Welcome to this new venture. A long time coming, this page aims to bring together, and keep a record of all the various updates that take place in the DMU and EMU fleets in use around the England, Scotland and Wales. This relies - as ever - on your help and contributions, so to the many contributors of material (whether one off or continuous) a big thank you and keep it coming, and to any potential contributors, your help will be greatly appreciated.

158871 has been admitted to Glasgow Works for a repaint into ScotRail 'saltire' livery. The remaining silver 158s (158867-870) and the three units in base blue livery (158782, 158786 and 158789) will be following in due course.

Internal refurbishment of the ATW Class 175 fleet has begun with 175011 followed by 175008. The work involves new carpets, seat covering with new moquette and replacement or heavy clean of the panels which were scratched and looking rather shabby.

Virgin Voyager 221115 has received a full external repaint but has been fitted with vinyls on the two driving cars to advertise Bombardie and its 'green credentials' - although one has to wonder about the choice of a diesel train to put across this message! The unit, which has remained with no name since losing its 'Sir Francis Chichester' when it briefly transferred to CrossCountry at the start of the francise, has been named 'Polmadie Depot' with Voyager style red nameplates (as opposed to Super Voyager blue 'plates).

East Midlands Trains are currently running another hybrid Class 222 around. Taking the number of 222005, the unit contains 3 vehicles from the 'real' 222005, 3 vehicles from 222022 and 1 vehicle from 222101. As a consequence, 222022 and 222101 are both out of service.

The final Class 313 to operate with London Overground on the North London Line will take place on Saturday 17th September. It is planned for a headboard to be affixed to commemorate the occasion. Timings will be confirmed nearer the time.

378234 was delivered to Ashford from Derby for testing on August 31st.
 

The first of the new Class 380s for Scotrail have arrived in the country. 380106 arrived on the 25th August and went immediately North to Polmadie behind 66189 and 380105 arrived on the 27th August and went North behind 66055.

There has been a swap around of Class 313s at Doncaster Works for refurbishment; refurbished 313214 and 313206 left for Stewarts Lane on 10th August, replaced by 313217 and 313209 on the same day. Refurbished 313216 left for Stewarts Lane on 24th August, replaced by 313219 which arrived on the same day.
 

It transpires that 321410 is only at Ilford (as noted in the previous update) for a C4 exam rather than a repaint.

Also in First Capital Connect news, 313134 and 313122 have arrived at Hornsey Depot, arriving from Willesden on 9th August and 10th July respectively, neither having worked in passenger service yet.

The SPT/Carmine and Cream liveried Class 156 fleet with First Scotrail have all now been repainted into the new standard 'Saltire' livery with the admission of 156504 to Glasgow Works on August 11th. Attention is to transfer to the Class 320 and Class 334 fleets with a repaint programme starting in late-October/November.

After its incident on the West Highland Line last month, 156499 is currently in storage at Glasgow Works pending the outcome of an invitation to tender notice.

172006 has been observed in passenger service with London Overground, noted at Barking on 6th August. Meanwhile, 172008 has been delivered to Willesden from Derby Works, noted leaving the latter location today, 16th August.

357208 and 357210 have been repainted into the National Express/c2c scheme.

321423 has been released from C6 at Doncaster, travelling down to Ilford today, 16th August.
 

321410 has been transferred to Ilford for a repaint into First Capital Connect livery, noted on 7th August.

321414 left Wabtec Doncaster for Northampton after C6 overhaul and repaint on the 5th August, replaced by 321417 which made the return trip on the 6th August.
 

321432 entered traffic with NXEA on Saturday 24th July, working between Liverpool Street and Norwich.

321433 has been moved from storage at Eastleigh Works. Heading North this evening behind 66401, it has been taken to Ilford for reactivation.

378011 and 378016 (note correction!) have been transferred back to Derby Works for lengthening into 4-car sets. The move, which left Willesden today, is scheduled to return 378208 and 378210 to Willesden on its back working.
 

150125 has made the move to FGW for the summer season, being noted in passenger service on the 19th July.

172002 and 172007 were released from Derby Works this evening, 21st July, and headed South to Willesden via the MML and Bedford-Bletchley line. Meanwhile, 172005 has entered passenger traffic being noted in service on the Gospel Oak-Barking shuttles on the 19th July.
 

17/07/2010

For details of all relivery activities, see the relevant sections in the Rolling Stock Library...

Class 321/4...
The majority of the former Silverlink fleet have now moved to their new homes at NXEA and FCC with just one unit - 321433 - outstanding for removal from storage at Eastleigh Works. The situation as of the above date is as follows;

321401-406 in normal service with FCC
321407 outstabled at Welwyn CS due to space constraints at Hornsey
321408 Hornsey **
321409 Hornsey
321410 in normal service with FCC
321411-417 in normal service with London Midland*
321418 Hornsey
321419 Hornsey
321420 outstabled at Welwyn CS due to space constraints at Hornsey
321421 in service with NXEA
321422 in service with NXEA
321423 in service with NXEA
321424 stopped at Ilford - out of miles (see update 26/04)
321425 stopped at Ilford - out of miles (see update 26/04)
321426 mods at Clacton ***
321427-431 in service with NXEA
321432 Ilford
321433 Stored - Eastleigh Works
321434 Ilford
321435 stopped at Clacton - out of miles (see update 26/04)
321436 mods at Clacton ***
321437 in service with NXEA

* After a break of a couple of months, C6 work has recommenced on the LM 321s, with 321416 being the first arrival back at Northampton during last week. It was replaced at Doncaster by 321414 which moved North on 8th July.

** 321408 visited Doncaster for C6 and repaint, returning South on

*** Mods at Clacton include PIS and CCTV fitment, as per the NXEA 'home fleet' of 321s. A heavy clean on upholstery has also been undertaken.

Class 313...
All but four of the class have now been removed from London Overgrounds books. The situation as of the above date is as follows;

313101 training runs with Southern based at Brighton
313108 training runs with Southern based at Brighton
313113 Wolverton for repaint
313115 Wolverton for repaint
313120 Wolverton for repaint
313121-123 in service with London Overground
313134 in service with London Overground
313202-205 in service with Southern
313206 Wabtec Doncaster for internal refurbishment work
313207 in service with Southern
313209 repairs at Stewarts Lane
313210 Wabtec Doncaster for internal refurbishment work
313211 Wolverton for repaint
313212 in service with Southern
313214 Wabtec Doncaster for internal refurbishment work
313216 Wabtec Doncaster for internal refurbishment work
313217 repairs at Stewarts Lane
313219 Wolverton for repaint

The remaining four units are expected to come off lease once sufficient Class 378s are available, and will move to First Capital Connect.

The Class 378s have been introduced to service on the Euston-Watford 'DC' lines and although suffering some initial teething troubles, passenger reaction is reported to be positive. 378225-231 have been observed in service so far. The early three-car deliveries (378/0 variants) are now starting to head back to Derby to have their fourth car added, so far 378201 (formerly 378001) has been to Derby and is now back down at Ashford undergoing testing, 378202 (formerly 378002) is at Derby having its fourth car added and 378008 and 378010 are expected to be making the trip North in the next few days.

150125 is understood to be moving to First Great Western on a temporary hire basis for the high summer season. Although it will (eventually!) be one of the units making the move permanently after delivery of the Class 172 units to London Midland, this hire-in is to eliminate the need for a third loco hauled diagram to be introduced and will last only until the end of the high summer season.

172001, 172004-006 have been delivered to Willesden depot from Derby and are currently engaged on testing and mileage accumulation duties. Entry to passenger service is expected sometime in late July to early August.

The former South Eastern Class 508 fleet, barring two examples - 508207 and stripped 508212 - are now in further storage at Telford Railfreight Terminal. 508209 was the latest delivery on the 13th July.

 

For details of all relivery activities, see the relevant sections in the Rolling Stock Library...

Former Silverlink 150121 has been admitted to Laira for an internal refresh and repaint into 'Local Lines' livery. Described as a 'guniea pig', experiences from this unit will pave the way for the amount of attention to be given to 150127 and the former London Midland/London Overground units when they arrive at FGW in the coming months.

Apparent uncertainty over the future of the National Express East Anglia franchise has dictated the return of the last two C6X overhauls - 321327 and 317882 - from Doncaster and Ashford respectively, carrying all over white with simple 'National Express' bodyside wording.

508203 and 508205 were moved from Stewarts Lane depot to Donnington Railfreight Terminal near Telford for further storage by 67016 on 20th May. Further moves from Stewarts Lane are expected in the coming weeks.

465017 was released from repaint at Wolverton on 7th May following the arrival of 465010 for attention.

172001 is currently undergoing a programme of mainline testing as part of the design acceptance process. Based at Willesden, the past couple of weeks have seen it venture to Milton Keynes, Bedford via Bletchley, Aylesbury (for inspection by Chiltern) and the Gospel Oak-Barking line. 172002 and 172003 are reportedly located at the Old Dalby test track.

The coming May 23 timetable change will see the entry into service of the Southern Class 313 units on the 'coastway' routes eminating from Brighton. However, delays to the programme mean only two units will be in operation from Monday, with the remaining diagrams covered by Class 377s.

May 23 will also see the elimination of the two 'slam door' units from the Brockenhurst-Lymington Pier route. It is currently unclear what will happen to the two 3-CIG units 1497 and 1498 which are owned by South West Trains outright, however rostered traction on the branch from Sunday will become a Class 158 on a weekday with a Class 450 at the weekend.

The new timetable will also see the full operation of the new East London Line - on which a limited  'preview' service has been operating since early May between Dalston Junction and New Cross - requiring the full fleet of Class 378 units. The preview service has already seen 378135-139 and 378141-154 in operation from New Cross Gate depot. May 23 should also see the transfer of the London Euston-Watford Junction service to Class 313 operation which will allow the balance of the 313s to be transferred to Southern and the remainder to First Capital Connect.

 

For details of all relivery activities, see the relevant sections in the Rolling Stock Library...

As mentioned in the previous update, former Hull Trains 222104 which became a 5-car unit for a short while, has been reduced back to 4-car status following the return to traffic of 222016 which is notable by the fact that it has been returned to service with an unpainted cab giving the impression of a wrap round yellow end on the repaired driving vehicle.

321430 has entered service with National Express East Anglia, first working on the 30th March. However, use of the ex-Silverlink units has recently been restricted due to mileage limitations before they come on lease with NXEA 'proper' at the start of the new timetable. This has seen 321425 stopped at Ilford as it is 'out of miles'.

313206 has emerged from repaint at Wolverton carrying a slightly more complete Southern livery with the addition of 'Coastway' branding and pictures which explains the 'bare' looking units with strangely small 'Southern' branding released beforehand. It is anticipated that all units will be so treated in due course. No internal modifications are being undertaken at Wolverton. Seven units have been completed at Wolverton and have been rotating between the South Coast on driver training and Stewarts Lane for maintenance/storage.

442415 has entered traffic with Gatwick Express since the last update. Leaving Wolverton in late March, it was observed in traffic by mid-April. Moving to Wolverton have been 442405 and 442422, the latter going for internal modification having been painted at Ashford Works.

The NXEA Class 321 C6 programme at Doncaster has reached 321330 with the unit being observed making the move from Ilford to Doncaster on 19th April.

The Northern repaint programme is complete with the return from Wolverton of accident damaged 323231 which has arrived back repainted. Arriva 'straggler' 142093 was completed by April 15th. The paintbrush will no doubt be brought back into use in December when the remaining 7 Class 142s return from First Great Western.

London Midlands fleet of Class 323s are currently going through a C6 overhaul programme at Wolverton. Involving primarily underfloor components, it does however, involve new flooring and units treated are identifiable from a new style lino in the passenger saloons. Any outstanding interior work will be attended to including refurbishment of existing seating and re-padding where necessary. Replacement Class 350 style seating was investigated however proved expensive.

South Eastern have commenced a refresh programme on its fleet of Networkers which (naturally) has seen yet another(!) livery variation applied. Wabtec at Doncaster will be dealing with the /2 and /9 subclasses with Wolverton dealing with all other units. A new livery of all over white with lilac passenger doors has been devised and applied to all units released from the programme so far. Details in the relevant section of the Rolling Stock Library.

The first Class 172 has been out on test at the Old Dalby Test Track.
 

Former Hull Trains 222104 has recently become a 5-car unit, noted today at Derby on a Sheffield working. It has gained vehicle 60536 formerly in unit 222016 which is has been stopped at Derby Etches Park since late January.

321434 has also entered service with National Express East Anglia, its first working since reinstatement being on 19th January 2009. Alongside this, 321437 entered service on the 1st February meaning all the ex-Silverlink units so far delivered to NXEA have worked in passenger service. It transpires that 317722 undergoing C6X overhaul (including relivery) is at Ashford Chart Leacon for attention. Once 317722 released, it is anticipated that 317511 - out of service since December 2006 (!) - will at last head to Ashford for attention to return it to traffic.

313111 and 313119 - previously stored in Willesden PRDC - have been observed in traffic as of late January, whilst 313204 and 313205 - observed in Southern livery at Willesden depot on 24th January - have migrated to Stewarts Lane depot, moved on the 1st February by DB Schenker. 313202, ex 313102, was observed at Willesden depot in full Southern livery, also on February 1st having moved from Wolverton on 29th January. Meanwhile, 313108 and 313109 continue to operate off Brighton Lovers Walk on driver training runs.

319380 arrived at Wolverton works on January 31st for 'refresh' replacing 319378 which left on January 29th 2010. This leaves just 5 of the former Thameslink fleet outstanding from the programme.

158777 was released from refurbishment at Delta Rail, Derby on the 4th February and was replaced by 158773 leaving just 1 TPX unit for refurbishment.

 

321435 and 321436 entered traffic with NXEA yesterday. The pair, still in Silverlink livery, had been stored at Ilford and was their first day in traffic since withdrawal from London Midland service in 2009.

Reports have been received regarding the first refurbished Class 313 for Southern. Released from Wolverton in the 2 weeks since the new year, 313204 (note renumbered from 313104) was observed at Willesden Depot carrying full Southern livery at the end of last week.

 

National Express c2c...
357030 is the only reported relivery since the last update, losing c2c purple in favour of the National Express c2c white scheme.

East Midlands Trains...
158810 was released from refurbishment on the 16th December 2009. 158799 was released from  Derby, returning to Nottingham on the 14th January, entering traffic on the 15th. It was replaced by 158770 which joins 158777 (having replaced 158810) part way through refurbishment works. This leaves 5 units outstanding, two ex-Transpennine and two ex-Wessex Trains.
158883 has returned to South West Trains territory, moving from Nottingham on December 30th. It has not been replaced in the EMT fleet.

First Capital Connect...
319379 was released from refurbishment at Wolverton on the 1st December, followed by 319383 on the 24th December.
317347 went North to Wabtec Doncaster for refurbishment on the 17th November, whilst 317348 made the return journey on the 23rd November 2009.

Grand Central...
180114 was outshopped from Wolverton works on the 16th December, travelling North to Heaton on the same day. Supposedly the first to receive full internal refurbishment, there have been no reports to date received of the unit entering revenue earning traffic.

London Midland...
321431 and 321410 were transferred from Bletchley to Eastleigh Works for storage on the 1st December 2009 following handback from London Midland, followed by 321418 and 321433 on the 2nd December. 321410 was returned North shortly afterwards for transfer to Northern.

London Overground...
508302 and 508303, after spending a few weeks in Warrington Arpley yard apparently awaiting the call to Birkenhead North depot, have returned South to Eastleigh. Making the move on the 14th December 2009, the move North was a pre-emptive one by the ROSCO, rather than a deal having been already signed.
Taken off lease by LO following introduction of the Class 378 units (so far) have been 313101, 313102, 313104, 313105, 313108, 313109, 313111 and 313119.

National Express East Anglia...
317722 is currently undergoing C6X overhaul at Ilford and will be the next to emerge in National Express silver and white livery.
321324 is currently at Wabtec Doncaster undergoing C6, replacing 321323 which returned back to Ilford on the 15th January. Also at Wabtec are 321429 and 321430.
321428 has returned to service, being noted in traffic on the 15th December carrying the vinyl name 'The Essex Commuter' to mark the increase in capacity that the ex-London Midland units have brought NXEA passengers. The naming was supposed to take place the day before its re-entry to traffic however disruption at Liverpool Street meant the unveiling has been postponed to the 25th January.

