First Class 319 at Wabtec to begin hybrid conversion work
THE first Class 319 electric multiple unit has arrived at Wabtec Rail’s Brush Traction site at Loughborough for fitting with diesel power.
The four-car EMU (319456) is the first of eight units that will be modified as part of Porterbrook’s ‘Flex’ concept ( RAIL 818, 819). It arrived from Wolverton Works on April 11, and has already undergone an interior refurbishment as per the rest of the Northern ‘319’ fleet. Its arrival at Loughborough is ahead of schedule.
Wabtec is contracted to fit two diesel power units to the train, one engine for each driving vehicle. These will provide power to the existing traction and auxiliary equipment while the existing systems on the train will provide power to the train’s DC systems, thereby avoiding significant changes to the existing equipment.
The first element of the work to be undertaken on 319456 at Loughborough will be to integrate the equipment with the EMU’s’ existing systems. Once that is complete, it will start testing at the facility in August, ahead of main line testing.
The plan is that the trains could be introduced into passenger service from December this year. Porterbrook has told RAIL that there is no firm decision on where the trains will be used initially.
A MAN D2876 engine (a component used across Europe) will be fitted. The key attractions for Porterbrook is its compact depth, that it is rail approved, and that it is compliant with the lateststage IIIB low emissions regulations. The engine is liked to an alternator manufactured by ABB.
The order for eight trains is part of a deal between Porterbrook (which owns the trains), Northern (which will use them) and the Rail North Partnership.
Porterbrook owns all 86 Class 319s, which are being progressively sent off-lease by Govia Thameslink Railway. Northern has committed Assistant Editor