MK 5A TESTING SET TO START IMMINENTLY
TRANSPENNINE EXPRESS was expecting test running of its first ‘Nova 3’ Mk 5A sets to begin by the end of August. The news follows confirmation that manufacturer CAF had received approvals to start vehicle testing in the UK earlier in the month.
Testing of the new sets, which are powered by modified Direct Rail Services Class 68 locomotives, is being carried out by Freightliner, which is CAF’s test operator. Paths have been secured from Manchester onto the West Coast main line both south to Bletchley and north to Carlisle, with the initial operation of two return trips a day likely to take place over the southbound route. The sets are due to be introduced later this year on the North TransPennine route, working services from Manchester Airport/Liverpool to Middlesbrough/Scarborough.
NOVA 2 IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Meanwhile, the first CAF-built five-car Class 397 ‘Nova 2’ EMU, No 397001, began test running on the Velím test track in the Czech Republic in July. Initial work by CAF focused on software setup such as the blending of the dynamic and friction brakes, which is being carried out in conjunction with supplier Knorr-Bremse.
The second set (No 397002) arrived at the…
