WMR Class 196 Build and Implementation

[Scott1]

Have the dehumidifiers been required much since, or was it a symptom of being unused specifically during the sub-zero cold snap we had recently?

They are likely left there from the unit sitting in sidings etc for a prolonged period. At this time of year units that are left stood in the cold and damp can quickly get damp, which in turn leads to damp seats, carpets, even ceiling panels. The dehumidifier boxes prevent mould from the damp build up, along with other issues.

 

[Techniquest]

Well I finally got to try the 196s this week! 196101 on the 1340 Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street on 25th January, then 196107 on the 1556 (I think) Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury.

First impressions were excellent, and I was immediately impressed with the interior from the second I stepped on board. I was directed, with my cycle, to the space by the large lavatory (perhaps the only one on board, I didn't look through the whole train.

Surprisingly comfortable seats, big windows, USB and 3-pin sockets were noted, I assume they were at airline seats too but I didn't look.

Smooth travels, good quality PIS although while it is shown on the screens which side the doors will open, it wasn't announced. For me, not a problem but for those with vision impairments that seemed a bit off. I was off at Shifnal in no time, the journey from Shrewsbury being a pleasure.

Later on, following my mini cycling adventure, I picked up 196107 from Wolverhampton all the way back to Shrewsbury. This time, I saw that there was reportedly space for 3 cycles in the coach at the other end of the train, so I made a beeline for that. I'm really not sure how they figured 3 cycles would fit in that space, I struggled to fit my slim road cycle in there without inflicting blockages on others! This might have been easier on a quieter service, and with a coach using full lighting, as for reasons unknown there was limited lighting in that coach.

I got a table seat this time, although as I'd not packed a phone charger for the mini adventure I didn't try the sockets. Nice and comfortable seats, I had no discomfort after around 50 minutes on board.

I did have some rattling panels on a couple of occasions on 196107, but they didn't do it for long so it wasn't much of an issue.

Overall, I loved the 196s and I'm very keen to sample them again! Their arrival on the Hereford line is going to be incredibly welcome, and I'm going to look at doing another visit to the Midlands soon just to get some more 196s done!

 

[william.martin]

I did have some rattling panels on a couple of occasions on 196107, but they didn't do it for long so it wasn't much of an issue.

That is an issue with the particular unit, your not the only one to notice .

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 Jan 2023 ==

Looks like I'm on another 2 196's tomorrow. (Unless it's a 170 wich I would quite like)

 

[Techniquest]

That is an issue with the particular unit, your not the only one to notice .

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 Jan 2023 ==

Looks like I'm on another 2 196's tomorrow. (Unless it's a 170 wich I would quite like)

Hopefully by the time it serves Hereford, it'll be sorted then

Enjoy the 196s!

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Apparently 196114 has arrived at Tyseley. Is this true please and has anyone actually seen it?

I've never seen it.

 

[SuperLuke2334]

Apparently 196114 has arrived at Tyseley. Is this true please and has anyone actually seen it?

I've never seen it.

Now confirmed not to be true.

 

[william.martin]

Hopefully by the time it serves Hereford, it'll be sorted then

Enjoy the 196s!

Thanks, I did enjoy them and as luck would have it I was onboard 196107 and 196102 (the same two units as last time) and all noticed issues had been resolved including vibrations and stupid loud announcements.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 31 Jan 2023 ==

Here are some pics:

They are all of 196107 and a cheeky little 153. I couldn't photo 196102 as it was the last Shrewsbury to Birmingham run of the day and was far to dark.

 

[AlexNL]

I love the face to face pic with the 153, great shot

 

[william.martin]

I love the face to face pic with the 153, great shot

Its a long story:
•A Cardiff to Manchester 175 is severely delayed, arrives on plat 3 at the same time a 158 is scheduled to go on the Cambrian.
•The 158 routes onto plat 4.
• A heart of Wales 153 is on plat 5 however because plat 4 is occupied an inbound services coming from the Cambrian has nowhere to go.
•The 158 coming from the Cambrian is held while the 153 is moved to the end of plat 6 as the 158 could not fit Infront of the 196 also occupying plat 6
• The 158 goes onto plat 5.
•All trains continue there journey as planned.

If you are wondering why they didn't just use plat 7 for the Manchester train it is because a 153 on the Crewe shuttle was in the way.

 

[Rhydgaled]

Its a long story:
•A Cardiff to Manchester 175 is severely delayed, arrives on plat 3 at the same time a 158 is scheduled to go on the Cambrian.
•The 158 routes onto plat 4.
• A heart of Wales 153 is on plat 5 however because plat 4 is occupied an inbound services coming from the Cambrian has nowhere to go.
•The 158 coming from the Cambrian is held while the 153 is moved to the end of plat 6 as the 158 could not fit Infront of the 196 also occupying plat 6
• The 158 goes onto plat 5.
•All trains continue there journey as planned.

If you are wondering why they didn't just use plat 7 for the Manchester train it is because a 153 on the Crewe shuttle was in the way.

Could platform 7 at Shrewsbury be used by a Cardiff to Manchester anyway (even if the 153 wasn't there)? I thought I read somewhere that platform 7 was only signalled for southbound moves and was rather surprised when I saw a Crewe-Shrewsbury shuttle use it last year, so perhaps it is bi-directional at the north end but cannot be accessed by a train from the south heading north?

 

[william.martin]

Could platform 7 at Shrewsbury be used by a Cardiff to Manchester anyway (even if the 153 wasn't there)? I thought I read somewhere that platform 7 was only signalled for southbound moves and was rather surprised when I saw a Crewe-Shrewsbury shuttle use it last year, so perhaps it is bi-directional at the north end but cannot be accessed by a train from the south heading north?

