, ,

Class 90 visits Swindon for electrical testing

by

ONE of the most unusual movements this year has seen freshly painted Class 90 No. 90035 move from Crewe to Swindon. 

The train has been put together by Network Rail’s electrification project team in order to carry out mechanical and electrical testing of the OLE between Bristol and Cardiff, although initial tests were between Swindon and Didcot.

Article continues below…
Advert

Monthly Subscription: Enjoy more Railway Magazine reading each month with free delivery to you door, and access to over 100 years in the archive, all for just £5.35 per month.
Click here to subscribe & save

The Class 90 has been fitted with the same HS-X type pantograph as fitted to a Class 80x IET. However, the loco can also act as a load bank, allowing staff to take measurements of current drawn from substations. 

Inside the HST carriage is test equipment. 

By adding the Class 67s, it gives the test train complete versatility. 

Article continues below…
Advert

Here, Class 67 No. 67012 hauls 90035, Mk3 No. 11074, DVT No. 82115 and another Class 67 – No. 67028 – waits in the loop at Ashchurch en route to Swindon on November 10.  

Our thanks to Garry Keenor for some of the information in this story. JACK BOSKETT

Read more News and Features in the December 2019 issue of The Railway Magazine –on sale now!

Article continues below…
Advert


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


About the Author