Vivarail begins testing on first converted D-Stock

The first driving car that is being modified as part of the Vivarail project to convert former London Underground D-Stock trains into diesel electric multiple units is complete and ready, and undergoing testing on Vivarail’s track at Long Marston (RAIL 771).

And Vivarail Chairman Adrian Shooter is confident the train will be ready this year: “We have a programme, and there’s no reason we shouldn’t make it, for the train to be ready for the end of November.”

The test train is expected to begin its first runs on Network Rail metals in late November, along the Cotswolds line to Evesham. While on test, it will be operated on Vivarail’s behalf by GB Railfreight.

For more on this story, read RAIL 782, published on September 2.