Northern...
One uniform livery edges ever closer with just 5 units outstanding. The Class 144 fleet has been completed, with 144018 observed in service by 30th November 2009. The Class 323 fleet is down to its last 3 First Group 'survivors' with 323226 currently at Longsight undergoing attention. The Class 142 fleet is down to 2 Arriva 'survivors' with 142091 released to traffic by the 15th January.
The continuing increased requirement for units around Workington initially saw 321410 taken on temporary lease to work on the Leeds-Doncaster route, releasing a DMU for strengthening purposes in the North West. However, due to its non-standard nature within the Northern 321 fleet, it has been taken off lease and replaced by 158888 from South West Trains which had entered traffic with Northern by the 15th January and is expected to stay for three months. 321410 had arrived at Hornsey EMUD by the 15th January.

Southern...
313102 moved to Railcare Wolverton on the 14th December for refurbishment work to begin, joining 313104 and 313105.
313108, along with 313109, has been involved in driver training runs towards the end of 2009 based at Brighton Lovers Walk T&RSMD.

South Eastern Trains...
Following the December timetable change, the entire fleet of Class 395 units has entered traffic.

 

Arriva Trains Wales...
Following the initial trial fitment to 158829 at Marcroft Stoke last year, ERTMS fitment has been ongoing to the ATW Class 158 fleet with 10 units dealt with so far at Crewe Works. A few repaints have also taken place at Wabtec Doncaster following classified attention which saw 158821-824 gain the revised livery style with a cream swirl over both cabs.

National Express c2c...
Following much internal discussion, the name and livery for the former London Tilbury and Southend operation has finally been decided and it is to remain as c2c but with a move away from the former purple house colours towards the National Express standard colour scheme. This has seen a number of Class 357 units, as part of attention to bodywork at Bombardier Derby Works, repainted into a white base livery with blue doors and 'National Express c2c' branding - not unlike the livery they were delivered in as new. So far treated have been 357001, 357031, 357037-041, 357044, 357203 and 357219.

Chiltern Railways...
No changes to report

CrossCountry Trains...
The Voyager refurbishment programme which saw the removal of the shop has now been completed. The former shop area in the MSB has been replaced with a luggage storage area and the former luggage storage area in the DMSL has been replaced with a catering store/preparation area for the trolley service.

East Midlands Trains...
The East Midlands Trains connect fleet has been steadily gaining corporate Stagecoach colours, so much so that the Central Trains image is almost extinct; only 153376, 153379 and 153384 remain in lime green and yellow. The Class 158 fleet has seen long term absentee 158856 - which hit a bridge at Barrow on Soar in 2007 suffering major structural damage - returned to traffic on the 28th August from refurbishment at Delta Rail in Derby. The last Central Trains liveried unit, 158788, was admitted to the refurbishment programme on the same date. Currently being treated are the former Transpennine Express units with 158813 the latest release with 158810 replacing it, to be followed finally by the ex-Wessex units.

First Capital Connect...
The new Class 377/5 'Electrostar' fleet have, finally, all been delivered to Selhurst depot and all except the final two - 377522 and 377523 - worked a train in passenger service. The first few of the batch are currently going through a programme of modifications which has seen them taken back to Derby Works for attention by Bombardier, currently 377501 is at Derby and 377503 is back at Selhurst, having been to Derby, awaiting recomissioning.
As a result, the refurbishment programme on the Class 319 and 317 fleets has been able to resume with 319374 the first of the units treated, arriving on 10 August 2009, which was named 'Bedford Cauldwell TMD' on its return from Wolverton. 319383 replaced it, which has subsequently been replaced by 319384.
317348 was the chosen unit to head North from Hornsey to Wabtec Doncaster, currently undergoing refurbishment.

First Great Western...
No news to report. The refresh programme on all classes of unit has been completed and no further changes are expected until the arrival of the former London Midland Class 150s in 2010.

First Scotrail...
The repaint programme for the new 'ScotRail' saltire livery has been concentrating on the 'camine and cream' liveried units - especially the 156/5 variants - with 156502, 156503, 156505, 156507 and 156510-512 all sporting the new livery by late November 2009.
The first Class 380 unit has been unveiled to the press at the Siemens factory in Germany. The first unit is expected to be delivered to the UK - via the Channel Tunnel as with previous Siemens deliveries - in September/October 2010.

Grand Central...
180112 was outshopped from Wolverton works on xx xx in a stylish all over black livery with an orange band running the length of the train. No internal refurbishment has been undertaken yet. 180101 is currently at Wolverton undergoing full refurbishment for GC and once this has been released, 180105 and then 180112 will return for internal work to be undertaken.

Hull Trains...
No news to report.

London Midland...
Following the repaint of 321411 and 321412, no further units have been repainted.
With the delivery of the final Class 377/5 to FCC and the return of the 377/2s to Southern, the hire agreement between London Midland and Southern for the Class 350/1 units expired at 2359 on the 27th November. As a consequence of this, LM have a full complement of Class 350 'Desiro' units for the first time since delivery of the 350/2s commenced. This has allowed a further 4 Class 321 units to be taken off lease and 321410, 321418, 321431 and 321433 have been stood down from service at Bletchley TMD, joining 321432 which has been stood down for a number of weeks. There is a move, operated by GB Railfreight, from Bletchley to Eastleigh Works this coming week which will see at least 2 of the 5 move down to Hampshire.
321411-417 (inclusive) dubbed the 'magnificent seven' are the units that will remain with London Midland until 2012.

London Overground...
As a result of more Class 378 units entering traffic, 508301-303 have been returned to the leasing company with all three units heading to Eastleigh Works for initial storage. The latter two, 508302 and 508303, have re-emerged and are currently stabled at Warrington Arpley awaiting the call onto Birkenhead North depot for refurbishment and return to service on the MerseyRail network.
Over the last few months, details have emerged about new operators for the Class 313 units displaced by the new units. A number of units are to head to Southern for used on the routes around Brighton to free up Class 377 units for the main line, whilst the balance are to move over to First Capital Connect.
Six Class 313s have already been returned to the leasing company; 313111 and 313119 are stored inside at Willesden PRDC awaiting movement to Wolverton for refurbishment for Southern, 313104 and 313105 are at Wolverton undergoing refurbishment for Southern and 313102 and 313108 are currently located at Stewarts Lane T&RSMD for Southern fitter and driver training.

National Express East Anglia...
The repaint programme for the Class 317 fleet continues, with 317729 the latest unit to be admitted to Ilford. Of note is that this unit carried the 'one' version of Stansted Express livery with the orange stripes.
The Class 321 C6 programme is also continuing at Wabtec Doncaster with 321320 currently undergoing attention. To date, 321301-304, 321306-308, 321311-314 and 321316-318 and 321321 have all been repainted and returned to traffic.
Alongside the ex-Great Eastern units, the former London Midland 321/4s have been going through Wabtec for attention which includes a repaint into NX corporate colours, with 321426, 321427 and 321428 all back in traffic with NXEA. Currently at Doncaster are 321424 and 321430, the latter arriving on Saturday 28th November.

Northern...
The Northern repaint programme is almost nearing completion. This will mean that, for the first time since privatisation, the fleet will be carrying one uniform livery having eradicated Northern Spirit, North Western Trains, First Group, GMPTE, Arriva Trains Northern and WYPTE.
One remaining unit - 144018 - carries WYPTE red and silver, with 4 units - 142079/091/093/094 - carrying Arriva Trains Northern livery. Over on the electric side, just 6 units still remain in First Group barbie livery, with that figure decreasing on a weekly basis.

Southern...
No news to report.

South Eastern Trains...
The Class 395 'Javelin' delivery programme via Southampton Eastern Docks was completed on the 17th  August 2009 with a photocall involving DB liveried 66152, in readiness for the full service to be introduced on December 13th at the timetable change.
465179 has been reformed to full strength with the return of its two fire damaged centre cars from repair at Wabtec Doncaster.

Transpennine Express...
No news to report.

Virgin Trains...
No news to report.
 

156435, 156503 and 156512 have been repainted into ScotRail livery from FirstGroup and SPT Carmine and Cream respectively.
 

350267 was delivered to Northampton Kings Heath on the 20th of July. 350266 was delivered on July 10th with 350265 delivered on July 6th. 350234, 350255 and 350264 have all been accepted into passenger traffic since the last update. The delivery of 350267 renders the delivery programme complete, a mere 5 days adrift of schedule. 'Suitable diagramming' however (i.e. keeping 3+2 units away from the Birmingham-Liverpool and Liverpool-London Euston runs), can only take place once the hire of Class 350/1 units to Southern has finished.

As a consequence of the increased numbers of the new Desiro fleet, the number of Class 321 diagrams has been cut and consequently the fleet requirements has also been cut with 12 units required in traffic per day which will continue until the return of the 350/1s from Southern, after which it will decrease further. As of July 16th, only 321410-418, 321427 and 321428 along with 321430-433 remained on lease to London Midland. The remaining units in the fleet not included in the above were taken off lease immediately and stored at either Bletchley or Kings Heath.

There were subsequently two movements of off lease units to their 'new patch' over the last week to deliver 321421-425 and 321434-437 to their new home of Ilford EMUD. These units are not required in service until the December timetable change so will go into storage at either Ilford or Orient Way CS until required. 321406 and 321426 are at Wabtec Doncaster undergoing C6 overhauls. The remainder of the fleet not mentioned are in storage at either Bletchley or Kings Heath and it is understood that plans are afoot to transfer them to Eastleigh Works for further storage.

442405 has been released from refurbishment at Wolverton works, being hauled to Stewarts Lane for commissioning by 67005 on 20th July.

Following an incident at Streatham Hill on 13th July involving 377162, 377454 and 455830, a reforming exercise has taken place within the Class 377 fleet. 377162 has been effectively disbanded with the damaged driving car (78562) moving to Wolverton for repairs, the non-damaged driving car (78762) going into 377454 to replace its own damaged driving car (73854) and the toilet car (77162) will be formed into 377318 to make it up to a 4 car. This makes good one unit from two damaged units with supplements the fleet with an extra 4-car unit. All damaged vehicles have been despatched to Wolverton works.

321308 has been released from C6 at Doncaster works carrying National Express livery, running south to Ilford on 14th July.

158857 and 158858 are almost ready for release from refurbishment at Delta Rail in Derby. It is understood that the priority units for refurbishment are the ex-Central Trains units, thus meaning 158788 and 158862 are to go in next as 158856 is still at Crewe Works for collision damage repairs.

Progress on the Northern repaints has been somewhat slower of late, with only 156420 156425 and 156428 being repainted in the time since the last update. Of note, 156420 has retained its La'al Ratty name, now displayed in the standard northern purple nameplate format.

175116, the last unit in FirstGroup livery following the repaint of 175115 and 175117 has entered the paintshop at Oxley for Arriva livery rendering the repaint programme for the fleet complete. With this news, repaints have commenced for the Class 158 fleet at Wabtec Doncaster works, with 158821 at the beginning of July and 158822 following shortly after.

395021 was delivered to Ashford on 7th July behind 67025, whilst 395022 was delivered on 22nd July behind 67005.

 

Quite a bit of news since the last update...

CrossCountry...
Railcare Wolverton are getting through the final repaints for the CrossCountry Class 170 fleet; a repainted 170108 left on 11th June, replaced by 170107 arriving also on the 11th June and leaving on 22nd which was itself replaced by 170110 which also arrived on the 11th June.

East Midlands Trains...
158846 was released from refurbishment on the 16th June. No news has been received as to its replacement at Delta Rail.

First Great Western...
FGW have reportedly secured the lease of one South West Trains Class 158 to supplement its fleet to cover the summer season on a Monday-Friday basis. It is to be operated on a fixed diagram and will not be permitted to deviate from this diagram which ends up at Bristol Temple Meads to attach to a London Waterloo bound service to get it back to Salisbury for maintenance. MWK.

In addition to this, it has also been reported that the Arriva 150s, of which two were due to be returned shortly to Arriva Trains Wales, has also been extended and the two will now be remaining with FGW in the short term.

London Midland...
The latest Class 350/2 delivery to London Midland is 350262, delivered on June 22nd. Undergoing acceptance are 350234, 350255, 350260 and 350261 with units up to 350259 in passenger traffic. The final unit, 350267, is scheduled for delivery on July 15th.

The increased number of Class 350s in the country and the lack of movement on towards their future operator has consequently meant that an increasing number of Class 321s are being stood down from traffic and stored at the former Bletchley TMD. A total of 7 units are reported as stored - 321407/408/419/420/423/429/432 - although 321419 has been observed out and about in traffic since the initial storage report was received.

321411 has been bedecked with the finishing touches to its new livery applied at Doncaster and has re entered traffic. It has been advised that base colour repaints will take place as part of the C6 overhaul and final touches (LM branding, vinyl door surrounds and numbering) will be added 'back on London Midland territory.' 321412 is currently at Doncaster undergoing C6 overhaul.

Further news received has indicated that LM are now only planning to hold onto 7 Class 321s for the duration of the franchise (as opposed to the 10 indicated initially) with an additional 5 units being retained to cover the Class 350/1s on hire to Southern. As ever, time will tell...

Merseyrail...
508139 which was damaged in a shunting incident, has been returned to traffic following repairs at Eastleigh Works. It was noted back in service by 6th June.

Meanwhile, rumours persist that Merseyrail will eventually be getting extra stock in the form of the ex-South Eastern Class 508s. Time will tell...

National Express East Anglia...
317891 has been released from a repaint into Natex livery at Ilford, being replaced by 317514.

Northern Rail...
The Class 333 revinyling programme has been completed with the entry to service of 333005 and 333008 carrying the joint Northern/Metro livery. 333005 was noted in traffic on Friday 19th June whilst 333008 was noted in traffic carrying its new look on 23rd June.

Meanwhile, 156426 has been repainted into Northern livery from the base blue interim livery previously carried, and 156424 is the recipient of internal refurbishment consisting of new upholstery on the seats, floors and walls along with new table coverings.

South Eastern...
Following commencement of the 'interim' timetable of the domestic service from St Pancras International, 395002, 395003, 395005 and 395009 have been observed in passenger service, whilst 395017 was delivered, out of sequence, to Ashford in the early hours of 12th June.

South West Trains...
159107, which had been at Wolverton on collision damage repairs, was released on 8th June and returned to Salisbury.

117701...
All 3 cars of 117701 were noted in the cutting area at Booths, Rotherham on Saturday 20th awaiting processing.

 

144014, 144020 and 156424 (of note this is the first ex-FNW unit to be treated) have been repainted into Northern Rail blue and purple, whilst 333007 and 333014 have been revinyled into Northern/Metro red and blue livery.

158852 has been released from refurbishment at Delta Rail, Derby. Currently undergoing work are 158846 and 158854. 153313 has been repainted into East Midlands Trains livery at Neville Hill, meaning the FNW 'gold star' livery is extinct for the class.

158881 and 158882 have returned to South West Trains following the hire period at East Midlands Trains, moving on Friday 29th May. They have been replaced with 158883 which made the reverse journey on the same day.

170104 has been released from repaint into CrossCountry livery at Wolverton Works, moving North on 28th May. It has been replaced by 170639, the last unit to carry the original Central Trains green and blue livery, arrived the same day.

Following major repairs at Crewe Works, 222103 has been moved to Bombardier at Crofton for final work and recommissioning to be completed before heading to East Midlands Trains. Meanwhile, 222104 has been observed in service now carrying East Midlands Trains livery.

321401-405 have entered traffic with First Capital Connect on the London-Peterborough corridor at the timetable change. 321402 and 321405 still carry Silverlink livery with FCC branding.

321411 is due to return to London Midland on 4th June, with 321412 due to make the return trip to Doncaster on the 5th June. It has been advised that the London Midlands units are to have a relivery only and no internal refurbishment is to be undertaken.

Bletchley Depot has been reopened, again, to hold the Class 321s which are being stood down from London Midland owing to large deliveries of Class 350's but are not yet required with their new operators. The depot currently holds 321407, 321408, 321420 and 321423. 321413 still remains as the depot 'Christmas Tree'.

350234 should by now be in the country, whilst all units up to 350255 have entered traffic with 350256 currently undergoing commissioning and testing.

