On Thursday 28th February 2019, Transpennine Express ran a test run with one of their new trains ahead of entering public service.
68024 and its Mark 5 set passed through Todmorden hauling 3Q61 1133 Manchester International Depot to Scarborough.
Anyone who has the actual headcode, rather than this hidden one, please feel free to comment below!
The trains will be entering service soon on Transpennine Express services across the Pennines.
What are your thoughts on the new trains from Transpennine Express? We absolutely love them, let us know in the comments below!
A massive thank you to Harry Gribbins for sending us this footage in for use on our YouTube Channel.
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Isn’t there anybody left in this country any more who can build coachs.
Once world leaders in fantastic trains (HST’s)(170 Turbo stars) and stock (Mk3’s and 4’s) which are 2nd to none for comfort/ride and safety, we now have by from abroad…….very sad.
I travel on transpennine between Yarm and York every day. The conductors are smart courteous and keep in the dark. Since May there has been a litany of late and cancelled trains. It’s not going to be better this year. I just want a train which is punctual and reliable. Late train s mean I only have an hour before I go to bed and do it all again. The compensation does not match the personal havoc.
Sorry for your bad experiences, Anita. Hopefully, these new trains will provide you with better service!
Regards
Michael
I know this doesn’t apply to transpennine express, but it seems the department of transport is obsessed with new trains, who cares if they’re not compatible with railway infrustructure, if they under perform, if the interior is cheap, if there is plenty of good quality middle aged roling stock going to waste i.e class 379, as long as we buy lots of new trains then we’re managing the railways perfectly.
Was i correct in seeing a first class section at the rear of the train? – if so lets hope it is PROPER first class and not just standard class with a plastic armrest as the only difference
Many trains have first class that is a joke – yet foolish passengers will part with extra cash for nothing extra
Hi Keith,
Yes, these Nova 3 will have 30 first class seats. Not sure on what they look like yet, but we will have to see what they look like when they enter service!
GTR are so cruel with their first class, giving them proper seats while ordinary common folk in standard have to make do with ironing boards.
Shocker give over us Northerners getting them just spat my dinner out nearly I should not complain though just long overdue looks great future to grand final Old Trafford looks good if there is two Yorkshire teams in it might not after stand
Speak English and try using punctuation
Despite his mis-correction. Gary is spot on.
Will there be increased provision of space for bicycles?
Nova 3 will have space for 4 bicycles. More information on what Nova 3 is bringing can be found here: https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/the-nova-fleets/nova-3
The 68 class have been in store at barrow Hill some service at Brimington to Marylebone
Birmingham*
Hi Keith,
Not sure on any 68s being stored at Barrow Hill. Some TPE 68s have been working some freight services, but Chiltern also run trains using Class 68s for the Birmingham / Kidderminster to London Marylebone service.
Regards
Michael
Hopefully that the Class 68+Mk5 units will begin passenger service in Spring or summer this year. As TransPennine Express will also introduce the Class 397 Civity units in service this year as the Class 397s are replacing the Class 350/4 to West Midlands Trains. And the Class 802 Bi-mode IET that is to enter service later this year or from next year.
As Class 68+Mk5 are named as “Nova 1”. Class 397 Civity are named as “Nova 2” and Class 802/2 IET named as “Nova 3”.
Hi Andrew,
The Mk5 set is expected to enter service in the May timetable change, but is of course, subject to change.
Regards
Michael
Good. Cheers Michael.
They look powerful and fast. Let’s hope it’s not just window dressing. They need to be put on the Hull – Manchester Airport route which is currently worked by old, overcrowded, worn-out stock that is in dire need of replacement.
Hi Alan,
When TransPennine’s new stock is fully introduced, Hull to Manchester Airport services are set to be 6 car Class 185s (3+3); with the Class 68 and Mk5a train sets initially working Liverpool to Scarborough services and then possibly Manchester Airport to Middlesborough services in the future. The first of the 68 & Mk5a sets are expected to enter service in May, however this is of course subject to change.
Kind regards,
Harry
Headcode is 3Q61
Thanks Shaun, we’ll get it updated!
Kind regards,
Harry
Hi Shaun,
Many thanks in providing us with this additional information.
I have now updated this to reflect this change.
Many thanks once again
Regards
Michael
Yes very good train but will these be coming through Chorley or the West Coast main line
Hi Bill,
Unfortunately, the Class 68 and Mk5a train sets will not be passing through Chorley or working on the West Coast. They are currently set to work Liverpool to Scarborough services in the first instance and then possibly Manchester Airport to Middlesborough in the future. TransPennine’s Class 397s will be working Manchester Airport to Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley, as well as Liverpool Lime Street to Glasgow Central services. The first of the Class 68 and Mk5a train sets are expected to enter service as of the May timetable change, this is however subject to change.
Kind regards,
Harry