Before they go, class 68’s on the Trans Pennine Route between Leeds and Scarborough

[@joshgambrell4095]

I love these locos and stock. They look so cool and it'll be sad to see them go.

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

Indeed, unfortunately nothing we can do except enjoy them while we can

[@arthurmatthews9321]

The problem with the mk5s is the same as the CAF built units. The yaw damper drop link comes away from the underside of the carriage, due to fatigue cracks . This is a dangerous fault as it’s a vital part of the carriage suspension. There is a repair that can be done using a three quarter inch steel spreader plate and a shorter drop link, but I am not sure it’s a permanent fix. TPE have probably decided to not take the risk until a solution can be found.

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

i just wonder if there’ll be a wind down of the loco hauled sets before the final date as it becomes pointless in keeping sets with defects running near the end

[@AJGossTrains]

Nice video! I thought they already finished using them. I saw on FB, that the 25th of July was the last day when I saw one at Doncaster. I guess not then. I need to go out and get some!!

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

the last day for the southern route to Cleethorpes was 25th July, and concentrate them on the route to Scarborough, but this has subsequently been cancelled from the end of the summer timetable

[@Andrewjg_89]

I’m saddened that TransPennine Express are no longer going to use the Class 68 Mk5 Nova 3 units. Very sad to hear about it. 😢

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

Yes, it was nice having loco hauled. Make the most of Chiltern, as we don’t know how much longer that will last

[@danielsellers8707]

Didn't see any 68 / push pull stock when I visited Bamford / Hathersage last week.

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

They don’t run that way

[@TB76Returns]

I only ever have been on these once between Leeds and York....I wanted to get a set from Manchester Piccadilly a few days ago but it was replaced by a 9 car 185 set.....much to my displeasure.....somehow I think Northern Should take over the York-Scarborough services, extended the Blackpool North -York to Scarborough

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

From my understanding Northern is as dire at providing a service, so be careful what you wish for lol

[@timlewis8567]

​@@traindrivingrailenthusiastAlways feel sorry for Northern Rail franchises, who are generally (apart from the odd few sets) have been given the oldest rolling stock and have a hell of a large area to cover with stock that is not suitable.

[@richardwills-woodward]

Amazing how new trains have these cracking issues yet older stock didn't seem to have to go as soon as it entered service. Suspension is crap - constant tapping on the underside since getting rid of air cushions.

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

Class 158’s had body cracking issues when new

[@richardwills-woodward]

Did Mark 1's or 2's? Did the A4 Pacifics? Did the class 47's? Did the class 91's? @@traindrivingrailenthusiast

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

@richardwills-woodward5340 well, you’ve listed locos, so as for locos, the class 68’s don’t have the issue. Mk5’s are closer to a 158 bodyshell, than a mark 1 coach, and southern EPB coaches used to split the skins above the doorways. Saw lots of those cracks. They got welded up, but didn’t stoop the cracks. The issue here is TPE are trying to improve reliability of the service not improve quality of the trains, and I used to own a full size preserved loco, and it had crack repairs in the frames, and it was common for loco frames to crack hence painting the inside of frames red to make them more visible, so cracking isn’t a new thing, it’s been a factor since the days of locomotion. oh and there was the balance beam that broke off a 37 due to a crack on the north wales coast in the late 90’s. that’s why wheelsets get periodic ultrasonic testing to make sure there’s no cracks

[@richardwills-woodward]

Very interesting. Well it seems comfort doesn't top any train list today. The biggest issue as a passenger are damn bogies used from the UK to Germany and Japan. Instead of an air cushion they are mechanical I believe - you get a constant tapping on the undercarriage and it is very audible and annoying as hell. It makes the trains sound cheap and let's not get started on seats. I have literally gone back to the car for my journeys to North Yorkshire and Manchester twice per month. Very sad indeed that we go backwards. @@traindrivingrailenthusiast

[@kermito3659]

Apparently the first few MK3 bogies had issues with fatigue, these were overcome with small design changes apparently. The P2's also had fractured joints in the steam pipes. Fatigue is complex and has always been very difficult to design for, it is helpful to know the stress ranges you expect your components to experience and the loading cycles, but these are hard to know at the design stage

[@weeardguy]

Am I the only one who gets a Fiat Multipla kind of vibe from these locos?

