Thameslink/ Class 700 Progress

[Sunset route]

700102 currently being delivered as 6X66 02+29 Dollands Moor to Three Bridges Depot

Just passing Otford Junction as we speak, according to CCF. So it will the first one I've signalled on delivery

 

[Class377/5]

Just passing Otford Junction as we speak, according to CCF. So it will the first one I've signalled on delivery

First time I've seen a unit on delivery personally.

 

[33EJB]

There was a rake or two sitting in Frethun yesterday evening, coupled up to a rake of steel wagons for waiting for customs inspection before transfer to Dollands moor.

 

[Sunset route]

So 3T70? 3T71 (700110) making visits to Lewes, Eastbourne and Worthing in the early hours, I believe that might be a first?

 

[Class377/5]

So 3T70? 3T71 3T72? (700110) making visits to Lewes, Eastbourne and Worthing in the early hours, I believe that might be a first?

Indeed it was.

3T70 22+28 St Pancras to Eastbourne
(Lewes 23:33, Eastbourne 00+06 arrival)

3T71 00+01 Eastbourne to Three Bridges via Haywards Heath (00+32-00+40) and Worthing (01+01-01+09)

 

[Sunset route]

Indeed it was.

3T70 22+28 St Pancras to Eastbourne
(Lewes 23:33, Eastbourne 00+06 arrival)

3T71 00+01 Eastbourne to Three Bridges via Haywards Heath (00+32-00+40) and Worthing (01+01-01+09)

I signalled it through East Croydon but didn't take note of it's destination until I chatted to my mate on Haywards panel during my break.

 

[RichardN]

Is this a 700 too?

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/X38394/2016/03/07/advanced

 

[Class377/5]

Is this a 700 too?

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/X38394/2016/03/07/advanced

No that's the 387/2 driver training runs. Currently no 700s can access Tilgate as it's an 8 car siding and first 8 car hasn't arrived yet.

 

[RichardN]

No that's the 387/2 driver training runs. Currently no 700s can access Tilgate as it's an 8 car siding and first 8 car hasn't arrived yet.

OK, I was confused as RTT show as operated by Thameslink. Presumably down a route a Thameslink (or Gatwick Express) driver wouldn't currently sign as well...

 

[MCR247]

What are the stops at Billingshurt and Pulborough for?

 

[ScotGG]

No that's the 387/2 driver training runs. Currently no 700s can access Tilgate as it's an 8 car siding and first 8 car hasn't arrived yet.

Is there a set plan for deliveries e.g. 20 12-cars until May, then 10 8-cars, then 12-cars etc?

 

[hwl]

Is there a set plan for deliveries e.g. 20 12-cars until May, then 10 8-cars, then 12-cars etc?

Yes and it is somewhere earlier in this thread!

1st batch is 11x 12car units
2nd is 6x 8 car units

 

[grid56126]

What are the stops at Billingshurt and Pulborough for?

Operational requirements. . . Of the crews trainng on them when they get to Littlehamton and getting them back home. . . Possibly

 

[ScotGG]

Yes and it is somewhere earlier in this thread!

1st batch is 11x 12car units
2nd is 6x 8 car units

Thanks. Any idea on timescales? We have 5 12-cars in UK now I think. So 11 by May seems very possible then the 8 cars start arriving for testing from May hopefully.

 

[jon0844]

I don't think it's been asked, but when will 700s be testing on the Great Northern side? I've seen the diamond signs which I assume are for these?

 

[westcoaster]

I don't think it's been asked, but when will 700s be testing on the Great Northern side? I've seen the diamond signs which I assume are for these?

The GN test drivers are out route learning the thameslink core through to herne hill as we speak, also the final piece of OHLE has been installed between canal tunnel an St Pancras low level.

 

[Class377/5]

OK, I was confused as RTT show as operated by Thameslink. Presumably down a route a Thameslink (or Gatwick Express) driver wouldn't currently sign as well...

All Southern and GatEx services are operated by the GTR so showing Thameslink for a TOC code is correct.

Is there a set plan for deliveries e.g. 20 12-cars until May, then 10 8-cars, then 12-cars etc?

There's a plan.

Yes and it is somewhere earlier in this thread!

1st batch is 11x 12car units
2nd is 6x 8 car units

Was that. 700002 now reported as en route to the UK.

Thanks. Any idea on timescales? We have 5 12-cars in UK now I think. So 11 by May seems very possible then the 8 cars start arriving for testing from May hopefully.

We have 7x 700/1 units (102/106-111). Unit 8 comes Wednesday.

I don't think it's been asked, but when will 700s be testing on the Great Northern side? I've seen the diamond signs which I assume are for these?

It requires Canal Tunnels to be officially open. Believe that due April/May time?

The GN test drivers are out route learning the thameslink core through to herne hill as we speak, also the final piece of OHLE has been installed between canal tunnel an St Pancras low level.

I didn't realise they were learning the Core already, makes sense. GN drivers are also learning the 377s too.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R02392/2016/03/09/advanced

Is that anything to do with the 700s?

 

[trainmania100]

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R02392/2016/03/09/advanced

Is that anything to do with the 700s?

Yes in the early hours that will carry a 700 to three bridges
The schedule you've seen is the returning66 with no 700

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Yes in the early hours that will carry a 700 to three bridges
The schedule you've seen is the returning66 with no 700

Will it be hauling some other freight to Dollands Moor as it list a trailing load of 1400 tonnes?

 

[trainmania100]

Will it be hauling some other freight to Dollands Moor as it list a trailing load of 1400 tonnes?

It will be hauling some wagons yeah used for braking the 700

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Found the Dollands Moor-Three Bridges move, don't think it was there a little earlier so it might have just been activated/added

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R02393/2016/03/09/advanced

 

[grid56126]

Three units stabled at Düren on Froday (4th March)

http://abload.de/img/265030aachennord3.3.12guao.jpg

 

[hwl]

Three units stabled at Düren on Froday (4th March)

http://abload.de/img/265030aachennord3.3.12guao.jpg

One is 700006 but the number on the one on the left isn't so clear possibly 011 or 007?

It looks like the speed of deliveries might start picking up soon with plenty of 8 car units finished.

Is there any news on the translator wagons?

 

[physics34]

Three units stabled at Düren on Froday (4th March)

http://abload.de/img/265030aachennord3.3.12guao.jpg

while they are sitting there doing nothing they could install tables

 

[Skimble19]

Rather pedantic point, but I notice in the photo above there is a slight variation between the two units. If you look at the light at the top centre of the cab, one unit has a white surround, the other doesn't..

Wondering if this is intentional to signify something perhaps? (No idea what!)

 

[westcoaster]

I've noticed it as well, some do and some don't.

 

[Kentish Paul]

Found the Dollands Moor-Three Bridges move, don't think it was there a little earlier so it might have just been activated/added

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R02393/2016/03/09/advanced

Why the roundabout route. Whats wrong with Ashford, Tonbridge, Redhill and Three Bridges.

 

[Philip Phlopp]

Rather pedantic point, but I notice in the photo above there is a slight variation between the two units. If you look at the light at the top centre of the cab, one unit has a white surround, the other doesn't..

Wondering if this is intentional to signify something perhaps? (No idea what!)

It appears, for each unit, one driving vehicle has a black surround for the high level light and the other driving vehicle has a white surround.

I'd guess if that's the case, it's to identify the DMCO(A) and DMCO(B) vehicles to aide those who might need to know what way round the train is.

 

[RichardN]

Why the roundabout route. Whats wrong with Ashford, Tonbridge, Redhill and Three Bridges.

Long train, short run round loop?