What Will Happen To Great Western Railway’s Class 387 Trains?
I have been looking at the services that Great Western Railway run using Class 387 trains.
Current services run by these trains are.
London Paddington And Didcot Parkway
This service has the following characteristics.
- The frequency is two trains per hour (tph)
- Services are run by two trains working as a pair.
- Intermediate stops are Ealing Broadway, Southall, Hayes and Harlington, West Drayton, Iver, Langley, Slough, Maidenhead, Twyford, Reading, Tilehurst, Pangbourne, Goring and Streatley and Cholsey.
- Journey time is one hour twenty-three minutes, giving a three hour round trip.
I estimate that twelve trains are needed to run this service.
From the 15th December 2019, this service appears to run to a similar timetable.
London Paddington And Reading
This service has the following characteristics.
- The frequency is two tph.
- Services are run by two trains working as a pair.
- Intermediate stops are Ealing Broadway, Southall, Hayes and Harlington, West Drayton, Slough, Burnham, Maidenhead and Twyford
- Journey time is fifty-seven minutes, giving a two and a half hour round trip.
I estimate that ten trains are needed to run this service.
From the 15th December 2019, this service will be run by TfL Rail using Class 345 trains.
Reading And Newbury
This service has the following characteristics.
- The frequency is one tph.
- Services are run by two trains working as a pair.
- Intermediate stops are Reading West, Theale, Aldermaston, Midgham, Thatcham and Newbury Racecourse.
- Journey time is twenty-nine minutes, giving an hour round trip.
I estimate that two trains are needed to run this service.
From the 15th December 2019, this service appears to run to a similar timetable.
Current Trains Needed
Summarising the trains needed gives the following.
- London Paddington and Didcot Parkway – twelve trains
- London Paddington and Reading – ten trains
- Reading and Newbury – two trains.
This gives a total of twenty-four trains.
Trains Needed After 15th December 2019
Summarising the trains needed gives the following.
- London Paddington and Didcot Parkway – twelve trains
- London Paddington and Reading – no trains
- Reading and Newbury – two trains.
This gives a total of fourteen trains.
Heathrow Express
Heathrow Express will use twelve Class 387 trains in the near future.
Great Western Railway’s Future Need For Class 387 Trains
Summarising the trains needed gives the following.
- London Paddington and Didcot Parkway – twelve trains
- Reading and Newbury – two trains.
- Heathrow Express – twelve trains.
This gives a total of twenty-six trains.
Great Western Railway have a total of forty-five Class 387 trains. Wikipedia is a bit confusing on this point, but I’m fairly certain this is a correct figure.
This means that Great Western Railway have nineteen trains available for expansion of services.
Great Western Railway’s Class 769 Trains
Great Western Railway have also ordered nineteen dual-voltage bi-mode Class 769 trains.
These are for the following routes.
- Reading – Redhill or Gatwick Airport
- London Paddington – Reading and Oxford
As the spare number of Class 387 trains is the same as that of the bi-mode trains, was it originally intended, that these routes could be run by the Class 387 trains, after Network Rail had joined the electrification together.
But the extra electrification never happened.
So Great Western Railway ordered the bi-modes trains.
Great Western Railway’s Dilemma
The Class 769 trains appear to be running late, so Great Western Railway are running the Gatwick and Oxford services with diesel multiple units, that they’d like to send to the West Country.
Bombardier appear to have moved on with their battery technology, that was successfully trialled using a similar Class 379 train in 2015. I wrote about the possibility of battery Electrostars on the Uckfield Branch last month in Battery Electrostars And The Uckfield Branch.
I believe that both routes would be within range of a battery-electric Class 387 train.
Reading – Redhill or Gatwick Airport
The various sections of the route are as follows.
Reading and Wokingham – Electrified with 750 VDC third-rail.
Wokingham and Aldershot South Junction – Not electrified – 12 miles
Aldershot South Junction and Shalford Junction – Electrified with 750 VDC third-rail.
Shalford Junction and Reigate – Not electrified – 17 miles
Reigate and Redhill/Gatwick – Electrified with 750 VDC third-rail.
To my mind, this is a classic route for a battery-electric train, as it is mainly electrified and both gaps are less than twenty miles long.
Some or all of the Class 387 trains are dual-voltage.
London Paddington – Reading and Oxford
The distance between Didcot Parkway and Oxford is under twelve miles, so a return trip should be well within range of a battery-electric Class 387 train.
There are also plans at Oxford station to put a new bay platform on the London-bould side of the station. This could be fitted with a charging station to avoid any range anxiety.
A Gatwick And Oxford Service
Could the Oxford and Gatwick services be joined together to make a direct Oxford and Gatwick service via Reading?
- I estimate that the service would take around two hours.
- Assuming a fifteen minute turnround at both ends, a round trip would be four and a half hours.
Running a half-hourly service would need just nine trains.
Or eighteen, if they were to run as eight-car trains!
Could this explain the order for nineteen trains, as it’s always a good idea to have a spare?
Conclusion
Great Western Railway can dig themselves elegantly out of a hole of Network Rail’s making by converting the spare Class 387 trains to battery-electric trains.
I’m sure Bombardier have the design available and would be happy to oblige after they have finished conversion of the Heathrow Express units.
There might also be an argument for fitting all Class 387 trains with batteries.
- A more unified fleet.
- Train recovery in the event of electrification failure.
- Better safety in depots.
- Direct services between Paddington and Henley and Bourne End.
- Would it allow Class 387 trains to run between Paddington and Bedwyn?
- Reduced electricity consumption.
It’ll be a decision for the accountants.
One collateral benefit of a successful conversion program for the Great Western Railway, is that it would enable Great Northern’s twenty-eight trains and c2c’s six trains to be easily converted to battery-electric versions.
- Great Northern’s coulde be used by sister company; Southern on the Uckfield Branch and the Marshlink Line.
- c2c trains are soon to be replaced by new trains.
I’m sure that quality four-car battery-electric trains won’t wait long for an operator.
The Batteries For Bombardier Electrostars
This article on the Railway Gazette is entitle Bombardier And Leclanché Sign Battery Traction MoU.
This is the second paragraph.
According to Bombardier, Leclanché will deliver ‘imminently’ its first performance demonstrator battery systems, after which it will be in line to supply traction equipment worth in excess of €100m for use in more than 10 rolling stock projects.