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

I can see where you’re going with that

[@Gary31310]

Does anyone know how feasible it is to get down from Glasgow, have a jaunt on these, then return to Glasgow the same day?. If its viable, any suggestions on diagrams/times etc?. Ive read that TPE are always usually rammed, but any quieter periods would be much appreciated. It would be nice to have a journey on such an unusual train before they are axed in December. Also wouldn't mind heading one way on a 185 if thats the best option. Thanks in advance.

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

Head to York which I assume is regular enough via Edinburgh, and catch one in or out in either direction to Cleethorpes or to Manchester. There is the class 68 on TPE group on Facebook which publishes allocations daily. There are substitutions, so the best way is to look on there and plan what you could get to, and on the day, see if those diagrams are actually 68’s and not a 185

[@Gary31310]

@traindrivingrailenthusiast Thanks very much for your advice 👍. Definitely keen on having a trip down before December if the nova 3's are still on the go. I just wouldn't want to make a wasted trip if there was only a slim chance as I've had numerous jaunts on a 185 and although they are superb DMU's, I'm not sure I'd go out my way to have a ride on one any time soon (one way perhaps, but not each way) 😂.

[@Marcsharp82]

The people who complained these are too noisy are the first to complain when the trains are cancelled because there isn't anything to replace them.

[@leeowen4989]

It does make me laugh sometimes at why people are really complaining. I live a stones throw away from Scarborough station and there are trains coming and going that are considerably louder.

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

Unfortunately the way of the world now

[@simondimps1002]

are thery going to be retuning or they going somewhere eles may tfw might have them

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

the locos are apparently leased from DRS, so apparently they will probably go back there, and the coaches are going into store

[@cannedham8630]

Why are the 68s going from TPE? The upgrade on the route and trains going over to high speed emus?

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

as stated many times, it’s a decision to simplify operations and they haven’t been the most reliable due to cracking issues with the coaches

[@ianeccles111]

TPE state they are taking them out of service because of staff shortage (not enough drivers), not because of any fault in the units. They claim it takes too long to train drivers on the new units and it compromises the rest of the service and their aim is to reduce cancellations .Next year they plan to cut some services in an effort to reduce cancellations.

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

it’s all about reliability of service. ludicrous that cutting services is just a way to make the figures better instead of upping the game

[@ianeccles111]

You are right but cutting the service is the cheapest and easy option to reduce cancellations. Their WCML service is not the best, some days they clog up Carlisle station with cancelled units.

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

@@ianeccles111 On paper, yes, but the result is a poorer service

[@ianeccles111]

@@traindrivingrailenthusiast They are not concerned about a poorer service, their mandate is all about providing a workable timetable with fewer cancellations and that means a truncated service for the future untill more drivers become available to expand the service.again.

[@icextransport8490]

I wonder what's gonna replace the 68s or is it just going to be the 185s before the Nova 3s entered service

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

as far as I’m aware, it’ll be existing stock

[@icextransport8490]

@traindrivingrailenthusiast so probably 185s and maybe Nova 1s aswell, what's happening to the mark 5A carriages

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

My understanding they are going into store. @@icextransport8490

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

@ChilternTransportProductions yes, but there’s a cracking issue still on the Mk5’s which keep having to come out of service for checking apparently, so the class 68’s can’t do anything so to improve reliability they are going, but according to rumours the Chiltern 68’s will be going too at some stage soon

[@joemercedeschannel196]

The cracking yaw damper might also affect the 196 Fleet on WMR. If WMR decides to withdraw the 196's soon then unfortunately would be a massive mistake of replacing the 170's.

[@pj6641]

Isn't there an issue with cracks appearing on the TPE MK5's ? it was something someone told me on a Facebook page don't quote me on this

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

yes, apparently there is

[@rthoc71]

Yes Definetly correct some sets out of action several weeks ROG Driver took one month or so from York maximum 45MPH to Crewe i believe

[@not-now-silentsinger]

When are they going, do you know?

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

In December when the winter timetable comes in apparently

[@TheosTrainsWalesOfficial]

I doubt they'll be scrapped, as they're too new. There's rumours going around that TFW may be getting them, so the MK4's can all go to Grand Union.