395018 was moved to Ashford overnight on the 21st May. The first passenger services for the fleet are due to operate shortly with a 'preview' timetable beginning on HS1 between London St Pancras and Ebbsfleet/Ashford International. More details are here.

450570 was recently damaged in a derailment at Windsor and is currently out of traffic at Northam depot for repairs. Meanwhile, long term out of service 450002 has been returned to its original formation and awaits a return to traffic. Finally, 444037 which has been out of traffic for over a year since hitting a tree and necessitating a driving car moving to Brush Barclay in Kilmarnock for repairs, is ready for a return to traffic.

 

It transpires that 158852 is the next East Midlands Trains unit to enter the refurbishment programme, being admitted after the release of 158847 last week.

321405 has moved straight from London Midland to Hornsey on 8th May. Although initially skipping C6 overhaul (and repaint) at Doncaster for the time being, it is anticipated that it will visit Doncaster for attention before entry to service. 321401 and 321402 remain at Wolverton undergoing refurbishment and 321403 along with 321404 are at Hornsey engaged in commissioning and driver training respectively.

321411, as delivered to Doncaster on 6th May, will be returning to London Midland. Already noted ready for entry to the paintshop over the weekend, will it be the first 321 to carry London Midland livery?

The 'long lost' 350234 is due for delivery to the UK in late May, meanwhile 350253 and 350254 have been noted at Northampton Kings Heath depot after delivery.

395015 was delivered to Ashford on 7th May. 395016 is due for delivery this coming week...

A couple of forgotten items now; the two remaining Class 309 units (ex MoD Pigs Bay, Shoeburyness) have entered preservation at Coventry Railway Centre. Additionally, it has been reported that the last Class 310 vehicle has left Pigs Bay following asbestos removal, heading to Booths in Rotherham for final disposal.

 

Since the last update, 142062 and 142095 along with 156489 have been repainted into Northern Rail blue and purple with 323224 currently undergoing treatment at Longsight. 333010 has been revinyled into Northern/Metro combination livery. Of note is following the repaint of 156489, Northern Spirit Lime Green and Turquoise livery is extinct on the national network.

143619 has arrived at Eastleigh Works for refresh joining 143621 currently undergoing attention at the works. Arriving on 4th May from Exeter, it leaves 143611 as the only member of the fleet still carrying the Wessex Trains inspired advertising livery.

158847 was released from refurbishment at Delta Rail, Derby on 27th April.

180113 carrying First Dynamic Lines livery has entered traffic with Hull Trains in late April and 180107 has also joined the fleet from store at Wolverton meaning 222104 was able to be handed over to East Midlands Trains on the 27th April. meanwhile 180105 - the first of the class to move to Grand Central - has been observed out on test runs from Heaton today, 7th May.

321403 has been released from C6 overhaul at Wabtec Doncaster now sporting FCC blue with pink doors but no vinyls as yet. Travelling down to Hornsey on 5th May, it has been replaced by 321411, noted being shunted into Doncaster Wabtec plant on 6th May. Note, 321411 may not necessarily be destined for FCC.

New arrival 350253 was delivered to Northampton Kings Heath on 30th April.

377508 was delivered to Selhurst overnight on the 5th May, whilst 377507 has begun mileage accumulation runs and 377502 has been accepted into active traffic making its first passenger carrying journey on 30th April from Bedford to Brighton.

 

321407 - formerly 'Hertfordshire WRVS' - has been denamed in preparation for transferring off lease from London Midland.

350251 has been delivered through the Channel Tunnel and had reached Wembley Yard as of 23rd April. 350250 is the highest unit noted in traffic as of this date leaving, of all the delivered units, just 350252 (delivered to Northampton on April 20th) undergoing acceptance.
 

156432 and 156437 have been repainted into the new ScotRail livery, 156437 noted back in traffic by 26th March and 156432 is awaiting re-entry to traffic. 156435 is expected to be the next unit to receive the treatment.

156488 and 156497 and 156498 have been repainted into Northern Rail blue and purple at Newton Heath, leaving 156489 as the last example of Northern Spirit turquoise and green on the network. It is expected that this will not last much longer. 323228 has become the third member of the class to carry Northern livery, noted back in service by April 10th whilst 144012 has also been repainted, rendering the repaint programme for the two car Class 144s complete.

180105 and 180112 have been transferred to Grand Central with 180105 moving from Old Oak Common to Heaton on the 8th April. 180112 was due to follow a week later, but the move failed to materialise. This leaves just 180102 and 180104 still 'off lease' at Old Oak Common. Meanwhile, 180113 left Wolverton for Crofton also on 8th April for preparation for entry into traffic with Hull Trains.

321302 has moved to Wabtec Doncaster for attention, displacing 321311 which, following overhaul and a repaint, returned to Ilford on the 16th of April. 321302 which moved North on the 15th April is expected to return in mid-May.

321401 has moved to Wolverton works for interior refurbishment prior to entering service with First Capital Connect. Making the move with 321402 on 8th April, it has been indicated that once completed, 402 will then be making its way to Doncaster for C6 and repaint. Meanwhile, driver training on the type for FCC drivers is continuing with 321404, which has gained 'dynamic blocks' vinyls.

321426 has returned to Great Eastern metals after transferring from London Midland to National Express East Anglia. It became the first unit to make the move on Wednesday 15th April after being  handed back from London Midland.

333011, 333012 and 333015 have received the revised Northern/WYPTE 'Metro' livery. '12 returned to traffic following 'vinyling' by March 21st' 015 by 9th April and '011 by the 15th April.

377502, delivered to Selhurst from Derby on 4th April, has begun testing and acceptance runs and should join '501 and '504 in passenger service in the next week or so.

395013 was delivered to Ashford depot on April 15th via the usual evening path from Southampton Eastern Docks.

442418, still in its unrefurbished state, entered service with Southern/Gatwick Express on the 20th April. This unit, along with 442423 which is still awaiting entry to traffic, received only an underframe/mechanical overhaul whilst at Wolverton. These two units were not put through the internal refurbishment for a quick entry to traffic to help with the unit shortage at Southern and it is anticipated they will return to Wolverton in 3-4 months time. Unrefurbished 442405 moved from Lovers Walk to Wolverton for refurbishment on 14th April.

To ensure this page has updates for years to come, two new invitations to tender for new train orders for both London Midland and South West Trains have been issued. London Midland are advertising for 'vehicles which must be compatible with the existing fleet and it has been rumoured that these will displace the Class 323s to Northern, whilst South West Trains are advertising 'for between 120 and 180 new vehicles'.

 

143621 entered Eastleigh Works for refresh on Wednesday 1st April, leaving just 143611 and 143619 outstanding from the programme. Meanwhile, the issues preventing 143617 and 143603 from entering traffic have been resolved and the pair have been observed out and about.

144006 and 144013 have been repainted into Northern Rail blue and purple at Newton Heath, whilst 333006 has been vinyled into the latest version of Northern/WYPTE livery.

175106 and 175111 have been repainted into Arriva Trains Wales livery at Oxley, 111 losing its 'Brief Encounter' name in the process.

180113 is almost ready for release from Wolverton Works following refurbishment for use with Hull Trains. Now carrying dynamic lines livery and looking rather smart, its entry into traffic will render 222104 surplus to requirements facilitating its eventual transfer to East Midlands Trains.

180104 and 180105 have been returned to the leasing company by First Great Western with their last workings on 27th March 2009. Currently at Old Oak Common, the units are due to move to Wolverton shortly for preparation for their future use.

A further update regarding 321432; it appears that the unit was damaged to a greater extent than first anticipated during the recovery operation hence its move to Wolverton Works by road rather than rail.

350246 and 350249 (first working on 1st April) have entered service with London Midland, meanwhile 321403 has been 'removed from the books' at LM and has headed to Doncaster Works for C6 overhaul. Destined for First Capital Connect eventually, it ran from Northampton to Edinburgh Craigentinny on 1st April and then from Edinburgh to Doncaster on 2nd April owing to the closure of the North London Line.

390006 and 390008 had a coming together at Wembley on Monday 30th March rendering 390006 out of service with significant amounts of damage to at least one vehicle. One option being persued is the reuse of one vehicle from 390033 (after refurbishment) as a direct replacement. With the fleet already being one short (due to the Grayrigg derailment), another long term stopper has forced the need for the return (again!) of the West Coast Mark 3 loco hauled set which should return to regular service w/c 6th April.
 

153371 has been released from refresh at Eastleigh Works for London Midland, departing on 16th March, leaving just 153375 to go through the programme. Meanwhile, 143620 is the fourth FGW Class 143 in the FGW refresh programme, arriving at Eastleigh Works on 17th March.

Today, Friday 20th March, saw the last Class 319 operated train for Southern as the four remaining Class 319/2s (319217-220) transferred to First Capital Connect for Thameslink route services to bolster its fleet. The final (for now) unit to be treated in the refresh programme, 319368, has recently been released from Wolverton works. The refresh programme will recommence once the FCC fleet has sufficient slack with new Class 377/5 deliveries.

321432, the unit involved in the derailment at Bletchley CS, has been moved to Wolverton works by road for repairs.

The introduction of Class 350/1 onto the East Croydon-Milton Keynes services has taken place with a pool of 5 units on hire to Southern at any one time (4 working trains and one operational spare). Since introduction on Monday 16th March, 350112, 350113, 350114, 350117 and 350118 have been noted in service.

350249 is scheduled for delivery from Wembley Yard to Northampton Kings Heath today (20th March) after arriving in the UK through the Channel Tunnel earlier in the week. DB Schenker are providing the motive power.

377501 returned from Derby Litchurch Lane to Selhurst following modifications overnight on the 19th March. 377504 will, however, not be ready for the implementation of the new Thameslink timetable on Monday 23rd March.

Deliveries of Class 395 'Javelin' units from Hitachi in Japan have reached 395010 which was delivered to Ashford on the 18th March behind 67028.
 

Apologies for the lack of updates over the past couple of weeks, other matters have taken priority unfortunately...

Northern Rail...
The Northern Class 144 repaint programme is marching on with two further examples reported as emerging from the paintshop since the last update. For the record these are 144003 and 144008 with 144002 currently in the paintshop undergoing treatment. In addition, 333001 has been revinyled into the WYPTE Metro version of the Northern livery, noted back in traffic by 11th March.

Following the end of Liverpool's stint as Capital of Culture 2008, all units carrying advertising livery have being returned to normal state. Finishing this process off is 150147 which was observed back in traffic following vinyl removal in early March.

First Capital Connect...
319004 and 319009 have been revinyled into FCC dynamic blocks livery at Bedford Cauldwell depot.

321404 has been released from Wabtec Doncaster and ran down to Hornsey EMD on xxth March. It carries a base deep blue livery with purple doors, awaiting the application of FCC 'dynamic blocks' livery.

377501 has returned to Derby Litchurch Lane from Selhurst for modification work, whilst 377504 has been undergoing mileage accumulation in both AC and DC modes in conjunction with a Southern Class 377/2. It is understood that only two Class 377/5 units will be available for the modified timetable to mark the start of the thameslink upgrade programme, the shortfall being made up of Class 377/2 and Classes 465 and 466 subleased variously from Southern and Southeastern. In addition to this, the refurbishment works on the Class 319 fleet is being halted until enough suitable Class 377 deliveries have taken place.

London Midland...
As mentioned in the previous update, 350114 has been based at Selhurst undergoing DC testing over the early weeks of February. It returned to London Midland on the 9th March and was replaced by 350118 which has been undergoing DC testing and crew training since. 350120 has also been involved in overnight DC testing.

321401 is the second former LM unit to head to Doncaster for C6 refurbishment, due to have left Northampton Kings Heath depot on the 2nd March. It is anticipated that upon completion, like 404, that this will then head to First Capital Connect.

London Midland have reached an agreement which will see them retaining 10 Class 321s for an undefined period of time to provide extra capacity; the units identified should, subject to change, be 321410-321419. Sufficient Class 350/2 deliveries have taken place to enable the Class 321 stand down programme to commence.

Deliveries of the new Class 350/2 units have reached 350248 which arrived in the country overnight on the 10th/11th March. Units up to 350244 have been observed in service with 350245 through 350247 all observed on test over the past couple of weeks. 350234 - still in Germany - is reportedly now a 'Christmas Tree' unit...is this a record for a brand new train?

Southern..
Final preparations are ongoing for the transfer of the remaining Class 319/2 units from Southern to FCC in time for the thameslink programme revised timetable, AC testing has been ongoing with various units noted on test ready for handover.

The Class 442 Gatwick Express refurbishment programme is reaching its later stages with both 442401 and 442403 leaving Wolverton for commissioning at Stewarts Lane leaving just four units - 442408, 442411, 442418 and 442423 at Wolverton. Currently in service with GatEx, unrefurbished 442405 and 442413 will also be making the trip for refurbishment, although it is unclear when they will move due to the impending stock issues at Southern in conjunction with the thameslink upgrade.

South West Trains...
After a number of years as a route learning unit, SWT 'bubble car' 960012 'John Cameron' has been retired from the network and sent for storage at Bournemouth T&RSMD on March 4th. It is understood to be eventually destined for preservation.

On the same theme, rumours are becoming increasingly strong regarding the future (or lack of) of the two Class 421 units employed on the Lymington line. Maintenance costs are increasing and major attention will be needed in the near future. With this in mind, a trial has been booked for a Class 158 on the Brockenhurst-Lymington line in the very near future.

And finally some snippets that don't fit elsewhere...
First Great Western are being 'encouraged' to release its Class 180s earlier than the March 31st planned finish date.
321301 and 321311 are currently at Wabtec undergoing C6 overhaul. They will emerge in National Express livery.
Plain blue 156494 has gained Saltire vinyls, rendering it the second Class 156 into ScotRail livery. The next ScotRail unit in line for a relivery is 156437 which will emerge carrying 'something different'.

The repaint programme for the Northern Rail Class 144s has started, with two units having undergone treatment already, and one further currently undergoing repaint at Newton Heath. It is notable, however, that they are getting full Northern blue and purple rather than the WYPTE variant as worn by the Class 321/9s and 333s. 144001 and 144005 are the two involved, with 144008 currently in the paintshop at Newton Heath.

153333 has been released from refresh at Eastleigh Works, noted travelling back to Tyseley on Feb 25th, being replaced by 153371 which made the reverse move on Feb 26th. Also at Eastleigh is 143618 undergoing refresh for FGW.

158757 has been noted in service over the past few days without its centre car; presumably stopped for repairs at Neville Hill.

180101 and 180107 have moved to Wolverton from Oxley for work with a view to reinstatement on main line services. Coinciding with this, NXEC have been given the 'go ahead' for their proposed services to Harrogate and Grand Central have succeeded in acquiring an extra return path from Sunderland to London. Each of these operators will be utilising Class 180s with Grand Central taking 2 units.

319002 and 319005 have both lost their Southern livery in favour of FCC vinyls. 319002 noted back in traffic by 27/02.

321321, the second unit to undergo C6 overhaul at Doncaster, has returned to East Anglia and has returned to traffic. From the NXEA fleet, 321304 is currently at Doncaster undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that former Silverlink/LM 321404 will not be returning to London Midland on completion of its C6 but will instead be heading elsewhere - Hornsey has been mooted. This will be the first time that '404 has left the WCML since delivery in 1990.

In response to a shortage of units with First Capital Connect - owing to late delivery of the Class 377/5 units (see below) - it is believed that Class 377/2 dual voltage units will be subleased from Southern to FCC until 377/5 delivery has been completed. This will leave Southern, who are already short of units due to delays in the Class 442 refurbishment programme, with a further deficit of units. In order to combat this, it has been agreed for London Midland to sublease a number of Class 350/1 dual voltage units to Southern to operate the Milton Keynes-East Croydon service. 350111-120 have been 'DC inspected' and tested and 350114 has been the first unit to make the move to Selhurst depot for commissioning - noted on the depot on Saturday 27/02.

Class 350/2 deliveries have reached 350247, noted in Wembley Yard on Feb 26th. 350246 was delivered to Northampton Kings Heath depot on Feb 19th and 350244 entered traffic on Feb 26th. Space constraints at Kings Heath continue to be a bit of a headache...

377501 and 377504 - the latter delivered overnight on the 17th February - have been involved in testing both on the Southern region in DC mode and in AC mode on the southern WCML. 377501 has subsequently moved to Bedford depot for testing on the southern MML.