In Stadler’s New Tri-Mode Class 93 Locomotive, I investigated who was providing two large suitcase-sized batteries for Stadler’s new Class 93 locomotive.
In the related post, I said this about the batteries in the Class 93 locomotive, which I describe as a hybrid locomotive.
The Class 93 Locomotive Is Described As A Hybrid Locomotive
Much of the article is an interview with Karl Watts, who is Chief Executive Officer of Rail Operations (UK) Ltd, who have ordered ten Class 93 locomotives. He says this.
However, the Swiss manufacturer offered a solution involving involving an uprated diesel alternator set plus Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) batteries.
Other information on the batteries includes.
- The batteries are used in regenerative braking.
- Batteries can be charged by the alternator or the pantoraph.
- Each locomotive has two batteries slightly bigger than a large suitcase.
Nothing is said about the capacity of the batteries, but each could be say 200 litres in size.
I have looked up manufacturers of lithium-titanate batteries and there is a Swiss manufacturer of the batteries called Leclanche, which has this data sheet, that describes a LT30 Power cell 30Ah.
- This small cell is 285 mm x 178.5 mm x 12 mm.
- It has a storage capacity of 65 Wh
- It has an expedited lifetime of greater than 15,000 cycles.
- It has an energy density of 60 Wh/Kg or 135 Wh/litre
These cells can be built up into much larger batteries.
- A large suitcase is 150 litres and this volume would hold 20 kWh and weigh 333 Kg.
- A battery of 300 litres would hold 40 kWh. Is this a large Swiss suitcase?
- A box 2.5 metres x 1 metre x 0.3 metres underneath a train would hold 100 kWh and weigh 1.7 tonnes
These batteries with their fast charge and discharge are almost like supercapacitors.
, It would appear that, if the large suitcase batteries are used the Class 93 locomotive will have an energy storage capacity of 80 kWh.
I wonder how many of these batteries can be placed under a Bombardier Eectrostar.
It looks rather cramped under there, but I’m sure Bombardier have the detailed drawings and some ideas for a bit of a shuffle about. For comparison, this is a selection of pictures of the underneath of the driver car of the new Class 710 trains, which are Aventras.
It looks like Bombardier have done a big tidy-up in changing from Electrostars to Aventras.
In Battery Electrostars And The Uckfield Branch, I came to the conclusion that Class 387 trains were the most likely trains to be converted for battery operation.
I also developed Excel spreadsheets that model the operation of battery trains on the Uckfield Branch and the Marshlink Line.
Feel free to download and examine.
Size Of Batteries Needed
My calculations in the two spreadsheets are based on the train needing 3 kWh per vehicle-mile to cruise between stations.
To handle the Uckfield Branch, it appears that 290.3 kWh is needed to go South and 310.3 kWh to go North.
I said this earlier.
A box 2.5 metres x 1 metre x 0.3 metres underneath a train would hold 100 kWh and weigh 1.7 tonnes.
So could we put some of these batteries under the train?
The Effect Of More Efficient Trains
My calculations are based on the train needing 3 kWh per vehicle-mile, but what if the trains are more efficient and use less power?
- 3 – 290.3 – 310.3
- 2.5 – 242.6 – 262.6
- 2 – 194.9 – 214.9
- 1.5 – 147.2 – 167.2
- 1 – 99.4 – 119.4
Note.
- The first figure is Southbound and the second figure is Northbound.
- More power is needed Northbound, as the train has to be accelerated out of Uckfield station on battery power.
The figures clearly show that the more efficient the train, the less battery capacity is needed.
I shall also provide figures for Ashford and Ore.
- 3 – 288
- 2.5 – 239.2
- 2 – 190.4
- 1.5 – 141.5
- 1 – 92.7
Note that Westbound and Eastbound energy needs are the same, as both ends are electrified.
I obviously don’t know Bombardier’s plans, but if the train’s energy consumption could be reduced to around 2 kWh per vehicle-mile, a 250 kWh battery on the train would provide enough energy storage for both routes.
Could this be provided by two of Leclanche’s batteries designed to fit a space under the train?
These would be designed to provide perhaps 250 kWh.
What Would Be The Ultimate Range Of A Class 387 Train On Battery Power?
Suppose you have a four-car Class 387 train with 25 kWh of battery power that leaves an electrified station at 60 mph with a full battery.
How far would it go before it came to a lifeless stop?
The battery energy would be 250 kWh.
There would be 20 kWh of kinetic energy in the train.
Ranges with various average energy consumption in kWh per vehicle-mile are as follows.
- 3 – 22.5 miles
- 2.5 – 27 miles
- 2 – 34 miles
- 1.5 – 45 miles
- 1 – 67.5 miles
Obviously, terrain, other traffic and the quality of the driving will effect the energy consumption.
But I do believe that a well-designed battery-electric train could easily handle a fifty mile electrification gap.
What Would Be The Rescue Range On One Battery?
One of the main reasons for putting batteries on an electrical multiple unit is to move the train to a safe place for passenger evacuation if the electrification should fail.
This week, there have been two electrification failures in London along, one of which was caused by a failing tree in the bad weather.
I’ll assume the following.
- The train is a Class 387 train with one 125 kWh battery.
- The battery is ninety percent charged.
- The train will be moved at 40 mph, which has a kinetic energy around 9 kWh.
- The energy consumption of the train is 3 kWh per vehicle-mile.
The train will use 9 kWh to accelerate the train to line speed, leaving 116 kWh to move the train away from the problem.
With the energy consumption of 3 kWh per vehicle-mile, this would be a very useful 9.5 miles.
Regenerative Braking To Battery On Existing Trains
This has been talked about for the Class 378 trains on the London Overground.
Regenerative braking to batteries on the train, should cut energy use and would the battery help in train recovery from the Thames Tunnel?
What About Aventras?
Comparing the aerodynamics of an Electrostar like a Class 387 train with an Aventra like a Class 710 train, is like comparing a Transit van with a modern streamlined car.
Look at these pictures some of which are full frontal.
It should be noted that in one picture a Class 387 train is shown next to an InterCity 125. Did train designers forget the lessons learned by Terry Miller and his team at Derby.
I wonder how much electricity would be needed to power an Aventra with batteries on the Uckfield branch?
