GWR Class 230 testing on the Greenford Branch

It’s Monday, March 11th, 2024, and I’m on the Greenford Branch. Class 230 units are being tested on the route, as in the future these units will replace the Class 165 units that are currently used on the branch. 230001 (formerly Viva Rail’s demonstrator unit) was being tested and operated the full length of the route from West Ealing to Greenford. The unit does have a fully fitted interior, including route maps.
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Operator: GWR (First Group), Rail Adventure & Elizabeth Line (MTR Corporation)
Rolling Stock: Class 230 “D Train”, Class 165 “Thames Turbo” & Class 345 “Aventra”
Timestamps:
0:00 230001 “Viva Venturer” (5Q51 West Ealing to Greenford) WEA
0:33 230001 “Viva Venturer” (5Q47 West Ealing to Greenford) SGN
1:04 165121 (2G27 Greenford to West Ealing) SGN
1:33 165121 (2G28 West Ealing to Greenford) DRG
1:46 230001 “Viva Venturer” (5Q48 Greenford to West Ealing) DRG
2:17 345023 (9U69 Heathrow Terminal 4 to Abbey Wood) & 230001 “Viva Venturer” (5Q50 Greenford to West Ealing)
3:29 165121 (2G25 Greenford to West Ealing) SGN
4:06 165121 (2G24 West Ealing to Greenford) SGN
4:30 Outro

[@Train-World]

*Update* GWR has confirmed the trial will begin on Monday, March 18th, 2024. twitter.com/GWRHelp/status/1768584043249991705

[@faizul_thetrainspotter125]

This made my day! As an East Londoner that uses the District Line, it’s nice to see our childhood trains given another lease of life! :)

[@Train-World]

Thank you, I'm glad to see them back too they are my favourite tube stock.

[@AmazingAonYT]

Agreed I can't wait to see it again

[@johnrafferty8087]

Used to go to School next to Castle Bar Park. Back in the 80s. 121 bubble cares back then. Freight hauiled by 47s 37s 33s and 20s. Saw HSTS bei g turned. Tube stock 1938 stock passing. Didn't learn a lot. But have spent more then 30 years on the Railway.

[@rupak-travelmoments]

It's an absolutely mesmerizing train show !! Greetings from India.

[@Train-World]

Thank you

[@12crepello]

Thanks for this. Perhaps they will introduce them on all of the Thames Valley branches if they are a success? Would be nice to see a picture of the fast charge equipment at West Ealing. Thanks again.

[@Train-World]

Thanks for watching. From what I've heard, if the trial succeeds, that's what they intend to do next.

[@MervynPartin]

Very enjoyable- nice shots of the 230 and the 165s.

[@Train-World]

Thank you

[@ashfaq1999]

Great video. Can’t wait to use this service.

[@Train-World]

Thank you and I'm looking forward to it too.

[@shacarioking5149]

Nice to see that they're not getting rid of the 230s I remember them as the D Stock on the District line

[@Train-World]

Same here, I use to ride them alot when they were on the district line. I still remember their last day of service.

[@chat4783]

I'm impressed, I never thought of a battery power train. As most trains powered by diseal or pickup current from overhead wire. This could be game changer to the railway industry.

[@LostsTVandRadio]

Can't wait to use it when it's finally in service! I trust that the test goes well and that the fast charging system works properly.

[@Train-World]

Same here, I'm looking forward to riding on them.

[@jerribee1]

I think these are the units that will be used on the Mid Cornwall Metro when it commences operation in 2026.

[@Keithbarber]

Good to see it in action, although i have been and seen it for myself last week with my own video

[@barryamorris]

Can we have them back for East West rail ??

[@ecxpac]

Glad to hear they still make the classic "Tsssssss" sound. xD Where will the 165s go?

[@Train-World]

They should be heading over to GWR other routes, possibly North downs line or Metro West, to help increase capacity for these routes.

[@JanoJ]

Boy does that thing move! The acceleration does seem much higher than the turbos?

[@leeroberts1192]

Do they have to plug them into a special charger to charge the batteries? They could have had a short section of 3rd rail at each of the branch, or just at West Ealing to get the power to the batteries

[@Train-World]

The charging ramp is located at West Ealing and is similar to a third rail. The charge rails themselves are located within the four foot, and the unit has a retractable contact shoe, which deploys when it has stopped at the charging station.

[@DKjr167]

They should bring these to East Midlands railway

[@user-gt2ud2gw9e]

I think they already have them in the Isle of Wight. Where will they be used here ?

[@Train-World]

They are going to be used on the Greenford branch and potentially the other Thames Branches if the trial is successful.

[@idontknow12383]

I like the reborn D stock

[@Train-World]

Same here

[@vastjonea]

Nice one! Are the 230s ex underground stock?

[@Train-World]

Thanks for watching. They are ex D stock trains that were used on the District line.

[@MiniforceRailfan]

Class 230 Great Western Railway is an Adopted Train because He was Changed from an Old Train

[@zakbakali1870]

When will they be fully replaced

[@Train-World]

There's no concrete date yet only that GWR will be running a one year trial starting from Monday.

[@coxallk32]

That all but confirms that trains on the branch will never return to Paddington.

[@alexpeak16]

I thought London Overground would take over the Greenford branch line, surprised GWR have kept it.

[@DavidRobinson1978]

Government refused TFL's request several times, Council submitted several plans as well.