GWR Class 800

[76020]

Please see link below

http://www.rail.co.uk/rail-news/2016/vision-of-the-future-arrives-at-paddington/

 

[Harbon 1]

Off of Wikipedia and my own understanding

GWR:

• 21 x 9 car bi modes [801*] (originally electric but switched due to wiring delays)
• 36 x 5 car bi modes [800]
• 22 x 5 car bi modes [802] (separate to IEP)
• 7 x 9 car bi modes [802] (separate to IEP)

Replacing: HSTs and 180s (and some Turbos as well IIRC)

VTEC:

• 12 x 5 car electric [801]
• 30 x 9 car electric [801]
• 13 x 9 car bi modes [800]
• 10 x 5 car bi modes [800]

Replacing: HSTs and IC225s

Then also, Hull trains will receive 5x 5 car 802s, and TPE will receive 19x 5 car 802s. There is also speculation that there will be a few more 5 car 802s for GWR to make up the difference by them receiving only 387s and no 365s.


*or maybe 800, not sure know

Would it have been too simple to have consolidated bi-modes and full electric into one class of each with sub-classes of length?

 

[Philip Phlopp]

Would it have been too simple to have consolidated bi-modes and full electric into one class of each with sub-classes of length?

They are consolidated into bi-modes and full electric by class, with sub-classes for length.

The Class 802 is sufficiently different in terms of power and range to warrant a different class entirely, it will also make ownership and diagramming easier for GWR.

 

[Harbon 1]

They are consolidated into bi-modes and full electric by class, with sub-classes for length.



The Class 802 is sufficiently different in terms of power and range to warrant a different class entirely, it will also make ownership and diagramming easier for GWR.

Ah I see.

I must admit I did notice not long after posting that they are, for the most part, consolidated

 

[class26]

Please see link below

http://www.rail.co.uk/rail-news/2016/vision-of-the-future-arrives-at-paddington/

A worrying phrase in the text -

"when complete, will transform 235 route miles from Paddington westwards."

Surely it should be a lot more than 235 route miles ? Does the writer know more than we do or have I missed something?

 

[Philip Phlopp]

A worrying phrase in the text -

"when complete, will transform 235 route miles from Paddington westwards."

Surely it should be a lot more than 235 route miles ? Does the writer know more than we do or have I missed something?

In what way ?

 

[The Planner]

Paddington to Patchway No.2 is 113 miles as near as. About another 11 to Severn Tunnel Jn, 67 miles to Swansea so that is 190 plus whatever it is via Bath and Chippenham which has got to be 40-45 once you go up Filton Bank.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

A worrying phrase in the text -
"when complete, will transform 235 route miles from Paddington westwards."
Surely it should be a lot more than 235 route miles ? Does the writer know more than we do or have I missed something?

193 to Swansea, 35 Wootton Bassett to Temple Meads and 5 up Filton Bank is 233.
But you have to subtract 12 Paddington-Stockley (already done), and then add 12 Didcot-Oxford and 17 Reading-Newbury.
Plus the TV branches: 2.5 to Windsor and 4.5 to Henley.
And another 14 for Southcote Jn-Basingstoke.
That makes 271 route miles under the heading "GW Electrification".

 

[class26]

Paddington to Patchway No.2 is 113 miles as near as. About another 11 to Severn Tunnel Jn, 67 miles to Swansea so that is 190 plus whatever it is via Bath and Chippenham which has got to be 40-45 once you go up Filton Bank.

It was the term "Route miles" that i didn`t grasp

 

[Philip Phlopp]

It was the term "Route miles" that i didn`t grasp

Route mileage is term of measuring a railway line on a map, basically, from that route mileage you can then calculate single track miles (stm) or kilometres (stkm) for which you take the route mileage and multiple by the number of tracks and any additional length for points, crossovers, sidings and other.

The stkm for the GWEp comes in at somewhere around 1300km, of which 1100ish is Series 1, and the remainder is Mk.3b with mechanically independent registration or Mk.3b headspan to Series 1 reliability conversion.

I don't think a final decision on Series 1 or Series 2 has been made on Severn Tunnel to Cardiff and onto Swansea quite yet, Series 2 was being considered as the route is only 100mph capable post CP6 option work and Valley Lines electrification would similarly be Series 2 spec, but the lack of Valley Lines electrification final decisions is stopping final decisions on the electrification around Cardiff (though there's plenty of time yet).

 

[leomartin125]

Just as an update, I can confirm that it was Class 800101 (Virgin Azuma) that made the move from Old Dalby to North Pole IEP Depot this week. This has joined fellow Class 800004 in the depot ready for testing on the GWML to begin.

I do believe that it is the Virgin Azuma set at North Pole deliberately as this is the sole 9 car Class 800 currently on the mainlines in the UK. This is so GBRf can test the Class 800 in both 5 car (Hence 800004) and 9 car (Hence 800101) formations as, like the news has stated, GWR will be receiving 9 Car Class 800's rather than Class 801's so 800101 is a prime example of what GWR will be getting themselves.

No idea when testing begins on the section between Reading and Didcot. If anyone knows, feel free to enlighten me/us.

 

[Philip Phlopp]

No idea when testing begins on the section between Reading and Didcot. If anyone knows, feel free to enlighten me/us.

I've September in my head for IEP electric testing, though I've no idea what's planned for load bank testing of the OLE before that - my guess would be GBRf Class 92s.

 

[fgwrich]

I guess this means that it wont be long before 'Mentor' makes a few trips along the GWML then?

 

[leomartin125]

I've September in my head for IEP electric testing, though I've no idea what's planned for load bank testing of the OLE before that - my guess would be GBRf Class 92s.

