GWR Class 769 information. (Units no longer with GWR - Off Lease March 23)

[JN114]

Even if the 12 hadn’t gone to HEx, there wouldn’t nearly have been enough 387s - there’s nineteen 769s coming to GWR. With the 12 sets now on Heathrow duties it’s a total non-starter with the current fleet of 33 classic 387s. Perhaps if 101-129 and 301-306 were available for import from their current operators there would be enough to do the whole combined fleet of 80 (including HEx), put a little more resilience in the HEx fleet (10/12 units is tough on both operations and engineering departments, 10/14 like we had with 332s would be more comfortable), cater for wiring of Oxford/Banbury/Branches and see GWR-LTV move to an all-387 operation. But even then it would still rely on the technology being capable enough. The same struggles that the 769s are likely to have - IE generating/providing enough electrical power away from 3rd rail / OHLE to get the units over the hills of the North Downs - are going to be just as likely to occur with a battery 387 if the forays into battery tech so far are anything to go by.

 

[DelW]

Planned for 769930 but that was having issues last night on prep. Likelihood is that 946 won’t be available either.
Third unit still isn’t available.

10:33 confirmed by a colleague- all 3 are out of action!

Considering that it seems they've barely turned a wheel in earnest since delivery, that's not very encouraging!

 

[Mollman]

Considering that it seems they've barely turned a wheel in earnest since delivery, that's not very encouraging!

Seem to be following the same pattern as the Welsh ones, eventually reliability will pick up.

 

[221101 Voyager]

Seem to be following the same pattern as the Welsh ones, eventually reliability will pick up.

It will pick up, but this will only happen when they are due to be replaced no doubt!

 

[800 Driver]

Seem to be following the same pattern as the Welsh ones, eventually reliability will pick up.

The Welsh ones don't work either! hence why TfW have brought forward the Stadler order. Love those Stadlers

 

[Senna1210]

The Welsh ones don't work either! hence why TfW have brought forward the Stadler order. Love those Stadlers

funny they seem to be working fine

 

[Pete_uk]

Is there any alternative in the medium term for GWR?

 

[JonathanH]

Is there any alternative in the medium term for GWR?

Only what it already has.

 

[221101 Voyager]

Is there any alternative in the medium term for GWR?

Should we be speculating on this thread? I think not.

 

[3973EXL]

STP

12/04
Realtime Trains - FRGT 1133 Reading Traincare Depot to Reading Traincare Depot
14/04
Realtime Trains - FRGT 1133 Reading Traincare Depot to Reading Traincare Depot

 

[spark001uk]

I'm guessing initial testing is confined to the mainline (centred on the TCD for rescue support) until they confirm reliable enough to have a go on the NDL? (A breakdown there would cause much more of a problem)

 

[JonathanH]

I'm guessing initial testing is confined to the mainline (centred on the TCD for rescue support) until they confirm reliable enough to have a go on the NDL? (A breakdown there would cause much more of a problem)

Much better to have them on a four track route during the initial phase where they can run on both OHLE and Diesel, then on third rail, before they go anywhere near the North Downs Line. It is still very early days in the testing programme.

Don't also forget that it has been suggested in this thread that the North Downs Line in unlikely to be where they are first used in passenger service (although there are only six potential diagrams before that happens).

 

[spark001uk]

Don't also forget that it has been suggested in this thread that the North Downs Line in unlikely to be where they are first used in passenger service (although there are only six potential diagrams before that happens).

That must be a change to their initial plan then, as the timing load on there was changed to diesel loco 769 tonnes quite some time ago, last year I believe?

Edit; (I remember speaking of this recently, it appears it may just have been done to avoid the need for significant timetable changes down the line, now I recall it)

 

[JonathanH]

That must be a change to their initial plan then, as the timing load on there was changed to diesel loco 769 tonnes quite some time ago, last year I believe?

Edit; (I remember speaking of this recently, it appears it may just have been done to avoid the need for significant timetable changes down the line, now I recall it)

By 'first used', I think I was suggesting that when introducing a fleet of 19 units, it might not be until unit 4 or 5 is introduced that they make their way into passenger service on the North Downs. Not a huge delay, but not the first place.

