Class 175 to GWR

[Wyrleybart]

I'm guessing one or combination of three reasons: firstly their time in storage means they need work done before being service-ready, second, this is an entirely unfamiliar fleet to GWR staff (particularly drivers and maintenance staff), so they'll need time to get trained up, then third, maybe they're laying

ETCS is supposed to be a standard system, and all recent designs are allegedly specified to allow retrospective fitting.

Shouldn't really be any engineering problems if it was specified to add the modules. What is more likely is the retro legacy equipment (AWS etc) is touchy feely when switched on alongside.

The way it was described to me was works well, but overlaying the old stuff and having both turned on at same time can be a problem. As same equipment seems to work happily in a number of European countries I suspect it sounds like the old UK equipment, not the new standard equipment that creates the problem.

So would it be better to have 100% switched over to ETCS during the 2 week Cambrian closure, and having signalling changeover points in same way you have electrical changeover places whilst stationary like Farringdon. Full changeover one turned off, not running together.

Not only that. I have read that A1 60163 and deltic D9000 are planned to test their ETCS on the Cambrian route, so I am assuming it has or is transitioning from ERTMS to "standard" ETCS, but not sure which level.

 

[D365]

Not only that. I have read that A1 60163 and deltic D9000 are planned to test their ETCS on the Cambrian route, so I am assuming it has or is transitioning from ERTMS to "standard" ETCS, but not sure which level.

Some wires are getting crossed, but that’s a discussion for a different thread.

 

[Bikeman78]

That is, at a minimum, over 2 years from now.

Still quicker than new build though.

 

[Russel]

Not quite, It was said “September 2025, sooner if CAF can deliver the units”. It now seems like they’re looking at early next year. The lease on the 158’s has been extended by 2 years and they will need all the ERTMS equipment removing before they go to any other operator.

Early next year is still 12 months away, that alone is embarrassing.

 

[PP57601]

So saw on rail express that 175s are to head to GWR suggesting 2025 entry to service?

Quoted important sections

I wouldn’t have thought 175008 will be much use to GWR…. Except for spares!!!

 

[John R]

Some wires are getting crossed,

I do hope not - wasn't that what caused Clapham?

 

[Russel]

How many do GWR intend to have in service for May, if any?

 

[stevieinselby]

Can anyone remember, when GWR converted from pacers to 150s in South West, how long did the training and familiarisation take.

Slightly different, because (unless I'm mistaken, which is entirely possible!) they were already using Sprinters as the mainstay on the Tamar Valley, which had switched straight from First Gen to Sprinters in the mid-90s without Pacers/Skippers ever being regularly used on the line (the thought of fixed wheels going round those bends, you'd have heard the screeching from Plymouth!) ... so it wasn't introducing a completely new traction type into the area, there would have been fitters and some crew who were already trained up and familiar with them.

 

[-Colly405-]

Slightly different, because (unless I'm mistaken, which is entirely possible!) they were already using Sprinters as the mainstay on the Tamar Valley, which had switched straight from First Gen to Sprinters in the mid-90s without Pacers/Skippers ever being regularly used on the line (the thought of fixed wheels going round those bends, you'd have heard the screeching from Plymouth!) ... so it wasn't introducing a completely new traction type into the area, there would have been fitters and some crew who were already trained up and familiar with them.

Gunnislake did go over to the Skippers in 1986-ish, but they couldn't cope so I think it went back to 1st-gen before then going to Sprinters...

 

[windjabbers]

I’m just trying to pick through the current formation of the Class

I think this is the current situation:

Units in original formation are: - 001-3/007/009-011 102-108, 110-114 and 116

Units in mixed formation are: -

• 004 which is currently made up of 50759 and 79759 from 109
• 005 which has 79751 from 101
• 006 which has 79765 from 115
• 008 which has 50751 from 101 – so does that make 50751 and 79708 the two that are not going to be used by GWR.
• 101 which has 50708 from 008 and 78704 from 004
• 109 which has 50704 from 004 and 79705 from 005
• 115 which has 79706 from 006.

Would welcome corrections and updates etc

BW DC

 

[Bringback309s]

When are we likely to start seeing these out and about?

 

[ainsworth74]

Gentle reminder that this thread is about the 175s going to GWR

 

[wickham]

I’m just trying to pick through the current formation of the Class

I think this is the current situation:

Units in original formation are: - 001-3/007/009-011 102-108, 110-114 and 116

Units in mixed formation are: -

• 004 which is currently made up of 50759 and 79759 from 109
• 005 which has 79751 from 101
• 006 which has 79765 from 115
• 008 which has 50751 from 101 – so does that make 50751 and 79708 the two that are not going to be used by GWR.
• 101 which has 50708 from 008 and 78704 from 004
• 109 which has 50704 from 004 and 79705 from 005
• 115 which has 79706 from 006.

Would welcome corrections and updates etc

BW DC

These formations look a bit of a mess. I wonder if they will be put right for GWR to take on lease. I suppose it depends upon the terms of the lease.

