Jump to content

British Rail Class 777: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m replaced: onboard → on board, typo(s) fixed: two year → two-year
Wookiee73 (talk | contribs)
40 edits
m Typo
Line 83: Line 83:
On 16 December 2016, Merseytravel announced it had selected Stadler Rail to manufacture a new fleet of 52 dual voltage-capable articulated four car units as part of a £460 million fleet replacement project.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Merseyrail trains by 2020 after City Region leaders give green light |url=https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/New-Merseyrail-trains-by-2020-after-City-Region-leaders-give-green-light.aspx |website=Merseytravel |accessdate=14 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016084834/https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/New-Merseyrail-trains-by-2020-after-City-Region-leaders-give-green-light.aspx |archive-date=16 October 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> At that point, delivery of the Class 777 fleet was scheduled to commence in mid-2019, while its entry into service was set to occur during the following year.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Merseyrail trains by 2020 after City Region give green light |url=http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/New-Merseyrail-trains-by-2020-after-City-Region-leaders-give-green-light.aspx |website=Merseytravel PTE |publisher=Merseytravel PTE |accessdate=16 December 2016}}</ref>
On 16 December 2016, Merseytravel announced it had selected Stadler Rail to manufacture a new fleet of 52 dual voltage-capable articulated four car units as part of a £460 million fleet replacement project.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Merseyrail trains by 2020 after City Region leaders give green light |url=https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/New-Merseyrail-trains-by-2020-after-City-Region-leaders-give-green-light.aspx |website=Merseytravel |accessdate=14 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016084834/https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/New-Merseyrail-trains-by-2020-after-City-Region-leaders-give-green-light.aspx |archive-date=16 October 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> At that point, delivery of the Class 777 fleet was scheduled to commence in mid-2019, while its entry into service was set to occur during the following year.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Merseyrail trains by 2020 after City Region give green light |url=http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/New-Merseyrail-trains-by-2020-after-City-Region-leaders-give-green-light.aspx |website=Merseytravel PTE |publisher=Merseytravel PTE |accessdate=16 December 2016}}</ref>


The purchase was financed by Liverpool City Region itself, rather than an external agency such as a bank or rolling stock leasing company.<ref name = "rail engineer"/> Accordingly, unlike the preceding fleet, which is owned by the private leasing agent [[Angel Trains]], the Class 777 trainsets are instead owned by the regional public transport operator [[Merseytravel]] and leased to the franchise operator Merseyrail; this management choice has resulted in Merseytravel becoming the only [[public sector]] mainline rolling stock owner in the United Kingdom.<ref name = "rail engineer">{{cite web |url = https://www.railengineer.co.uk/new-merseyrail-connected-trains/ |title = New MerseyRail ‘connected’ trains |publisher = Rail Engineer |first = Paul |last = Darlington |date = 29 June 2020}}</ref> Merseytravel elected to have the new fleet's maintenance requirements addressed via a contract with Stadler; this arrangement included the modernisation of two existing [[traction maintenance depot]]s (TMDs) at Kikdale and Birkenhead North. For training purposes, a driver cab simulator shall also be provided.<ref name = "rail engineer"/>
The purchase was financed by Liverpool City Region itself, rather than an external agency such as a bank or rolling stock leasing company.<ref name = "rail engineer"/> Accordingly, unlike the preceding fleet, which is owned by the private leasing agent [[Angel Trains]], the Class 777 trainsets are instead owned by the regional public transport operator [[Merseytravel]] and leased to the franchise operator Merseyrail; this management choice has resulted in Merseytravel becoming the only [[public sector]] mainline rolling stock owner in the United Kingdom.<ref name = "rail engineer">{{cite web |url = https://www.railengineer.co.uk/new-merseyrail-connected-trains/ |title = New MerseyRail ‘connected’ trains |publisher = Rail Engineer |first = Paul |last = Darlington |date = 29 June 2020}}</ref> Merseytravel elected to have the new fleet's maintenance requirements addressed via a contract with Stadler; this arrangement included the modernisation of two existing [[traction maintenance depot]]s (TMDs) at Kirkdale and Birkenhead North. For training purposes, a driver cab simulator shall also be provided.<ref name = "rail engineer"/>