These are various parameters about a Class 387 train.
- Empty Weight – 174.81 tonnes
- Passengers – 283
- Full Weight – 2003 tonnes
- Kinetic Energy at 60 mph – 20.0 kWh
And these are for a Class 710 train.
- Empty Weight – 157.8 tonnes
- Passengers – 700
- Full Weight – 220.8 tonnes
- Kinetic Energy at 60 mph – 22.1 kWh
Note.
- The Aventra is twenty-seven tonnes lighter. But it doesn’t have a toilet and it does have simpler seating with no tables.
- The passenger weight is very significant.
- The full Aventra is heavier, due to the large number of passengers.
- There is very little difference in kinetic energy at a speed of 60 mph.
I have played with the model for some time and the most important factor in determining battery size is the energy consumption in terms of kWh per vehicle-mile. Important factors would include.
- The aerodynamics of the nose of the train.
- The turbulence generated by all the gubbins underneath the train and on the roof.
- The energy requirements for train equipment like air-conditioing, lighting and doors.
- The efficiency of the regenerative braking.
As an example of the improvement included in Aventras look at this picture of the roof of a Class 710 train.
This feature probably can’t be retrofitted, but I suspect many ideas from the Aventra can be applied to Electrostars to reduce their energy consumption.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bombardier push the energy consumption of an Electrostar with batteries towards the lower levels that must be possible with Aventras.
Battery Electrostars And The Uckfield Branch
In Rounding Up The Class 170 Trains, I said this, which is based on a quote from an article in the October 2019 Edition of Modern Railways.
Are Battery Electrostars On The Way?
The article finishes with this paragraph about the Class 171 trains, that will come from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and be converted back to Class 170 trains.
GTR currently uses the ‘171s’ on the non-electrified Marshlink and Uckfield lines, and the release of these sets to EMR is contingent on their replacement with converted Electrostar EMUs with bi-mode battery capability, removing these diesel islands of operation from the otherwise all-electric GTR fleet.
So are these battery Electrostars finally on their way?
The article got several comments, which said that some five-car Electrostars were to be converted and they would probably be Class 376 trains, that would be used.
The comments also said that Network Rail were working on using short lengths of third-rail to charge the train batteries.
That sounds like Vivarail’s system to me, that I wrote about in Vivarail Unveils Fast Charging System For Class 230 Battery Trains.
Southern’s Current Diesel Fleet
I will start by looking at Southern’s current diesel fleet that works London Bridge and Uckfield stations and the Marshlink Line.
Currently, Southern has a diesel fleet of Class 171 trains.
- 12 x two-car trains
- 8 x four-car trains.
According to Modern Railways, the following trains will transfer to EMR Regional in September 2021.
- 10 x two car
- 6 x three-car, which will be created by moving a few cars in the four-car trains.
It looks as if after the transfer Southern will be left with eight driver-cars and ten intermediate cars.
This would give them four four-car trains and two spare intermediate cars. I’m sure that someone will have a need for the intermediate cars to lengthen a two-car Class 170 train because of capacity issues.
The Marshlink Line Service
The service on the Marshlink Line is an hourly service between Ashford International and Eastbourne stations.
- It is run by Class 171 diesel trains.
- Trains were four-cars most times I’ve used it.
- Journey times are around one hour and twenty-minutes.
- A round trip takes three hours.
- It would appear that three four-car trains are needed to run the service.
So if there is a spare train, four trains would be ideal, After all the transfers, this is the remaining number of Class 171 trains, that would be left with Southern.
If they wanyted to get rid of the diesel trains, then they could replace the trains on the Marshlink Line with four four-car battery bi-mode Electrostars!
Network Rail’s Plan For The Uckfield Branch
This document on the Network Rail web site from 2016, is entitled Delivering A Better Railway
For A Better Britain – Route Specifications 2016 – South East.
In the document, this is said about the the route between Hurst Green and Uckfield.
The key issue presently is overcrowding on the shorter length services that operate on the route during and close to the peak hours. As the route is operated by Class 171 diesel units, there is only a small fleet available to the TOC to deploy on the route. As a result some peak and shoulder peak services are not able to operate at the maximum length the route is capable of (8-car).
Electrification schemes in the North West will displace rolling stock to strengthen existing peak services to 8-car and eventually of 10-car operation during CP5, so associated platform lengthening is currently being developed, this will also be compatible with 12-car 20m vehicle trains.
Electrification is still an aspiration for this route or use of battery-powered trains (currently under development) if they are deemed successful.
Signalling is controlled by Oxted Signal Box but during CP5 this will be transferred to Three Bridges ROC.
The key point is that the platforms have been lengthened for 240-metre long trains, which will also allow ten-car Class 171 trains, which have 23 metre vehicles.
The Uckfield Branch Service
The service on the Uckfield Branch is an hourly service between London Bridge and Uckfield stations.
- It is currently run by Class 171 diesel trains.
- The platforms on the route can accept ten-car trains with 23 m vehicles or twelve-car trains with 20 metre vehicles.
- A round trip takes three hours.
- It would appear that three ten- or twelve-car trains are needed to run the service.
So if we add in a spare and perhaps an extra train for the rush hour, it would appear that around half-a-dozen ten- or twelve-car battery bi-mode trains will be needed for the service.
- As a ten-car train would be two five-car trains, twelve five-car trains would be needed.
- As a twelve-car train would be three four-car trains, eighteen four-car trains would be needed.
Interestingly, Southern have three trains that could be candidates for conversion to battery bi-modes in their fleet.
- One hundred and fifty-two four-car Class 377 trains.
- Thirty-four five car Class 377 trains.
- Twenty-nine four-car Class 387 trains.
All trains were built for longer commuter journeys,
Which Electrostars Will Be Converted To Battery Operation For The Uckfield Service?
Obviously, the trains must be four- or five-cars and suitable for conversion to battery bi-mode trains, but I feel they must have other features.
- Toilets
- First Class seats.
- Plenty of tables.
- Wi-fi and plug sockets.
- Comfortable interiors.
- End gangways, to ensure staff and passengers can move around the train if required.
I’ll now look at the various fleets of Electrostars.
Class 357 Trains
The Class 357 trains can probably be discounted, as I suspect c2c need them and they are not third rail.