That is certainly what I took from this discussion between you and 'JN114' up thread.
https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...mation-discussion.174866/page-23#post-5063716

 

[DelW]

Much better to have them on a four track route during the initial phase where they can run on both OHLE and Diesel, then on third rail, before they go anywhere near the North Downs Line. It is still very early days in the testing programme.

Is there anywhere they can run on third rail, other than over sections of the North Downs? (I'm assuming that the term North Downs Line covers the whole of the ex- SER route between Reading and Redhill, not just the section east of Guildford which actually runs over the Downs). Maybe they'll just shuttle between Reading and Wokingham, unless the drivers have route knowledge to continue in the Bracknell direction?

 

[JonathanH]

Is there anywhere they can run on third rail, other than over sections of the North Downs? (I'm assuming that the term North Downs Line covers the whole of the ex- SER route between Reading and Redhill, not just the section east of Guildford which actually runs over the Downs). Maybe they'll just shuttle between Reading and Wokingham, unless the drivers have route knowledge to continue in the Bracknell direction?

It has been indicated that for third rail purposes they will be tested between Basingstoke and Woking or Eastleigh. This, from August.

However, this relates to fault-free running (involving Colas drivers) rather than driver training for GWR staff which will presumably have to be on routes they actually sign. GWR guards need training as well.

Maidenhead to Didcot/Swindon is the route on which the diesel/AC FFR (Fault Free Running) is likely to take place with the DC FFR on the SWML with either Basingstoke-Eastleigh or Basingstoke-Woking being the sections discussed with NR.

All lines on which passenger use is contemplated will have full test runs for station validation purposes. But first there has to be engineering staff training before anything moves off depot, either for testing, validation runs or driver training.

 

[DelW]

It has been indicated that for third rail purposes they will be tested between Basingstoke and Woking or Eastleigh. This, from August.

However, this relates to fault-free running (involving Colas drivers) rather than driver training for GWR staff which will presumably have to be on routes they actually sign. GWR guards need training as well.

Thanks for the info, I possibly saw that at the time but if so I'd forgotten it. It's difficult to keep up with what's actually being proposed.
If we're allowed to travel when they get onto diesel running east of Guildford, I'll be aiming to find a viewing spot and see how get on with the climbs.

 

[warwickshire]

Anyone know when the first unit is expected into service?.
Will the full 769 timetable be in place for December 2021.
Many thanks

 

[JonathanH]

Anyone know when the first unit is expected into service?.
Will the full 769 timetable be in place for December 2021.
Many thanks

Previous discussion has indicated Autumn this year.

Full introduction by December 2021 seems very optimistic. The introduction schedules quoted have always been around 8-10 months long - eg February 2019 to December 2019 in the initial plans and September 2020 to May 2021 in the Direct Award.

https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...ally-for-northern.138660/page-49#post-3398153
https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...mation-discussion.174866/page-15#post-4819236

 

[The_Train]

Latest list as far as the info I have picked up on here and elsewhere:

Number	Ex No.	Livery	TOC	Depot/Location	Current State
769002	319002	TfW	TfW	Cardiff Canton	In Service
769003	319003	TfW	TfW	Cardiff Canton	In Service
769006	319006	TfW	TfW	Cardiff Canton	In Service
769007	319007	TfW	TfW	Cardiff Canton	In Service
769008	319008	TfW	TfW	Cardiff Canton	In Service
769421	319421	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	TfW	Cardiff Canton	Converted - awaiting testing
769424	319424	Northern	Northern	Allerton	Undergoing testing
769426	319426	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	TfW	Loughborough Works	Undergoing conversion
769431	319431	Northern	Northern	Allerton	Converted - awaiting testing
769434	319434	Northern	Northern	Allerton	Undergoing testing
769442	319442	Northern	Northern	Allerton	Undergoing testing
769445	319445	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	TfW	Cardiff Canton	Undergoing testing
769448	319448	Northern	Northern	Allerton	Undergoing testing
769450	319450	Northern	Northern	Allerton	Undergoing testing
769452	319452	TfW	TfW	Cardiff Canton	In Service
769456	319456	Northern	Northern	North West	Undergoing testing
769458	319458	Northern	Northern	Crewe Arriva Traincare	Undergoing testing
769501	319009	Orion Dark & Light Blue	ROG	Eastleigh Works	Conversion to 769 complete - internal work ongoing
769502	319010	Orion Dark & Light Blue	ROG	Loughborough Works	Undergoing conversion
769503			ROG		Conversion work yet to start
769504			ROG		Conversion work yet to start
769505			ROG		Conversion work yet to start
769506			ROG		Conversion work yet to start
769507			ROG		Conversion work yet to start
769508			ROG		Conversion work yet to start
769509			ROG		Conversion work yet to start
769510			ROG		Conversion work yet to start
769922	319422	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	GWR	Wolverton Works	Conversion work yet to start
769923	319423	GWR Green	GWR	Wolverton Works	Conversion work yet to start
769925	319425	GWR Green	GWR		Conversion work yet to start
769927	319427	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	GWR	Wolverton Works	Conversion work yet to start
769928	319428	GWR Green	GWR	Nemesis Rail, Burton	Converted - awaiting testing
769930	319430	GWR Green	GWR	Reading Traincare	Undergoing acceptance exam
769932	319432	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	GWR	Long Marston	Conversion work yet to start
769935	319435	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	GWR	Long Marston	Conversion work yet to start
769936	319436	GWR Green	GWR	Long Marston	Converted - awaiting testing
769937	319437	GWR Green	GWR	Wolverton Works	Converted - awaiting testing
769938	319438	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	GWR	Nemesis Rail, Burton	Converted - awaiting testing
769939	319439	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	GWR	Wolverton Works	Conversion work yet to start
769940	319440	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	GWR	Wolverton Works	Undergoing conversion
769943	319443	GWR Green	GWR	Reading Traincare	Converted - awaiting testing
769944	319444	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	GWR	Derby RTC	Converted - now stored
769946	319446	GWR Green	GWR	Reading Traincare	Undergoing testing
769947	319447	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	GWR	Wolverton Works	Conversion work yet to start
769949	319449	Ex TL White & Blue Doors	GWR	Wolverton Works	Undergoing conversion
769959	319459	GWR Green	GWR	Nemesis Rail, Burton	Converted - awaiting testing

As always, the bold items are the ones I have updated since the last time I posted a list

Posted this in the Northern 769 thread but thought I better stick it in here as well

 

[trainmania100]

How's the testing going chaps? Don't suppose there's any Genny gen gen on when they'll be tested around Redhill/Gatwick ?

 

[JonathanH]

How's the testing going chaps?

Not been out on the mainline since 31 March.

Don't suppose there's any Genny gen gen on when they'll be tested around Redhill/Gatwick ?

Best to get them working close to the Reading before letting them venture to Redhill.

 

[anthony263]

The Welsh ones don't work either! hence why TfW have brought forward the Stadler order. Love those Stadlers

Which stadler order have they brought forward the class 756 tri modes ?

 

[FGW_DID]

5Q10 11.33 Reading TCD - Reading TCD

Realtime Trains - 502E 1133 Reading Traincare Depot to Reading Traincare Depot

Realtime Trains provides live realtime running information for the Great British railway network using open data.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

GWR 769 FFR should be happening tomorrow, running as previously between Reading/Didcot/Maidenhead. Planned to be 769943 with 769930 on standby.

 

[spark001uk]

Any word on when it's venturing onto DC? Or is the AC/diesel ffr going to be completed first?

 

[dmncf]

5Q10 11.33 Reading TCD - Reading TCD

Realtime Trains - 502E 1133 Reading Traincare Depot to Reading Traincare Depot

Realtime Trains provides live realtime running information for the Great British railway network using open data.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

GWR 769 FFR should be happening tomorrow, running as previously between Reading/Didcot/Maidenhead. Planned to be 769943 with 769930 on standby.

Thanks. Realtime Trains shows that this is running.

 

[JonathanH]

Thanks. Realtime Trains shows that this is running.

Didn't get very far if Realtime Trains is to be believed. Reports stopped at Reading West Junction at 1148 which suggests it went back to the depot.

 

[Jamesrob637]

Thanks. Realtime Trains shows that this is running.

Hold on, something's happened to it just outside Reading... unless RTT is having a hissy fit.

 

[FGW_DID]

Didn't get very far if Realtime Trains is to be believed. Reports stopped at Reading West Junction at 1148.

Yep, didn’t last long. Now back on Depot via the Tilehurst end connection.

 

[spark001uk]

Looks like it left rdg p13 and went straight back onto the TCD.