TPE Class 397 ('Nova 2') construction and updates

[driver9000]

Great to hear, are these into fault free running now then or just testing do we know?

I don't know what stage they're at but it was laden with weights.

 

[EE Andy b1]

I don't know what stage they're at but it was laden with weights.

Ahh ok, sounds like testing still. Thanks

 

[nigelsporne]

A trip up the WCML yesterday found 397004 at Crewe with another set which did not appear to have any unit numbers and a further unit at Carlisle in the bay, presumably 003. There was also a 68 with a coach set in a loop near Lancaster. Any ideas on what the unit was or the 68 and the stock?

 

[mikemcniven]

397003 was again out of the 3Q51/3Q52 testing circuit again


Transpennine Express 397003 by Mike McNiven, on Flickr


Transpennine Express 397003 by Mike McNiven, on Flickr


Transpennine Express 397003 by Mike McNiven, on Flickr

 

[driver9000]

A trip up the WCML yesterday found 397004 at Crewe with another set which did not appear to have any unit numbers and a further unit at Carlisle in the bay, presumably 003. There was also a 68 with a coach set in a loop near Lancaster. Any ideas on what the unit was or the 68 and the stock?

The set without numbers at Crewe is 397001 and you're right that 397003 was out on test to Carlisle. I think the mk5A set is 68020/TP06.

 

[whhistle]

397003 was again out of the 3Q51/3Q52 testing circuit again

Transpennine Express 397003 by Mike McNiven, on Flickr

Is the coupling cover a replacement for the one that was damaged?

 

[mikemcniven]

Is the coupling cover a replacement for the one that was damaged?

It is yes

 

[Robert Mann]

Does anyone know if there's any test runs planned for tomorrow?

 

[mikemcniven]

Does anyone know if there's any test runs planned for tomorrow?

There is, the usual path is active and running at the moment. 3Q51/3Q52

 

[Bezza49]

Is it just me that Find the numbers on these things? Saw 397003 at Leyland today only know it was that one because I asked on the forum...!

Where the hell are the numbers?! Even on photos I can't find them!

 

[themiller]

Is it just me that Find the numbers on these things? Saw 397003 at Leyland today only know it was that one because I asked on the forum...!

Where the hell are the numbers?! Even on photos I can't find them!

If you can't see numbers on the outside, they must be on the inside!

 

[59CosG95]

If you can't see numbers on the outside, they must be on the inside!

Also, note their vehicle numbers; 4710xx + 4720xx + 4730xx + 4740xx + 4750xx ('xx' being 01 to 12), which should help a bit further.

 

[driver9000]

Is it just me that Find the numbers on these things? Saw 397003 at Leyland today only know it was that one because I asked on the forum...!

Where the hell are the numbers?! Even on photos I can't find them!

That's because 397001 and 003 don't have set numbers applied yet although their nose end black panels differ so you can tell them apart from a distance. The black on the coupler cover on 001 is longer than on 003 (one end of 001 has no black on the coupler lid and obviously 003 has a grey nose at one end).

397004 does carry a set number just behind the cab door and as mentioned the last 2 digits of the vehicle number match the set number.

 

[Bovverboy]

Also, note their vehicle numbers; 4710xx + 4720xx + 4730xx + 4740xx + 4750xx ('xx' being 01 to 12), which should help a bit further.

How come the six-digit carriage numbers? I thought individual carriages always had five-digit numbers - or am I behind the times?

 

[59CosG95]

How come the six-digit carriage numbers? I thought individual carriages always had five-digit numbers - or am I behind the times?

The 5-digit series is basically full now, so, starting with the 387s, all new units have had 6-digit vehicle numbers; the CAF ones have also had a rudimentary EVN applied beneath the vehicle number (without things like spaces or a dash before the check digit).

 

[Bezza49]

That's because 397001 and 003 don't have set numbers applied yet although their nose end black panels differ so you can tell them apart from a distance. The black on the coupler cover on 001 is longer than on 003 (one end of 001 has no black on the coupler lid and obviously 003 has a grey nose at one end).

397004 does carry a set number just behind the cab door and as mentioned the last 2 digits of the vehicle number match the set number.

That makes sense then. Thought I was going blind or something. Getting 390/221 numbers has been hard enough, I thought these were even worse.

 

[59CosG95]

That makes sense then. Thought I was going blind or something. Getting 390/221 numbers has been hard enough, I thought these were even worse.

Indeed, the Voyager numbers are notoriously hard to spot.
A tip for the Pendolinos, however, is to look for the 3-digit number located in each pantograph well, which gives the last 3 digits of the 5-digit vehicle number (either 5xx on the PTF coach, or 8xx on the PTSRMB coach) - these give the set number away. (e.g. 390001 has the numbers 501 & 801)

But I digress.

 

[Bovverboy]

The 5-digit series is basically full now, so, starting with the 387s, all new units have had 6-digit vehicle numbers; the CAF ones have also had a rudimentary EVN applied beneath the vehicle number (without things like spaces or a dash before the check digit).

Thank you for the prompt response.

 

[Robert Mann]

I finally got images of a Class 397 during a test run at Crewe yesterday

 

[Sleeperwaking]

I finally got images of a Class 397 during a test run at Crewe yesterday

Lovely photos - the lighting is quite something. Thanks for posting!

 

[Meerkat]

Looks like extending the block front down to the bottom might be wise - bugtastic!

 

[JLUK144]

Does anyone know if the 397s will be going north of the border for their test runs soon?

 

[themiller]

Photo taken through the front passenger door window of 0471003 at Carlisle 03/05/2019. None of the ballast weights seem to be secured in any coach and have now migrated from the seats to the aisle floor. It's to be hoped there's no accident! 397003 now has coach numbers applied.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Photo taken through the front passenger door window of 0471003 at Carlisle 03/05/2019. None of the ballast weights seem to be secured in any coach and have now migrated from the seats to the aisle floor. It's to be hoped there's no accident! 397003 now has coach numbers applied.

I assume they didn't in fact fall on the floor, but were placed there to simulate a load of standees?

 

[themiller]

I assume they didn't in fact fall on the floor, but were placed there to simulate a load of standees?

I can't comment on that last but could it be that the ballast weights were too heavy for the seats to support so they were moved to the floor?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I can't comment on that last but could it be that the ballast weights were too heavy for the seats to support so they were moved to the floor?

Could be, those seats aren't fit to support anything really

 

[_toommm_]

Hello is anyone privy to which 397 is currently sat opposite the main shed at Longsight please?

 

[Erniescooper]

Hello is anyone privy to which 397 is currently sat opposite the main shed at Longsight please?

397001

 

[_toommm_]

397001

You're a star - thanks!

 

[Erniescooper]

The first coupling of two Class 397’s in the UK took place this afternoon and if static testing goes OK there should be some overnight dynamic testing at the end of the week.