Class 375 Trains
The Class 375 trains can probably be discounted, as I suspect Southeastern need them.
But if the new Southeastern franchise should decide on a complete fleet replacement, as the trains are dual-voltage, they might be very useful if fitted with a battery capability.
Class 376 Trains
The Class 376 trains can probably be discounted, as I suspect Southeastern need them.
The trains are also third-rail only and lack toilets, so would probably need a rebuilt interior.
Class 377 Trains
The Class 377 trains are a possibility as Soiuthern has a large fleet of both four- and five-car trains.
But they would be losing the Class 171 trains, so would probably need to bring in some new trains to have a large enough fleet.
Class 378 Trains
The Class 378 trains can probably be discounted, as London Overground need them.
Class 379 Trains
The Class 379 trains are surely a possibility, as Greater Anglia will be releasing them before the end of 2020.
Consider.
- There have no new home to go to.
- I am suspicious that that NXEA overpaid for these trains and Macquarie are sitting on a very good deal, that will cost Grester Anglia a lot to cancel!
- They appeared to me to be a shoe-in for Corby services, so perhaps they lost out to the Class 360 trains on cost.
- They are only 100 mph trains, whereas others are 110 mph trains.
- They would need to be fitted with third-rail shoes.
- The trains are coming up to nine years old and probably need a refresh.
- They have an interior aimed at airport passengers.
If I was Macquarie, I’d convert these into go-anywhere battery bi-modes for use in small fleets by operators.
But, Porterbrook’s battery-bi-mode conversion of a Class 350 train may be available at a lower price.
Class 387 Trains
The Class 387 trains are surely a serious possibility, for the following reasons.
- Govia already has fifty-six of these trains on lease and in service.
- c2c has six trains, that could come off lease in 2021.
- The trains are dual voltage
- The trains are 110 mph trains.
- They can run as twelve-car walk-through trains.
- Many of the trains are leased from Porterbrook.
I’ve felt for some time, that these trains would make excellent battery bi-modes.
But they are a good fit for Southern, as surely one could be scrounged from their Great Northern fleet to create a prototype for test.
I would feel that having the required number of trains for the Uckfield Branch can be achieved by September 2021, when the Class 171 trains will be sent to the Midlands.
There is also a backstop, in that there are nineteen Class 365 trains in store, which were replaced by Class 387 trains on Great Northern services. If there is a shortage of Class 387 trains during the conversion, surely some of these Class 365 trains could stand in, just as they did successfully in Scotland recently.
My Choice
I would convert Class 387 trains.
- There are quite a few Class 387 trains, that could be converted.
- Southern already have fifty-six Class 387 trains.
- There are enough to convert eighteen for Uckfield and four for the Marshlink
- It could be possible to deliver the full fleet before the Class 171 trains leave.
- If during conversion of the trains, they are short of stock, Southern can hire in some Class 365 trains.
It looks to be a low-risk project.
It will also have collateral benefits.
- The hourly London Bridge and Uckfield service will be raised to maximum capacity without any new infrastructure, except the trains and a number of battery chargers.
- Diesel will be eliminated in London Bridge station making the station electric trains only.
- Diesel will be eliminated between London Bridge and Uckfield stations.
- Efficient regenerative braking to battery would be available on the complete route.
- A ten-car diesel service between East Croydon and London Bridge will be replaced by a twelve-car electric service. stations.
In addition, if the diesel trains on the Marshlink Line were to be replaced by battery bi-modes, Southern would be a diesel-free franchise.
What About New Trains?
It’s all about the money and whether the new trains could be delivered in time.
I would suspect that Bombardier, CAF, Stadler and others are making competitive proposals to Southern, but would they be more affordable and timely, than a conversion of Class 387 trains?
But could they be as competitive if Bombadier and Porterbrook co-operated to convert some of Porterbrook’s Class 387 trains, that are already leased to Great Northern?
You don’t usually move house if you need a new boiler, you replace the boiler!
What About Hydrogen Trains?
The Alstom Breeze based on a Class 321 train is scheduled to first come into service in 2022. This is too late, as the Class 171 trains are scheduled to leave in September 2021.
Hydrogen trains would need a hydrogen filling station.
Kinetic Energy Of Class 387 Trains
I will calculate the kinetic energy of a four-car Class 387 train.
I will assume the following.
- Empty train weight – 174.81 tonnes – Read from the side of the train.
- Seats – 223
- Standees – 60 – Estimated from the seats/standing ratio of a Class 720 train.
- Total passengers – 283
- Each passenger weighs 90 Kg, with baggage, bikes and buggies.
- This gives a passenger weight of 25.47 tonnes and a train weight of 200.28 tonnes
Using Omni’s Kinetic Energy calculator, gives the following kinetic energies.
- 40 mph – 8.89 kWh
- 50 mph – 13.9 kWh
- 60 mph – 20.0 kWh
- 70 mph – 27.2 kWh
- 80 mph – 35.6 kWh
- 90 mph – 45.0 kWh
- 100 mph – 55.6 kWh
- 110 mph – 67.3 kWh
These figures are for a full train, but even so many will think they are low, when you think that 60 kWh batteries are used in hybrid buses.
A Trip To Uckfield
I took a trip to Uckfield today and these are my observations.
- The maximum operating speed of the train was no more than 70 mph.
- For much of the journey the train trundled along at around 40-50 mph.
- The route is reasonably flat with only gentle gradients.
- I hardly noticed the diesel engine under the floor of my car.
- Obviously in the Peak, the engines will have to work harder.
It was a very good demonstration of five Turbostars working in unison.
I can understand why East Midlands Railway are using Class 170 trains, as their standard train for EMR Regional.
Modelling the Route
I have built a mathematical model of the route between Hurst Green and Uckfield using Excel.
Input parameters are.
- Cruise Energy Consumption in kWh per vehicle mile. I assumed 3 kWh per vehicle mile
- Cruise Kinetic Energy in kWh. I assumed a 70 mph cruise and used 20 kWh
- Regeneration Energy Loss as a ratio. I assumed 0.15.
These parameters showed that a battery of between 290 kWh and 350 kWh would be needed, that was full at Hurst Green and was recharged at Uckfield.
Note that Vivarail are talking about putting 424 kWh under a three-car Class 230 train.
This page on the Vivarail web site is entitled Battery Train Update.
