Testing of TransPennine Express Mk 5A coaches has begun on the national network.
The first rake to travel on the main line was TPE02, which ran from Manchester International depot (where the sets are based) to Rugby on August 28. The test was supposed to run to Bletchley, but late running of the train forced it to return early. The next day, TPE02 ran to Carlisle.
Power was provided by 68020 Reliance, and the coaches were Trailer First (TF) 11802, Trailer Standards (TS) 12704-12706 and Driving Trailer Standard (DTS) 12802. This was the first of the four rakes currently in the UK to have been delivered by manufacturer CAF.
These initial runs are to ‘bed in’ the coaches prior to completion of final type testing. The majority of the type testing has been carried out at Velim (Czech Republic), where TPE01 was tested for several months (RAIL 851).
Prior to the coaches entering traffic, TPE will be working with CAF (which built the coaches) and Freightliner Heavy Haul (which is contracted to drive the test trains) to complete verification checks at locations where the ‘68/Mk 5A’ sets will call. These checks including stopping positions, wheelchair deployment, and confirming Automatic Selective Door Operation (ASDO) plans.
Training of TPE drivers on the Class 68s has begun, and the operator told RAIL that on-board staff training will follow once type testing is complete.
- For the FULL story, read RAIL 861, published on September 12, and available digitally on Android, iPad and Kindle from September 8.
- For an in-depth report on the testing from Velim, read RAIL 851, available digitally on Android, iPad and Kindle.
Comment as guest
Comments
AndrewJG8918 - 31/08/2018 19:42
I guarantee that CAF could manufacture more carriages including the Mk5/Mk5A coaches to be used on GWR Riviera Sleeper and Crosscountry’s Class 43 HST’s with the Mk3 coaches to be replaced by the Mk5 coaches. Aswell CAF continuing to manufacture the new trains including the Class 196 Civity for West Midlands Railway which are scheduled to enter service in 2020/21. Which are to replace the Class 170 Turbostar units which are likely to be cascaded to TPE or Northern.
Reply as guest
AndrewJG8918 - 01/09/2018 11:42
These new “Nova 3” Class 68+Mk5A fleets should start entering service from mid/late December this year. With the Class 397 “Nova 2” and Class 802 “Nova 1” IETs to soon follow on from next year. Which the Class 397 are to replace the Class 350/4s to West Midlands Trains. And some of the Class 185 Desiro DMUs on TransPennine Express to be cascaded to Northern as the Class 802s are to operate on services that are currently operated by Class 185. https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/the-nova-fleets https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/the-nova-fleets/nova-1 https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/the-nova-fleets/nova-2 https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/the-nova-fleets/nova-3
Reply as guest
Benjamin Rayner - 09/02/2021 06:04
I like them to be in Australia for the Reopened Mildura Rail Service Warrnambool-Port Fairy-Portland Bairnsdale Albury
Reply as guest