 

[3973EXL]

Realtime Trains | 8Q70 0208 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Wolverton Centre Sidings | 19/03/2025

Real-time train running information for 8Q70 0208 departure from Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Wolverton Centre Sidings on 19/03/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5M57 1448 Wolverton Centre Sidings to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) | 19/03/2025

Real-time train running information for 5M57 1448 departure from Wolverton Centre Sidings to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) on 19/03/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[150249]

Is it definitely known that 001 and 003 went to Wolverton for refurbishment? It will be interesting to see how the green looks on them. I'm not a fan of the white personally.

 

[simonmpoulton]

I agree they looked far better in the ATW Green - will be interesting to see what they look like in GWR green.

 

[D365]

These formations look a bit of a mess. I wonder if they will be put right for GWR to take on lease. I suppose it depends upon the terms of the lease.

Other than mileages, why does it matter which vehicles are formed into each consist?

 

[3973EXL]

18/03
5L46 0546 Derby RTC - Ely
37608 Barriers 37501

Realtime Trains | 8Q70 0208 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Wolverton Centre Sidings | 19/03/2025

Real-time train running information for 8Q70 0208 departure from Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Wolverton Centre Sidings on 19/03/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5M57 1448 Wolverton Centre Sidings to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) | 19/03/2025

Real-time train running information for 5M57 1448 departure from Wolverton Centre Sidings to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) on 19/03/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[HamworthyGoods]

Other than mileages, why does it matter which vehicles are formed into each consist?

It doesn’t!!

 

[SolomonSouth]

I’m honestly not sure whether this is good news or not.

Although the 175s are fairly young they are very unreliable (as is the whole Coradia family to be honest), and are only 3 coaches maximum so not very long unless coupled. Plus they have no commonality with any other GWR fleets and are yet another unique minority.

I’ve been told that they sorted out the fire issues, and I can only hope that’s true.

 

[The exile]

I’m honestly not sure whether this is good news or not.

Although the 175s are fairly young they are very unreliable (as is the whole Coradia family to be honest), and are only 3 coaches maximum so not very long unless coupled. Plus they have no commonality with any other GWR fleets and are yet another unique minority.

I’ve been told that they sorted out the fire issues, and I can only hope that’s true.

What’s the alternative in the medium term (as in within the next 12-18 months)? Do nothing except start providing guards with shoehorns? There’s already a significant stock shortage and committed enhancements are coming down the line.

 

[D6975]

It doesn’t!!

Yes it does. The two vehicles will have different exam regimes, causing maintenance problems for scheduling exams. An example of this was the FGW 150/9s where the centre cars had to keep being moved between units when the 150/2 car required an exam when the 150/1 around it didn't.

 

[SolomonSouth]

What’s the alternative in the medium term (as in within the next 12-18 months)? Do nothing except start providing guards with shoehorns? There’s already a significant stock shortage and committed enhancements are coming down the line.

In all fairness the DMU shortage really helps the 175’s case.

 

[skyhigh]

The two vehicles will have different exam regimes, causing maintenance problems for scheduling exams.

You're assuming they haven't harmonised the exam schedules between the misformed units. It's perfectly normal to do so when the new formation is planned to be long-term/permanent.

 

[Topological]

I’m honestly not sure whether this is good news or not.

Although the 175s are fairly young they are very unreliable (as is the whole Coradia family to be honest), and are only 3 coaches maximum so not very long unless coupled. Plus they have no commonality with any other GWR fleets and are yet another unique minority.

I’ve been told that they sorted out the fire issues, and I can only hope that’s true.

It was rare to have problems with the 175s when I took them regularly on the Marches. It was only when TfW let the maintenance slip (no doubt someone is going to make me find the ORR ruling) that the issues started. The fires to my knowledge came from not cleaning the filters as often as previously.

At least a fleet of 26 is not micro.

I miss them on the Marches and I am sure they will be good for GWR.

 

[SolomonSouth]

It was rare to have problems with the 175s when I took them regularly on the Marches. It was only when TfW let the maintenance slip (no doubt someone is going to make me find the ORR ruling) that the issues started. The fires to my knowledge came from not cleaning the filters as often as previously.

At least a fleet of 26 is not micro.

I miss them on the Marches and I am sure they will be good for GWR.

I agree that if GWR need more stock, they can fill that gap.
Do we know all of them are going to GWR or is it just some of them?

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

I agree that if GWR need more stock, they can fill that gap.
Do we know all of them are going to GWR or is it just some of them?

26 units are going to GWR, which is the whole fleet minus the damaged cars.

 

[Pete_uk]

If they are similar to the 180s in terms of ambience, they will be comfortable units.

For those wondering, the below picture is roughly what a 175 would look like in GWR green.
Just don't look too close...

 

[Jacob Porrett]

If they are similar to the 180s in terms of ambience, they will be comfortable units.

For those wondering, the below picture is roughly what a 175 would look like in GWR green.
Just don't look too close...

It doesn't look good I'm green but a picture isn't real life so time will tell.

 

[sh24]

Comfortable trains. Many of the IET workings they will replace are fresh air expresses so this is a good step to getting capacity where it is needed.