To accommodate the new Class 777 trainsets, extensive infrastructure changes were necessitated.<ref name = "rail engineer"/> These adaptations were performed under a rolling programme conducted between October 2018 and May 2019; changes included adjustments to 97 platform at 56 stations across the Merseyrail network, along with track realignments and other refinements, primarily for the purpose of improving passenger accessibility. Another cause for the alterations was the increased length of the new trainsets, which was addressed via a mixture of platform lengthening and signal repositioning where required. The programme was structured as to minimise disruption to Merseyrail's scheduled services wherever possible.<ref name = "rail engineer"/> A new trackside [[Wifi]] network, provided by [[Panasonic]], has been installed to provide continuous real-time connectivity between all trains and the Sandhills control centre, along with free internet access to passengers. Furthermore, new bulk power supplies were installed, along with eight new substations and miscellaneous cable upgrades, to provide greater quantities of electricity.<ref name = "rail engineer"/>
To accommodate the new Class 777 trainsets, extensive infrastructure changes were necessitated.<ref name = "rail engineer"/> These adaptations were performed under a rolling programme conducted between October 2018 and May 2019; changes included adjustments to 97 platform at 56 stations across the Merseyrail network, along with track realignments and other refinements, primarily for the purpose of improving passenger accessibility. Another cause for the alterations was the increased length of the new trainsets, which was addressed via a mixture of platform lengthening and signal repositioning where required. The programme was structured as to minimise disruption to Merseyrail's scheduled services wherever possible.<ref name = "rail engineer"/> A new trackside [[Wifi]] network, provided by [[Panasonic]], has been installed to provide continuous real-time connectivity between all trains and the Sandhills control centre, along with free internet access to passengers. Furthermore, new bulk power supplies were installed, along with eight new substations and miscellaneous cable upgrades, to provide greater quantities of electricity.<ref name = "rail engineer"/>

Revision as of 22:16, 23 September 2020

British Rail Class 777 Metro
The first Class 777 unit to arrive in the UK, seen on test at Rice Lane on 16 Mar 2020.
The first Class 777 unit to arrive in the UK, seen on test at Rice Lane on 16 Mar 2020.
In service2020 onwards (planned)
ManufacturerStadler Rail
Built atAltenrhein, Switzerland
Siedlce, Poland[1]
Family nameMetro
Replaced
Constructed2018-2021
Number under construction52 units to be built
An option for 60 extra units is available[2]
Formation4 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers777001–777052
Capacity182 seats
302 standing
OperatorsMerseyrail
Depots
Lines served
Specifications
Train length64.98 m (213 ft 2 in)
Car lengthTBC (DTSO)
TBC (TSO)
Width2.82 m (9 ft 3 in)
Height3.82 m (12 ft 6 in)[3]
Floor height0.96 m (3 ft 2 in)
Doors2 × twin sliding doors (DTSO)
4 × twin sliding doors (TSO)
Maximum speed75 mph (121 km/h)
Weight99 t (97 long tons)
Power output2,100 kW (2,800 hp)
Electric system(s)750 V DC third rail
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
Safety system(s)PA, AWS, TPWS
Coupling systemDellner
Multiple workingWithin class
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The Class 777 Metro[4] is a class of electric multiple unit currently being constructed for operation on the Merseyrail network by Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler Rail.[5]

During December 2016, Merseytravel selected Stadler Rail to supply a successor to Merseyrail's Class 507 and Class 508 fleets. Subsequently, an order was place for 52 articulated four-car trainsets; the agency has an option for a further 60 units.[2] As part of the Stadler Metro train family, the units are built on the same platform as the BVG Class IK stock used on the Berlin U-Bahn and future units being developed for the Minsk Metro and Glasgow Subway.[4] The purchase was financed by Liverpool City Region and the rolling stock is publicly owned by Merseytravel. The rolling stock renewal has led to various infrastructure changes on the network, including the lengthening of platforms, reprofiling of track sections, installation of Wifi equipment throughout, and additional electrical supply gear.

Following the completion of manufacturer trials conducted overseas during late 2019, the first Class 777 was delivered to Merseytravel during January 2020. Two months later, the trainset commenced trial runs, active service runs are planned for the near future. The design of the Class 777 has been future-proofed to enable various envisioned route extensions, although such ambitions largely remain as proposals to date. A trial involving six Class 777s outfitted with batteries, allowing them to traverse unelectrified sections of line between Ellesmere Port and Helsby, as well as Ormskirk and Preston, has been authorised.

