Porterbrook firms up plans for converted tri-modes

Rolling stock company Porterbrook has confirmed identities for the Great Western Railway tri-mode Class 769s, as well as for Transport for Wales’ initial five sets.

The Class 769s are being converted from redundant Class 319 electric multiple units by Wabtec Rail at Brush Traction, Loughborough.

The TfW sets are identical to the Northern fleet, in that they are fitted with diesel gen sets and lose their third rail capability, while the GWR tri-mode sets will be capable of operating on third rail, overhead power and diesel.

Bound for GWR are 319422/ 423/425/427/428/430/432/ 435-440/443/445/447/449/452/ 459. Of these, 319440/449 have moved to GWR’s Reading depot for staff training, although it is not planned that any will be in traffic before conversion. Additionally, 319443 is at Loughborough.

The ‘319s’ selected for TfW’s initial batch are 319002/003/006008. A further four are being supplied to TfW, with 319426 the first to move to Loughborough for conversion.

Porterbrook is also planning a HydroFlex Class 769, powered by hydrogen. This will use 319001 as a donor.

All the ‘319s’ will be renumbered into the 769xxx range, but retain their final three digits.

Northern is also having eight FLEX units, with 769424 and 769431 at Allerton for training. Main line testing is set to be carried out between Allerton depot, Liverpool Lime Street, Warrington Bank Quay and Crewe, as well as several trips to Carnforth. Northern and Rail Operations Group (ROG) will be involved in this work.

A further two sets (769434/456) are at the Great Central Railway for testing, while 769442/448/450/458 are at Loughborough undergoing conversion. The pair at the GCR are pre-series sets and will require an interior refurbishment before entering service.

This will leave 53 Class 319s in original condition (of 86), although three more are due to go to TfW, ROG will lease two for its logistics operations, and 37 are currently used by train operators.

Currently with West Midlands Trains are 319005/013, 319215/ 216/219/220, 319429/433/441/ 457/460, while Northern has 319361-319386 in traffic. The WMT fleet will be withdrawn when Bombardier Class 730 Aventras are delivered in 2020/2021.

This leaves 319004/009-012, 319214/217/218, 319421/434/ 444/446/451/453-455 stored. Five will be donors for TfW and ROG.