The DATS test train at Bedford on September 30 prior to a test trip to Corby to monitor pantograph behaviour, with power car No. 43054, DVT 82136, Class 90 No. 90035, DVT 82115 and HST No. 43076. The varied formation has led to the set being nicknamed ‘Frankentrain’.
JACK PALLISTER
OCTOBER 20 saw the first electric train operate under its own power on the Midland Main Line (MML) north of Bedford.
The Rail Operations Group/ Data Acquisitions & Testing Services (DATS) ‘Frankentrain’ ran overnight from Kettering to Bedford, with two former LNER Class 91s taking power from the 25kV AC wires.