML there isn't all that much that goes on overhead. Maybe they'll be useful for inspecting Balcombe Tunnel.

I'm talking about the BML and SEML where events the track have caused massive issues cause but cannot be traced back to the original location to lack of evidence.

 

[dlj83]

Apologies for low quality, but seen at Streatham Common last night

 

[Class377/5]

Apologies for low quality, but seen at Streatham Common last night

Nice grabs. I managed to see one on the home last night at Croydon on test. There were 3 out last night.

 

[LBSCR Times]

U.700109 should be out tomorrow during the day time too.

 

[Sunset route]

As I finished my shift, 1X700 (unknown No) was departing the depot for a daytime run, so someone's getting brave now lol

 

[Class377/5]

700107/108/110 all went out on driver training today.can expect to see more of this now.

 

[Cundy66]

Been told that there's now two 700's with ThamesLink and will be operating out of Bedford on Thursday 11th/Friday 12th Feb, didn't get times but was told they would be different headcodes from before, not my biggest knowledge area, so was wondering if anyone knew what the schedule was.

Also can anyone confirm which number they have now, as I saw one at Cricklewood Tuesday 2nd Feb so hope to be able to trace which it was.

Thanks in advance.

Cundy66

 

[Deepgreen]

On the attached photo, 700109 has one window blanked out on the 4th car from the rear, and two on the 6th. I assume these are for toilets - can anyone confirm this, please?

 

[trainmania100]

Been told that there's now two 700's with ThamesLink and will be operating out of Bedford on Thursday 11th/Friday 12th Feb, didn't get times but was told they would be different headcodes from before, not my biggest knowledge area, so was wondering if anyone knew what the schedule was.

Also can anyone confirm which number they have now, as I saw one at Cricklewood Tuesday 2nd Feb so hope to be able to trace which it was.

Thanks in advance.

Cundy66

Is this for mainline service or testing?
Thanks

 

[jon0844]

On the attached photo, 700109 has one window blanked out on the 4th car from the rear, and two on the 6th. I assume these are for toilets - can anyone confirm this, please?

I hope that's the private lounge area for me (with comfy sofa, power socket and tip-down table). I did ask someone at Siemens when I saw the mock up at ExCeL, so hopefully they didn't disappoint me....

 

[Deepgreen]

I hope that's the private lounge area for me (with comfy sofa, power socket and tip-down table). I did ask someone at Siemens when I saw the mock up at ExCeL, so hopefully they didn't disappoint me....

Maybe even a couchette?!

 

[Domh245]

On the attached photo, 700109 has one window blanked out on the 4th car from the rear, and two on the 6th. I assume these are for toilets - can anyone confirm this, please?

Going by the map, the blank window in the 4th car FTR is a toilet, the blank in the 6th car FTR is the disabled toilet.