This is a paragraph.
Battery trains are not new but battery technology is – and Vivarail is leading the way in new and innovative ways to bring them into service. 230002 has a total of 4 battery rafts each with a capacity of 106 kWh and requires an 8 minute charge at each end of the journey. With a 10 minute charge this range is extended to 50 miles and battery technology is developing all the time so these distances will increase.
So it looks like Vivarail manage to put 212 kWh under each car of their two-car train.
I don’t think putting 350 kWh of batteries under a four-car Class 387 train would be impossible.
I have also created an Excel model for the second route between Ashford and Ore stations.
This shows that a battery of about 300 kWh on the train should cover the route.
It might appear strange that the longer Marshlink route needs a smaller battery, but this is because it leaves both ends of the route with a full battery.
These two links give access to the two Excel models that I have used. Feel free to access and criticise them.
It does appear, that on both these routes, if a train starts with full batteries, the energy in the battery is reduced in these ways as it travels along the route.
- There is an energy use to power the train along the line which is proportional to the vehicle-miles.
- Energy is needed to accelerate the train to line speed after each stop.
- Energy is needed to operate stop-related functions like opening and closing the doors.
But there will also be energy recovered from regenerative braking from line speed, although this won’t cover the subsequent acceleration.
I suspect with better understanding and better data, Bombardier can create a simple formula for battery size needed based on the following.
- The length of the route.
- The number of stations.
- The line speed
- The gradient and speed profile of the route
- The kinetic energy of the train at various loadings and speeds
- The amount of energy needed for each vehicle mile
- The efficiency of the regenerative braking
It is not the most difficult of calculations and I was doing lots of them in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Charging The Train At Uckfield
This picture shows the long platform at Uckfield station.
The platform has been built to accept a twelve-car electric train and if traditional third rail electrification were to be installed, this could be used to charge the batteries.
I would use a Vivarail-style system, which I described fully in Vivarail Unveils Fast Charging System For Class 230 Battery Trains.
As trains take a few minutes at Uckfield to turnback, I’m sure enough time can be arranged in the timetable to charge the batteries with enough power to get back to the electrification at Hurst Green.
The train would switch the charging system on and off by automatically connecting and disconnecting.
Plans To Reopen The Brentford To Southall Railway
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Ian Visits.
I have posted on the Brentford Branch Line several times previously and Ian says this about Hounslow Council’s thinking.
The council has been working on a scheme for some years to resurrect the line, with a new station built in Brentford and passenger services restored to Southall. A key factor for the plans is that Southall will then be on the Elizabeth line, which they hope will drive a lot more traffic on the spur down to Brentford.
In order to part-fund the 4-mile railway, Hounslow Council has now agreed to undertake a full business case to look at introducing a Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) within the Great West Corridor (GWC).
In my trips to document the updating of Syon Lane station with a new step-free footbridge, I have talked to several people, who would find a rail link to Southall useful.
Ian also says this about the latest situation.
As part of the proposal, the council has also commissioned Network Rail to begin a detailed study (known as ‘GRIP 4’) on building the new train link from Brentford to Southall, following encouraging early studies into the feasibility of such a link.
At least, this will give the Hounslow a list of all the problems and a cost estimate.
A few of my thoughts.
What Should Be The Frequency Of The Service?
The current truncated Brentford Branch Line is mainly single track, but from my helicopter, it appears that there would be space to add an additional track for as much of the route as required.
Preferably, there should be a service on the branch of at least two trains per hour (tph). Although, ideally four tph is much better, as it attracts passengers in large numbers.
It should be noted that from December 2019, there will be four tph on Crossrail calling at at Southall station all day. Connections should surely be well-arranged.
Four tph would be possible between two single platforms at Southall and Brentford, but would require selective doubling or passing loops to accommodate the service and the freight trains going to Brentford.
This Google Map shows the various sites clustered around the branch.
The branch runs from the North-West to the South-East across the map.
- The Great West Road is a couple of hundred metres to the South.
- To the East of the branch, there are a collection of waste and scrap metal transfer sites, aggregate and concrete sites and others that hide away in big cities.
- To the West is the massive Sky Studios complex.
I do wonder, if Sky would like a station? If they did, this would surely mean that a four tph service would be required.
What Is The Future Of The Industrial Site?
Because of London’s thirst for land for housing and office developments, sites like this inevitably get developed.
With its position between the River Brent and parkland, and the Brentford Branch Line, I believe that if new sites can be found for the various tenants, that this site could be a high quality housing development.
An intermediate station would surely be required.
What Should Be The Terminus Of The Branch?
I believe that the branch should terminate as close to the River as is possible.
- There is a lot of new housing being constructed in Brentford.
- I believe that Thames Clippers will eventually extend their river-boat services to Brentford and Kew.
But the problem would be that this would need an expensive bridge over the Great West Road.
These pictures show the Great West Road, where the current Brentford Branch Line finishes.
The tracks finish about a hundred metres North of the road, as shown on this Google Map.
The rusty footbridge over the busy road can be clearly seen.
Initially, I believe that the passenger service should terminate at the Great West Road.
If I was designing the station, I would build it much like the Deptford Bridge DLR station.
- It would be on a bridge above the Great West Road.
- It would be suspended from step-free towers on either side of the road.
- Would it only need to be a single platform station?
- The pavements on either side of the Great West Road would be improved to create a better walking environment.
- If possible a walking and cycling route to Brentford and the River would be provided.
- The design would leave provision to extend the railway South.
I also think, that it could be designed to enhance the collection of Art Deco and modern buildings in the area.
Could The Service Go Further Than The Great West Road?
This Google Map shows the former route of Brentford Branch Line, from just North of the Great West Road to the centre of Brentford.
Note.
- The former route is very green on the map.
- The Hounslow Loop Line crossing parallel and a few hundred metres South of the Great West Road.
- The only building on the route is some retail sheds between the Great West Road and the Hounslow Loop Line.
- To the \east of the Brentford Branch Line is a large and semi-derilict bus garage.
I’m sure that the railway could be extended through this area, as it is developed with housing and offices or parkland.
Could The Service Go Further Than Southall?
There is a section in the Wikipedia entry for the Brentford Branch Line, which is entitled Proposed Reopening, where this is said.
