GWR takes delivery of first FLEX unit for training
The first tri-mode Class 769/9 FLEX arrived at Reading on August 7 (769943), ahead of a programme of testing and driver training with Great Western Railway.
Nineteen four-car tri-mode sets were ordered in April 2018, with the first due in traffic in spring 2019. However, as was the case with the Northern and Transport for Wales Class 769s (both are bi-mode versions), the GWR fleet has been severely delayed.
Rebuilt from redundant Thameslink Class 319s, the GWR ‘769/9s’ will be able to operate using third-rail, overhead wires or diesel engines. They were intended to support the introduction of GWR’s 12 refurbished Class 387/1s onto Heathrow Express services, but the operator says that is now on hold owing to the current franchising pause.
The first ‘769/9’ had to be moved by road from Brush Traction, Loughborough, to Nemesis Rail’s Burton depot, due to gauge issues. From there it was taken south by rail. GB Railfreight is contracted to carry out the deliveries.
The ‘769/9s’ are fitted with free WiFi and power at every seat, air-cooling, extra luggage space and new seat covers. Gemini Rail Services carried out the internal refurbishment, while the trains were converted to tri-mode units by Wabtec Rail at Loughborough, where two MAN diesel gensets were fitted to each train.
When in traffic, the ‘769/9s’ are expected to operate on the Reading-Gatwick Airport and Reading-Oxford routes.
GWR is planning testing and driver training in the coming weeks. Some training was carried out using ‘319s’, but more is needed for the tri-mode function.
Their introduction will enable GWR to cascade Class 165/166 Turbos to the Bristol area, prompting a further cascade of ‘15x’ diesel units to the West Country, and thus finally allowing a withdrawal of Class 143 Pacers.
GWR is leasing the ‘769/9s from Porterbrook.