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EXCLUSIVE: Engine testing about to begin on Flex Class 769s

Northern 319434 inside Brush Traction, Loughborough on August 15. This is Unit 2 in the Flex programme. RICHARD CLINNICK.

Pre-production testing of the first Class 769 Flex MAN diesel engine and ABB alternator is abou to begin at Wabtec Rail’s Brush Traction Loughborough.

This process will allow engineers to discover and remedy any issues before engines and alternators are fitted to the first Class 319 electric multiple units that are at the site.

Testing will be carried out in a bespoke facility adapted for the scheme. The engines and alternators to be tested initially are pre-production samples and will not be fitted to a main line ‘769’. They will remain in situ throughout the conversion process to enable Wabtec, MAN and ABB engineers to assess and rectify any issues found during testing.

Once testing is complete, it is expected that Unit 1 (319456) will be fitted with its components in September or October. 

  • Details regarding testing of the Class 769s, where that will be carried out, and which units will be converted, are in RAIL 834, out now.

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  • AndrewJGwilt1989 - 31/08/2017 00:37

    Hope that more Class 319's could be converted into Class 769's as 13 of them are to be converted to Bi-Mode units for Northern and Arriva Trains Wales throughout this year and 2018.

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  • David Gattenberg - 31/08/2017 07:46

    can we have new trains , as opposed to "new" trains ???

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