442404 (left 19/02), 442406 and 442407 (left 27/02) have been released from overhaul at Wolverton, being replaced by 442418 (arrived 25/02) and 442423 (arrived 18/02). It is notable that the latter two were not part of the original programme and were due to remain in store at Eastleigh Works.

Leaving just two original North Western Trains liveried 153s with Northern and one with East Midlands Trains, 153360 has been repainted into Northern rail blue and purple. 153302 has also been observed carrying East Midlands Trains livery having lost its Wales and West inspired black and gold at Neville Hill earlier in the month.

156433 has been outshopped in full ScotRail 'saltire' livery, becoming the first of the class to be so treated, losing its 'The Kilmarnock Edition' name in the process. 156494 is still carrying plain blue.

170101 is the latest unit to be outshopped in CrossCountry silver and burgundy from the Axiom Rail workshops in Stoke-on-trent.

175104 has been repainted into Arriva Trains Wales turquoise, as has the first 158 to be so treated in a long while - 158824. The unit was at Wolverton works receiving repairs to collision damage sustained due to hitting a tractor in July 2008.

317507 - freshly vinyled into National Express livery - was named 'University of Cambridge 800 Years 1209-2009' by the Duke of Edinburgh in a ceremony at Cambridge station on 12th February. Currently at Ilford undergoing C6X overhaul are 317513 and 317515 which will see them emerge in National Express silver and white.

319010 has lost its non-standard blue and yellow livery in favour of First Capital Connect vinyls, whilst 317342 is the latest in the Class 317 refresh programme to be outshopped from Doncaster Wabtec works.

Class 350 deliveries have recommenced, with 350242 noted at Kings Heath on 12th February and 350244 noted in Wembley Yard on 13th February. 350241 entered traffic on 9th February.

377501 has been noted out on daytime testing in the company of a sister Southern unit as part of its mileage accumulation before entering service with FCC. It carries a dark blue livery with pink doors, awaiting application of the 'dynamic blocks' vinyls.

395006 was delivered to the UK last week, arriving at Ashford on the 12th February behind DB Schenker 67028.

And finally, a bit of an oddity. 168214, complete with a full Chiltern crew, was hired to CrossCountry from Chiltern on the 8th February and worked the 1604 Birmingham-Oxford.

142088 and 142092 have been repainted into Northern Rail blue and purple from Arriva turquoise livery.

159007 - the unit used for a biofuel experiment - has been returned to a normal configuration as the experiment was not deemed successful by South West Trains.

222101 has been repainted into East Midlands Trains livery from Hull Trains, 222102 is expected to follow shortly following its arrival at Derby after handover from HT.

220002 has entered Derby for removal of its shop, arriving around 1545 on February 2nd

377501 - the first Electrostar for First Capital Connect - has been delivered to Selhurst for commissioning and acceptance trials, arriving early on Saturday 31st January. Delayed at Derby due to supplier issues, main line DC testing has commenced overnight on the southern region and is set to be extended to Milton Keynes for AC testing in the near future. Two more units are due to be moved South from Derby towards the end of this week.

Following delivery of 395005 - the first production series unit, the next delivery is anticipated to be later on this week.

The fifth 'Javelin' to arrive in the country, 395005, has this evening made the journey from Southampton Docks to Ashford. Hauled by 67021, the convoy was noted passing through Winchester at approximately 2130.

221120 has re-entered traffic following its de-shopping modifications, being noted in service on the 26th January. As with the Virgin West Coast modifications, a modified unit is denoted by a blue vertical bar applied to the coupler electrical connection cover.

153358 has been repainted into Northern Rail blue and purple, due to return to traffic on the 28th January but was failed prior to leaving the depot. 153332 has been similarly treated although made it back into traffic successfully; only 4 153s now remaining in original North Western Trains livery.

323235, out of service following its derailment at Alderley Edge in September 2008, has returned to traffic following protracted repairs at Longsight which included a repaint (or rather revinyl!) into Northern Rail blue and purple. Meanwhile, the movement of 323209 failed to take place over the 24th and 25th January as anticipated due to shortages within the London Midland fleet. It is currently unknown when it will move...

170103 has been observed in traffic carrying CrossCountry livery, noted in service by the 26th January following repaint at Marcroft, Stoke.

Hull Trains...
180109 has become the third of the class to enter service with Hull Trains, being noted in traffic at the beginning of this week. After a stay at Wolverton under repair, the damaged vehicle of 180111 has now returned to Crofton to undergo re-commissioning ready for a return to service. As a direct consequence of these two developments, 222101 has moved to Derby Etches Park to undergo modifications and a repaint prior to a return to traffic with East Midlands Trains. Hull Trains are not out of the woods yet though, and have been hiring a 180 from First Great Western on a regular basis at the weekends to cover for their own units undergoing exams/repairs.

London Midland, its 321s and 350/2s...
321426 has become the latest 'Christmas Tree' at Northampton, replacing 321413 due to the formers constant unreliability. Meanwhile, following its minor derailment in Bletchley Carriage Sidings and due to the damage sustained, 321432 has jumped the 'C6-queue' and should - all being well - be the next unit to move to Doncaster which will probably move by road due to its damage.
350241 has yet to enter service due to issues with 'excess water flows' causing damage to electrical systems and upholstery and 350242 has yet to be delivered, being deferred to help ease capacity issues. 350243 and 350244 are due for delivery between now and early February.

Other bits...
442410, it transpires, was released from Wolverton on the 14th January, being displaced by the arrival of 442407 on the 13th. Haulage was provided, as stated before, by 67021. Apologies for the mistake.

321304, the second 321 to go through the C6 programme at Wabtec Doncaster, was released carrying National Express livery, noted travelling down to Ilford on the 26th January. 321321 and 321404 are currently at Doncaster.

156494 has become the first unit to lose the old SPT Carmine and Cream livery in favour of a base blue pending application of ScotRail 'saltire' vinyls. Outshopped from Springburn works last week, 156433 has replaced it. 156433 is notable in that it was the trial unit for the Carmine and Cream livery when a replacement for the old Orange and Black 'Strathclyde Transport' was being investigated and was always distinguishable from the other subsequent repaints by having a silver/white roof and a cream section that extended to the vehicle ends.

442410 has been released from refurbishment at Wolverton Works and was hauled to Stewarts Lane by 67021 yesterday, Friday 23rd Jan.

Added to the Diagrams page of this site and of interest to unit fans, have been the diagrams for National Express East Anglia (Great Eastern, West Anglia and Anglia divisions) and Virgin Trains West Coast Classes 390 and 221. In the pipeline are the diagrams for the c2c Class 357 fleet.

And finally, readers have been mentioning that increasing amounts of multiple unit related 'snippits' have been appearing in various enthusiast magazines (the name of two titles pop up continually) out there since the creation of this page, sometimes bearing remarkable resemblance and timing to the updates that appear here. Of course this could well be all a coincidence, but it would be a shame if said magazines had to rely on what appeared on websites to fill their pages without so much as a credit to the source...

220018 has been admitted to the shop removal programme, whilst 221122 is expected to follow shortly.

323209 is set to move temporarily to the Manchester area for up to twelve months loan to Northern, reportedly this is for cover for the unit damaged in the Congleton accident in December.

It has transpired that former Northampton 'Christmas tree' 321404 has moved to Doncaster to join the overhaul programme. To enable its movement, 321413 donated missing parts and has now become the 'Christmas tree' itself. It is not currently expected that 321404 will return to London Midland.

350242 is due for delivery today, 21st January 08.

142071 and 142090 have also been repainted into Northern Rail livery from Arriva turquoise.

350241 arrived at Northampton Kings Heath Depot on the 9th January after moving from Dollands Moor to Wembley on the 8th January. This marks the 10th arrival of the new fleet although reliability is not as high as hoped and still requires improvement before the Class 321 stand down program commences.
350234 has still not appeared and is in German on 'commissioning'.
The delivery of 350242 is scheduled for this week.

142018 and 142078 have been repainted into Northern Rail livery from Arriva turquoise.

321303 has returned to traffic after going through Doncaster Works. It has been confirmed that the only internal works carried out has been the recovering of the flooring vinyl, the majority of the work being underframe only.

378001, based at Willesden, has recently been undergoing night time testing on the southern West Coast Main Line.

A Happy New Year to all readers and contributors! With the Christmas and New Year period, not much has been taking place with regards to fleet updates...

With the return of the five Class 142s from FGW to Northern, a small reshuffle has taken place with the Class 142 fleet allocations:
Now allocated to Newton Heath are: 142003-005/007/011-014/028/031-049/051-058/060-062/067
Now allocated to Heaton are: 142015-027/050/065/066/070/071/078/079/084/086-096

175109 has been repainted into Arriva turquoise livery, noted back in service before the Christmas break.

165039 is currently operating as a 2 car set with the centre vehicle out of service at Aylesbury.

The original 13 West Coast 'allocated' Class 221 Super Voyagers have now been through the Virgin West Coast modification programme to convert one coach to dual first/standard class seating and installation of a small kitchen facility. It is anticipated the five recently transferred from CrossCountry will be going through the programme shortly.

No sooner was the update regarding 142055 being the final unit in Merseytravel yellow received, confirmation appeared of its repaint into Northern Rail blue. This leaves the Merseytravel yellow livery (as applied to Classes 142 and 150 in varying styles) extinct.

317510 has been rebranded into National Express white and silver, being noted back in traffic by Saturday 20th December. Currently undergoing treatment is 317509 with 317507 to follow after.

153310 has been repainted into East Midlands Trains 'connect' livery from North Western Trains, being noted back in service by Monday 22nd December after repaint at Neville Hill.

The rebranding exercise on the London Midland Class 170 fleet has been completed with the release of 170633 from internal refurbishment at Tyseley. Meanwhile, 153354 is currently at Eastleigh Works for internal refresh.

150274 has become the first of the ex-Valley Lines units to receive an internal 'refresh' at Newton Heath which has involved replacement of the Regional Railways seat covers, re-covering of the floor surfaces and repainted interior panelling.

142058 has returned to traffic after collision damage repairs (following a small incident at Longsight a few weeks ago) and a repaint into Northern Rail purple livery. This now leaves 142055 as the sole unit carrying Merseytravel yellow livery.

To celebrate the festive season, Kings Heath depot has a new Christmas Tree! Linked with the return to service of 321428 is the removal from traffic - albeit temporarily - of 321404. The unit has been stopped awaiting new wheelsets and has had all the components required for the return to service of 321428 removed.

Meanwhile, 9 of the first 10 new Class 350/2 units have entered service with 6 being required in traffic daily; 350234 remains in Germany. The newest delivery, 350240, disgraced itself on its first week in traffic on Friday by developing traction motor faults, causing chaos by blocking the south junction at Bletchley on.

170116 has been released from internal refurbishment at Clacton, rendering the CrossCountry Class 170 refurbishent programme complete. It is anticipated that the Clacton facility will now be closed. Meanwhile, the repaint programme continues, with 170111 being the latest admission to Marcroft, Stoke for treatment.
 

143617 returned from refurbishment at Eastleigh Works to Bristol St Philips Marsh depot on Saturday 13th December.

350239 has been noted in traffic with London Midland following acceptance at Northampton Kings Heath depot.

321428 - previously the spares unit at Northampton Kings Heath - has been repaired and returned to service to help ease the shortage of units that London Midland are experiencing since the introduction of VHF. Meanwhile, the two Great Eastern exiles - 321416 and 321426 - are also back with London Midland.

442417 was released from Wolverton Works today and was taken down to Brighton for commissioning and entry to service.
 

Recently returned to Northern from FGW, 142004 has been noted back in service; returning to traffic almost immediately on return. 142070 on the other hand, has been stopped for a repaint into Northern Rail livery at Newton Heath.

158791 has been named 'County of Nottinghamshire' today to mark the commencement of Northern's new direct Leeds-Nottingham services. The first service ran with 158795.

180108 - released into passenger traffic with Northern today (see below) - has had its FirstGroup livery altered with the addition of Northern Rail lilac stripes and branding. It is expected the other two units will be similarly treated.

December Timetable Fleet Changes...

Four additional Class 319s have transferred from Southern to First Capital Connect to provide increased capacity on the Thameslink routes. 319013 and 319214-216 moved in two batches over the nights of 12th and 13th December. This leaves 4 units, 319216-220, still with Southern providing cover for lack of Class 442 units.

442405 and 442413 (both unrefurbished) along with refurbished 442412/414/421 and 442424 all entered service with Gatwick Express yesterday working services between Brighton/Gatwick Airport and London Victoria.

Due to the lack of refurbished Class 442s and to provide cover on the new London-Brighton workings, seven Class 377/2 (dual-voltage) units have been transferred from Selhurst to Brighton Lovers Walk depot and will operate from there until enough refurbished 442s are available. The Class 377s in question are 377201 and 377203-208.

All the remaining Class 508s in traffic with SouthEastern were taken out of traffic at the timetable change and have been stored at Gillingham depot pending further movement. Stripping for spares and movement to Merseyside has been mooted.

180106 and 180108 entered service with Northern today working the Manchester/Hazel Grove-Blackpool North route. There are daily diagrams for two units with the third forming the maintenance spare.

To compensate for the loss of the five Class 142s to Northern, the FGW 143s have been reallocated en masse to Exeter Depot.

158868, out of service at Haymarket for over a year, has finally entered service with First Scotrail at the start of the new timetable. Transferring from Northern Rail to Scotrail is 158871 which made the move North over the weekend of the 12th December.

The new Class 350/2 units have entered traffic with London Midland, with 350231-233 and 350236 being noted in traffic yesterday. 350239 is still on commissioning at Northampton Kings Heath.
 

142004 moved from Exeter St Davids to Newton Heath on Monday 8th followed by 142028, 142062, 142067, 142070 making the same journey on Tuesday 9th December. All units reside at Newton Heath ready for entry to service on Monday 15th.

158782 has not, as earlier advised, returned to Northern. It visited Newton Heath for a repaint into all-over dark blue as carried by 158786 and 158789 and was noted back in Scotland by the 10th December.

170114 was been released from Marcroft Engineering carrying CrossCountry livery on the 8th December.

321303 has returned to Wabtec Doncaster for some form of rectification work to be carried out following its recent attention at the site.

350235 and 350236 have been released into service, working on the Northampton-London Euston circuit over the past couple of days. 350231 through to 350233 are still incarcerated in the former Bletchley TMD.

442412 and 442414 have entered service with Gatwick Express, working the London-Gatwick circuit in advance of the Brighton services commencing on Monday 15th.
 

350231 has been sent to warm storage at Bletchley depot following acceptance by London Midland, joining 350231 and 350232. 350239 was delivered to Northampton Kings Heath for commissioning on the 5th December.

158855 have been repainted into Northern Rail livery from Wessex Trains silver, whilst 170515 has been repainted into London Midland livery - the final 2-car to get the treatment.

170109 was released from internal refurbishment at Clacton on Friday 5th, it was replaced by 170116.

180104 was hired to Hull Trains from First Great Western over the past weekend (5th-7th December) to cover for the non-availability of its own Class 180 units. Meanwhile, over at Northern, 180106 has had its pink branding removed and now carries a dark blue base livery.

The first move of the Class 142s to be transferred from FGW back to Northern takes place today, with the balance moving tomorrow.
 

350237 and 350238 have arrived at Northampton Kings Heath depot for commissioning in the past week or so, whilst 350239 arrived in Wembley Yard in the consist of a train from Dollands Moor this morning.

321303 has returned to Ilford depot - moving on the 4th November courtesy of GBRf. Despite the length of time spent at Doncaster and previous reports, it appears that interior refurbishment has not been carried out.

142015 and 142016 have been repainted into Northern Rail livery from Arriva.

170109 and 170110 are currently at Clacton for internal refurbishment, whilst 170114 is currently at Marcroft, Stoke for repaint into CrossCountry livery.

221126 has been released from Derby following works to remove the on board shop. Again, contrary to reports elsewhere, all that has been done is removal of the shop and replacement with a CCTV covered bike and luggage storage area. Additionally, the former luggage storage area behind the cab in the standard class driving vehicle (Coach F) has been converted to a trolley storage area with a microwave for hot food. The modified unit entered service on Monday 1st December working from Derby to Plymouth.

In order to increase public awareness of the forthcoming Thameslink upgrade and in addition to the website already established, 319364 and 319365 are imminently due for release in a new advertising livery. Further details are awaited.
 

