Transport for Wales Class 231 / 756 Stadler FLIRTs

[XAM2175]

Aren't the numbers in two different sizes? ISTR that the 'normal' number is in the regular size while the 'extra' EVN digits are in a much smaller size.

The convention according to Guidance Note 4.2.8 in the Vehicle Registration, Marking, and Numbering Standard (RIS-2453-RST) is that the when 'GB operational number' (TOPS vehicle number) is an extract from the full EVN, they may be displayed:

• Separately, in which case both numbers must have digits at least 80 mm high;
  381001
  95 70 0381 001-8
• With the GB operational number underlined;
  95 70 0 381001-8
• With the GB operational number enlarged to double the height of the other digits;
  95 70 0 381001-8

It is also acceptable, though not given as an example in the Standard, to show the remainder of the full EVN in a fainter colour;
95 70 0 381001-8

 

[D6975]

The convention according to Guidance Note 4.2.8 in the Vehicle Registration, Marking, and Numbering Standard (RIS-2453-RST) is that the when 'GB operational number' (TOPS vehicle number) is an extract from the full EVN, they may be displayed:

• Separately, in which case both numbers must have digits at least 80 mm high;
  381001
  95 70 0381 001-8
• With the GB operational number underlined;
  95 70 0 381001-8
• With the GB operational number enlarged to double the height of the other digits;
  95 70 0 381001-8

It is also acceptable, though not given as an example in the Standard, to show the remainder of the full EVN in a fainter colour;
95 70 0 381001-8

Thanks for that, it's the third version that I've noticed, obviously. Irish 071s have the first option, I don't think I've seen anything in England with double numbers.

 

[XAM2175]

I don't think I've seen anything in England with double numbers.

Have a closer look at Northern's 195s and 331s and TPE's 397s, 802s, and Mk 5s, for a start

 

[D6975]

Have a closer look at Northern's 195s and 331s and TPE's 397s, 802s, and Mk 5s, for a start

I have - none of these has double coach numbers do they? Coach numbers and end numbers, yes, but not a short no. above a full no.

 

[43096]

I have - none of these has double coach numbers. Coach numbers and end numbers, yes, but not a short no. above a full no.

I think you need to have another look.

 

[_toommm_]

I have - none of these has double coach numbers do they? Coach numbers and end numbers, yes, but not a short no. above a full no.

Here's an example from a Class 397:

Class 397 Coach E NW_315

Class 397 coaches - 5. This is the first class driving coach 0471003. I'm guessing the blanked-off area behind the cab contains the trolley space, and that behind the left-hand door contains the disabled toilet. Carlisle, 28 May 2019.

www.flickr.com

 

[D6975]

But that isn't the UK number on top, it's a shortened version of the full number - 0471003, not 471003 .

 

[XAM2175]

I have - none of these has double coach numbers do they? Coach numbers and end numbers, yes, but not a short no. above a full no.

I had a quick dig through my archive.
Class 195:


Class 397:


Mk 5a:

But that isn't the UK number on top, it's a shortened version of the full number - 0471003, not 471003 .

That appears to be a misunderstanding by CAF - technically the full "national" block is seven digits so they've included the leading zero. They've all received entirely new markings since then.

 

[43096]

That appears to be a misunderstanding by CAF - technically the full "national" block is seven digits so they've included the leading zero. They've all received entirely new markings since then.

The EVN has been applied in a very poor way (one that is non-compliant) and doesn't include the VKM that should also be carried.

 

[Buzz68]

In the early hours of Saturday morning 8 January the 231 should be having what I believe is it's first of 2 runs to Ebbw Vale
3N00 off Canton, 3N01 to Ebbw Vale, 3N02 return and 3N03 back to Ebbw Vale, 3N04 to Cardiff and 3N05 into Canton.

Realtime Trains | 3N01 0100 Cardiff Central to Ebbw Vale Town | 08/01/2022

Real-time train running information for 3N01 0100 departure from Cardiff Central to Ebbw Vale Town on 08/01/2022. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[D6975]

The EVN has been applied in a very poor way (one that is non-compliant) and doesn't include the VKM that should also be carried.

They also have the dash before the check digit missing which could be misleading.
Thanks to all that have posted phots - I will have my eyes peeled next time I'm up North.

 

[Pete_uk]

I read that the battery will power the 231s from Cardiff to Bridgend. Thats much further than I thought they would go.

 

[Rhydgaled]

I read that the battery will power the 231s from Cardiff to Bridgend. Thats much further than I thought they would go.

756s surely, not 231s? Do the 231s even have a traction battery?

 

[Pete_uk]

I might have got them mixed up!?

 

[Bob Price]

Friday night/Saturday morning runs to Rhymney have been put into the schedules. Obviously one thing to have them in, another to actually run them.

 

[Buzz68]

Friday night/Saturday morning runs to Rhymney have been put into the schedules. Obviously one thing to have them in, another to actually run them.

I noticed the runs have changed today to 9Rxx from the 3Rxx previously and now showings as run by TfW rather than GBRF

 

[66050]

231 at Hengoed, working 9R01!

 

[Buzz68]

231002 at Llanbradach 9R02

 

[Techniquest]

Nice captures there both! I hope it wasn't as cold out there as it was here last night!

 

[Bob Price]

Yes it was cold out last! Here it is leaving Heath High Level

 

[Techniquest]

Nice! I was outside a lot yesterday, so I sympathise with the cold, and my ride back from the station at around 2238 was cold and foggy enough to make me glad of a cuppa when I got in! Another cold day today and I'm back out on another day of exploring, I must be mad!

 

[ajp303]

How noisy is the 231 compared to the 170? It seems quiet in the video until the central diesel section goes past. Thanks.

 

[Bob Price]

As it sounds, very quiet until the middle lump passes.

 

[Techniquest]

How noisy is the 231 compared to the 170? It seems quiet in the video until the central diesel section goes past. Thanks.

Based on my observations of 755s versus 170s, the former are so much quieter than 170s it is amazing. The commuters of Wales are in for a treat!

 

[CapitalStar378]

Does anyone know when more 231s are expected to be delivered to Canton? Seems a long time since the first 2 arrived.

 

[Bob Price]

Someone said February.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Does anyone know when more 231s are expected to one delivered to Canton? Seems a long time since the first 2 arrived.

There is usually a pause after the first members of a class are delivered. Time for fitter training and then to see what needs sorting out on the rest of the production run. Then comes driver training.

Granted the 701s are not a good example of this. Just get em out the factory door and store them somewhere seems to be the regime !.

 

[Buzz68]

Both 231004+231002 out on the 3R01 2300 Cardiff to Rhymney last night 21.1.2022 (still shot from my video)

 

[Pete_uk]

What's with the light just in front of the bogie?


(I'll say thanks in advance as I won't be here again until Monday morning!)

 

[Anonymous10]

What's with the light just in front of the bogie?


(I'll say thanks in advance as I won't be here again until Monday morning!)

looks to the untrained eye yo be a light to illuminate the step into the cab for train crew