68027 ‘Splendid’ TransPennine ‘New Order’ at Manchester Victoria 24/08/2019

Today sees the new TransPennine Express ‘Nova 3’ sets (Class 68 locomotives hauling new Mark V coaches) make their long-awaited entry into passenger service. This means that, after a gap of some 30 years, locomotive hauled passenger trains aka “Proper Trains” are back at Manchester Victoria once again.
The first diagram is the capable hands of 68027 ‘Splendid’, continuing a time-honoured tradition of naming locomotives after Royal Navy vessels. This practice almost as old as the railways themselves has encompassed some famous classes, including the LMS Stanier ‘Jubilee’ Class, The BR Western Region diesel-hydraulic ‘Warship’ class and the English Electric Class 50 ‘Hoovers’.
The first thing to report is that the 68s are very much a worthy successor to this illustrious company- you could hear the engine before you could see it! I’ve tried to give a quick montage of interior of the new Mark V coaches. The coaches are comfortable with a large provision of tables, which is nice to see. One unfortunate side effect of traveling on modern trains is that while you’re travelling on them, you can’t actually video the train itself very much- no droplights to film out of like the 80s! I’ve included some pictures of passing scenery but to be honest you don’t really hear the loco that much, though there’s an obvious and somewhat pleasing ‘surge’ when the driver opens the throttle.
Onto Victoria and we get to see the 68 open up as it charges towards Miles Platting bank with a nice bit of diesel thrash. Only one set is in service at the moment, so it’s back to the Class 185s for the return trip.
A big well done to TPE on getting the new trains into service. I hope they’re a massive success and persuades one or two more operators cough CrossCountry cough to look into operating them instead of fun size DMUs
Enjoy
Ross

[@sjpowermac]

Fantastic video, this brings back happy memories of that first day.

[@30453trains]

Cheers.

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

Excellent job Ross

[@30453trains]

Scott Joseph Whiley cheers

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

Ross 30453 anytime

[@MarioStahl1983]

Mark 5 coaches on the TPE!!!! Best interior design, most spacious, most comfortable of all British railway lines!!! I love it! I only wish they would electrify and then use class 88 (same loco but the electric version).

[@SimonTog]

Great video Ross :)

[@30453trains]

SimonTog cheers!