More Desiro News...
350236 has arrived at Northampton Kings Heath depot for commissioning, making the move on the 24th behind 67019 from Wembley - incidentally thought to be the first Class 67 to make it to Kings Heath.
350232 has completed its mileage accumulation/testing and has been accepted by London Midland and sent to Bletchley for storage until the timetable change, joining the already accepted 350233.
Remaining at Kings Heath are 350231, 350235 and 350236.
350237 arrived at Wembley Yard on the 25th, and awaits forwarding to Northampton.

Other bits 'n' bobs...
158782 has completed its transfer to Northern, arriving at Heaton on Sunday 23rd. It has not entered service yet.
One that slipped under the net; 442421 departed Wolverton for Brighton on the 19th behind 67019 following refurbishment.
153357 is currently undergoing a repaint into East Midlands Trains livery at Neville Hill depot.

Southern...
As a result of the delayed deliveries of refurbished Class 442s from Wolverton, it is anticipated that Southern will be hanging onto 4 out of the 8 Class 319s that were due for transfer to First Capital Connect for the December timetable change. These will be used to cover for Class 377s, which themselves will be covering for the unavailable Class 442s on the new Brighton-Gatwick-London services.
 

London Midland update...
350234, contrary to the previous update, has not yet arrived in the UK. It was held back at Wildenrath for completion of a few 'promotional' bits and pieces and will be delivered to the UK shortly.
350236 and 350237 are due to arrive within the next week.
350233 remains incarcerated in Bletchley TMD, whilst 350232 has been out on mileage accumulation runs and 350231 is at Kings Heath depot.
Despite initial fears, a full complement of 10 units needed to implement the required service at the December timetable change is expected to be available for use. This will allow the start to the Class 321 displacement programme.
Meanwhile, from the 'old order', 321428 remains out of service at Kings Heath depot as a spares donor and requires a significant level of attention to make it fit for service again. With the looming deadline, will this one make it back into traffic?

First Scotrail update...
156446 is currently the unlikely resident of Motherwell TMD, undergoing repairs to fire damage sustained earlier in the year at Stranraer.
Also a recent resident of Motherwell was one of the driving cars from 322485 which was undergoing bodyside repairs after an incident with an open HST door. Repairs complete, it returned to service sometime this week after a successful test run.
170401 was been released from 'refresh' at Rosyth Dockyard on 17th November, replaced by 170402, and had re-entered traffic by the 19th.
In connection with the trial site of the new GSM-R radio system being located in Strathclyde, a number of the 'West side' EMU fleet have been fitted with the equipment at Shields Road depot during C4 overhauls.

December fleet movements...
From the commencement of the December timetable change, a number of fleet swaps will hopefully have been effected. These should be:

5x Class 142s from First Great Western to Northern.
3x Class 180s from store to Northern.
1x Class 153 from Northern to East Midlands Trains.
5x Class 150s from First Great Western to Arriva Trains Wales; no actual swaps will take place, merely the hire agreement - which sees any 5 units hired to FGW on a daily basis - will be ended.
A number of Class 442s from store to Gatwick Express for the new Brighton-London 'fast' services.
5x Class 221 from CrossCountry to Virgin West Coast. It remains to be seen whether all will transfer immediately as VWC do not need them until early next year when VHF 'kicks off' properly. Due to delays with the HST refurbishment programme, a number may remain with CrossCountry until all 5 HST sets have been refurbished.

The loss of 10 units from First Great Western's fleet will be partially offset by the introduction of the loco hauled diagram on the Cardiff-Taunton route plus the ending of the refurbishment programme on the Class 150s, whilst there are rumours that a further number of Class 153s will make their way down to FGW from Northern and some of the 3-car Class 158s will be temporarily split.

Refurb/Relivery...
170113 is currently at Marcroft, Stoke for repainting into CrossCountry livery, whilst 170108 and 170111 are at Clacton undergoing refurbishment.
153334 is the latest returnee from refurbishment at Eastleigh Works for London Midland, making the journey to Tyseley on the 21st November.
158783 entered service post refurbishment on the 20th November, but was involved in a 'serious incident' and was been removed from service the same day.
 

Class 350/2 deliveries have reached 350235 which was delivered to Northampton Kings Heath depot on Friday 14th. Units 231-233 have been accepted by London Midland with 234 and 235 still undergoing acceptance works. Unit 236 is expected to arrive in the UK early this week.
Connected with the deliveries of the Class 350s has been the reopening (yet again!) of Bletchley depot for storage of a number of Class 350/2 units. This has been brought about by the lack of space at Kings Heath depot and is set to continue until the December timetable change when Class 321s are released.
There are a number of paths in the system this week which are for mileage accumulation running between Northampton, Coventry and Bletchley and are expected to feature at least 1 Class 350/2 unit.

321303 has been released from the paintshop at Wabtec Doncaster sporting National Express white and silver livery.

158952 and 158953 have been reformed with the vehicles from 158748 being replaced by vehicles from 158745. The newly formed 158748 (52748+57748) requires an exam on both vehicles. Once complete, it is anticipated that 158952 and 158953 will return to original formation. Both reformed units were back in traffic by the 7th November following the swaps.

153319 is currently being repainted into East Midlands Trains 'local' livery from Arriva, whilst 158816 and 158851 have been repainted into Northern livery from Wessex Trains and Central Trains respectively.

The first new Class 377 for First Capital Connect is due for delivery at the beginning of next week for commencement of testing. It will initially be paired with the Southern Class 377/2 currently on loan to FCC.
 

180108 moved yesterday from Old Oak Common to Newton Heath prior to entering service with Northern Rail.

350232 and 350233 have been delivered to Northampton Kings Heath depot.

150221 has been released from refurbishment at Pullman Rail, Cardiff Canton and has been replaced by 150263 - both moves taking place on the 5th November. This leaves just 2 units - 150243 and 150265 - outstanding from the programme.

The release of 143617 has been delayed from Eastleigh Works and it is now expected to return in mid-November.

321304 has been admitted to Wabtec Doncaster for refurbishment. 321303, currently receiving attention, is expected to be released towards the end of November.
 

180108 has commenced testing/training between Blackpool and Wigan as outlined below.

153356 has entered service after tyre turning following refurbishment, being noted on the Nuneaton-Coventry shuttles towards the end of last week.

508301 has been taken off lease by London Overground and moved from Willesden to Wembley Yard en route to Eastleigh Works for storage. Originally scheduled to be a direct move but cancelled due to points problems, it is anticipated the move will recommence early this week.

The next two Class 350/2 units for London Midland have arrived in the country. 350232 and 350233 are currently in Wembley Yard awaiting delivery to Northampton Kings Heath depot for commissioning. It is expected that subsequent units will be delivered at the rate of at least 1 a week due to the need for a significant number in traffic for the start of the December 2008 timetable.

442414 has arrived at Brighton Lovers Walk following movement from Wolverton last week. Full details of the refurbishment are still awaited.

158783 has been released from refurbishment at Delta Rail in Derby and is scheduled to be out on test on Monday 3rd November. The refurbishment sees a step change in quality when compared to the former Central Trains interior, with new high backed seats fitted. It is anticipated that 158785 will be the next unit to head for refurbishment at the end of next week.

142056, 158817 and 158850 have all been repainted into Northern Rail blue livery from Merseytravel, Wessex Trains and Central Trains livery respectively, whilst 142033 has become the first of the class to receive a 'refresh' under Northern Rail. Meanwhile, the Class 333 relivery programme has been halted after quality issues with the new vinyls.
 

180103 has migrated to Blackpool for the crew training (as mentioned below). There are 4 return paths in the system Mon-Fri between Blackpool and Wigan - although it is worth bearing in mind that they may not all run every day:

5T51 0841 Blackpool CS-Wigan North Western 0951
5T52 1005 Wigan North Western-Blackpool North 1114
5T53 1155 Blackpool North-Wigan North Western 1254
5T54 1306 Wigan North Western-Blackpool North 1414
5T55 1447 Blackpool North-Wigan North Western 1553
5T56 1606 Wigan North Western-Blackpool CS 1728

Both the newly refurbished London Midland 153's have still not entered service; both at Tyseley. 153365 for a software update and 153356 for tyre turning.
170101 is currently at Transys Clacton for refurbishment with 170102 next in line. 170112 is currently at Marcroft for a repaint into CrossCountry livery.
323213 has gained London Midland seat covers; its refresh now complete leaving 323207 awaiting treatment.

221126 is almost ready for release from Derby works following its 'de-shopping' procedure. 221119 is anticipated to be the next for the mods, followed by 220001 and then provisionally 221120.
 

Word has been received that one of the two Northern Class 180s will shortly be moving to Blackpool for further crew training (probably on Monday 27th October). It will be operating a number of runs between Blackpool and Wigan on a Monday to Saturday basis for the foreseeable future. More when known...

175101 is the latest repaint into Arriva Trains Wales turquoise, being noted back in service by the 14th October.
 

442408 is the latest arrival at Wolverton for refurbishment, arriving today behind 67028. Meanwhile the first refurbished unit (442414) is also scheduled to depart today, heading as far as Wembley Yard before onward movement at a later date. The refurbishment is likely to prove controversial with fans of the units as it involves replacement of the original style seats with new high back seats (similar to those fitted in the HST refurbishment programmes) in a high density layout.

The final two East Midlands Trains 'Meridians' to be reformed to 5-car units (222009 and 222018) have been completed following return of the two cars from Crewe Works after conversion, rendering the programme complete.

The last two London Midland Class 323s sporting original Regional Railways design seat covers are due to be brought into line over the coming week or so, with the first unit due to go in on Saturday 25th.

More details of the Gatwick Express/Emirates sponsorship deal have come to light; each unit is being differently branded with one single destination, so the fleet should (in theory) cover the destinations flown by Emirates. Completed are; Australia (460002), the Middle East (460006) and China (460003).

First Scotrail unit update...
158789 has been admitted to Railcare Springburn for repairs to its underframe, whilst 158740 has also arrived for C6 classified attention.
170401 has appeared at Rosyth Dockyard, believed to be for internal refurbishment and a repaint/vinyl into the new ScotRail 'saltire' livery.
158868, the long term absentee which was moved into the depot for attention a few weeks ago to return it to traffic, will be required in traffic from the December timetable change.
318254 - which hasn't operated in service for over a year - is still at Shields Road depot awaiting a decision on its future.
 

180106 has made the move North from Oxley to Newton Heath joining 180103 already at Northern's depot for crew familiarisation prior to entry into traffic. Meanwhile, 180107 has been released from its stay at Wolverton and has arrived back at Oxley for store.

Following the end of the Continental Airlines advertising contract a year or so ago, Gatwick Express have reached a deal with Emirates for the rebranding of the entire fleet of 8 units into a new advertising livery. Each unit is advertising a selection of destinations that can be reached using the airline. No ID's of treated units have been received as yet.

153356 - the second London Midland 153 to be refurbished - has returned 'home' to Tyseley. Whether this one will return to traffic any time soon remains to be seen; the first refurbished unit - 153365 - still hasn't turned a wheel in revenue earning service since returning from EH.

170522 and 170102-104 have all been internally refurbished. Repainting is continuing at Marcroft for the 3-car units and at Toton for the 2-car units, when it fits with the maintenance schedules.

158843 and 158848 have been repainted into Northern livery; internal refurbishment has not been carried out at this stage.

Booths at Rotherham are still taking delivery of Class 310 EMU cars for disposal following stripping at Shoeburyness to remove asbestos. Present on the 17th October were cars 76154 (from 310070), 62084 (from 310059), 62085 (from 310060) and 76138 (from 310110).
 

More on those 180s...
It has been advised that the introduction of Class 180s for Northern will only be on routes cleared for similar Class 175's, therefore will only operate on the Manchester Victoria-Blackpool and vice versa route. It is currently planned for Class 180s to operate with Northern until 2010.

As rumoured, it has emerged that Virgin Trains are now not going for the 180 option to replace its Mark 3 set (due to finish in service on November 21st) but will be going for the loco hauled option instead for a 'standby' set plus use for Friday's only additionals. The question still remains as to whether most of the current set will be going for refurbishment (1 vehicle has been sold to Cargo-D), or stock will be brought in from elsewhere.

350231...
350231 has arrived at Northampton Kings Heath depot for acceptance into service. Arriving behind an EWS Class 66 today, this is the first of a batch of an additional order to replace the Class 321s which are heading off to pastures new.

First Great Western...
150244 is the next unit to head to Canton for refresh, replacing one of 150248 or 150221 currently at the Pullman Rail workshops for attention.
158952 has been released from Eastleigh Works following post-refurbishment modifications and fitting of seat back tables.
143621 has been at Exeter Depot recently for crew familiarisation.
143603 has moved down to Eastleigh Works for refurbishment, following 143617 which made the move approximately a month ago.
150280 is currently at Canton undergoing attention, but is expected to return to First Great Western once these are complete.

Livery Updates...
222007 (the final unit to be treated) has been repainted into East Midlands Trains livery at Bombardier Derby, whilst 222017 - which had a vinyl livery applied for the launch of the franchise - has been painted in line with the rest of the fleet.
142051 (noted back in traffic by 11/10) and 158859 (noted back 08/10) now carry Northern Rail blue and purple livery.
170505 has been repainted into London Midland livery; it has also received a more comprehensive internal refresh than previous units treated.
 

XC Bits...
Relivery of the CrossCountry Voyager and Super Voyager fleet is now complete with the final two units, 221127 and 221130, noted back in traffic by the 6th October carrying their new identities. The batch of 5 units heading to Virgin West Coast (221114-221118) still carry Virgin Trains silver livery minus the branding.
The first unit to go to Bombardier Derby is, in fact, 221126 rather than 221119 as noted in the previous update. It is not expected to return to traffic until the end of October.
Not strictly unit related, but the first refurbished HST set (XC01) has been returned to Wabtec Doncaster for remedy work following lack of air conditioning and lighting in a number of coaches.

Adelante!...
180103 - which had been at Wolverton Works and many people had assumed would be going to Virgin West Coast - has arrived at Northern Rail's Newton Heath Depot for staff training. It has been indicated they are to be introduced on the Blackpool-York route to provide extra capacity until 2010 when the entire fleet of FGW pacers will be back with Northern. 180107 is due to follow.

The above news begs the question as to what Virgin Trains will be using to replace the Mark 3 set on the West Coast from December bearing in mind driver and guard training hasn't commenced. Refurbishment of the current Mk3 set has been mooted...

Tate Liverpool...
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tate Gallery in Liverpool, 390006 (previously 'Virgin Sun') was named 'Tate Liverpool' in a ceremony at Lime Street on the 7th October.

London Midland 350/2's...
The first unit from the new Desiro subclass is due at Northampton Kings Heath depot for testing and mileage accumulation towards the end of October. The delivery of these will spell the end for the Class 321 units (and also Bletchley depot - which has seen another re-opening to cope with the poor reliability of the 321s since maintenance was transferred to Kings Heath depot earlier in the year).

Livery Updates...
The final London Midland 323 for repaint - 323243 - is now at Wolverton and is expected to be released shortly.
222009 and 222018 have been repainted into Stagecoach Rail/East Midlands Trains livery at Bombardier Derby.
142052 (noted back in traffic 25/09) and 142086 (noted back 04/10) now carry Northern Rail blue and purple livery.
 

The second of the former MML batch of 3-car units, 170104, has been admitted to Clacton for internal refresh including removal of the former buffet area.

The first of the former First North Western batch of Class 156s has been repainted into Northern Rail blue; 156421 noted back in service by the 30th September. As far as is known, the four remaining 156's in Northern Spirit livery have not been in for a repaint as yet.

158789 has returned North to Haymarket depot following attention at Neville Hill. It now carries the dark blue 'base' livery as sported by sister 158786, albeit without the half length white stripe at cantrail level. The next candidate for the new 'ScotRail' livery perhaps?

One to go. 323241 has arrived at Wolverton for a refresh and repaint, replacing 323240 which was noted in service today, 1st October. 170631 has also been refreshed and repainted into London Midland livery, noted back in service on the 29th September.

221120, 221121 and 221125 have all been noted carrying CrossCountry vinyls, leaving just 2 units (221127 and 221130) to undergo the treatment. Meanwhile, the first unit for refurbishment, removal of the shop and other associated modifications - 221126 - has been admitted to Bombardier at Derby.

