The Anonymous Widower

Riding In A Train Designed To Run On Battery Power

Today, I had my first ride in a train, that has been designed to be able to run on battery power.

• Merseyrail’s Class 777 trains run normally using third-rail electrification.
• But they are also designed to run on battery power.
• I took these pictures of the train as it went from Liverpool Central station to Kirkby station and back to Moorfields station, from where I took a train back to Liverpool Lime Street station.

I took these pictures on the route.

Note.

1. Every seat has access to a power and USB socket.
2. Every head-rest has leather facings.
3. The end lights change from white for front, to red for back, when the train changes direction.
4. Door lights are green when it is safe to enter.
5. There is a lot of attention to detail in the design.

If there is a better suburban train in Europe, I’ve yet to see or ride in it.

Noise And Vibration

Consider.

• I have ridden in two trains converted to battery-electric operation and both were very quiet.
• This train was also very quiet, but it has been designed for battery operation.
• I suspect that the train is very frugal with electricity.
• I wonder, if the small battery, that is carried on the train for depot movements, is also used for regenerative braking.
• It might not be a traditional battery, but a supercapacitor, some of which are made from curved graphene.

This train certainly sets new standards in noise and vibration.

February 7, 2023 - Posted by AnonW | Design, Transport/Travel | 777, Battery-Electric Trains, Kirkby Station, Liverpool Central Station, Liverpool Lime Street Station, Merseyrail, Moorfields Station, Noise