In April 2017, it was proposed that the line could reopen to allow a new link between Southall to Hounslow and possibly down to the planned Old Oak Common station with a new station in Brentford called Brentford Golden Mile. The proposals suggest the service could be operated by Great Western Railway and could be open by 2020 with a new service from Southall to Hounslow and possible later to Old Oak Common
It sounds a good idea, but it would mean trains would surely have to reverse direction and cross over to the North side.
It must be better to provide full step-free access at Southall station, which should be finished fairly soon.
Crossrail will also be providing at least four tph to and from Old Oak Common.
How Many Trains Would Be Needed?
I am pretty sure, that several train types could do a Southall and Brentford round trip in under thirty minutes.
This would mean the following.
- For a two tph service, one train would be needed.
- For a four tph service, two trains would be needed.
I suspect too, that a spare train would be added to the fleet.
Would The Branch Be Electrified?
I doubt it!
- The branch is only four miles long.
- A 100 kWh battery would probably provide enough power for a four-car train.
- It is unlikely electric haulage will be needed for the freight trains o the branch.
- There is 25 KVAC electrification at the Southall end of the branch to charge trains with batteries.
- The branch is probably short enough to not need a charging point at Brentford.
In my mind, it is a classic route to run using battery power.
What Trains Could Be Used?
I feel the trains need to have the following specification.
- Abiility to use 25 KVAC overhead electrification.
- A out and back battery range of at least eight miles.
- Three or four cars.
- 60 mph operating speed.
There are several proposed trains that meet this specification.
Class 710 Train
The Class 710 train would be an obvious choice, if London Overground were to run the service.
But it would need the 25 KVAC electrification be added to Platform 5 at Southall station.
Class 230 Train
The Class 230 train could be a lower cost option and would only require one of Vivarail’s clever charging systems at Southall.
Class 387 Train
A modified Class 387 train would surely be a choice, If Great Western Railway were to run the service.
But as with the Class 710 train, it would need Platform 5 at Southall station to be electrified.
Class 399 Tram-Train
A Class 399 tram-train to the South Wales Metro specification is also a possibility.
But as with the Class 710 train, it would need Platform 5 at Southall station to be electrified.
However, the lighter weight vehicle with a tight turning circle might allow the route to be extended further South.
Conclusion
I am led to these conclusions.
- Battery power is capable of working the Brentford Branch Line.
- At least two tph is needed between Southall and Brentford.
- The operator will choose the trains.
IBut as they are a lower-cost and simpler option, this route could be run by Class 230 trains.
When Crossrail Opens To Reading, Will Great Western Railway Have Too Many Class 387 Trains?
Currently, Great Western Railway has a fleet of 45 Class 387 trains
Twelve trains are currently being converted to Heathrow Express duties.
But if Crossrail takes over services between London and Reading, then their main use wuill have disappeared.
As Reading to Oxford is not fully-electrified, they can’t be used on this route, but both Class 802 and Class 769 trains can.
There may be used for trains on routes like.
- Reading and Didcot Parkway
- Reading and Newbury
But there won’t be opportunities to use thirty-three trains.
Abellio East Midlands Railway’s Plans For London And Corby
This page on the Department for Transport web site is an interactive map of the Abellio’s promises for East Midlands Railway.
These are mentioned for Midland Main Line services to Corby.
Dedicated Corby – St Pancras Express Service Will Be Introduced From December 2020 With 12-car Trains In The Peaks
In 2020, the route between London and Corby will have been improved.
- It will be fully electrified.
- There will be double-track between Kettering and Corby.
- Corby station will have a second platform.
- 125 mph running will be possible in sections of the route between London and Corby.
- Twelve-car trains indicate, that the rolling stock would be modern electric multiple units.
Possible trains include.
- Class 387 trains, which are capable of 110 mph.
- Class 379 trains, which are capable of 100 mph.
- Class 350 trains, which are capable of 110 mph.
- In Issue 877 of Rail Magazine, it is rumoured that Greater Anglia’s Class 360/1 trains will be used, which are capable of 100 mph.
There must also be the possibility, for a train manufacturer to deliver enough new trains to run the London and Corby service.
To run the current hourly service, three trains are needed, so if each train was three four-car electric multiple units, nine trains would be needed.
As these electric trains will need to mix it with the 125 mph trains on the fast lines between St. Pancras and Kettering, 110 mph trains would probably be preferable.
Class 387 trains were originally mooted for this route, but they all seem to have been snapped up by other operators, who may be reluctant to let them go.
On the other hand, as I wrote in When Crossrail Opens To Reading, Will Great Western Railway Have Too Many Class 387 Trains?, Great Western Railway may have a few trains going spare.
The three other possible trains are both used in Abellio-run franchises.
- ,Abellio Greater Anglia are replacing their thirty Class 379 trains with new Stadler Class 745/1 trains in 2019.
- Abellio Greater Anglia are replacing their twenty-one Class 360 trains with new Bombardier Class 720 trains in 2020.
- West Midlands Trains have a large fleet of Class 350 trains.
Greater Anglia’s plans currently give the order of the new Stadler fleet introduction as.
- Four-car Class 755/4 trains
- Twelve-car Class 745/0 trains for London and Norwich services
- Three-car Class 755/3 trains
- Twelve-car Class 745/1 trains for London and Stansted services
All trains are to be introduced by the end of 2020.
The Bombardier Class 720 trains are also planned to be introduced by the same date, starting this Autumn.
Could this mean that it is likely that nine Class 379 or Class 360 trains could be available before the end of 2019?
If Class 379 or Class 360 trains are used to Corby, it would allow a very relaxed train introduction.
There could be at least a year, to turn the trains into perfect trains for a high-capacity London and Corby service.
I think using Class 387 and Class 350 trains wouldn’t be so simple.
As the Class 745/1 trains for London and Stansted could be the last to be delivered, which might delay the release of the Class 379 trains, could this explain the rumours for using the Class 360 trains, between London and Corby.
There is also an interesting possibility.
Suppose, Abellio decided to order 125 mph trains from Stadler identical to the Class 745/0 trains between London and Norwich on the route between London and Corby.
- Stadler probably knows how to upgrade the trains to 125 mph, as there are electric Flirts in Norway with this performance.
- Greater Anglia have invested heavily in driver simulators and training aids for their Stadler trains.