History

The subject of replacing the Class 507 and Class 508 fleet, which have been in use upon the Merseyrail commuter rail network since the late 1970s, had been proposed by Merseytravel as early as 2011.[6] During the following year, a project director for a replacement fleet was appointed to advance these proposals.[7] In January 2016, Merseytravel announced that a total of five rolling stock manufacturers had been shortlisted to build the new fleet - Bombardier, Siemens, CAF, Stadler Rail and a Mitsui/Alstom/East Japan Railway Company consortium.[8]

On 16 December 2016, Merseytravel announced it had selected Stadler Rail to manufacture a new fleet of 52 dual voltage-capable articulated four car units as part of a £460 million fleet replacement project.[9] At that point, delivery of the Class 777 fleet was scheduled to commence in mid-2019, while its entry into service was set to occur during the following year.[10]

The purchase was financed by Liverpool City Region itself, rather than an external agency such as a bank or rolling stock leasing company.[6] Accordingly, unlike the preceding fleet, which is owned by the private leasing agent Angel Trains, the Class 777 trainsets are instead owned by the regional public transport operator Merseytravel and leased to the franchise operator Merseyrail; this management choice has resulted in Merseytravel becoming the only public sector mainline rolling stock owner in the United Kingdom.[6] Merseytravel elected to have the new fleet's maintenance requirements addressed via a contract with Stadler; this arrangement included the modernisation of two existing traction maintenance depots (TMDs) at Kirkdale and Birkenhead North. For training purposes, a driver cab simulator shall also be provided.[6]

To accommodate the new Class 777 trainsets, extensive infrastructure changes were necessitated.[6] These adaptations were performed under a rolling programme conducted between October 2018 and May 2019; changes included adjustments to 97 platform at 56 stations across the Merseyrail network, along with track realignments and other refinements, primarily for the purpose of improving passenger accessibility. Another cause for the alterations was the increased length of the new trainsets, which was addressed via a mixture of platform lengthening and signal repositioning where required. The programme was structured as to minimise disruption to Merseyrail's scheduled services wherever possible.[6] A new trackside Wifi network, provided by Panasonic, has been installed to provide continuous real-time connectivity between all trains and the Sandhills control centre, along with free internet access to passengers. Furthermore, new bulk power supplies were installed, along with eight new substations and miscellaneous cable upgrades, to provide greater quantities of electricity.[6]

Unlike the preceding trains, the Class 777 was designed to be operated without guards; however, the announced proposal to redeploy guards into other customer service roles within Merseyrail was subject to considerable criticism.[11] Accordingly, while the fleet was initially to be launched under driver-only operations, in September 2018, it was announced that there would be a second member of staff on board, ending a two-year dispute between the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) and Merseyrail.[12]

During early October 2018, the bodyshells for the first unit were completed.[13] This unit subsequently underwent pre-delivery dynamic testing in both Switzerland and Germany during late 2019.[14][15] The first trainset, 777003, was delivered to Kirkdale TMD on 16 January 2020.[16][17] On 16 March 2020, the unit commenced test runs on the Kirkby branch of the Northern Line.[18] As of July 2020, six units have been delivered to Kirkdale TMD.[19]

Design

The Class 777 is a variant of the Stadler Metro platform, featuring changes that are specifically optimised for the needs of the Merseyrail network. The trainsets are configured for high-capacity, delivering a 50 per cent increase in per-carriage capacity that the preceding fleets.[6] It has a higher rate of acceleration, yet uses 20 per cent less energy, than the old rolling stock, due to increased system efficiency and a reduced weight, being roughly 5.5 tonnes lighter. The introduction of the Class 777 is reportedly set to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in journey time over older stock, which has been largely attributed to its greater rate of acceleration.[6] There is also an emphasis on shared data; each train shall actively monitor the number of passengers on board and relay this to Merseyrail's Sandhills control center, allowing for more informed and responsive management of the network.[6]

Each Class 777 trainset has two longer driving cars positioned at each end, which are only furnished with one set of twin doors on either side, whilst the two middle trailer carriages are outfitted with two. For accessibility purposes, all doorways have been outfitted with sliding steps that move into position when the train is stopped at a platform; this feature, not present on preceding rolling stock, enables passengers using wheelchairs to board and disembark without relying upon a separately deployed ramp.[20] The carriages will feature an open gangway design, which will make the Class 777 the first class of train on the Merseyrail network to feature this design.[6] The passenger facilities are much improved over legacy stock, each carriage being fitted with modern amenities such as electrical and USB sockets, as well as bike racks; like the previous Class 507 and 508 fleets, the Class 777s will not be fitted with toilets.[6] As part of the bespoke design, the cab running lights are designed in the shape of a letter 'M' - however, in service, the white and red segments will not be illuminated simultaneously on one cab as they denote the front and rear of the train respectively.[21]