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

I haven’t heard that rumour. And why would TFW want them when they keep getting taken out of service? The Mk4’s are definitely more comfortable too

[@rthoc71]

I would not believe that for starters Mk4 very well liked by Welsh Commuters and class 67 attached to Mk4 coach absolutely no noise penetrating. Issues around Mk5 everyone in uk inc TFW be aware of problems. The other issues 68 burns through fuel certainly doesn't last distance quoted by manufacturers, on fuel range. Grand union is not after Mk4 anymore originally mk4 was choice this was discounted as BI Mode stock is preferable don't forget wires run out at Cardiff train going to Carmarthen needs diesel power, as per their website. As for Stirling to London option via Cumbernauld and West Coast main line, class 91 not allowed on WCML south of Carlisle not passed for the route. Other thing to achieve 125mph tilt is compulsory mk4 don't tilt, whilst images on website might look like Mk4 unlikely mk4 go into service on WCML, remember GU Blackpool to London mk4 amounted to nothing despite getting paths to run. Stock now in service in Wales.

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

@@rthoc71 having travelled on the Mk4 and mk5 on holiday, the Mk4 would get my vote

[@TheosTrainsWalesOfficial]

@@rthoc71 Well, the 91's will most likely be replaced by new Stadler Class 93 tri-mode locos, which will haul the MK4's from London Euston to Stirling and back.

[@rthoc71]

@@TheosTrainsWalesOfficial I don't think they have got any paths yet from Network rail or ORR. Better waiting till got actual paths run trains before getting rolling stock. As GU specify BI Mode for South Wales highly likely same be ordering for West Coast.

[@signalpassedatdanger]

Why even are the 68s going out of service? They're practically brand new!

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

apparently to make things easier, so they will cover with 185’s and the 80x units, and the mk5s have the cracking issues too

[@KitsuneKiera]

68s will be handed back to DRS, and the MK5s will be going into storage presumably if another company wants to take a stab at the push pull fools errand. As for the reason, I've heard that they've been pretty unreliable plus TPE is keeping its 185s so can run them in pairs to replace the 68s that are going. Realistically TPE should've ordered an extra 14 Class 802s and not bothered with the MK5s in the first place.

[@rthoc71]

@@KitsuneKiera i would expect MK5 end up somewhere else in 1st Groups Companies more likely SWR London Waterloo to Exeter springs to mind replace 158/159 stock as Loco Hauled Class 50 regular on this route people used to locos on this route,

[@KitsuneKiera]

@@rthoc71 I strongly doubt this, really SWR need some new build bi-mode units that can run on 3rd rail to Basingstoke and then on Diesel the rest of the way, or full electrification to Exeter or heck even Salisbury (which lets be honest isn't going to happen). Plus 14 MK5 sets are nowhere near enough to replace 8 Class 158s and 29 Class 159s and you don't have the flexibility to run a 2 coach off peak and up to a 9 coach for busier services, MK5s are fixed as 5 coaches.

[@rthoc71]

@@KitsuneKiera bi Mode for SWR exists in Tri mode 769 would been perfect, sister company FGW ditched 769 use so why haven't SWR made efforts use 769 have DC & AC & diesel power packs. I think reality uk Government needs get off its ass and electrfi Basingstoke to Salisbury. However 1st could electrify route DC in private partnership funds rather wait non existent DFT actually do something & run diesel power only from Sainsbury 159 will mean change of train or 769 in diesel mode Salisbury to Exeter fixed 4 car sets which can be doubled fit selective doors operation

[@AlphaSam74]

Why do they have the class 68 at the front?

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

where else would they be when the coaches are that way round?

[@AlphaSam74]

@@traindrivingrailenthusiast well couldn’t they have a 3 coach nova 3 then another 3 coach nova 3 or can’t they change how many coaches the nova 3s have got

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

@@AlphaSam74 they are trying to simplify/standardise operations so they aren’t going to keep changing set sizes. The nova 3 are a semi permanent fixed rake of a standard formation

[@rthoc71]

Depends where set been sometimes it arrives at Rear of train at your location, 68 & Mk5 fixed Formation 5Vehicles Inc Driving Trailer with 68 attached next 1st class irrespective direction, something not nice ambience in 1st Class shattered as u can hear 68 verberating through out coach .

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

The benefit of first class travel is you get to hear the 68. @@rthoc71