Long time absentee and having never worked for Scotrail, 158868 has been noted inside the shed at Edinburgh Haymarket undergoing attention which will hopefully see it return to traffic.

Ex Anglia and Central Trains units, 150213, 150227 and 150229 have all had an internal refurbishment at Cardiff Canton and have been brought into line with the rest of the Arriva Wales fleet.
 

XC 170 Refurbishments...
170102 - the first of the former Midland Mainline 3 car units to be so treated - has entered Clacton for refurbishment. This will see the removal of the former 1st Class seating area and the Cafe/Bar area in the centre car and replacement with standard class seating.

Of the ex-Midland Mainline batch, 170101, 170103-111 and 170116 remain to be treated and just 170522 is outstanding from the former Central Trains fleet.

Completed are 170112-115, 170397/398, 170518-521/523 and 170636-639.

As you were...
222002 and 222008 - both formed as hybrid units with the latter out of service at Etches Park - have been returned to their booked formations following completion of repairs. Formation of the units are as follows:

222002 - 60162 60544 60562 60622 60342 60346 60242
222008 - 60168 60545 60628 60918 60248

Meanwhile, the 2 remaining 4-car Meridians, 222009 and 222018, are awaiting the return of two intermediate vehicles (60442/444 - both ex First Class vehicles) from conversion at Crewe Works. This will complete the EMT reforming excercise.

Repaints...
222022 has been repainted into East Midlands Trains/Stagecoach Rail 'Mainline' livery.
221124 has gained XC vinyls at Central Rivers, noted in the final stages of application on the 19th.
142047 and 142048 now carry Northern Rail purple and blue livery, noted back in service on the 16th and 18th respectively.

158784 has been named 'Barbara Castle' at Buxton station, continuing the Northern naming policy of 'Great Northerners'.
 

170434 is rumoured to be due to be unveiled in the new Saltire Scotrail livery on Monday of next week (22/09) following application of vinyls over the weekend at Haymarket. 158789 may also feature.

All FGW Class 158/9 units - 158952 excepted - are now back in their original formations following rectifications of previous faults on OOS vehicles.

323222 has been released from refresh at Wolverton, being replaced by 323240. This leaves just 2 more units before completion of the programme. Problems with supply of seat covers has been resolved and the units are leaving Wolverton fully complete now.

Almost a month later than first planned, 153365 has arrived at Tyseley from refurbishment at Eastleigh Works for recommissioning work before re entering traffic.

158783 has recently featured on BBC Local News in a piece on its refurbishment; notable in the fact that removal of some tables will be a feature to increase the number of seats per unit to combat overcrowding on the Liverpool-Norwich route. Additionally, new style seats (those fitted to the FGW refurbished Mk3 HST trailers) are being installed to maximise legroom. The unit is being finished in Stagecoach Rail 'mainline' livery - as applied to the EMT 222's and HST's and the South West Trains 158/159 fleet. The short newsreel is available HERE.

Repaints...
142011 and 158815 now carry Northern livery.
153321 has arrived at Neville Hill for a repaint into East Midlands Trains livery from its Heart of Wales orange advertising livery.
222005 and 222021 now carry East Midlands Trains/Stagecoach Rail 'Mainline' livery.
 

170523 has been released from refresh at Clacton in the last week, still carrying Central Trains green livery.

319366 was observed travelling North up the West Coast Main Line to Wolverton Works on the evening of the 15th Sep for refresh.

Haymarket...
170434 has been observed at Haymarket Depot in Edinburgh over the last weekend carrying plain blue livery following removal of all 'First' insignia and livery detailing. Speculation is that this will be the first unit to carry the new standard ScotRail livery as depicted in most railway journals of late.
158868 is still standing idle at Haymarket after its transfer from First Great Western earlier this year. It is missing a couple of door windows and is not complete internally so it seems that this won't be entering traffic in a hurry.
The two units on long term lease from Northern - 158786 and 158789 - are still carrying an unbranded blue livery; could these also be for the new livery at some point in the future...?

Repaints...
222004 and 222020 now carry East Midlands Trains 'mainline' livery after a repaint at Derby Works.
221140 now carries CrossCountry vinyls leaving, excluding the 5 units that will transfer back to Virgin West Coast, just 6 units in Virgin silver livery - albeit with XC branding added.
317508, 317709 and 317710 all now carry National Express livery following application of vinyls over the past couple of weeks at Ilford EMUD, whilst 317503 is currently at Ilford undergoing relivery.

NXEA White Stripe Update..
Class 153 - Only 153314 remains outstanding for treatment.
Class 317 - Only 317511, 317664 and 317708 remain outstanding.
Class 321 - 321305/309/322/344/363/438 and 440 have gained stripes since the last update.
Class 360 - All units now carry NXEA white stripe.
 

Some FGW bits and pieces (with thanks to Wessex's Finest)...

Class 142...
142064 is the latest arrival at Glasgow works for C4 overhaul and 'pink door treatment'.

Class 143...
143617 has been admitted to Eastleigh Works for overhaul and internal refresh. Following the delays to the programme of Class 150 refurbishments at Pullman Rail's Cardiff Canton site, the contract for refurbishment of the Class 143 fleet has been re-let to Wabtec Rail who will carry this out at its new facility in Eastleigh.
It would seem that to facilitate the transfer of units onto the former SR region (where Pacer type units are banned), a temporary exemption has been granted to allow their movement to and from Bristol St Philips Marsh.

Class 150...
150266 has been admitted to Pullman Rail at Canton for refresh, whilst 150249 has been released. The latter is notable in that it carried FGW 'Local Lines' livery but hadn't received an internal refresh.
It is anticipated that 150221 will be the next admission once 150266 is completed.
For those looking for the Arriva Wales Class 150s on hire to First Great Western, they were rather thin on the ground yesterday, with only 2 out of the 5 on hire actually in traffic.

Class 153...
153368 arrived at Doncaster Works from Bristol on the 8th September, presumably for work in connection with the recent overhaul programme at Eastleigh.

Class 158...
158950 has arrived at Eastleigh Works for additional work in connection with the recent refurbishment programme conducted at Doncaster Works and to bring all the 158s up to the same standard.
The 'broken' vehicle from 158955 has been repaired and it is expected to return to traffic in the very near future.
 

London Midland...
323220 has returned to traffic following refresh and repaint at Wolverton, being noted in service by the 9th September.
170514 has been repainted into London Midland livery from Central Trains green, noted back in traffic by the 5th September.

Northern Rail...
Leaving just 4 units in the once plentiful Northern Spirit blue and green, 156487 has been noted in service sporting Northern Rail livery.
333004 has also received Northern Rail/Metro livery, whilst 333006 is expected to be next in the programme.

CrossCountry...
221131, 221134 and 221139 are the latest recipient of CrossCountry vinyls, whilst 170637 has been released from Toton paintshop following a repaint into CrossCountry livery from Central Trains green. All units had returned to service following attention by the 6th September.
Meanwhile at Central Rivers on the evening of the 8th September, 221141 - XC's only 4 car Super Voyager - was half way through application of vinyls.
170115 is another unit to have received a refresh at Clacton.

FirstGroup Franchises..
158955 (FGW) has been noted reduced to 2-car formation, vehicle 52765 has been removed from the formation due to defects.
317337 (FCC) is the next unit in the refresh programme, admitted to Doncaster Works at the beginning of September.

More White Stripes...
Class 321;
321310/314/329/355/359/365

Class 360;
360103/104/106/114
 

It's been a while since the last update, thanks to those of you who have continued sending updates and sightings over the past couple of weeks; normal service has now resumed. The last few weeks have seen a lull in the amount of reported activity, presumably due to the summer holidays...

Wolverton Movements...
323219 departed Wolverton Works as planned two weeks ago, being replaced by 323220. 323220 is due to depart from Wolverton tomorrow (03/09) and it will be replaced by 323221. It is worth noting that there are now just 5 units sporting the old Regional Railways based Centro colour scheme.
180107 has arrived at Wolverton, joining 180103 for a refresh before heading to a new operator.
The first of the 319/3 subclass has left Wolverton after refresh. 319361 remains a standard class unit for the 'metro' operation.

Northern Units...
156479 and 156481 have been noted back in service sporting Northern Rail livery.
The refurbishment and relivery of 153307 - the last 153 to carry Arriva livery - has been completed at Newton Heath. The 5 remaining units in North Western Trains livery will receive a repaint, but refurbishment will not take place until sometime in the future.
A programme of 'minor refurbishment' for the fleet of Class 142's has been announced, with rumours of attention for the Class 150's in the not too distant future...

CrossCountry...
221119, 221126 and 221132 have all emerged from Central Rivers in XC livery within the last two weeks.
170112 has been released from internal refurbishment at Clacton, being replaced by 170113 within the last two days.

WAG no more...
150280 - currently on hire to First Great Western - has lost its 'Welsh Assembly Government' vinyl nameplate.

White Stripes (what has gained them)...
Class 153;
153306/322

Class 156;
156409/412/416/418
 

158786 which travelled down to Newton Heath towards the beginning of the month has not, it has turned out, been transferred back to Northern Rail. It transpires that the trip was for nothing other than painting into an all over base blue livery and it made the return journey back to Haymarket on Saturday 16th. 158789 - the other ex-SWT unit with Scotrail - also made the Haymarket - Newton Heath journey on Saturday 16th presumably also for painting. It is unknown whether these will be the first units to sport the new Scotland-wide livery or will gain standard First Group 'barbie' vinyls.

158842 and 158908 are now back in planned formations following attention at Wolverton. 158842 has returned to traffic, whilst 158908 is at Newton Heath undergoing refurbishment and a repaint.

Wolverton Arrivals...
323218 departed Wolverton Works as planned last week, being replaced by 32319. It is not known how the upcoming Rugby blockade will affect the refurbishment programme; it may be that the current unit remains at Wolverton for an extra week until the blockade is over.
442419 has arrived for refurbishment before entering service with Southern; there are now 9 of the 24 strong 'Wessex Electric' fleet at Wolverton.
Having ended its short period of use with First Great Western, 180103 arrived at Wolverton on the 6th August for a 'refresh'.

Meridian to Liverpool...
222013 made a visit to Liverpool Lime Street - the first of the class to do so - on Saturday 16th August to check clearances and timings for possible use in the future on services to Liverpool during the Summer timetable.

Paint Jobs...
The relivery programme for the London Midland Class 350's is now finished with the completion of 350121 at Northampton Kings Heath, whilst 170630 has also received London Midland livery at Oxley paintshop and was noted heading back to Tyseley on the 8th August
170636 has been repainted into CrossCountry livery at Toton, being noted back in service by the 14th August.
221123 has received CrossCountry vinyls, application being noted underway on the 13th August.
158845 has been repainted from tatty ex-Central Trains green and yellow into Northern Rail blue along with 156473 which has lost its Northern Spirit turquoise in favour of Northern, being noted back in service by August 13th.
333002 is the first of the class to receive the joint Metro/Northern blue and purple livery as carried by the Northern Class 321 fleet. Unveiled on 25th July at Neville Hill, it is in keeping with the most recent 'streamlined' version of the standard Northern livery repaints.

Names...
Two more Merseyrail Class 507's have been named, with 507009 becoming 'Dixie Dean' and 507004 becoming 'Bob Paisley'. Both names were applied at Kirkdale Depot on the 12th August and unveiled on the 15th August. These - plus the previously applied 'Red Rum' are vinyl nameplates and one unit is still outstanding from the current batch of namings...

White Stripes (what is outstanding)...
The Class 315 fleet is almost complete, with just 315832 outstanding.
Six Class 317's are outstanding; 317503/508/511/664/708 and 317884.

White Stripes (what has gained them)...
Class 321;
321301/306/311/313/316-318/325/327/331/333/336/337/339/343/350-352/354/356/362/366
321439/441/445/448

Class 360;
360102/105/107/108/111-113/116-118/121
 

317339, undergoing refresh at Wabtec Doncaster, is currently passing through the paintshop for a repaint and vinyl into First Capital Connect livery. Barring any further delays, it is hoped that the release date will be the 28th August.

323242 has had its refresh completed at Wolverton Works, although the swap was delayed initially due to TOC 'issues' and then the signalling difficulties at Rugby. It is anticipated that return to Soho will take place this coming week, being replaced in the programme by 323218.

350130 now carries London Midland black and green livery.

FGW Notes...
Currently in 2-car formation are 158950, 158958 and 158959, with cars from each unit out of service due to underfloor defects. 158957 has been returned to 3-car formation. For full details of which cars are out of service, see the Class 158 Fleet List.

150233 is currently undergoing a refresh at Pullman Rail Cardiff, accompanied by 150249 for warranty repairs. Also due to go for warranty repairs is 150246 which will be admitted upon the release of either of the two aforementioned units.

150213 has been returned to Arriva Trains Wales from hire with FGW, its replacement is (eventually) to be 150281 which was sidelined with faults before departure from Canton.

150244 and 150281 have been returned to their respective correct formations following completion of repairs to the two defective vehicles.

Diagrams...
Now online are the complete Monday-Sunday set of diagrams for the National Express East Anglia Class 153, 156 and 170 for the current Summer Timetable. Use the 'Diagrams' option on the menu bar above to access these.
 

Virgin Voyagers...
221106 is the first unit from the fleet of 13 5-car Class 221 'Super Voyagers' to go through a programme of internal modification at Bombardier's Derby Works. In addition to the fitment of CCTV, the modifications involve;

Improvements to the kitchen/galley area to provide the types of food comparable to that served on the Pendolino 'Primo' services.

The seating area in Coach D has been refurbished with First Class style seating but remaining in 2+2 formation and this will serve as First Class on the London-North Wales route, but revert to Standard Class on the Birmingham-Scotland route.

Changing the formation of the unit so that the 607xx vehicle (Coach 'D' - the vehicle housing the shop) is now adjacent to Coach A with vehicle turned so that the the shop is towards the Standard Class end of the train. Coaches B, C and F remain unchanged, and in the original place in the train formation. Modified units are now formed A-D-B-C-F until the completion of the whole fleet, at which point coaches will be re-lettered. Until such time, modified units are denoted by a blue stripe on the yellow coupler cover at the First Class end.

221101 is currently at Derby being modified as the next unit of the programme.

Livery Updates...
221138 is now carrying CrossCountry livery, with 221137 reported as being 'in the very early stages of vinyl application' as of yesterday.
222003 and 222019 now carry East Midlands Trains livery, as does 153311 which has been released from repaint at Neville Hill.
170635 (not 170634 as mentioned previously) along with 170517 now carry London Midland livery.

Broken Part 3...
158959 has been observed in 2-car formation, following removal of 52746 due to faults.

Repaired Part 3...
318254, sidelined since late 2007 has, following major bodywork repairs, been returned to Shields Road EMUD for recomissioning and testing to take place before a return to traffic.
 

CrossCountry...
170115 is the latest XC unit to enter the workshops at Clacton for an internal refresh.
220033 has finally gained its XC vinyls, noted back in service sporting its new image on August 1st. Meanwhile, 221133 and 221135 have also gained XC vinyls, with the latter not released back into service as of yet.

National Express East Anglia...
317502 and 317710 are the latest to receive the new identity of the former 'one' franchise, being noted in service within the last week. 317710 carries 'Stansted Express' branding in place of 'National Express'.
The first Class 360 has been given the 'white stripe' treatment, with 360102 being noted along with fellow recipients 321315, 321335 and 321357, 315821 and 315834 along with 317649 and 317889.

Others...
175011 has been repainted into Arriva turquoise at Oxley.
158786 is mid way through internal refresh and overhaul at Newton Heaton TMD.
156480 - the first of the series of refurbishments for Northern Spirit - has been repainted into Northern blue and purple livery, whilst 153328 has lost its Arriva Turquoise livery in favour of Northern.

More Movements...
Another unusual move with a Merseyrail 508 unit was undertaken recently; from the MoD site at Marchwood to Eastleigh Works. Collision damaged 508139 (itself a hybrid of 139 and 143) was moved behind 47727 in the move which included the mandatory translator vehicles plus 'slam door' unit 1884 - itself only recently arrived at Eastleigh!
Following its stint with East Midlands Trains, 158884 has returned to South West Trains - presumably now that 158773 and 158812 have returned to service after major repairs.

Broken Part 2...
150244 is currently formed with one car from Arriva Trains Wales hire unit 150282 to make one good unit from two units requiring repairs to one car each.