Yes September sounds about right for IEP testing. In terms of load bank testing, a 92 ould be an appropriate piece of traction to effectively test the OLE (providing it doesn't break down that is!) although the perfect equipment would be a bi-mode electric locomotive, so the Class 88 would suit it well, just in case the OLE fails (god forbid). Would be awesome to see 92's on the GWML though, definitely a first!

 

[Philip Phlopp]

Yes September sounds about right for IEP testing. In terms of load bank testing, a 92 ould be an appropriate piece of traction to effectively test the OLE (providing it doesn't break down that is!) although the perfect equipment would be a bi-mode electric locomotive, so the Class 88 would suit it well, just in case the OLE fails (god forbid). Would be awesome to see 92's on the GWML though, definitely a first!

The load bank would normally include a diesel locomotive at this stage.

There's no guarantee on what will be used, testing on the Northern programme works used pairs of Pendolinos co-ordinated to accelerate fully with full hotel power demand to put maximum load on the supply side of the OLE.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I guess this means that it wont be long before 'Mentor' makes a few trips along the GWML then?

Keep your eyes peeled for Derby RTC paths, though the NR Q Train spotters should have the gen first as usual.

 

[Kentish Paul]

Just as an update, I can confirm that it was Class 800101 (Virgin Azuma) that made the move from Old Dalby to North Pole IEP Depot this week. This has joined fellow Class 800004 in the depot ready for testing on the GWML to begin.

Indeed. It was moving around in North Pole depot when i passed at 11:30 yesterday.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Class 92s were mooted for the Chat Moss route tests, but Pendolinos were eventually preferred.
Apart from being planned to use the route on diversions, the particular 390s used were the ones fitted with Alstom OHLE monitoring gear.
I can't remember what else now has monitoring equipment. 350s maybe? 387s? (for 110mph multi-pantograph tests).
The IEP fleet is supposed to have it fitted but I don't know if the current test units do, or have reached that stage in the IEP test regime.

 

[asylumxl]

Class 92s were mooted for the Chat Moss route tests, but Pendolinos were eventually preferred.
Apart from being planned to use the route on diversions, the particular 390s used were the ones fitted with Alstom OHLE monitoring gear.
I can't remember what else now has monitoring equipment. 350s maybe? 387s? (for 110mph multi-pantograph tests).
The IEP fleet is supposed to have it fitted but I don't know if the current test units do, or have reached that stage in the IEP test regime.

It'd certainly be interesting to see two 9 carriage 800s accelerate at full power for load testing, like done with the Pendos.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Will the 800 load testing be just in electric mode only or will they also do one with one 800 in diesel mode and one in electric mode and also both in diesel mode?

 

[Domh245]

Will the 800 load testing be just in electric mode only or will they also do one with one 800 in diesel mode and one in electric mode and also both in diesel mode?

??? The load testing is done to ensure that power supply for the OLE is sufficient. What benefit would there be to running a unit on diesel

 

[leomartin125]

Just wanted to mention a few IEP movements that are scheduled to occur this coming week...

Monday 11th July: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K97238/2016/07/11/advanced - 800004 (GWR Livery)

Tuesday 12th July: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K97239/2016/07/12/advanced - Either 800001 or 800002 (Both Hitachi White Unbranded)

Friday 15th July: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K97239/2016/07/15/advanced - Either 800001 or 800002 (Both Hitachi White Unbranded)

 

[Tim R-T-C]

Just wanted to mention a few IEP movements that are scheduled to occur this coming week...

Monday 11th July: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K97238/2016/07/11/advanced - Either 800004 (GWR Livery) or 800101 (Virgin Azuma)

Massive thanks for that, hopefully should be at Ealing Broadway tomorrow when that is booked through.

 

[leomartin125]

Massive thanks for that, hopefully should be at Ealing Broadway tomorrow when that is booked through.

Nice, I'm hoping to go to Didcot Parkway for it, and pray the rain stays away! It is due on the fast passed Ealing Broadway, just wanted to make sure you know.

 

[Tim R-T-C]

Nice, I'm hoping to go to Didcot Parkway for it, and pray the rain stays away! It is due on the fast passed Ealing Broadway, just wanted to make sure you know.

Thanks. The fast platforms are still open to passengers I presume?

I'll post on here which set it is when it passes (unless you want it to be a surprise!?)

 

[Nippy]

Pedantic I know, but on the Western they are Main Lines.

 

[leomartin125]

Thanks. The fast platforms are still open to passengers I presume?

I'll post on here which set it is when it passes (unless you want it to be a surprise!?)

Unfortunately not buddy, unless it's when the slow lines (or relief lines just to please you Nippy) are closed. I do believe they keep them closed to prevent suicides, hence why I'm heading way out to Didcot. Won't see any suicide gates there!

And sure, you do that. Thanks.

 

[Nippy]

Pretty sure you can access the Up Main Platform at Ealing between the stairs and office/waiting room. You will probably be challenged by security/platform staff though due to the high fatality rates we have. As Leomartin says, the Down Main is only accessible when trains are booked to call or if divert one out of course and phone Ealing to open them.

 

[leomartin125]

Pretty sure you can access the Up Main Platform at Ealing between the stairs and office/waiting room. You will probably be challenged by security/platform staff though due to the high fatality rates we have. As Leomartin says, the Down Main is only accessible when trains are booked to call or if divert one out of course and phone Ealing to open them.

That would be correct. Wouldn't be too easy and quite possibly dissapointing if you do try. I have however managed to get onto the Down Main platform at Southall if that's any consolation? That's where I filmed my first IEP:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw5bJV4g4yk

 

[Tim R-T-C]

If it is on the down fast I would want to be on the up side for photos anyway.

 

[leomartin125]

If it is on the down fast I would want to be on the up side for photos anyway.

You would, but both up and down fasts are usually closed off as Nippy has stated.