The Crewe shuttle nearly always uses it. They can use plat 7 for services off Cardiff and down that way however only in an Emergency as there would be few/ no signals and a strict low (not sure of the exact limit) speed limit.

 

[craigybagel]

Could platform 7 at Shrewsbury be used by a Cardiff to Manchester anyway (even if the 153 wasn't there)? I thought I read somewhere that platform 7 was only signalled for southbound moves and was rather surprised when I saw a Crewe-Shrewsbury shuttle use it last year, so perhaps it is bi-directional at the north end but cannot be accessed by a train from the south heading north?

Trains can only arrive into 7 from the North, from both the Chester and Crewe lines. They can depart to both North and South, but in the case of the former they can only access the Crewe line, not Chester.

The Crewe shuttle nearly always uses it. They can use plat 7 for services off Cardiff and down that way however only in an Emergency as there would be few/ no signals and a strict low (not sure of the exact limit) speed limit.

Not with passengers on they can't. If there's a problem with platform 4 then services from Cardiff towards Crewe normally run into 3, 5 or 6, shunt back out of the station and then go down the through road to access the Crewe line from there. Or they do impromptu set swaps at Shrewsbury with the service split in two.

 

[CharlieSpotted]

Off topic, but just curious, can anyone tell me what the sign in the window of the 196 means? The X with the letters N above and M below.

I think I used to see a similar thing in the window of the 323s sometimes?

 

[43096]

Off topic, but just curious, can anyone tell me what the sign in the window of the 196 means? The X with the letters N above and M below.

I think I used to see a similar thing in the window of the 323s sometimes?

It means the unit cannot be coupled in multiple with another set at that end. The NM stands for “Non-Multi”.

 

[Scott1]

Off topic, but just curious, can anyone tell me what the sign in the window of the 196 means? The X with the letters N above and M below.

I think I used to see a similar thing in the window of the 323s sometimes?

Non-multi. Basically that cab can't be attached to another unit, for example if it has a defective coupler, or isn't compatible with the rest of the fleet.

 

[CharlieSpotted]

Non-multi. Basically that cab can't be attached to another unit, for example if it has a defective coupler, or isn't compatible with the rest of the fleet.

Makes sense, thank you!

 

[Class172]

Non-multi. Basically that cab can't be attached to another unit, for example if it has a defective coupler, or isn't compatible with the rest of the fleet.

I wonder if in this case the 4-car units (196/1s) simply haven't been signed off for multiple working in passenger use yet. Happy for someone to correct me but I'm not aware of the 4-car units being used in larger formations yet.

EDIT: Though on second thoughts that's the first time I've seen a picture with the non-multi sign so you can probably disregard my previous comment.

 

[D365]

Various technical issues still to be resolved.

 

[MDB1images]

Just checking my records are correct.
I have the following Class 196's having worked in traffic.
196001/006
196101/102/107/108/109/110.
Is this correct?

 

[william.martin]

Just checking my records are correct.
I have the following Class 196's having worked in traffic.
196001/006
196101/102/107/108/109/110.
Is this correct?

Yes, I believe 196105 had a stint in service however mark me if I'm wrong.

 

[Liam L]

Just checking my records are correct.
I have the following Class 196's having worked in traffic.
196001/006
196101/102/107/108/109/110.
Is this correct?

Again mark me if I'm wrong, 104 has aswell.

 

[william.martin]

Just managed to confirm that NO 196105 has not entered service however 104 has.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Feb 2023 ==

Here is the official information:
Units that have entered service are:

196001
196006
196101
196102
196104
196107
196108
196109
196110.

 

[MDB1images]

Just managed to confirm that NO 196105 has not entered service however 104 has.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Feb 2023 ==

Here is the official information:
Units that have entered service are:

196001
196006
196101
196102
196104
196107
196108
196109
196110.

Many thanks William, much appreciated.

 

[william.martin]

Many thanks William, much appreciated.

Not a problem, I will edit the list when I hear of any others entering service

 

[bnsf734]

Without reading back through the thread does anybody know if any class 196 are booked on Saturdays and their likely turns.

Visiting Shrewsbury from Birmingham tomorrow and would like a ride if possible.

 

[william.martin]

Without reading back through the thread does anybody know if any class 196 are booked on Saturdays and their likely turns.

Visiting Shrewsbury from Birmingham tomorrow and would like a ride if possible.

Most services are 196 hauled everyday of the week, some days it will be all 196's and on others there may only be 3 out.
It's just pure luck to what diagram they are on however I can confirm that all diagrams starting with the following headcodes (ECS) shall use 196's.

5G01
5G02
5G03

There is usually one 170 set which will start at Birmingham, the rest are 196's.
5Gxx headcodes on this line are all Shrewsbury abbey forgate to shrewsbury ECS's, only 196's are kept overnight at shrewsbury unless there is a problem with a 196.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Fleet have confirmed that Worcester depot and Herford sidings are all signed off and that train crew training will commence in April/May ready to introduce on New St to Herford services.

Leamington to Nuneaton will follow in the summer pending training also.

 

[SuperLuke2334]

Fleet have confirmed that Worcester depot and Herford sidings are all signed off and that train crew training will commence in April/May ready to introduce on New St to Herford services.

Leamington to Nuneaton will follow in the summer pending training also.

Crew training commencing in April/May!?!??! I thought that was when they were meant to be introduced!?

 

[Class172]

Given the focus has been to get them in service on the Shrewsbury line, where drivers don't have the luxury of signing 172s as alternative traction, that seems reasonable to me.

 

[newtownmgr]

Fleet have confirmed that Worcester depot and Herford sidings are all signed off and that train crew training will commence in April/May ready to introduce on New St to Herford services.

Leamington to Nuneaton will follow in the summer pending training also.

Crew training at Worcester started last month.