- By the end of 2019, they will be running Class 745/0 trains between London and Norwich.
With different colours and a few route-specific details, the London and Norwich Class 745/0 trains, would surely be more than acceptable for London and Corby.
Stadler would surely be able to build the extra trains before the Stansted trains. This would mean that the unwanted Class 379 trains would have to soldier on to Stansted for a few more months.
125 mph Class 745 trains would be a magnificent upgrade to the London and Corby service.
Corby – London Service Doubled To Two Trains Per Hour All Day
This would mean the need would be eighteen four-car trains. or six twelve-car trains.
There are enough Class 379 and Class 360 trains, but obtaining the originally-planned Class 387 trains could be problematic.
Building the three extra new trains would not be a problem.
Kettering, Luton And Luton Airport Parkway Services Provided With 2 Trains Per Hour for Most Of The Day
Note.
- Luton station is on the latest list of stations to be made step-free by 2024.
- Luton Airport has been agitating for more fast trains to and from London and now gets a half-hourly express.
- Luton Airport Parkway station will have the Luton DART connection to the Airport in 2021.
- Class 379 trains are designed for airport services.
It appears to be a better service for passengers.
Enhanced Sunday Service Throughout The Route With Regular Direct Sunday Services Between London And Corby
No passenger complaints here.
Refurbished Modern Express Trains From December 2020
Features include.
- Increased capacity
- More reliable service
- Improved comfort
- Passenger information system
- Free on-board Wi-Fi
- At-seat power sockets
- USB points
- Air conditioning
- Tables at all seats
- Increased luggage space
- On-board cycle storage
What more could passengers want?
Many of these features are already installed in the Class 379 trains and would be no problem.
- When I rode the BEMU Trial train between Maningtree and Harwich, the information on the Class 379 train was word perfect.
- The trains are reliable and comfortable.
- Wi-fii, power sockets, air-conditioning and increased luggage space are already fitted.
- The trains have lots of tables, but not at every seat.
These are a selection of pictures of the interior of a Class 379 train.
Updating the interior of the trains would not be a major problem.
Class 360 Trains Would Need A Substantial Refurbish
If Class 360 trains were to be used to Corby, they would need a substantial refurbish, but the general feeling is that this would be possible and there is a year to do it.
iNew-Build Class 745 Trains
With a small fleet of new-build Class 745 trains, the customer would get what they want! – Tables, 2+2 seating, wi-fi sockets etc.
The Greater Anglia London and Norwich specification would be a good starting point.
Will The Class 379 Trains Be Fitted With Batteries?
The BEMU Trial in 2015, showed that this was feasible. Abellio was involved in this trial and must have their own views on the technology.
- Depots are safer places.
- Electrification can be simpler.
- Regenerative braking can be handled on the train without using the overhead wires for return currents.
- Batteries increase train efficiencies.
This picture shows, the wires are going up at Corby.
So it doesn’t look like battery power will be used to Corby.
But batteries could still be fitted for efficiency and safety reasons or possibly to power the trains to Oakham and Melton Mowbray.
What About The Rumour Suggesting Class 360 Trains Will Be Used?
These are some pictures of a Class 360 train.
Consider.
- The Class 360 trains have a 2+3 interior with few if any tables.
- If Bombardier deliver the Class 720 trains, later than planned, availability of the Class 360 trains for Corby could be tight.
- Could they be prated to 110 mph trains, if that was felt necessary?
I feel that there would be a lot more work to prepare the trains for Corby and a higher chance, they would be late!
I think except as a stop-gap, it is unliklely that Class 360 trains will be used between London and Corby.
Will The Trains Be Replaced In A Few Years?
Consider.
- The London and Corby route is 79.5 miles long and takes 75 minutes with four stops, which is an average speed of 64 mph.
- At present, services between London and Corby are run using 125 mph Class 222 trains.
- The Class 222 trains have better acceleration than an InterCity 125 and much better acceleration than a Class 360 train.
- The London to Corby route is a less-than-125 mph route.
- Network Rail ia currently improving the electrification between London and Bedford, so that the route between London and Corby will be an electrified 125 mph route.
- None of the trains being considered for the service between London and Corby is faster than 110 mph.
Does all this mean that Corby services might be slower after electrification?
- Will the 125 mph upgrade to the track and electrification ensure the electric trains are faster, even if they are 100 mph trains.
- Well-driven 100-110 mph trains might be as fast.
However, the Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield expresses might be slowed, just as they are by the 100 mph Thameslink trains.
In the article in Issue 877 of Rail Magazine, four manufacturers are suggested for the bi-mode trains that will be used between London and Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield from 2022.
- Bombardier
- Hitachi
- Stadler
- Talgo
Hitachi are the only manufacturer with 125 mph bi-mode trains on the UK Network.
They have a near-identical bi-mode Class 802 train and an all-electric Class 801 train.
- Both are capable of 125 mph running.
- Conversion between the two trains involves changing the number of engines.
- Drivers are probably trained to drive both types of train.
Ideally, on the Midland Main Line, electric trains could run to Corby, with bi-mode trains running to Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield.
So when the 125 mph bi-mode trains are delivered in 2022, would it be sensible to run their 125 mph electric cousins to Corby?
- South of Market Harborough, all East Midlands Railway trains would be 125 mph electric trains, running on 125 mph tracks.
- One tph between London and Corby would need three twelve-car trains.
- Two tph between London and Corby would need six twelve-car trains.
If that is the case, then whatever train is run to Corby from December 2020, is only a stop-gap for a couple of years, where only nine four-car trains would be needed.
Would it be more economic in the long term to place the order for the bi-mode trains, with a manufacturer, who can deliver three all-electric trains by December 2020?
I believe Stadler could do that!
Conclusion
I’m fairly certain, that services between London and Corby could be run by refurbished Class 379 trains.
As there is plenty of time before service introduction, this could be a very relaxed and painless introduction of new trains. Unlike some others recently.
There may even be time to upgrade the top speed of the trains, so they fit in better with East Midlands Railway’s 125 mph expresses.
I wouldn’t be surprised, if East Midlands Railway brought in Class 379 or Class 360 trains as a stop-gap and replaced them with electric versions of the bi-modes in 2022.
But the best solution would be to obtain three twelve-car all-electric versions of the bi-modes by December 2020, to run the initial service.
