FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

HOT on the heels of Class 196 (see First Impressions, August issue) came the opportunity to sample a CAFbuilt Class 197, courtesy of Transport for Wales, who had cleverly temporarily parked No. 197002 in a normally nonpassenger use platform at Chester.

Just like their peers at West Midlands Executive, TfW wouldn’t give a date when the general public will be able to board a Class 197 beyond “autumn” (this year), though eventually this was narrowed down to October/November. TfW was, though, happy to start the unit up and, while idling at least, it was certainly quieter than its predecessors and the air conditioning appeared to be functioning effectively, too.

For passengers used to Class 15x DMUs that the ‘197s’ are set to replace – first on the Conwy Valley line, then Chester-Crewe, then North Wales lines – the smart interiors will be a pleasant step change. As with other recent units (Class 196, Class 803, refurbed Pendolinos) USB sockets are finally in a more accessible location, facing passengers, rather than hidden under the seat.

A helpful TfW driver demonstrated operation of the front/back connecting doors, although the initial diagrams aren’t expected to see these units working in multiple. All 51 two-car Class 197/0s will be standard class throughout, while some of the 26 Class 197/1 three-car variants will include first class accommodation. To sample that, as well as the thrill of the units going full pelt, we are likely to have to wait until “autumn” – a time of change to look forward to.