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Class 387s in ETCS testing
A NUMBER of GWR Class 387 EMUs that have undergone a full refurbishment ahead of starting work on Heathrow Express services from mid-December have been undertaking ETCS testing on the line to Heathrow Terminal 5.
GWR is providing 12 units from its own fleet for airport express duties, with internal modifications, including First Class accommodation, higher speed wi-fi, additional luggage racks and on-board entertainment, being carried out by Bombardier Ilford.
Non-compliant
The ‘387s’ will replace the CAF/Siemens-built 14-strong Class 332 fleet, which were first introduced from January 1998. These are not fitted with TPWS or ETCS equipment, and as non-compliant units, have been running under a derogation.
The ‘332s’ are due to be withdrawn on December 12, and destined for scrap, though some crucial spare parts are expected be recovered for the Northern Class 333s, which are mechanically similar.
Former Grand Central Mk4s in storage
ALL four rakes of Mk4 rolling stock refurbished for the now abandoned Grand Central (GC) Blackpool North to London Euston service are being stored in Wembley Yard.
The coronavirus pandemic forced GC to abandon its plans for an open access operation on the West Coast Main Line.
The 24 Mk4s are on Eversholt Rail’s ‘for sale’ list, though they have a notional lease expiry date with GC of December 31, 2026.
LSL's HST ‘Pullman’ makes brief show as coronavirus delays its first train
On its way from Eastleigh to Crewe: Power car No. 43055 leads the ex-works LSL ‘Midland Pullman’ through platform 2 at Nuneaton on October 30.
THE repainted all First Class HST that Locomotive Services Limited will use on railtours broke cover on October 30 when the set was moved from Arlington Fleet Services, Eastleigh to Crewe diesel depot, much of it under cover of darkness.
The carriage set, powered by Class 43 Nos. 43046 and 43055, has been fully reconfigured using leather First Class seats from GWR HST trailers, with a Pullman motif on the antimacassars.
Externally, the train is finished in a blue livery with white window surrounds in a similar style to the 1960 ‘Midland Pullman’.
When the set was moved from Arlington, the plan was to complete the all-electric kitchen - an apparent first on a charter train - at Crewe diesel depot. Then came ‘Lockdown 2’ and with it further restrictions on movement, which led to the cancellation of the Pullman’s debut train on November 14.
The debut over the same route was deferred until December 12, and the decision made to return the set on November 11 to Arlington at Eastleigh for the kitchen installation along with some minor snagging work.