Thameslink Programme, South Central & South Eastern area fleet cascades etc

[Edvid]

Sounds like 202 will be under the wires for some time now (including the Bank Holiday weekend at Cricklewood).

 

[class 313]

Sounds like 202 will be under the wires for some time now (including the Bank Holiday weekend at Cricklewood).

Whys this then?

 

[Edvid]

Apparently there is rather a lot of work that needs to be done before 377s can be certified for passenger service on our route, so I presume FCC are making the most of it.

 

[class 313]

Apparently there is rather a lot of work that needs to be done before 377s can be certified for passenger service on our route, so I presume FCC are making the most of it.

Really? I take its more software than the 377 itself?

 

[Edvid]

I mean in general (driver training etc) - not specfically the GPS stuff if that's what you're thinking of. I guess I (inadvertently) implied it was something to do with SDO (there's another update on the Thameslink Y! group).

 

[paul1609]

Why wouldn't they? 377/2s don't just work the Watford services. I would of thought all the 377s have the software.

I've been away from the UK since Jan but 377/2s were restricted to a few routes then mostly Watford- Brighton and Vic to Brighton Slows. They could not work in multiple with other 377s and as i understand it were fitted for but not with the GPS SDO as it was not needed on the ac services.

 

[Tom C]

The GPS is actually very reliable on Sussex Coast Services

It has got a lot better although going south it still doesn't know where North Dulwich is and going North it gets lost around East Dulwich. Other then that there isn't any major problems other than the very strange SDO commands for the Sutton loop.

Does it now work properly at Victoria underneath the shopping centre? You used to have to release the doors manually as the GPS got a bit lost!

 

[robvulpes]

Does it now work properly at Victoria underneath the shopping centre? You used to have to release the doors manually as the GPS got a bit lost!

No - still the same. And still the same poor attempts by traincrew over the PA system to alert us to the fact. Why don't they get the nice auto-announcer lady to make a standard announcement?

Rob
(cynical daily commuter on 377s into Victoria)

 

[class 313]

No - still the same. And still the same poor attempts by traincrew over the PA system to alert us to the fact. Why don't they get the nice auto-announcer lady to make a standard announcement?

Rob
(cynical daily commuter on 377s into Victoria)

Its only usually 15/20 seconds though, and those who commute or use them a lot shall know.

 

[robvulpes]

Its only usually 15/20 seconds though, and those who commute or use them a lot shall know.

The point I was trying (rather badly) to make is that I can 'tune out' the soothing female auto-voice, but I get worked-up about *any* stumbling, badly-explained manual announcement by a crew member (which is 99% of them).

Maybe I should just take more Valium before each journey (Though on Southern main-line services we have a lot less call to get stressed than most of my commuting colleagues on other lines/with other TOCs - I do hope Southern get the renewed franchise next year.)

Rob

 

[Edvid]

At last! Someone has taken a picture of 202 at Bedford (where it is still stabled).

 

[class 313]

Ah seen it now,

cheers for pointing this out.

 

[westcoaster]

202 was doing day time test runs this morning seen at st. albans heading north 11.30

 

[class 313]

202 was doing day time test runs this morning seen at st. albans heading north 11.30

Any more planned? Any info is welcomed.

 

[westcoaster]

202 out and about today, heading south near radlett at mid-day

 

[class 313]

202 out and about today, heading south near radlett at mid-day

Hmm, I should be on the MML around 7, any chance of more info on todays move?

TIA.

 

[Edvid]

Following an email to FCC it sounds like the 377/2s will remain with NSR so all the KO0 Thameslink Electrostars will be 377/5s; the latter will be leased to NSR, who will sub-lease them to FCC (and I presume that means NSR will be responsible for testing/commissioning).

In addition, the seating layout has not been finalised yet but it is most likely that it will be a 377/2-type layout (complete with NSR colours).

 

[Edvid]

Thanks to Richard Armstrong, 377202 has been snapped at Ayres End while on the move, still sans footboards. Someone else snapped it at London St Pancras some weeks ago, but their picture is of poorer quality.

Less than 4 months to go until passenger service now.

 

[class 313]

That and the first 319/3 has come back from refurbishment.

 

[Edvid]

Wow, that was a quick response.

I'd love to know why the etched windows on 361 were not replaced, considering what else they've done to it during its stay at Wolverton.

 

[class 313]

Wow, that was a quick response.

I'd love to know why the etched windows on 361 were not replaced, considering what else they've done to it during its stay at Wolverton.

'tis strange! Maybe Bedford will do something with them.

Though seeing as no FC has been added, does it still mean FC is declassified when on the city metro services?

 

[Edvid]

Either that or the compartment is 'locked out of use'. Although a slightly different scenario I've sat in First Class on the 1506 ex-Moorgate (labelled as a Standard Class-only service) with a Standard Class ticket on a few occasions, but I've never seen an RPI on that service.

 

[class 313]

Can FC be locked out? Not sure if they can as they are just push doors without a lock. Unless its at the the top of the door!

 

[westcoaster]

fc can not be locked out, also 202 is out and about alot now doing driver training runs.

 

[Edvid]

Word on the grapevine is that the first 377/5 is now under construction in Derby. That might have come from WNXX but I can't say for sure, and apparently it's even been painted in FCC colours...

Yesterday I Googled for any useful information I could find on the Class 377 tests, and I found this track access document.

If my interpretation of it is correct then FCC are using 202 for 2 SX return trips (randomly pathed into existing white space) anytime between 0900 and 1500. By the way, what is a 'Q' path?

 

[class 313]

A 'Q' Path unlike the other headcodes it signifies the train only runs when needed to.

So FCC arn't getting any of Southern 377/2s for passenger?

Lets hope the 377/5s have the better seating!

 

[Edvid]

Regardless of how many 377/2s NSR wish to sub-lease to FCC they will still have to sub-lease some 377/5s anyway. If the seats are changed (no indication of that yet) then I suspect it would be in favour of the 2+3 layout for capacity reasons.

I do hope that the end vehicles (at least) get the seats with armrests and tables.

 

[class 313]

Regardless of how many 377/2s NSR wish to sub-lease to FCC they will still have to sub-lease some 377/5s anyway. If the seats are changed (no indication of that yet) then I suspect it would be in favour of the 2+3 layout for capacity reasons.

I do hope that the end vehicles (at least) get the seats with armrests and tables.

Ah, makes more sense now!

Yeah, I do hope that the driving vehicles get the same kind of seats as what 377/2s have. Much more comfier and more of an express feel.

 

[westcoaster]

i think it is the snapper that has some photo's of the 377/5, being published in a mag iirc.

 

[class 313]

Probably RAIL...

Today see's the most amount of 319s in St Pancras Intertional top level for ages! 2/3 sets of 8 car 319s at a time compared to the usual one at weekends.