Repaired...
158908 (currently formed of both the non-disabled '57' vehicles from 158908 and 158842) has returned North from collision damage repairs at Wolverton Works. The '52' cars have been operating as 158842 recently and it is assumed they will be reformed into original formations as soon as is practicable in order to comply with DDA requirements.

Livery updates...
170634 becomes the second of the three car London Midland units to receive a repaint and internal refurbishment, whilst 350111 has also gained the black and green vinyls at Northampton. It is presumed to have lost its name, although clarification is sought...
323242 has replaced 323215 for refresh and repaint at Wolverton works, the switch being made today. Previously un mentioned, 323214 left the works on 18th July.
156483 has been observed in traffic carrying Northern Rail blue livery.
221122 becomes the latest recipient of CrossCountry vinyls, whilst previously mentioned 220033 continues to soldier on in traffic still carrying Virgin Trains red and silver. Evidently a slot hasn't been found for this one yet...
222006 is the latest repaint into East Midlands Trains livery. Presumably the 'City of Leicester' name has disappeared, although clarification would be appreciated.

Unusual Movements...
508127 made the journey from Birkenhead North depot to Wabtec Doncaster, hauled by 67025. It is unclear what this move is in aid of...
Recently repainted 442417 also made a journey from Brighton Lovers Walk to Railcare Wolverton for refurbishment. Unusually operated by EWS (all previous moves have been undertaken by Freightliner), a photo of the move can be seen HERE.

Broken...
158957 has been noted in two different two car formations recently, with various cars out of service due to defects. The most recent format sees it formed of 52749 and 52771 with 57771 out of service at St Philips Marsh.

Neigh...
507021 was named 'Red Rum' after the racehorse on 14th July.
 

Livery updates...
170105 and 221129 have been repainted and vinyled respectively into CrossCountry livery.
156475 is the latest recipient of Northern Rail blue and purple at Newton Heath paintshop.
170511 and 170512 have been re-entered traffic carrying London Midland livery.
350117 and 350120, previously un noted here, have been observed carrying London Midland livery. This leaves just three units outstanding from the programme.
153326 has migrated to Neville Hill for a repaint into East Midlands Trains outer suburban blue livery, spelling the end of Regional Railways variation liveries on the national network.
Following the repaint of three Class 442 units in a variation of Gatwick Express livery after attention at Wolverton a couple of years ago, 442417 has been outshopped in Class 460 style Gatwick Express livery complete with blue doors.

National Express East Anglia White Stripes...
Been a while since an update on these, the number treated means it gets its own section.

Class 315 - 315802, 810, 836, 848, 851, 854
Class 317/5 - 317509, 513
Class 317/6 - 317656, 658, 661, 666, 667, 668, 669, 671
Class 317/7 - 317719, 722, 723, 729, 732
Class 321 - 321304, 315, 357, 443, 446

Refurbishment News...
317343 has been released from Wabtec Doncaster, running south to Hornsey on Friday. It was replaced by 317339 which made the return trip, noted in Doncaster West Yard on Friday evening.
319454 has been released from Railcare Wolverton following refurbishment. It's replacement in the programme is in the shape of 319361 which is the first of the subclass to be so treated.
The first vehicle of 321303 has entered the workshops at Wabtec Doncaster for stripping.
170639 has been admitted to the Transys facilities at Clacton for refurbishment.

Transfer...
158786 - the former South West Trains unit working with Scotrail - made a move to Newton Heath over the weekend, transferring from Scotrail to Northern Rail. 158789 is expected to follow shortly.
 

Virgin 220's no more...
The final 220 to carry Virgin Trains livery - 220033 - will be admitted to Central Rivers for vinyl application at some point tomorrow. Meanwhile, 221136 has been 'CrossCountry-ised' and should return to traffic at some point in the very near future and the remainder of the fleet should be done at a rate of 2 per week.

158958...
158958 has been formed at Wabtec Doncaster and has been released from refresh, travelling South to St Philips Marsh overnight. Formed of 158776 and the '57' vehicle from 158746, this will leave 158959 to be formed of the remaining vehicles at Doncaster.

Diagrams...
New unit diagrams have been uploaded to the main site and can be found by clicking on the 'Diagrams' section from the menu above....

National Express East Anglia Class 156
National Express East Anglia Class 170 (2-car)
National Express East Anglia Class 170 (3-car)
 

LM 323's...
The return of the last two 'refreshed' LM 323s with all other work complete but still with original seat covers (323206 and 323213) is down to a shortage of new material and work should be completed at Soho Depot.

Those 321s again...
It turns out that the split of the Class 321 units after removal from the London Midland franchise may not be as cut and dry as first thought. Rumours persist that the Class 323s will be moving down from Manchester to London Midland in the Birmingham area to give one common fleet. Replacement with 321s sent directly to Manchester and also with the Class 317/5's displaced from NXEA has been mooted, as has a less likely option of the 321s being sent to Scotland to replace the Class 314s.

EMT...
222001 is back in traffic following relivery into EMT.
 

Down to the last three Virgin liveried Class 220's now as 220004 has been observed at Central Rivers Depot sporting CrossCountry vinyls.

Following yesterday's news, 222002 has been returned to traffic with the faulty vehicles removed and replaced with serviceable vehicles from 222008 which is now currently out of traffic - all vehicles are faulty.

The inaugural unit of the contract 321303 made the trip from Ilford to Wabtec Doncaster for refurbishment for NXEA. It is expected the unit will be released in September.

180110 has entered traffic (albeit non passenger carrying), out on test between Crofton and Grantham today. Of note is that it has regained full First 'barbie' livery with large pink 'F-in circles' and gold 'First' branding in addition to 'Hull Trains' as per 180111.

323213 has been released from refurbishment at Wolverton works, being replaced by 323214 which made the journey down from Soho depot this morning. Of note, 323206, the unit released before 323213, has not received new seat covers as part of its attention.
 

First Capital Connect...
317343 is almost ready for release from refresh and repaint into 'Dynamic Blocks' livery at Wabtec Doncaster, observed on test today before being returned into the works complex.

Northern Rail...
Previously carrying version 1 of the Northern Rail livery - lilac base colour with white and blue detailing - 156451 has been repainted into the standard Northern blue with purple and white detailing as sported by the majority of other class members.

Northern Rail...
Following the mention of the 222002 and 222014 hybrid being reformed, although still out of service with multiple faults, it has been advised that 222002 has been reliveried into EMT livery.

Updated Refurbishment News...
It transpires that NXEA are currently the only operator to have plans for the refurbishment of their Class 321 fleet, the quoted London Midland units involved are to be the 17 examples transferring from LM to NXEA. These units, along with the entire LM 321 fleet are to move to new homes following introduction of the new Class 350/2 'Desiro' fleet.

As it stands currently, the 321 fleet is to be split as follows...

10 units for First Capital Connect Peterborough-London services (with the displaced Class 365's moving to the Kings Lynn/Cambridge-London route).
17 units for NXEA services, replacing the Class 317/5 units.
10 units for c2c to supplement the Class 357 fleet and provide extra capacity.
 

Northern Rail...
The last remaining Class 150s in North Western Trains dark blue livery have been painted into Northern Rail livery at Ferrybridge. 150224 and 150225 were returned to Newton Heath depot in the last two weeks. 156471/472 and 156482 also now carry Northern blue and purple.

Scotrail...
158719 has finally been admitted to Springburn Works for an overhaul and relivery into FirstGroup ‘barbie’ livery.

East Midlands Trains...
222015 now carries Stagecoach 'mainline' livery, released from Derby Works during the last week and reports have been received that the hybrid formed of 222002 and 222014 has been disbanded and units are now in their correct formations.

Refurbishment News...
The contract has been signed for the much needed refurbishment of the London Midland and National Express East Anglia Class 321 units. To be carried out at the Doncaster base of Wabtec, commencing immediately, units will travel via the East Coast Mainline and whilst Silverlink units have been seen at Doncaster before courtesy of Northern Rail, this must be the first visit of a Great Eastern unit to the area.
 

First Great Western Notes...(thanks to Wessex's Finest)
The Class 158 refresh programme is entering its final stages with the final 'un-refreshed' unit due to enter Wabtec shortly. Currently at Wabtec Doncaster part way through attention are 158746 and 158776, with 158766 on a delivery run to St Philips Marsh at the time of writing. 158778 is due to make the return journey north in its place. Completion of the refresh programme will see two 3-car units (158958/959) formed out of the three 2-car units that will be at Wabtec.

158955 is currently operating as a 2-car unit with vehicle 52747 out of service awaiting repair.
150231 should, at the time of writing, have completed its return to Canton and service with ATW. It's place in the FGW fleet should be taken by ex-Valley Lines unit 150279 moving in the opposite direction.

142029 is currently at Railcare, Springburn undergoing a C6 overhaul whilst the first Class 143 for refresh is uniquely liveried 143617, currently at Pullman Rail's Cardiff Canton facility. 150232 has been released from refresh at Canton, being replaced by 150238.

Arriva Trains Wales...
175004 has been observed in traffic carrying Arriva Trains Wales turquoise livery.

East Midlands Trains...
222010 now carries Stagecoach 'mainline' livery.
 

Adelante Roundup...
With 180111 seeing almost everyday usage with Hull Trains, it is perhaps time to take a look at the position of the fleet now that things have settled down...

In use with First Great Western: 180102/104/105/108
In use with Hull Trains: 180111
At Crofton Depot for Hull Trains: 180110/113
Undergoing modification at Oxley Depot for Hull Trains: 180114
Stored at Oxley Depot: 180101/103/106/107/109/112

Out of the foursome with FGW, there are 2 units diagrammed in traffic daily with a third spare. The two in traffic normally operate on the Paddington-Oxford route as a pair for the morning peak then split and 1 set works on the Paddington-Oxford/Hereford in the afternoon.

London Midland...
323211 has been released from Wolverton after internal refresh and repaint, being replaced by 323206 which ran south from Soho.
170513 has entered the paintshop at Oxley for relivery into London Midland livery.

First Scotrail...
The end has finally come for the original NatEx Scotrail livery as 158716 is at Railcare Springburn for a C6X overhaul which includes a relivery, and the final unit in traffic wearing the turquoise, blue and terracotta livery, 158719, is due into Railcare (for the same work) imminently.

First Great Western..
The last Wessex Trains unit in the FGW fleet, 158746, has arrived at Wabtec Doncaster for refurbishment. This leaves 158778 as the final unrefurbished unit of the fleet. These two, plus 158776 currently at Wabtec, will apparently be reformed into 3 car units before they head back down South.

National Express East Anglia...
More white stripe news, the following units have gained the addition...
Class 315: 315805/809/812/815/819/860
Class 317: 317654/668/710/719/723/729

A few amendments...
The mention of 142011 as the final unit to carry the North Western Trains 'gold star' livery was a tad premature as there are still a handful of units with FGW carrying the scheme (albeit some with the addition of pink doors).
Technically 153326 does not carry 'proper' Regional Railways livery, but provincial (with the end 'bars' of the blue stripe painted out).
The report of 175001 gaining Arriva livery is also premature as, as of Friday just gone, it still sports FNW 'barbie' livery.
185108 carries a few additions to its standard TPX livery in the form of 'Liverpool Capital of Culture' vinyls to celebrate its status this year. Pendolino 390031 also carries similar vinyls.
 

East Midlands Trains...
The recently formed hybrid 158899 has been disbanded, with at least 158812 reformed at the end of last week.
153311 and 153381 have also been repainted into the local version of Stagecoach livery. This leaves 153326 as the final main line unit to carry the once common Regional Railways livery.

CrossCountry...
220007 and 220015 have been noted carrying CrossCountry livery.
170637 has entered Clacton depot for interior 'refresh', replacing 170636 which has been returned to Cambridge depot.

London Midland...
170516 and 350117 have been repainted into London Midland livery, whilst 323217 has been released from internal 'refresh' and relivery at Wolverton. 323211 has taken its place.
150016 has been reformed to a 3-car unit after repairs to a damaged driving vehicle.
153365 has been noted at Eastleigh Works, presumably the first London Midland 153 unit to undergo internal refurbishment.

First Capital Connect...
319453 has been released from internal refurbishment at Wolverton works.

Northern...
150222 and 150223 have been repainted into Northern livery at Ferrybridge, whilst 142032 has been released to traffic following repaint at Newton Heath. This leaves 142011 as the final North Western Trains 'gold star' liveried 142.
 

Another two Meridians have gained Stagecoach livery, 222011 and 222014, being noted back in traffic today whilst 220016 has gained CrossCountry vinyls and 175007 now sports Arriva Trains Wales turquoise livery.

Refurbishment news...
158763 was released from Wabtec Doncaster today, travelling down to Bristol St Philips Marsh via the East Coast Main Line. A change in the previously advised refurbishment programme sees 158746 as the next unit to enter Doncaster Works with 158778 the final unit to be treated.
170636 has had its refurbishment at Clacton completed, replaced by 170518 which arrived early this morning.

Clarification...
It was in fact 395004 that was the Javelin unit delivered on the night of the 12th, 395003 has been in the country since early January. Thanks to all who got in touch to clarify...
 

A bit of a vague one this, but the next Class 395 Javelin should have docked at Southampton at the time of writing and should be awaiting transfer to Ashford via a rail move tonight. As far as can be ascertained, it is 395003.

Another hybrid Class 158 has been formed following yet another collision damage incident. 158842 is now formed of the '52' car of 158908 (which was out of service anyway awaiting its partner to return from collision damage repairs at Wolverton) and the '52' car of 158842. To match the temporary partner, 52842 has been repainted into Northern Rail blue livery.

Another reformed unit has entered traffic, 222002 (in Midland Mainline livery) has recently been reformed to include 3 trailers from 222013 (in Stagecoach livery). It is unclear what the reason for this is and the length of the swap.

150201 and 156454 have been observed in Northern Rail blue livery, whilst 323216 should have been despatched back to Soho depot from Wolverton, being replaced by 323217. 220030 has gained CrossCountry vinyls.

450561 has entered traffic after conversion to high density at Bournemouth depot, whilst 450059 (to become 450559) has taken its place in the programme.

An amendment; 150249 carried the name 'J Charles Lang' for one day only.
 

London Midland Notes...
350101 and 350125 have been adorned with London Midland vinyls, whilst 350122 is currently undergoing treatment. 350116 has had its blue window surrounds removed, usually signifying it is the next for relivery. These latest three mean a total of 21 units carry London Midland black and green, with just 9 units remaining.

The Class 321 units are now allocated to Kings Heath Siemens depot following transfer from the now closed Bletchley TMD. It will be interesting to see whether the 'golden spanner' award follows them to their new home...

The latest Class 158 refurbishment released for First Great Western is 158767 which travelled from Doncaster to St Philips Marsh yesterday, 4th June. Remaining with FGW, 153369, the final Class 153 refurbishment has been released from Eastleigh Works.

220012 has received CrossCountry vinyls.
 

The next CrossCountry unit for refurbishment is ex-Central 170636 which arrived at Clacton early yesterday morning. Interestingly, 170636 still carries Central Trains green livery so refurbishment is not confined to relieveried units.

323216 (as opposed to the next in series 323213) was the selected unit to move to Wolverton today for internal refresh and external repaint, replacing 323212, the move being undertaken as per usual by Advenza Railfreight.

Both 450560 and 450565 have returned to service following 'high density' modification at Bournemouth depot. This leaves five unmodified units with a further three at Bournemouth in various stages of convsersion.

150205 has been repainted into Northern Rail blue at Ferrybridge, whilst 220011 and 220012 have gained CrossCountry vinyls.
 

Arriva Trains Wales...
175006 has been released from the paintshop at Oxley in Arriva livery. Clarification is required on whether it has retained its 'Brondyffryn Trust' name...

CrossCountry Trains...
170522 has entered the paintshop at Toton for repaint into CrossCountry livery whilst 170398 has been released from 'refresh' at Clacton depot. A replacement is due to move to Clacton on Tuesday.

c2c...
Another naming has been advised. 357206 has been observed carrying the name 'Martin Aungier'.

First Great Western...
158766 has arrived at Wabtec, Doncaster for internal refurbishment and repaint into Local Lines livery whilst the penultimate Class 153 to be refreshed - 153329 - has been observed back in traffic. This leaves just 153369 at Eastleigh currently being worked on.

