Electric

  • No Greater Anglia ‘Aventras’ before 2020

    No Greater Anglia ‘Aventras’ before 2020

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    By Ben Jones GREATER Anglia (GA) has confirmed it will not be able to introduce its Class 720 ‘Aventra’ EMUs before the end of 2019.  Production and testing of the new trains is running significantly behind schedule after Bombardier experienced delays with the introduction of Crossrail Class 345s and London Overground Class 710s.  However, the…

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  • GB Railfreight’s pride as it unveils Class 66

    GB Railfreight’s pride as it unveils Class 66

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    GB RAILFREIGHT marked Brighton Pride when Class 66 No. 66773 was named Pride of GB Railfreight by The Times columnist Matthew Parris at the South Coast resort on August 2.  Sporting rainbow colours along its bodyside, GB says the loco recognises LGBT+ employees across the wider rail industry, and celebrates its on-going commitment to diversity and equality.…

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  • All ‘Goblin’ Class 710 units accepted

    All ‘Goblin’ Class 710 units accepted

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    LONDON Overground has accepted all eight Class 710/2 EMUs for use on the Gospel Oak to Barking service.  It means the line is finally operated exclusively by the Bombardier-built four-car sets, and has allowed the 15-minute service frequency to be restored. The service is used by 30,000 passengers per day, and it was planned to…

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  • TPE accepts first ‘Nova 2’ CAF set

    TPE accepts first ‘Nova 2’ CAF set

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    By Tony Miles TRANSPENNINE Express accepted the first ‘Nova 2’ Class 397 EMU into its fleet on July 25, meaning units from all three new ‘Nova’ train types have now joined its fleet.  The first sets to be delivered are still being used for type testing, and require some final rectification work by manufacturer CAF,…

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  • Northern and Greater Anglia increase use of new trains during August

    Northern and Greater Anglia increase use of new trains during August

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    NORTHERN and Greater Anglia (GA) introduced more new trains to their routes throughout August. GA’s bi-mode Class 755 No. 755410 made a low-key debut on July 29, between Lowestoft and Norwich, with services having now expanded to include Great Yarmouth and the busy Norwich-Ely-Cambridge route.  Units on test and undertaking platform gauging checks have visited stations,…

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  • Branch Line Society and Vintage Trains team up for West Midlands ‘Balti bash’

    Branch Line Society and Vintage Trains team up for West Midlands ‘Balti bash’

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    VINTAGE Trains and the Branch Line Society are offering an opportunity to enjoy the tasty combination of rare track, Class 20s and a curry – all on the same train! Starting from Solihull, the September 22 tour will run to Shrewsbury via Warwick, Sutton Park and the Ironbridge branch.  After a break in Shrewsbury, the…

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  • Three Type 3s – to the sea!

    Three Type 3s – to the sea!

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    THREE Class 37s at the head of a heavy freight train used to be a regular sight in South Wales and around Glasgow in BR days, but such a trio has always been a rare event on passenger trains.  On August 11, the Branch Line Society completed its two-day ‘Type 3 to the Sea’ trip…

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  • Rail operator MARC using new and rebuilt locos for Maryland commuters

    Rail operator MARC using new and rebuilt locos for Maryland commuters

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    MARYLAND commuter rail operator Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) has recently taken delivery of eight Siemens-built SC44 ‘Charger’ diesel electric locos.  These are currently largely used ‘under the wires’ between Baltimore and Washington DC on Penn Line services.  MARC has replaced all of its older AEM7 electric locos with the new diesels, but has refurbished…

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  • Battery-fitted trams for Oklahoma

    Battery-fitted trams for Oklahoma

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    THE new light rail system in Oklahoma City opened on December 14, 2018, and is operated as two loops: a 7.8km north-south Downtown Loop, which also shares tracks with almost all of the route used by the 3.2km Bricktown Loop in the Bricktown entertainment district.  The system is electrified at 740V DC except for several short…

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  • Unique Class 89 makes a ghostly appearance

    Unique Class 89 makes a ghostly appearance

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    THE sole Class 89 25kV AC Co-Co electric loco – No. 89001 (Avocet) – continues to receive attention from AC Locomotive Group volunteers at Barrow Hill (RM June 94). Technical work is focused on the internal restoration, but the body has received a protective coat of paint, as seen here on August 10. This loco was…

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