Northern
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‘Pacers’ to work with PRM compliant units
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GWR and Northern have indicated how they will combat restrictions placed on the use of Class 142-144 ‘Pacer’ units from January 1, 2020. Both will run a non-compliant ‘Pacer’ with a compliant unit of another type to provide accommodation for passengers with limited mobility and also access to a fully accessible toilet. The restrictions have…
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Class 195 roll-out continues – but ‘Pacers’ will run into 2020
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DELIVERIES of new DMUs and EMUs to Northern by CAF are running late, although the company introduced a further nine Class 195s over the Calder Valley line between Leeds and Chester via Manchester and Warrington in October. It takes the number of ‘195s’ in traffic to 29, exactly half the order. Northern has said because…
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Northern franchise hangs in the balance after Shapps warning
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By Tony Miles The future of the Northern franchise is hanging in the balance after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps addressed the Transport Select Committee on October 16. He said: “I can tell the committee that I have already issued a request for proposals from both Arriva and the operator of last resort (OLR), because I…
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Springs Branch goes live again
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NEW overhead line equipment has been switched on at the reactivated Springs Branch depot in Wigan. The former BR diesel depot and EWS disposal site will reopen as a new £46million depot for Northern EMUs and DMUs from December. Springs Branch has been rebuilt with new stabling and servicing facilities for 24 Northern electric and…
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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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Northern withdraws first batch of ‘Pacers’
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NORTHERN has withdrawn the first its Class 142 ‘Pacer’ units – 11 months later than planned. The first was scheduled for retirement in September 2018, but late delivery and acceptance of replacement units gave the ‘Pacers’ a stay of execution. Unit No. 142005 was ‘retired’ on August 12, with Northern holding a ceremony at Manchester Victoria…
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New Stock Focus: CAF – Class 195 DMUs and 331 EMUs
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Passengers using Northern services have endured a torrid time, travelling in trains which are overcrowded and past their ‘best by’ date. On July 1, the first of a fleet of 101 Class 195 and 331 trains was introduced, which is expected to start and alleviate some of the problems. Chris Milner samples both trains. FOR…
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Designated charter network capacity
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In the latest in our series examining the issues of operating special trains on the main line with heritage rolling stock, Andy Castledine looks at what the future is likely to hold for pathing – and the processes and implications required in planning. He also shares the view of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s Graeme…
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Northern’s farewell to ‘37’ haulage
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LOCOMOTIVE haulage on the Cumbrian Coast Line came to an end last month with Arriva Rail North operating a special return trip to mark the event on January 11. Displaying both ‘The Cumbrian Coast Express’ and ‘Class 37 Farewell’ headboards, Northern’s 09.52 Carlisle-Carnforth special passes Maryport. No. 37409 Lord Hinton leads the train with No. 37425 Sir…
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Class 195 unveiled – future plans revealed
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By Tony Miles NORTHERN has formally unveiled the first two trains in its new £500million fleet which it says “will set new standards for customers using local rail in the north of England”. The sets were unveiled by Northern managing director David Brown and Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry at Edge Hill depot, Liverpool, in…
