Delayed Class 710s unveiled ahead of autumn introduction
London Overground unveiled its first Class 710 at Willesden on June 20.
The electric multiple units (EMUs) are six months late. Transport for London, which ordered the trains, confirmed they have been delayed by problems discovered in testing.
TfL spokesman David Edwards told RAIL: “All of the new ‘710s’ are controlled by a Train Control Management Systems (TCMS) which provides a comprehensive interface between train sub-systems and the Driver, Maintenance and Operational crew. During testing, some issues were identified that have needed to be rectified by further software development. This has led to delays in completing testing of the train at Derby.”
The TCMS on the Bombardierbuilt ‘710s’ is updated from that fitted to the manufacturer’s TfL Rail Class 345s that are being delivered.
The first EMU (710261) is one of 54 on order and has returned to the Midlands for final rectification work before testing starts.
The trains will be able to carry almost 700 passengers and will feature WiFi and USB charging points. They will initially be put into service on the Gospel OakBarking (GOBLIN) route, which has finally been electrified following a 12-month delay (Office of Rail and Road approval for energisation had been given the previous week).
The ‘710s’ will replace two-car Class 172/0 diesel multiple units, doubling capacity on the route in the process. Testing will start this summer, ahead of the trains entering traffic in the autumn.
Edwards said that route proving followed by driver training and familiarisation will be undertaken on the Gospel Oak-Barking route over the summer. During this time, fault-free running will also be carried out on the West Coast Main Line and Ilford to Norwich.
Jonathan Fox, TfL’s Director of Rail and Sponsored Services, said: “We are now planning for the first trains to enter passenger service
on the Gospel Oak-Barking route by November.”
Will Rogers, Managing Director of Arriva Rail London, added: “The London Overground is vitally important to the thousands of people who use it every day. This is why we are focused on continuously improving the travelling experience for our customers and working environment for our people.
“Our team has been working hard to prepare for the introduction of these new trains and we are really excited about the benefits they will bring in the long-term.”
TfL says that after the initial eight sets are introduced onto the GOBLIN route, they will then be introduced onto the London Euston-Watford Junction route, a move which will release Class 378s for the East London Line. This will take place over a six- month period.
The final routes to receive the ‘710s’ will be the West Anglia lines from London Liverpool Street to Cheshunt, Chingford and Enfield Town. This will enable LO Class 315s and ‘317s’ to be withdrawn. It is hoped that this will start by the end of the year. The trains will also be used on the Barking Riverside extension when it opens in 2021.
Of the 54 trains ordered, 710101-710131 are 25kV AC-powered only, while 710256710272 are dual-voltage units. An initial order of 45 was increased by nine EMUs, with three four-car dual-voltage trains added (710270-710272), while six five-car EMUs are also on order. London Rail Leasing Ltd is financing the order.
Glenn Wallis, secretary of the Barking-Gospel Oak Rail User Group, told RAIL: “BGORUG is aware that the existing BarkingGospel Oak fleet of eight diesel trains has to move to West Midlands Trains by November. It is therefore deeply disappointing that TfL is unable to provide a firm schedule for the introduction of the Class 710s into passenger service.
“Considering that testing started last December, it is also concerning that Bombardier has yet to obtain Network Rail approval for the Class 710s to operate on the national network.”