WMR Class 196 Build and Implementation

[Jacob Porrett]

I diverted myself specially on a Hereford to Birmingham journey the other day, to go via Kidderminster just to try my luck on the 196s. I had 50-odd minutes to fill in Birmingham, so it just made sense.

Yikes to the bad ride though, I've not yet had a bad 'un but I've probably just tempted fate!

Any news yet regarding a revised date on the 196s being introduced on the Hereford route?

 

[SuperLuke2334]

Yes,too optimistic. Hopefully happening before the end of the month. Network Rail delaying things at present due to work not done which should have been. Not sure of details.

There's your answer.

 

[Techniquest]

A trademark of bad build quality is inconsistent build quality.

I've taken just two rides on a 196, both of which incidentally being 196101 sat in the middle of the carriage; The first time was on the first day and it rode OK, but the second time seemed to be quite poor, although I was likely sat in different carriages.

That is pretty poor, something wasn't right for sure then! I didn't get that problem when I had 196101 way back on 25th January 2023. Just went and looked for that in my moves file, and I was perhaps also fortunate to not have the problem when I had it again nearly a month later. Shrewsbury to Shifnal for the first journey there, Wolverhampton to Smethwick Galton Bridge the second.

I also note 101 was my first 196, seems like such a long time ago!

Any news yet regarding a revised date on the 196s being introduced on the Hereford route?

I've no connection to anyone with the gen I'm afraid, @newtownmgr is clearly the person to speak to as his post the other suggests NR are behind on something. If I was to guess, I'd suggest it's not platform extensions although those would be welcome at places like Colwall and Ledbury.

 

[newtownmgr]

That is pretty poor, something wasn't right for sure then! I didn't get that problem when I had 196101 way back on 25th January 2023. Just went and looked for that in my moves file, and I was perhaps also fortunate to not have the problem when I had it again nearly a month later. Shrewsbury to Shifnal for the first journey there, Wolverhampton to Smethwick Galton Bridge the second.

I also note 101 was my first 196, seems like such a long time ago!



I've no connection to anyone with the gen I'm afraid, @newtownmgr is clearly the person to speak to as his post the other suggests NR are behind on something. If I was to guess, I'd suggest it's not platform extensions although those would be welcome at places like Colwall and Ledbury.

Not platform extensions & not sure of the issues.

 

[GWVillager]

I’m completely uneducated on the whole thing, but I’d assume it was nothing physical, seen as the trains can run the line with testing etc. It strikes me as more likely to be a software problem, though that hardly narrows it down.

 

[Bletchleyite]

A trademark of bad build quality is inconsistent build quality.

I've taken just two rides on a 196, both of which incidentally being 196101 sat in the middle of the carriage; The first time was on the first day and it rode OK, but the second time seemed to be quite poor, although I was likely sat in different carriages.

Different locations makes a huge difference. On 350s for example (which you can never accuse of bad quality) it feels very jiggly and jittery at the vehicle ends but silky smooth if you're between the bogies.

 

[newtownmgr]

I’m completely uneducated on the whole thing, but I’d assume it was nothing physical, seen as the trains can run the line with testing etc. It strikes me as more likely to be a software problem, though that hardly narrows it down.

A software issue wouldn’t be a network rail issue!! The delay is down to network rail. So either paperwork or station signage. I believe it’s been resolved so intro will be in the next week or two hopefully.

 

[GWVillager]

A software issue wouldn’t be a network rail issue!! The delay is down to network rail. So either paperwork or station signage. I believe it’s been resolved so intro will be in the next week or two hopefully.

Fantastic! I would have to guess the former, all the stations I’ve seen have been covered in perhaps too many stop markers, posters, ramps and the like

 

[Neptune]

Different locations makes a huge difference. On 350s for example (which you can never accuse of bad quality) it feels very jiggly and jittery at the vehicle ends but silky smooth if you're between the bogies.

Yes the 185’s aren’t exactly smooth when you throw a junction into the equation.

 

[Techniquest]

A software issue wouldn’t be a network rail issue!! The delay is down to network rail. So either paperwork or station signage. I believe it’s been resolved so intro will be in the next week or two hopefully.

Excellent

Thanks for the update Here's to the new trains on the Malvern/Hereford route soon

 

[Jacob Porrett]

A software issue wouldn’t be a network rail issue!! The delay is down to network rail. So either paperwork or station signage. I believe it’s been resolved so intro will be in the next week or two hopefully.

Sounds positive news.

 

[AJDesiro]

The WMR May TTC information page seems to say that the 196s will start on the NUCKLE around the 21st May.

May Timetable Change: Sunday 21 May 2023

www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk

Our timetables are changing significantly on the Snow Hill lines from Sunday 21 May 2023. The changes will introduce a more reliable, more consistent and easier to understand timetable for services between Stratford-upon-Avon – Birmingham Snow Hill - Worcester.

Additionally, we’re introducing Class 196 trains to the Leamington Spa – Nuneaton via Coventry line during this timetable and a later last evening service on weekdays between Birmingham New Street – Hednesford.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

Yesterday I went to Shrewsbury and had 196110 and 196104 as my units and both were pleasant journeys. Nothing to report wrong although the table on 104 on the way home was breaking already. The top layer was peeling off.

 

[Class172]

The WMR May TTC information page seems to say that the 196s will start on the NUCKLE around the 21st May.