- Hitachi has a 125 mph electric Class 801 train and a 125 mph bi-mode Class 802 train.
- Stadler has a 125 mph electric version of Greater Anglia’s Class 745 train and I suspect a compatible 125 mph bi-mode train.
- Bombardier are working on a 125 mph bi-mode Aventra and have been quoted as saying Aventras can be stretched to 125 mph.
It will be interesting to see what trains East Midlands Railway chooses.
But I think Stadler Class 745 trains are a distinct possibility.
- Abellio will have experience of running these trains and training drivers and other staff.
- 125 mph trains could be almost identical to those on London and Norwich services.
- Stadler have built 125 mph electric Flirts for Norway.
By juggling production a bit, they could be delivered on time for a December 2020 start of services.
Integration Of High-Speed And Commuter Services Out Of Paddington Station
The following appears to be happening to the Great Western Main Line (GWML)
- All srvices to Oxford and Bedwyn, which have been run by slow diesels for years, will soon be run by 125 mph Class 800 trains, so they can join the herds of high-speed services on the dash using the fast lines between Reading and Paddington stations.
- All slower passenger trains between Paddington and Reading, will use the slow lines. Most will be Crossrail services and freight trains.
- ,Heathrow Express services, which will be four tph and run by upgraded 110 mph Class 387 trains, will use the fast lines between Paddington and Stockley Junction.
Some Class 800 trains achieve the thirty-six miles between Paddinghton and Reading in twenty-five minutes. This is a start-stop average speed of nearly ninety mph.
Frequency Between Reading And Paddington
I wonder what frequency of Class 800 trains can be achieved between Paddington and Reading.,
- Most will run non-stop.
- Up to 125 mph running could be possible between Stockley Junction (for Heathrow) and Reading, as all trains will be 125 mph Class 800 trains.
- Up to 110 mph running xould be possible between Paddington and Stockley Junction, as some trains will be 100 mph Class 387 trains.
- Digital signalling and possible automatic train control, could run the all trains to a precise timetable.
- Class 800 trains that stop at Slough, could do this in a very fast time.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see at least sixteen tph. Currently, the frequency is under ten tph.
If this frequency is achievable or even bettered, then this would be an impressive high-capacity service.
Class 387 Trains
Currently,, Great Western Railway has forty-five Class 387 trains.
Twelve are being modified, so they can run the Heathrow Express services.
But what happens to the other thirty-three trains?
Currently, some run a stopping service between Paddington and Didcot Parkway station, which stops West of Reading at Tilehurst, Pangbourne, Goring & Streatley and Cholsey stations, to give these stations a two tph service to Paddington.
The service between Reading and Paddington may be replaced by Crossrail in the near future offering four tph in the Peak and two tph in the Off Peak.
It strikes me that the following ways could be
Appleford, Culham and Radley.
Conclusion
It looks like the dropping of electrification to Oxford and Bedwyn, which resulted in Great Western Railway ordering more Class 802 trains to replace the slower Class 387 trains has resulted in a simpler and faster operating philosophy for the trains between Reading and Paddington.
- All GWR services will be Class 800/801/802 trains, using the fast lines.
- All Crossrail services will be Class 345 trains, using the slow lines.
- All freight services will use the slow lines.
- Heathrow Express services will use the fast lines, which they will leave ande join at Stockley Junction.
- All fast line services will be non-stop.
- All passenger trains will be using the electrification on the route.
It appears to be an efficient system, that keeps high-speed and stopping commuter services separate, whilst allowing 125 mph commuter services to be handled as high-speed services.
If I’m right, that there may be extra capacity for more high-speed services into Paddington, it will allow GWR to run extra services.
I like what’s happening.
Porterbrook Awards £11m Contract To Modify New Digital Heathrow Express Fleet
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on Rail Technology Magazine.
These are the first two paragraphs.
Porterbrook has unveiled a £11m contract with Bombardier to modify 12 Class 387 trains in preparation for their use on the Heathrow Express rail link.
The 12 specially converted ‘Electrostar’ trains currently operate on London commuter services for GWR but will now form a dedicated Heathrow Express fleet of electric multiple-units.
As other Class 387 trains are used on Gatwick Express, I’m sure that the trains will end up as some of the best airport expresses in the world.
But I feel that this is the most significant paragraph in the article.
The deal will also see the company fit digital signalling equipment, called ETCS, to the Class 387s – the first-time digital signalling will have been fitted on an existing fleet of electric passenger trains and will result in ‘type approval’ from the ORR which will enable ETCS to be fitted on all Electrostar fleets.
Fitting ETCS to the Heathrow Express trains will have several benefits.
More Trains Between Paddington And Reading
With the refurbishment of the Class 387 trains for the Heathrow Express, there will only be three types of trains between Paddington and Reading stations.
- Class 387 trains
- Class 800/801/802 trains
- Class 345 trains
Within a few years, all of these trains will be able to use ETCS and the benefits will be more trains between Paddington and Reading stations.
The trains would probably be a few minutes faster too!
All Electrostars Will Be Able To Be Updated With Digital Signalling
If the digital signalling works for the Class 387 trains, it would appear that it could be fitted to all the other Electrostars.
This could be very significant, as several busy lines have a high proportion of Electrostars.
These are my thoughts on some lines.
Brighton Main Line
The trains working the Brighton Main Line include.
- Gatwick Express’s Class 387 trains.
- Thameslink’s Class 700 trains, which are already using ETCS.
- Southern’s Electrostars.
Could we see digital signalling increase the capacity of this line.
East London Line
The East London Line is an all-Electrostar line and in the next few years, with the coming of Crossrail, it will probably need more services.
I suspect it will be using digital signalling and ETCS in a few years time.
North And West London Lines
If the East London Line were to be successfully signalled to bring capacity benefits, I could see the North London and West London Lines following suit.
The Class 710 trains, that will be boosting passenger capacity are Aventras and will be compatible with digital signalling. The freight locomotives are also being upgraded to digital signalling.
c2c
In a few years time, c2c will be using only Electrostars and Aventras! So why not use digital signalling?
As more new trains arrive with digital signalling, more lines will be converted to digital signalling and ETCS.
Conclusion
The updating of twelve Class 387 trains for Heathrow Express is a big step in the creation of a digital railway.