The design of the Class 777 took into account future service needs, in addition to present commitments. In this respect, it possesses a Dual voltage capability to enable operations while powered via the third rail, which is present across Merseyrail's existing network, while passive provision for compatibility with overhead wires has also been made.[1][6] Any future extensions shall possibly be electrified via overhead wires instead of installing a third rail power supply; as such, this capability better enables network expansion to destinations such as Helsby, Preston, Skelmersdale, Warrington and Wrexham. The Class 777 is also capable of being configured as a battery electric multiple unit (BEMU), enabling it to operate on a mixture of electrified and unelectrified track; it has been claimed by the manufacturer that it is relatively easy to adapt a trainset for combined third rail/electric battery operations. Accordingly, a trial involving six trainsets configured as BEMUs, which are intended to be used on the Ellesmere Port to Helsby and Ormskirk to Preston, which feature sections of unelectrified track.[1][22] Irrespective of this feature, the Class 777 will be regularly fitted with compact battery sets, which allow for brief periods independent movement; this is intended to be used around workshop and maintenance facilities, rather than during any scheduled service.[23]

Fleet details

Class Operator No. Built Year Built Cars per Set Unit nos.
Class 777 Merseyrail 52 2018–2020 4 777001–777052
60[1] TBC 777053–777112
Merseyrail Class 777 based on concept art

1: ^ An option for another 60 units is available.[2]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to British Rail Class 777.
  1. ^ a b c "Battery trial planned for new EMU fleet". railwaygazette.com. 25 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b c "Stadler signs contract to build and maintain 52 metro trains for Liverpool City Region" (PDF). Stadler Rail. Stadler Rail. Retrieved 13 May 2019.
  3. ^ "Merseyrail EMU" (PDF). Stadler Rail. Stadler Rail. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Products". Stadler Rail. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  5. ^ Barrow, Keith. "Stadler to supply new Merseyrail trains". International Railway Journal. International Railway Journal. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Darlington, Paul (29 June 2020). "New MerseyRail 'connected' trains". Rail Engineer.
  7. ^ "Project Director for Merseyrail's new trains". Merseytravel PTE. Merseytravel PTE. Archived from the original on 5 September 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  8. ^ "Merseytravel names five international bidders in new fleet and depot shortlist". Rail Technology Magazine. Rail Technology Magazine. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  9. ^ "New Merseyrail trains by 2020 after City Region leaders give green light". Merseytravel. Archived from the original on 16 October 2019. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  10. ^ "New Merseyrail trains by 2020 after City Region give green light". Merseytravel PTE. Merseytravel PTE. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  11. ^ Houghton, Alistair. "Merseytravel reveals new £460m train plans - with no train guards". Liverpool Echo. Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  12. ^ "Liverpool City Region, Merseyrail, RMT end long-running guard dispute". www.railtechnologymagazine.com. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
  13. ^ Clinnick, Richard (1 October 2018). "First Merseyrail Class 777 bodyshells complete". Rail Magazine.
  14. ^ Devereux, Nigel (4 November 2019). "Factory commissioning of Merseyrail Class 777 begins". therailwayhub.co.uk.
  15. ^ Clinnick, Richard (27 August 2019). "Progress on new train fleets continues". Rail Magazine.
  16. ^ "The first new train is in the UK and on the way to the city region!". merseytravel.gov.uk. 15 January 2020.
  17. ^ Holden, Alan (28 January 2020). "Metro Mayor Welcomes New Class 777 Train to Merseyrail". railadvent.co.uk.
  18. ^ Tyrrell, Nick (16 March 2020). "New Merseyrail trains testing in Liverpool with key new feature". Liverpool Echo.
  19. ^ "Merseyrail Class 777 Deliveries". Rail Record. 20 May 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  20. ^ "Merseyrail EMU" (PDF). Stadler Rail. Stadler Rail. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  21. ^ Houghton, Alistair (15 August 2018). "First look inside futuristic new Merseyrail trains". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
  22. ^ "Long Term Rail Strategy – update" (PDF). Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. 24 October 2017.
  23. ^ "Stadler signs contract to build and maintain 52 metro trains for Liverpool City Region". Stadler. Retrieved 14 January 2019.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=British_Rail_Class_777&oldid=979981080"