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Greater Anglia Bombardier Aventras (Class 720): Technical discussion and introduction

JonathanH

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29 May 2011
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18,530
Would anyone happen to know how the numbers are allocated to the trains when released in to service? It seems odd to me to have 511 and 536 running initially and not say 501 & 502 or 503 & 504 etc. Thanks Gaz
Often the lowest numbered units are used for testing so it is not uncommon for the xxxx01 unit not to enter service until near the end. Examples include 710256 and 345001 which haven't entered passenger service yet. Indeed, 378001 never operated as a 3-car unit and I think was the last of the original batch of 24 (as 378201) to operate in service. 377601 was a late entrant as well as I recall, the first of these in service being 377604 and 377605.

Not just Bombardier either - 385001 was held back, likewise 800001 and 800101.

In the case of the 720s, a lot seem to have been built (as reported on ukmodernemu) and taken to Worksop. It seems that they have just introduced the ones that have got as far as Ilford.
 
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Wivenswold

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24 Jul 2012
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There's probably a good book in that "First in Class", as I'm sure some "001's" (other numbers too obviously) have had some interesting travels, show events, diagrams and premature endings.
 

coolrobert21

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25 May 2019
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Location
Southend on Sea
I have on my personal listings numbers 720101 to 720122. But I believe these have been superseded by 720590 to 720633?
They can't number the units from 720 590 upwards without changing the numbers on the 720/6 orders for c2c, I read that in my Electric Multiple Unit book that I got for Christmas
 

Peter Mugridge

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8 Apr 2010
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Epsom
They can't number the units from 720 590 upwards without changing the numbers on the 720/6 orders for c2c, I read that in my Electric Multiple Unit book that I got for Christmas
They extended the number range to be 720 101 to 720 144 as that was a lot easier than changing all the paperwork to renumber the c2c order to provide a single continuous block of numbers.
 

Goldfish62

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14 Feb 2010
Messages
9,934
New video from Geoff Marshall on these units


Apparently they have new super comfy S shaped seats and underfloor heating which is unique in the UK
Unique apart from the underfloor heating fitted on the Class 701s. :D
 

adc82140

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10 May 2008
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2,928
I've lost track: how many are now in service, how many are physically now at Ilford?
 

Railperf

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30 Oct 2017
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2,919
Looks like two pairs in service today. Quite a few units sitting at Ilford. Maybe a third pair coming out to play in the evening peak?
Does anyone know the confirmed diagrams?
 

Peter Mugridge

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8 Apr 2010
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Epsom
720 546 is currently being delivered from Derby to Wembley Yard with 47 727 and 47 739 top and tail.
 

Railperf

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30 Oct 2017
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How many units needed to run a full Southend service?
 
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Bikeman78

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26 Apr 2018
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4,493
Is that including the peak only diagrams?
No that's the off peak service. The peak frequency doubles so, they'll need roughly double the number of units. That said, the turn round times are shorter so it will be less than double.
 

Railperf

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Looks like one of the Class 720 diagrams is currently showing cancellations today. No replacement stock has been brought in to replace it on the diagram as yet.
 

KC1

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20 Jul 2009
Messages
100
Can’t wait for the Friday night cretins to jump on board throwing their McDonalds about and generally making a mess of these. As much as like the idea of walk through carriages, it unfortunately means you can’t shut carriage noise out from said cretins.
 

Railperf

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30 Oct 2017
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Still only appears to be a pair of diagrams with 720's in use. Any news on when a third or more are coming in?
I know it is quiet now due to COVID - but interested in seeing just how many Southend diagrams are in the hands of short formed 4-car units at present - probably due to a shortage of serviceable 321's.
 

Wivenswold

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24 Jul 2012
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Essex
Service Cuts kick in next week, this will no doubt assist with the short forms and general lack of rolling stock. I'm surprised the introduction into service hasn't ramped-up yet.
 

robert west

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Joined
4 Apr 2013
Messages
207
2 test rums through Witham in 11 minutes this afternoon
720538 Colchester end and 537 London end on 5q08 platform 3 at 1537 and
720550 London end and 543 colchester end on 5q33 at 1548 hours
may have been 543 and 550s 1st day in use
just read 543 already been used
 
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Railperf

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30 Oct 2017
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Tiger reporting a solitary 5-car in operation this morning on the 0720 LST to SOV and 0830 SOV to LST
 

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