Class 800/801/802 Testing

[leomartin125]

Just wanted to know how I could find out where and when the new Class 800 series is being tested? I know a unit is currently sitting in north Pole IEP depot, but want to know how I could find out when it might be tested on whatever line. Thanks in advanced.

 

[Philip Phlopp]

Just wanted to know how I could find out where and when the new Class 800 series is being tested? I know a unit is currently sitting in north Pole IEP depot, but want to know how I could find out when it might be tested on whatever line. Thanks in advanced.

It was tested initially at Old Dalby, the Network Rail in-house test track, and units have been undergoing testing in a SPZ (signal protected zone) on the ECML since the spring of 2015.

It will undertake testing runs on the GWML overnight around Pangbourne and Tilehurst when electrification installation, testing and sign-off is complete.

 

[Norwich317]

I think 2 units have moved to North Pole, 800001 and 800002.
Anybody know how work at Newton Aycliffe is progressing?

 

[leomartin125]

It was tested initially at Old Dalby, the Network Rail in-house test track, and units have been undergoing testing in a SPZ (signal protected zone) on the ECML since the spring of 2015.

It will undertake testing runs on the GWML overnight around Pangbourne and Tilehurst when electrification installation, testing and sign-off is complete.

Ahhh that's great, local for me being based at Maidenhead. Do you know when this could be? I've noticed electrification around that area is pretty much complete apart from through the station itself at Pangbourne. Is this likely to be when the rest of the Airport Junction to Didcot Parkway is complete? If so, that could be quite a while.

 

[pdeaves]

I've noticed electrification around that area is pretty much complete apart from through the station itself at Pangbourne. Is this likely to be when the rest of the Airport Junction to Didcot Parkway is complete? If so, that could be quite a while.

(Broadly) Didcot-Reading electrification will be complete and in use (for testing) before it's 'joined up' to the Heathrow/Crossrail-related wires.

 

[leomartin125]

(Broadly) Didcot-Reading electrification will be complete and in use (for testing) before it's 'joined up' to the Heathrow/Crossrail-related wires.

Now that brings up the possibilities of keeping the 800/801/802's at Reading TC for testing and running them overnight between Reading and Didcot once electrification is complete between Reading and Didcot Parkway.

 

[Class 170101]

They would be hauled back to North Pole if the ECML SPZs are anything to go by. (These were hauled back to Old Dalby via Oakham as I recall after ECML tests).

 

[jimm]

Now that brings up the possibilities of keeping the 800/801/802's at Reading TC for testing and running them overnight between Reading and Didcot once electrification is complete between Reading and Didcot Parkway.

No possibility whatever. The trains are being built and maintained by Hitachi and Hitachi's depot is at the former Eurostar depot at North Pole in London, so that is where the trains will be based, with diesel locos used to move them to and from the test section. There are no facilities at Reading depot to maintain IEPs and there won't be in future, as it will become the base for GWR's Class 365 and 387 emus.

 

[Carntyne]

Could anyone explain what an SPZ is/what's involved? Section of main line railway blocked for only the test train?

 

[leomartin125]

No possibility whatever. The trains are being built and maintained by Hitachi and Hitachi's depot is at the former Eurostar depot at North Pole in London, so that is where the trains will be based, with diesel locos used to move them to and from the test section. There are no facilities at Reading depot to maintain IEPs and there won't be in future, as it will become the base for GWR's Class 365 and 387 emus.

I wasn't suggesting there was, but maybe they could be kept in Reading TC temporarily for testing whilst the process is ongoing. As far as I know a SPZ is a zone of which between a set of signals the line is closed for testing or engineering works of some sort. No trains can pass either signal at either side of the Signal Protected Zone. If it isn't, then someone please enlighten me.

 

[455driver]

I wasn't suggesting there was,

And then immediately suggest the idea! :roll:

but maybe they could be kept in Reading TC temporarily for testing whilst the process is ongoing.

 

[fgwrich]

No possibility whatever. The trains are being built and maintained by Hitachi and Hitachi's depot is at the former Eurostar depot at North Pole in London, so that is where the trains will be based, with diesel locos used to move them to and from the test section. There are no facilities at Reading depot to maintain IEPs and there won't be in future, as it will become the base for GWR's Class 365 and 387 emus.

But it will be able to stable IEPs and will probably be able to service (cleaning/water tanks etc) if needed. Your right in that North Pole is the main eastern end IEP Depot and Reading will predominantly be the LTV Fleet depot, but it was built with the stabling of IEP also in mind.

Whether or not IEP will be dragged everytime back and forth from Reading-Didcot to North Pole each night or weekend for testing remains to be seen, but it is plausible that it could be stabled in Reading Depot when required during the testing phase.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Are they not currently permitted to run under their own power too and from testing on the ECML?

 

[leomartin125]

Are they not currently permitted to run under their own power too and from testing on the ECML?

Nope, they can only operate under their own power in SPZ (Signal Protection Zones) until testing is completed. I hope they do get stabled at Reading for testing, I'll be there in a bullet if so! Can't wait to see what the future holds.

 

[FGW_DID]

Now that brings up the possibilities of keeping the 800/801/802's at Reading TC for testing and running them overnight between Reading and Didcot once electrification is complete between Reading and Didcot Parkway.

We haven't the space for them! Once Reading - Didcot is complete, the first EMUs you will see at Reading are 1 or 2 387s.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Is an SPZ a special form of track possession or something to do with isolating a section of signalling from all other signalling?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Special Protection Zone.

A possession within which the test train will be the only thing allowed to move.

 

[Emblematic]

We haven't the space for them! Once Reading - Didcot is complete, the first EMUs you will see at Reading are 1 or 2 378s.

378s? Are TFL taking the Overground to Didcot now?

 

[FGW_DID]

378s? Are TFL taking the Overground to Didcot now?

Ha Ha, well spotted! Fat Finger typing error - now corrected :roll:

 

[Carntyne]

Thanks for the explanation folks!