May Timetable Change: Sunday 21 May 2023

www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk

Note that it says they will be introduced during the timetable period, which would be anything up to this December:

Additionally, we’re introducing Class 196 trains to the Leamington Spa – Nuneaton via Coventry line during this timetable

...

Leamington Spa – Nuneaton via Coventry​

Key changes for this route:

• New Class 196 trains will be introduced to this line from May 2023 onwards.

Has crew training started at the appropriate depots (Coventry?) to enable the introduction of the class before the end of the year?

 

[GWVillager]

I went to Ledbury yesterday and noticed two orange-clad workers erecting the Class 196 ramps, you can see them here. Might this be our reason for the delay?

On a slightly separate note, do they really need that hideously ugly freestanding scaffold? It all feels a bit messy, bordering rushed, I’d be curious to know if the ramps are similarly accommodated on the Shrewsbury line.

 

[SuperLuke2334]

I went to Ledbury yesterday and noticed two orange-clad workers erecting the Class 196 ramps, you can see them here. Might this be our reason for the delay?

On a slightly separate note, do they really need that hideously ugly freestanding scaffold? It all feels a bit messy, bordering rushed, I’d be curious to know if the ramps are similarly accommodated on the Shrewsbury line.

They've done the same with the 196/197 ramps at Hereford. Presumably they've made the frame at HFD due to the buildings being listed.

 

[AJDesiro]

Note that it says they will be introduced during the timetable period, which would be anything up to this December:



Has crew training started at the appropriate depots (Coventry?) to enable the introduction of the class before the end of the year?

I've seen some posts from a Senior Conductor on Facebook based at Coventry who posted some pictures from the 196 training, seems to be the only proof of training there is.

 

[Techniquest]

At least it seems to be happening, and while we may not get to ride a 196 to Nuneaton in May, it'll happen soon

 

[GWVillager]

They've done the same with the 196/197 ramps at Hereford. Presumably they've made the frame at HFD due to the buildings being listed.

I would say it causes more visual damage than fitting them to the walls. Slightly off topic but is it too hard to design one ramp compatible with everything (or vice versa)?

 

[kbizzle]

Not sure if it's been out and about in revenue before but 196103 has made an appearance this evening on TS401 diagram.

 

[william.martin]

Not sure if it's been out and about in revenue before but 196103 has made an appearance this evening on TS401 diagram.

That's a first for 196103.

 

[GWVillager]

Not sure if it's been out and about in revenue before but 196103 has made an appearance this evening on TS401 diagram.

Excuse my ignorance - what does that diagram cover?

 

[Covshire1]

Excuse my ignorance - what does that diagram cover?

5G01 0523 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Shrewsbury
2G01 0540 Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street
2J06 0656 Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury
2G06 0810 Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street
5H07 0927 Birmingham New Street to Tyseley L.M.D.
5J32 1657 Tyseley L.M.D. to Birmingham New Street
2J32 1726 Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury
2G27 1840 Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street
2J40 2004 Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury
2G33 2140 Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street
2J46 2256 Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury
5J46 0011 Shrewsbury to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs

 

[GWVillager]

5G01 0523 Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs to Shrewsbury
2G01 0540 Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street
2J06 0656 Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury
2G06 0810 Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street
5H07 0927 Birmingham New Street to Tyseley L.M.D.
5J32 1657 Tyseley L.M.D. to Birmingham New Street
2J32 1726 Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury
2G27 1840 Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street
2J40 2004 Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury
2G33 2140 Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street
2J46 2256 Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury
5J46 0011 Shrewsbury to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs

Thank you!

 

[Liam L]

The WMR May TTC information page seems to say that the 196s will start on the NUCKLE around the 21st May.

May Timetable Change: Sunday 21 May 2023

www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk

It says during the timetable so anytime from 21st May to December.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Apr 2023 ==

Reports from 196/730 Facebook group that 196005/006 have ran the 17:50 Birmingham to Worcester service this evening
(17/04/2023)

 

[Halish Railway]

Anyone know why the return working has gone via the Camp Hill line?

I’ve just walked to Selly Oak to photograph it!

EDIT: I managed to catch the 20:00 departure from Birmingham New Street at Selly Oak, the pictures aren't the greatest due to the disappearing light.

 

[GWVillager]

It says during the timetable so anytime from 21st May to December.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Apr 2023 ==

Reports from 196/730 Facebook group that 196005/006 have ran the 17:50 Birmingham to Worcester service this evening
(17/04/2023)

Excellent! Presumably this diagram will remain 196s from now on?

 

[newtownmgr]

Anyone know why the return working has gone via the Camp Hill line?

I’ve just walked to Selly Oak to photograph it!

EDIT: I managed to catch the 20:00 departure from Birmingham New Street at Selly Oak, the pictures aren't the greatest due to the disappearing light.
View attachment 133234View attachment 133235

Error by signaller. Diverted the wrong 1M80. Driver checked route but was told to take it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Apr 2023 ==

Excellent! Presumably this diagram will remain 196s from now on?

For the next few weeks at least. Believe there are some changes in may with full intro by sept.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

I had 196104 and 196108 today and no problems to report. Both were good journeys today. 104 from Telford Central to Smethwick Galton Bridge and 108 from Birmingham New Street to Telford Central.

 

[Techniquest]

That is great news about the 196s starting to appear on Worcester route services I shall have to consider a WMDR tomorrow after all!