FLEX work starts on sixth ‘319’

The sixth Class 319 to be converted to a FLEX (fourcar 319442) for Northern has arrived at Brush Traction, Loughborough, to be fitted with gensets and an alternator.

Eight trains are on order from Porterbrook. They are being reclassified as Class 769s, with 769434/456 undergoing tests at the Great Central Railway ( RAIL 864), and 769424/431/442/450 at Loughborough.

Still to move to the Midlands are 319448/458, which will be renumbered 769448/458 respectively. The first to be released for tests on the main line is expected to be 769431.

Initially, the bi-mode trains will run between Wigan and Manchester. They are expected to also serve Southport in the future, replacing Pacers that will be withdrawn.