Wigan Bolton Testing

[Gricer99]

I note today on RTT that there are now a number of evening trains that go from Stalybridge or Manchester Oxford Road to Wigan North Western. All seem to be planned for 769 units (previously they were allocated to dmus).
Is this the soft start for a fully electrified service or is it still diesel operated west of Bolton

 

[TrainzBK]

They’ve ran like this for quite some time now in the evenings, it’s usually down to getting the units back to Allerton as far as I know.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Will still be diesel operated until some testing is done, I think for the Manchester - Stalybridge section a 331 did it overnight.

Also been said in other threads that testing for Wigan-Bolton will involve clearing Pendolinos for the line.

 

[Gricer99]

The very first electric test train from Wigan North Western to Bolton and back, ran earlier this morning. Seems it was very successful as it ran early throughout.

 

[plugwash]

Also been said in other threads that testing for Wigan-Bolton will involve clearing Pendolinos for the line.

hmm,

platform 1 at Wigan north western is apparently 194m long. a 9 car pendo is apparently 217 meters, but the front and rear cars only have passenger doors on the "inner" ends, so maybe it would just about fit.

 

[Gricer99]

First 331s on the line tonight!

 

[The Planner]

Also been said in other threads that testing for Wigan-Bolton will involve clearing Pendolinos for the line.

On paper as a statement of compatibility, doesn't mean they will ever use it. Walsall to Rugeley was cleared for 390s, never been used.

 

[Donny85]

331026 and 331017 passing through Ince 04/06/2025. Outbound was about 20 minutes early with the return about 45 early.

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

On paper as a statement of compatibility, doesn't mean they will ever use it. Walsall to Rugeley was cleared for 390s, never been used.

In this particular case (Wigan-Bolton) occasional use is likely for ecs moves when the Chorley route is blocked though I think the Chat Moss route is preferred. But in service passenger workings will be uncommon.

 

[david l]

https://networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/first-electric-train-completes-test-run-between-wigan-and-bolton

 

[GraphitProjekt]

https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/defaul...rgy-sub-system-authorisation-2025-07-11_0.pdf
https://www.orr.gov.uk/guidance-compliance/rail/health-safety/laws/interoperability/authorisations
looks like the line was accepted on the 11th

 

[GRALISTAIR]

https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/defaul...rgy-sub-system-authorisation-2025-07-11_0.pdf
https://www.orr.gov.uk/guidance-compliance/rail/health-safety/laws/interoperability/authorisations
looks like the line was accepted on the 11th

Great stuff

 

[david l]

Power changeover from diesel to electric (and vice-versa) supposed to move from Bolton to Ince on 27th July but no 769's are out on a Sunday so presume will apply from Monday 28th. Trip out on Fri 25th showed the signs for power changeover at Ince were still covered over..............and platform extensions (or clearance) at Ince, Hindley & Westhoughton still not in use - although to be fair these may not be needed until December. Lets see how long it is before a 769 refuses to change over at Ince and blocks the entire Wigan-Manchester service (Min. 4 tph each way).

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Have we had any 769 changeover failures at Ince yet? I've not noticed any significant delays but I'm not always paying attention to it.