Northern Rail...
150218 has entered Ferrybridge Depot for repaint into Northern Rail blue. It replaced an as yet unidentified unit which ran back to Newton Heath depot.

NX East Anglia...
315853 and 317709 now carry the NatEx white stripe, with 317709 noticeable in that the wording is 'Stansted Express' rather than 'National Express'.
 

***To everyone who has contributed in the past ten days, thank you. It is much appreciated...***

EMT Notes...
Previously unreported was the temporary transfer of 158884 from South West Trains to East Midlands Trains (arriving on 16th May) to bolster the ailing fleet which still has 158853 out of service following its collision with a footbridge.
158899 (not 158999) as previously reported, is temporarily formed to cover for both 158773 which hit a car and 158812 which suffered major engine failure. The undamaged cars were put together at Derby Etches Park on the 12th May.
The Meridian rebranding exercise has begun, with 222008 and 222013 having been completed within the first two weeks of the programme.

First Great Western...
158745 and 158769 have been released from a 'refresh' at Wabtec Doncaster whilst former North Western Trains liveried 153361 has been refreshed and has re entered traffic.

Northern Rail...
The Class 156 repaints are gathering speed, with 156443, 156444, 156463 and 156470 all noted carrying blue and purple in the past 10 days. 156469 - formerly the advertisement for the Leeds-Sheffield fast service prior to repaint a few weeks back - has regained vinyls, but now advertising Bishop Auckland.
158902 is in the final stages of refurbishment at Newton Heaton depot, and should emerge in Northern Rail livery.
150211 has been repainted into Northern livery at Ferrybridge depot.

London Midland...
350113 has gained London Midland vinyls, while 350101 and 350117 are shortly to gain them.
323207 has emerged from Wolverton in London Midland livery, with 323212 (rather than the planned 323211) replacing it.
This leaves 323206, 323211 and 323213-323222/323240-323243 outstanding.

ATW...
175001 has been repainted into Arriva Turquoise and Cream at Oxley depot.
150255 - the last of the ex-Anglia Railways units - has been repainted into Arriva Turquoise by Pullman Rail at Canton.

CrossCountry Trains...
220018 has entered traffic carrying XC livery, whilst 220013 is in the final stages of rebranding at Central Rivers depot.
170397 emerged, as planned, from internal refresh at Clacton depot. 170398 has replaced it. Work undertaken includes relocation of the first class section to behind one driving cab, removal of the centre car first class accommodation, new seat covers and power points (in first class only).

c2c...
357205 has been named 'John D'Silva', presumably carrying on the NatEx franchise tradition of naming trains after long serving employees.

NX East Anglia...
The latest units to gain the NX white stripe are as follows...

Class 315: 804/808/813/816/825/840/843
Class 317: 669
 

317340  has been released from a 'refresh' at Wabtec Doncaster. Undergoing final testing yesterday afternoon, it ran south last night and was replaced by 317343 which is now in works.

220029 and 220031 are the latest recipients of CrossCountry vinyls.

150239 has been released from refurbishment at Cardiff Canton, whilst the formation of 158957 has been confirmed as the '52' car from 158749, and 158771.

222004 - the final 8 car Meridian - is now running in 7 car formation, although as yet none of the remaining 4-car 222's (009/018/021) have been increased to 5 cars.

The next 323 for refresh and repaint is 323207 - which wasn't done in series due to defects preventing it travelling by rail - which has arrived to replace 323210, released back to Soho after completion of work.

158899...
A new unit has been formed, 158999, comprising of 'good' vehicles from 158773 and 158812 which were previously out of service with major defects. 158999 is formed of 52773 and 57812.
 

The first refurbished Class 170 for CrossCountry trains is to be released from Clacton towards the end of this week to Cambridge depot. It is anticipated 170397 will enter traffic on Monday 19th after the obligatory press unveiling has been carried out. Exact details are awaited, but the refurbishment should see the removal of the much liked first class seating area in the centre car of the ex-MML units and installation of a small first class compartment behind one driving cab in all units.

319451 has been released from refurbishment at Wolverton works, emerging in FCC livery, whilst both 156410 and 156411 now carry East Midlands Trains livery.

150257 has been returned to Arriva Trains Wales from First Great Western and has been replaced by ex-Valley Lines 150282. The latter has yet to enter service.

180111 has once again been in traffic with Hull Trains as staff training gathers pace.

London Midland notes...
Previously unadvised, 350113 and 350123 have been rebranded into London Midland livery and 350101 is currently undergoing 'vinyl-ing'; over half the fleet now carry the green and black livery with the rest not far behind as current progress is 2 units a week being dealt with.
The first of the new batch of Desiro's will reportedly be arriving in the next few months and will take the number series 350231-350267.
Finally, the unfortunate demise of Bletchley depot will begin soon, with transfer of the Class 321 units to Northampton Kings Heath depot. Closure is pencilled in for the 24th May.

Wessex Trains Lives On...
A change in the programme of FGW 158 refurbishments has been advised; 158746 will not now enter the programme until the very end and will be the last unit to be so treated. Obviously this will have an impact on the formation of the 3-car units as 158746 was due to become 158956. Revised details to be advised. Meanwhile the latest reformation 158957 has entered service with FGW.
 

Confirmation has been received of the completion and release to traffic of 153382, being noted in service on the 5th May.

170520 has been released from repaint at Toton TMD into CrossCountry livery, its place taken by 170521. The refurbishment of the former Central Trains units is to commence shortly at Clacton Depot, undertaken by the same company that refreshed the Transpennine Express Class 170s. A path from the Axiom Rail depot at Cambridge to Clacton via Ipswich (5M99) has been created in the system.

175005 is the latest repaint into Arriva Trains Wales turquoise and cream.

315818/820/833/839/855 and 858 have all gained National Express white stripe and branding.
 

158956 has entered service (formed of the '52' end of 158749 and 158768) with First Great Western. Next up should be 158957 (planned to be formed of the remaining car from 158749 and 158771).

Also not previously reported are 153370 and 153377 which have been released from refurbishment at Eastleigh. 370 reported in service by the 14th April, 377 by the 28th March. Currently in for refurbishment is 153382, to be followed by 153361 and then 153329 and 153369.

315822/823 and 315841 have gained the National Express white stripe.
 

In recognition of the total rebuild of one of the driving cars, 321361 has been named 'Phoenix' in a small ceremony at Ilford EMUD. The driving car in question was gutted by fire arising from vandalism and was restored to its former state by a small group of Ilford depot workers.

Northern Rail are continuing the promotion of local attractions by way of advertising liveries with 156448 now sporting 'Hadrian's Wall Country' vinyls. Meanwhile confirmation has been received of the repaint of 150137 and 150149 into Northern livery marking the completion of the series one units; 150215 is the second of the ex-fNW batch to gain the blue livery. Finally, 142046 has lost its Merseyrail yellow livery for Northern blue and purple.

156404 has emerged in East Midlands Trains livery, whilst after a short lull in reliverying activities on the Desiro fleet, 350110 now carries London Midland livery.

The two South West Trains units on hire to East Midlands Trains have been swapped with 158886 and 158887 making their way back to Salisbury yesterday and 158881 and 158882 making the opposite journey up to Derby Etches Park.

158955 has entered service (formed of the '52' end of 158747 and 158765) with First Great Western whilst 158867 has - after sitting at Slateford and Haymarket for the best part of six months - finally entered service with Scotrail.
 

156401 is the latest repaint for East Midlands Trains, and it has been confirmed that, all being well, 222013 should be the second member of the Meridian fleet to gain stagecoach livery after 222017.

153304 has been observed in traffic in Northern livery and has also had an internal refurbishment, whilst 158905 is currently undergoing refurbishment at Newton Heath and is expected to emerge in Northern livery.

317714 is the first of the 'Stansted Express' units to emerge in National Express livery, although this - and the rest of the dedicated fleet - will have Stansted Express rather than National Express branding (i.e. the word 'Stansted' replacing 'National').
 

156408 and 156413 are the latest repaints into East Midlands Trains livery at Bombardier Derby. This leaves 5 EMT 156s carrying now obsolete Central Trains green. Once these have been completed, attention turns to the Meridian fleet - some of which have been observed carrying EMT branding in the same position as Midland Mainline branding was formerly carried. On a related note, whilst the livery for the HST trailer cars has been revealed, the powercars have so far remained a mystery; it seems that EMT have followed MML rather than National Express - powercars will be sensibly be a predominantly dark blue colour.

170519 becomes the first of the subclass to carry CrossCountry livery, while the earlier report of a 221 in XC livery has been identified as 221128 which is currently undergoing repairs at Central Rivers.

Although far from 'top link' these days, Willesden TMD have gained a new mascot in the form of 150123 which now carries 'Willesden TMD' nameplates after its previous name 'Richard Crane' was removed.

The latest situation with the South West Trains Class 450 High Density conversions is as follows:

Conversion Complete and In Traffic: 450543-545/547/548/550/551/553-555/566/567/570
Undergoing Conversion at Bournemouth: 450052/056/069
Not converted: 450057-065/068

Hull Trains have commenced Class 180 operation with 180111 covering a complete Saturday diagram on 26th April.

323205, the latest release following internal refresh at Wolverton, has re entered traffic with London Midland. It was replaced by 323208, as the next two in number series after 205 - 323206 and 323207 - are awaiting a return to traffic after long term stoppage/repairs. 323208 was released today to travel back to Soho, replaced by 323209.

More Class 315's now carry the National Express white stripe - 315806/814/826/838/845/847 and 315859.
 

158769 has entered Wabtec Doncaster for refurbishment, meanwhile 158749 has entered service with FGW. 158749 is eventually planned to be split and formed into 158956 and 158957.

Following displacement by Class 158s on the Leeds-Sheffield route, 156469 has been reliveried into Northern Rail dark blue minus the advertising vinyls.

170638 has been repainted into CrossCountry livery from Central Trains green, whilst 156414 has been released back into traffic after repaint into Stagecoach Rail outer suburban blue.
 

In preparation for entry to service with Hull Trains, 180111 has been undertaking test runs between Crofton Depot, Hull and London Kings Cross during the latter half of this week. At this stage, it is anticipated the first unit will enter service on the Friday-Sunday diagram currently worked by 86101 and Mk3 stock with further duties dictated by both deliveries of extra units from Oxley and staff training.

156486 has been observed in Northern Rail blue and purple livery, as has 150211 which becomes the first of the ex-North Western Trains /2 subclass treated.

All units, barring NatEx 360115 and 360112/121 now carry plain blue with white doors, following removal of the First Group 'barbie' vinyls.

The chaos has begun already! Due to fire damage sustained at Cardiff Central, 158952 has been reformed and now comprises of the '57' car from 158748 and both vehicles of 158762. 158953 consequently is now formed of the '52' car from 158748 and both vehicles of 158750.

150234 has been released from Pullman Rail, Cardiff.
 

220026 has gained CrossCountry livery, whilst reports have been received that the first 5-car CrossCountry relivery is almost complete.

323204 has been released from internal refresh and relivery at Wolverton whilst 323205 is already at the site with work taking place.

156403 has been released from Bombardier Derby works after a relivery into East Midlands Trains blue, red and orange. 156414 is next in line for relivery.

315828, 315830, 315842, 315844 and 315857 have been observed with white National Express bands on the bodysides and no 'one' branding.
 

150234 has not yet returned from refurbishment at Cardiff Pullman Rail, and as a consequence 150239 has not yet been sent to replace it.

Another Meridian reforming exercise has taken place; 222002 has been reduced to a 7 car with the vehicle transferring to 222022 making the latter a 5-car unit. This leaves just 220021 and 220009 as 4-car units.

317505 has become the second member of the class to sport National Express livery.

321361, out of service since 14th July 2007 after fire damage by vandals, has returned to traffic from Ilford depot. It still carries Great Eastern Railway green, blue and grey livery.

A correction...
150237 had infact, been repainted into Arriva Trains Wales turquoise minus branding, before transfer to First Great Western at the beginning of April.
 

170398 has been repainted into CrossCountry livery at Marcroft, Stoke whilst 142061 has gained Northern Rail blue. This leaves just two 142's in original North Western Trains livery. 158903 has been released from a 'refresh' at Neville Hill and now sports Northern Rail blue.

508143 has, as a result of a 'rough shunt' at Kirkdale Depot, been reformed with the undamaged driving vehicles from the other set involved - 508139. 508139 remains out of service awaiting repairs.
 

450547 has re entered traffic following conversion to a High Density unit at Bournemouth depot.
 

156490 has been repainted into the latest version of Northern Rail blue and purple livery, with vinyls advertising the National Railway Museum and the anniversary of the end of steam on the main line.
 

180110 made its way back from Crofton to Oxley depot yesterday, whilst 180103 has re entered traffic with First Great Western for a short period.
 

150231 has entered traffic with First Great Western. No interior refurbishment has been carried out on this unit.

The current situation with the South West Trains high density Desiro conversions is as follows...
Converted and in passenger service are: 450543/545/553-555/566/567/570
Undergoing conversion at Bournemouth are: 450044/047/049
Converted but out of service waiting one vehicle to be repaired after collision damage: 450546

Finally, some old news. 180110 and 180111 are now at Crofton for staff training, moving on the 25th March, prior to their use on First Hull Trains duties.
 

The remaining FGW 153's will head to Eastleigh for refurbishment in the following order: 153382, 153361, 153329 and finally 153369. Although the final two units were refurbished under Wessex Trains, they will be brought in line with the rest of the fleet.

158952 has been formed, but has yet to enter service. Formation is as listed below.
 

The second 3-car 158 has been formed on FGW with 158951 now formed of 158764 and the '52' car from 158751. 158951 entered service today on the Cardiff-Portsmouth route.

158952 is expected to be formed of 158762 and the '57' car of 158748, with 158963 expected to comprise of 158750 and the '52' car of 158748. It is understood that the 'complete' unit will remain, with the extra vehicle joined on the end, rather than being inserted in the middle of the complete unit.

319448 has had it's refurbishment completed at Wolverton works and is expected to be released in the next couple of days.

The latest position with the EMT Class 222 Meridian reformations is as follows:
222001, 222005 and 222006 have been reduced to 7 cars.
222007 has been reduced from 8 cars to 5 cars.
222008, 222010, 222019 have been lengthened from 4 cars to 5 cars.
 

Repaints...
170503 is the latest recipient of London Midland livery.
220001/027 and 170398 are the latest units to receive CrossCountry livery.
142012-014 have now received Northern Rail livery, leaving 142032 and 142061 as the only representatives of the class still wearing North Western Trains 'gold star' livery.
150133 is the latest Class 150 to receive Northern Rail livery at Ferrybridge, it seems the /1's are getting the treatment before thn moving to the /2s.
175105 is the third unit - after 008 and 010 - to receive Arriva turquoise livery at Oxley.

The latest entrants to works/returnees to service from the FGW refurbishment programme are as follows:
150219 has returned to traffic with FGW after refurbishment being noted back in traffic by the 9th March.
153380 went into Eastleigh Works for refurbishment on 19th March.
158747 and 749 are currently at Wabtec Doncaster. This just leaves 158745/746 of the former Scottish batch to be refurbished.
158764 is refurbished, returning to FGW on 12th March.
158765 is currently at Wabtec Doncaster.

150016 has been renumbered to 150116 and reduced to a 2 car unit (formed 52116 and 57212) after 57116 suffered collison damage with a tree. This has given the unusual, but not unheard of, sight of one gangway fitted vehicle on one end and a non-gangwayed vehicle on the other end.

317340 has been admitted to Wabtec, Doncaster for attention, arriving early on 18th March.

To mark the completion of the Class 315 'refresh' programme, 315857 has been named 'Stratford Connections' at the transport interchange on the 19th March.

Continuing the series of namings by FirstGroup franchises after passenger groups, 365536 has been named to mark the retirement of Rufus Barnes as Chief Executive of London TravelWatch.

Following a trip to Brighton Lovers Walk for evaluation purposes, 442410 was returned to Eastleigh Works with 73136 in tow on the 17th March. 19th March saw 4 units (2407+2413 and 2405+2403) out on driver training duties as EWS train their drivers on the type. 20th March saw just 2 units (2410+2407) out on the two driver training trips.

444026 and 444042 have returned to their correct formations after being misformed due to vehicles away being repaired after shunting 'incidents'.