Trains on the North Wales Coast were affected throughout the day on July 3, by a signalling problem at a level crossing between Flint and Prestatyn. For example, the 17.14 Cardiff Central to Holyhead left Chester on time behind Class 67 No. 67015 but was 17 minutes late at Rhyl.
After a series of complaints regarding late running and cancellations by the Class 230 units, it has become evident that, on the basis of their current performance, the ‘230s’ are not capable of running the 27 miles between Wrexham and Bidston in the scheduled 59 minutes including 12 intermediate stops. Accumulated late running on each return journey can total upwards of 20 minutes by the end of a day per the records on Real Time Trains.
Of the five units Nos. 230006230010, it appears that No. 230006 is to be used as a spares source as it remains dumped alongside Birkenhead North shed and has not been in service. Only the Class 150 unit allocated to one of the daily train services can maintain time and even that is challenged on occasions.
Observed at Euston on Monday, June 5 were Class 319 Nos. 319433+319457 on the 16.39 to Milton Keynes, and Nos. 319217+319215 on the 17.35 to Bletchley.
Numerous reports have been received regarding the new Class 730 units. On Monday, June 5, Nos. 730008, 730009 and 730012 were noted, from passing trains, stabled in what has become their usual spot in the sidings at Camden. On June 19, Nos. 730029+730030 were moved from store at Worksop back to Derby by Class 37s Nos. 37601+37611. The following day, No. 37611 took No. 730041 from Derby to Oxley. The same Class 37 took No. 730040 from Derby to Oxley on June 23.
Also on June 23, No. 730014 was seen passing Harrow & Wealdstone station, heading north on test from Bletchley Carriage Sidings to Bletchley via Kilburn Up & Down Goods Loop. A little later on the same day, No. 730015 was seen, heading south, passing Harrow & Wealdstone station also on test from Bletchley to London Euston.
The next move reported followed on June 27, when No. 37611 moved No. 730101 from Crewe to Old Dalby. In a move on July 4, Nos. 730036+730038 were taken by No. 37611 from Oxley for store at Doncaster Belmont, followed the next day when Nos. 730037+730039 were also moved to Belmont, by No. 37510. Also on July 5 No. 37611 took No. 730042 from Derby to Oxley, followed the next day by No. 37510 taking No. 730043 from Derby to Oxley. A further move on July 7, No. 730033 was top-and-tailed from Worksop to Derby by Nos. 37611+37601.
Movements of new Class 196 units reported included No. 196114 being top-and-tailed by Class 37 Nos. 37601+37611 on June 16 from Donnington to Tyseley.
Observed at Nuneaton on June 29 were new Class 196 DMUs Nos. 196006 and 196010 working, alternatively, the hourly service from Nuneaton to Leamington Spa. Also, on show that day were mileage accumulation runs under 5Q03, 5Q04, 5Q05, and 5Q06 (handled by ROG personnel) between Crewe and Nuneaton with the Aventra Class 730s Nos. 730004 and 730041, the latter newlydelivered with full seating uncovered, while the former, delivered much earlier, was in an incomplete state.
Problems with the overhead lines at St Albans caused disruption to EMR London services on June 25 with only two tracks open for traffic instead of the usual four, with some trains running up to an hour late. The EMR Class 180 units are now stored at Ely. Nos. 180111+180110 left
Chaddesden for Ely on June 28, being stopped at Melton Mowbray until the following morning when they continued through to Ely. The following morning Nos. 180113+180109 were noted passing Peterborough and later seen entering Ely Papworth at approximately 12.15 for storage. All EMR identity had been removed.
Prior to the May 21 timetable change, Great Western semi-fast services to Didcot Parkway stopped at Ealing Broadway, Hayes & Harlington and West Drayton, but now run nonstop between Paddington and Slough.
Further, fast trains through Oxford towards Worcester formerly stopped at Slough, giving that station an hourly service of nonstop trains to Paddington, and trains beyond Reading and Didcot. These services now run directly to Reading without stopping.